Based on Psalm 76
The God of Jerusalem is great. He is greater than anything we can compare him to. He has overcome armies by his power and nobody will be able to stand against him when he comes in judgement.
Verse 10 Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain. There will come a time when Jesus will be vindicated (shown right) by the passionate anger of wicked men against his people. Jesus will not allow this passionate anger to come to it's end, he will destroy it, cut it short by the the destruction of the wicked. Jesus will also not allow anger that discredits him, he will restrain the passions of his people and help them to be righteous.
Because of all this it is wise to submit to Jesus, give your life to him and sacrifice everything he asks for. Nothing is worth more than a person; no sacrifice is too great for your own salvation and the salvation of others. Lord cause your Holy Spirit to help us to see value the way God sees it!
Wednesday, 29 May 2013
Tuesday, 28 May 2013
Rising Ultimately Higher
Based on Psalm 75
Ultimately our thanks should be to God, because he is the source of benefits. Jesus will come soon to be with his people, vindicate (show right) his name and to bring justice. In the final execution of justice the Earth will melt but Jesus will enable the foundations of his city to remain.
Jesus is warning us already, justice is coming it is time to get ready. If you have been ignoring God; it's time for him to fill your thoughts. If you have been thinking about your own benefit; it's time to obey Jesus' word whatever the cost. Don't try to make yourself important and refuse to be convinced you are wrong. God whose temple was in the north of Jerusalem is the only source of ultimate importance or ultimate humiliation. Be on God's side; devote yourself to him and delight in him, start by prayer and reading the Holy Bible. All the things that make selfishness appealing are going to be destroyed, follow and trust Jesus; it will be for the best.
Ultimately our thanks should be to God, because he is the source of benefits. Jesus will come soon to be with his people, vindicate (show right) his name and to bring justice. In the final execution of justice the Earth will melt but Jesus will enable the foundations of his city to remain.
Jesus is warning us already, justice is coming it is time to get ready. If you have been ignoring God; it's time for him to fill your thoughts. If you have been thinking about your own benefit; it's time to obey Jesus' word whatever the cost. Don't try to make yourself important and refuse to be convinced you are wrong. God whose temple was in the north of Jerusalem is the only source of ultimate importance or ultimate humiliation. Be on God's side; devote yourself to him and delight in him, start by prayer and reading the Holy Bible. All the things that make selfishness appealing are going to be destroyed, follow and trust Jesus; it will be for the best.
Monday, 27 May 2013
How Long Will Jesus Be
Based on Psalm 74
Sometimes it seems like God has forgotten about his people. Why are we still waiting for Jesus to sanctify his people? All our institutions and our people are getting more corrupt, and further from the purpose God designed them for. We do not have a living prophet or anyone that can give us a sense of how long we have to wait. It could be a year, it could be a millennium (though I greatly doubt it will be long).
But God has worked wonders in the past, and he can do it again. God's enemies mock him because of the weakness of his people, but God will transform his people and put his enemies to shame. Bring the revival and reformation that we need Lord, so your enemies will be put to shame.
Sometimes it seems like God has forgotten about his people. Why are we still waiting for Jesus to sanctify his people? All our institutions and our people are getting more corrupt, and further from the purpose God designed them for. We do not have a living prophet or anyone that can give us a sense of how long we have to wait. It could be a year, it could be a millennium (though I greatly doubt it will be long).
But God has worked wonders in the past, and he can do it again. God's enemies mock him because of the weakness of his people, but God will transform his people and put his enemies to shame. Bring the revival and reformation that we need Lord, so your enemies will be put to shame.
Sunday, 26 May 2013
The Psalms of Asaph
Based on Psalm 73
Briefly; Asaph was a prophet (2 Chr 29:30) and a song leader (1 Chr 6:39) who wrote these next few psalms.
Read Psalm 73.
Not everybody seems to feel this way, but I have from time to time. It doesn't bother me that much though. Why do all the bad things happen to me? Why are the lives of people who disregard God so simple? Well, they are not really, they have their own problems, but don't usually show them. I don't show them either for that matter; so maybe others think my life is charmed. It is sinful to discourage God's people by talking this way to others. Really, my life is charmed; God is preparing me for an eternity of glory. In the sanctuary God's judgment can be seen, so we know that the wicked will not ultimately be well-off. In the sanctuary God's judgment can be seen, so we know that the righteous will be vindicated; all the slurs against us will be cleared.
We don't need to seek justice in this world; God will bring us justice, perfect justice. If he brought justice today it would not go well with me; God is also merciful, and he is making everyone righteous that will allow him so we will stand in the judgment. In our personal dealings, any injustice or oppression is evidence that we are not going to make it through the judgment.
When someone is unfair to you, do you feel you need to make it right? Take that to Jesus, he will make it right one day. Don't try to make it right yourself, ask Jesus to help you forgive.
This takes great faith, the kind of faith you need. Ask and you will receive.
Briefly; Asaph was a prophet (2 Chr 29:30) and a song leader (1 Chr 6:39) who wrote these next few psalms.
Read Psalm 73.
Not everybody seems to feel this way, but I have from time to time. It doesn't bother me that much though. Why do all the bad things happen to me? Why are the lives of people who disregard God so simple? Well, they are not really, they have their own problems, but don't usually show them. I don't show them either for that matter; so maybe others think my life is charmed. It is sinful to discourage God's people by talking this way to others. Really, my life is charmed; God is preparing me for an eternity of glory. In the sanctuary God's judgment can be seen, so we know that the wicked will not ultimately be well-off. In the sanctuary God's judgment can be seen, so we know that the righteous will be vindicated; all the slurs against us will be cleared.
We don't need to seek justice in this world; God will bring us justice, perfect justice. If he brought justice today it would not go well with me; God is also merciful, and he is making everyone righteous that will allow him so we will stand in the judgment. In our personal dealings, any injustice or oppression is evidence that we are not going to make it through the judgment.
When someone is unfair to you, do you feel you need to make it right? Take that to Jesus, he will make it right one day. Don't try to make it right yourself, ask Jesus to help you forgive.
This takes great faith, the kind of faith you need. Ask and you will receive.
Saturday, 25 May 2013
Romans 3:27-31 // Faith Establishes the Law
Based on Romans 3:27-31
27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. 28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. 29 Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: 30 Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith. 31 Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.
Because all are guilty of breaking God's law and all need Jesus to be saved by his blood which is beyond them to purchase we can conclude a few points. Can any of us boast about our spirituality? No, because although we might have room to boast in terms of conscientiousness in keeping the law; the fact that we are alive and able to become law-abiding is entirely by faith in Jesus. So the deeds of the law themselves have no power to save, they are an end of salvation not a means.
Is Jehovah the God of the Jews and the Gentiles? Yes, both; one God that works in each of us to make our character like his by our faith whether we are circumcised or uncircumcised; born into the church or born out of the church.
Does the fact that faith is the source of our law-keeping make the law itself useless? That is a ridiculous proposition; the law tells us right and wrong but does not empower us to do it. Knowing right and wrong is not enough; we must do right and reject wrong. Only by faith will we be able to keep the law; faith establishes the law in our souls. That does not change the law itself; but our way of striving to keep it.
27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. 28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. 29 Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: 30 Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith. 31 Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.
Because all are guilty of breaking God's law and all need Jesus to be saved by his blood which is beyond them to purchase we can conclude a few points. Can any of us boast about our spirituality? No, because although we might have room to boast in terms of conscientiousness in keeping the law; the fact that we are alive and able to become law-abiding is entirely by faith in Jesus. So the deeds of the law themselves have no power to save, they are an end of salvation not a means.
Is Jehovah the God of the Jews and the Gentiles? Yes, both; one God that works in each of us to make our character like his by our faith whether we are circumcised or uncircumcised; born into the church or born out of the church.
Does the fact that faith is the source of our law-keeping make the law itself useless? That is a ridiculous proposition; the law tells us right and wrong but does not empower us to do it. Knowing right and wrong is not enough; we must do right and reject wrong. Only by faith will we be able to keep the law; faith establishes the law in our souls. That does not change the law itself; but our way of striving to keep it.
Thursday, 23 May 2013
Romans 3:24-26 // Sacrifice for Future/Past
Based on Romans 3:24-26
24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
Though as we have learned, we have sinned, and do not match God's standard; he is ready to declare us righteous (sinless) without us earning it at all because of the work Jesus did in his life, on the cross and is still doing in the heavenly sanctuary interceding for us.
25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
God (the three divine persons in counsel) has decided on Jesus as the mercy seat; the sign of mercy which is obtained by faith in his death. This sacrifice justifies God's forgiveness of sins in the past that he forgave in his mercy for those that had faith. Also to justify God's forgiveness of sins to this day of those that have faith in Jesus.
Jesus sacrifice was effective for the future and the past, it is effective for today. Trust in Jesus and however bad the circumstances seem he will work things together for the best possible result.
24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
Though as we have learned, we have sinned, and do not match God's standard; he is ready to declare us righteous (sinless) without us earning it at all because of the work Jesus did in his life, on the cross and is still doing in the heavenly sanctuary interceding for us.
25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
God (the three divine persons in counsel) has decided on Jesus as the mercy seat; the sign of mercy which is obtained by faith in his death. This sacrifice justifies God's forgiveness of sins in the past that he forgave in his mercy for those that had faith. Also to justify God's forgiveness of sins to this day of those that have faith in Jesus.
Jesus sacrifice was effective for the future and the past, it is effective for today. Trust in Jesus and however bad the circumstances seem he will work things together for the best possible result.
Wednesday, 22 May 2013
Romans 3:21-23 // All Have Sinned
Based on Romans 3:21-23
21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: 23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
The coming of Christ was predicted by the law and the prophets, along with many aspects of his life and ministry. These give evidence that Jesus was really the Christ, the older scriptures give evidence that the newer scriptures are true. The law itself can only have effect on one that reads, hears or thinks about it, the law is dependent on human interest to be effective. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh (Romans 8:3). The law cannot save because of human weakness, Jesus manifested/demonstrated the righteousness of God (obedience to the law), which we can also have by faith. Jesus Christ has won this ability to have saving faith for us, it is the kind of faith we need in order to trust God when everything seems to be going against faithfulness. This faith is available for all that believe the word of the gospel, the same, regardless of ethnicity or class. There is no difference between Jews and Gentiles, cultural Christians and profligates where the gospel is concerned; because all have sinned and come short of the glorious standard of character and behaviour that God has detailed in his law.
I find it interesting to read this verse in context now, I have always heard it used to say that every single individual person has sinned, including unborn infants, the mentally disabled and... Jesus? Obviously it can't be taken to mean every person ever without exception, because Jesus has to be the exception. It is interesting that in context it is talking about how Jews and Gentiles (verse 9) are both sinful and need a Saviour. So although it is generally true that all have sinned, the context is addressing the issue of whether the Jews are the exceptions who have not sinned. It is saying that Jews (and cultural Christians) are sinners too, it is not specifically discussing those that do not have the mental capacity for faith. I am not saying that sin does not affect us at every mental state (I think it does) but rather that this verse should not be taken as the final word on this issue.
When it comes to those who are still-born or mentally disabled, it would be best to follow the advice God gives us in 1 Corinthians 4:5 that we should not try to determine people's salvation before judgment is given to us (Dan 7:22; Rev 20:4). God is just, and will not condemn any man for any sin but his own (Deut 24:16). The one who has never known anything is better off than the average sinner (Eccles 6:5). One believing parent makes all his or her children holy, (1 Cor 7:14) we know they do not become well behaved just because of their parent's conversion, so what does it mean that they are made holy? If you believe that God cannot destroy the soul (Mat 10:28) and therefore (of necessity) consciousness (which is part of the soul) you will struggle to reconcile these things. Some may be saved by the faith of those who love them, others may be as if they never knew any thing.
Jesus life is our perfect example of how to live, read about his life in the Bible, reflect on it through the day. You need it more badly than you think.
21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: 23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
The coming of Christ was predicted by the law and the prophets, along with many aspects of his life and ministry. These give evidence that Jesus was really the Christ, the older scriptures give evidence that the newer scriptures are true. The law itself can only have effect on one that reads, hears or thinks about it, the law is dependent on human interest to be effective. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh (Romans 8:3). The law cannot save because of human weakness, Jesus manifested/demonstrated the righteousness of God (obedience to the law), which we can also have by faith. Jesus Christ has won this ability to have saving faith for us, it is the kind of faith we need in order to trust God when everything seems to be going against faithfulness. This faith is available for all that believe the word of the gospel, the same, regardless of ethnicity or class. There is no difference between Jews and Gentiles, cultural Christians and profligates where the gospel is concerned; because all have sinned and come short of the glorious standard of character and behaviour that God has detailed in his law.
I find it interesting to read this verse in context now, I have always heard it used to say that every single individual person has sinned, including unborn infants, the mentally disabled and... Jesus? Obviously it can't be taken to mean every person ever without exception, because Jesus has to be the exception. It is interesting that in context it is talking about how Jews and Gentiles (verse 9) are both sinful and need a Saviour. So although it is generally true that all have sinned, the context is addressing the issue of whether the Jews are the exceptions who have not sinned. It is saying that Jews (and cultural Christians) are sinners too, it is not specifically discussing those that do not have the mental capacity for faith. I am not saying that sin does not affect us at every mental state (I think it does) but rather that this verse should not be taken as the final word on this issue.
When it comes to those who are still-born or mentally disabled, it would be best to follow the advice God gives us in 1 Corinthians 4:5 that we should not try to determine people's salvation before judgment is given to us (Dan 7:22; Rev 20:4). God is just, and will not condemn any man for any sin but his own (Deut 24:16). The one who has never known anything is better off than the average sinner (Eccles 6:5). One believing parent makes all his or her children holy, (1 Cor 7:14) we know they do not become well behaved just because of their parent's conversion, so what does it mean that they are made holy? If you believe that God cannot destroy the soul (Mat 10:28) and therefore (of necessity) consciousness (which is part of the soul) you will struggle to reconcile these things. Some may be saved by the faith of those who love them, others may be as if they never knew any thing.
Jesus life is our perfect example of how to live, read about his life in the Bible, reflect on it through the day. You need it more badly than you think.
Monday, 20 May 2013
Romans 3:19-20 // Purpose of Law
Based on Romans 3:19-20
19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. 20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
Everything in God's law is to show people that are not keeping this law that they are breaking it. If God's law was just "love everybody" most people would pretend that they had never sinned. Even murderers might claim that they did not hate their victim, therefore they had not sinned. The law needs to be specific so that people know when they have broken it. God's law is no different, and it includes injunctions like "Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image... Thou shalt not bow down to them nor serve them..." and "Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy..." all the commandments are clear-cut and specific.
It doesn't make sense to me what people say about sinning millions of times every day. That is more than an exaggeration, to me that seems slanderous towards God. God has given us clear rules, if I murder I am a sinner, if I want to murder I am a sinner, if I have a murderous thought I am a sinner because if I had power I would have carried it out (this is where the false idea that power corrupts gets its source; power doesn't corrupt, it reveals) and anger is generally a murderous feeling. This is clear, just and convicting; I am sure I would be a murderer if I was born with absolute power. But I don't get angry millions of times each day, not even thousands, or hundreds, it would be a very bad day if I got angry 10 times. Real sin is clearly defined in the Bible, and although there is nothing unreasonable about it, you have trampled all over it anyway. It is only the grace of God that stops us from being fully evil and sinning continuously, but the did not affect this change, the law shows that you and I need Jesus.
19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. 20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
Everything in God's law is to show people that are not keeping this law that they are breaking it. If God's law was just "love everybody" most people would pretend that they had never sinned. Even murderers might claim that they did not hate their victim, therefore they had not sinned. The law needs to be specific so that people know when they have broken it. God's law is no different, and it includes injunctions like "Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image... Thou shalt not bow down to them nor serve them..." and "Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy..." all the commandments are clear-cut and specific.
It doesn't make sense to me what people say about sinning millions of times every day. That is more than an exaggeration, to me that seems slanderous towards God. God has given us clear rules, if I murder I am a sinner, if I want to murder I am a sinner, if I have a murderous thought I am a sinner because if I had power I would have carried it out (this is where the false idea that power corrupts gets its source; power doesn't corrupt, it reveals) and anger is generally a murderous feeling. This is clear, just and convicting; I am sure I would be a murderer if I was born with absolute power. But I don't get angry millions of times each day, not even thousands, or hundreds, it would be a very bad day if I got angry 10 times. Real sin is clearly defined in the Bible, and although there is nothing unreasonable about it, you have trampled all over it anyway. It is only the grace of God that stops us from being fully evil and sinning continuously, but the did not affect this change, the law shows that you and I need Jesus.
Sunday, 19 May 2013
Romans 3:19-26 // Not Under The Law
Based on Romans 3:19-26
19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. 20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: 23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
A cow is grazing peacefully in a green field, entirely content. But as the cow grazes, she sees some slightly greener grass at a distance. She trots over to the greener grass but before she can get there she is stopped by a solid wooden fence. She puts her head through the fence, straining to reach the grass but it is beyond her reach. Unless she pushes down the fence and steps outside the field she will not be able to satisfy her desire for the greener grass.
The wicked heart desires things that God has forbidden, and when trying to satisfy these desires comes into contact with the law of God (if it is known). Straining to fulfil its desires, it is feeling the restriction of the law. Breaking the law it will be subject to the punishment of the law.
How can we be not under the law (Rom 6:14) when Jesus was made under the law (Gal 4:4)?
Being under the law is being under the curse of the law.
If the cow grazed in the middle of her field and ignored forbidden pastures, she would not be affected by the fence. If the wicked heart is transformed by Jesus and continues to submit to him it will not try to stretch or break God's law and the curse of the law will not be on it. It will no longer be cursed by the law, it will no longer be under the law. Jesus became under the law, under the curse of the law, he became cursed for us by hanging on a tree (Gal 3:13).
Those who do not know the law are still under the law to God (1 Cor 9:21) and knowing the law could only help them. Being under the law is not related to knowing the law or trying to keep the law, it is related to breaking the law.
All that just to explain the phrase "under the law".
The law is designed for wicked people, every one of us before conversion; to show us that we are guilty and need Jesus. It does this by showing us what is right; and thus we can see that we do not do what is right. Because the purpose of the law is identifying sin, the law itself cannot empower us to keep the law. Just knowing what is right will not guarantee we always do what is right. Just knowing what is wrong will not guarantee we never do what is wrong.
But even in the law and the rest of the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) we find clear evidence pointing to the solution God gave in Jesus. This solution is not another law, the solution does not work like a law; it works by faith in Jesus Christ. What is the problem again? The problem is that I have broken the law and I can't stop myself. What is the solution? Have faith in Jesus Christ. What does it look like when the problem is solved? I am no longer breaking the law. Isn't that simple logic?
Faith in Jesus Christ must work for everyone the same way, because we all have the same problem; we have broken God's law. Jesus gives us the free gift of forgiveness of our past sins, allowing us to be friends of God again; and Jesus shows us how to live a life in obedience to his law. All of this is done by faith, I am to read his word, believe it is true, act on that belief, and he will work a miracle to make it true for me.
I am justified.
19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. 20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: 23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
A cow is grazing peacefully in a green field, entirely content. But as the cow grazes, she sees some slightly greener grass at a distance. She trots over to the greener grass but before she can get there she is stopped by a solid wooden fence. She puts her head through the fence, straining to reach the grass but it is beyond her reach. Unless she pushes down the fence and steps outside the field she will not be able to satisfy her desire for the greener grass.
The wicked heart desires things that God has forbidden, and when trying to satisfy these desires comes into contact with the law of God (if it is known). Straining to fulfil its desires, it is feeling the restriction of the law. Breaking the law it will be subject to the punishment of the law.
How can we be not under the law (Rom 6:14) when Jesus was made under the law (Gal 4:4)?
Being under the law is being under the curse of the law.
If the cow grazed in the middle of her field and ignored forbidden pastures, she would not be affected by the fence. If the wicked heart is transformed by Jesus and continues to submit to him it will not try to stretch or break God's law and the curse of the law will not be on it. It will no longer be cursed by the law, it will no longer be under the law. Jesus became under the law, under the curse of the law, he became cursed for us by hanging on a tree (Gal 3:13).
Those who do not know the law are still under the law to God (1 Cor 9:21) and knowing the law could only help them. Being under the law is not related to knowing the law or trying to keep the law, it is related to breaking the law.
All that just to explain the phrase "under the law".
The law is designed for wicked people, every one of us before conversion; to show us that we are guilty and need Jesus. It does this by showing us what is right; and thus we can see that we do not do what is right. Because the purpose of the law is identifying sin, the law itself cannot empower us to keep the law. Just knowing what is right will not guarantee we always do what is right. Just knowing what is wrong will not guarantee we never do what is wrong.
But even in the law and the rest of the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) we find clear evidence pointing to the solution God gave in Jesus. This solution is not another law, the solution does not work like a law; it works by faith in Jesus Christ. What is the problem again? The problem is that I have broken the law and I can't stop myself. What is the solution? Have faith in Jesus Christ. What does it look like when the problem is solved? I am no longer breaking the law. Isn't that simple logic?
Faith in Jesus Christ must work for everyone the same way, because we all have the same problem; we have broken God's law. Jesus gives us the free gift of forgiveness of our past sins, allowing us to be friends of God again; and Jesus shows us how to live a life in obedience to his law. All of this is done by faith, I am to read his word, believe it is true, act on that belief, and he will work a miracle to make it true for me.
I am justified.
Romans 3:9-18 // Who are the Goodies?
Based on Romans 3:9-18
9 What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin;
10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: 11 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. 12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. 13 Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: 14 Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: 15 Their feet are swift to shed blood: 16 Destruction and misery are in their ways: 17 And the way of peace have they not known: 18 There is no fear of God before their eyes.
So having just addressed the issue of whether it is right for God to judge sinners that play into his hands, and the issue of whether there is any advantage in being born into a Bible-believing family; we return to the issue of the need of all people for a saviour. Knowing the truth helps me to be saved, but knowing the truth does not save me. Approving of the law helps me to be saved, but approving of the law does not save me.
Paul affirms that he has demonstrated in the previous verses that all humans are under sin. What does it mean to be under sin? The Hebrew Scripture references are useful to help understand this concept.
There are no righteous people, no, not one. There is none that understands, none that seek for God. They have all gone off the right path, they have become useless (in the overall scheme of things), there is none that does good (is that generic or absolute? from this scripture alone I cannot tell), no not one. They kill people with their words (you can kill people spiritually with your words), they trick people with their words, they kill people with their words. Cursing and upset words gush quickly from their mouth. They get exited about fighting and goriness. Their lifestyle leads to destruction and misery. They have never experienced a life of peace. They don't care about God.
Most of these come from the Psalms, and Jesus is an exception to the universality of sin, when it says "not one" this was written before Jesus and does not apply to him. That is my reading of it.
Paul uses a lot of Bible references, this is a big point, which the Jews had trouble accepting. Today we have swung in the opposite direction; we have given up on the concept of being holy and accepted sin as a part of life. But sin is the way of death, and being corrected by God's laws and his servants is the way of life. For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life: (Proverbs 6:23)
Look at God's law, try to live by it; you will find that you need Jesus. Allow Jesus to be your teacher, reproving and instructing you and you will have life.
9 What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin;
10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: 11 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. 12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. 13 Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: 14 Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: 15 Their feet are swift to shed blood: 16 Destruction and misery are in their ways: 17 And the way of peace have they not known: 18 There is no fear of God before their eyes.
So having just addressed the issue of whether it is right for God to judge sinners that play into his hands, and the issue of whether there is any advantage in being born into a Bible-believing family; we return to the issue of the need of all people for a saviour. Knowing the truth helps me to be saved, but knowing the truth does not save me. Approving of the law helps me to be saved, but approving of the law does not save me.
Paul affirms that he has demonstrated in the previous verses that all humans are under sin. What does it mean to be under sin? The Hebrew Scripture references are useful to help understand this concept.
There are no righteous people, no, not one. There is none that understands, none that seek for God. They have all gone off the right path, they have become useless (in the overall scheme of things), there is none that does good (is that generic or absolute? from this scripture alone I cannot tell), no not one. They kill people with their words (you can kill people spiritually with your words), they trick people with their words, they kill people with their words. Cursing and upset words gush quickly from their mouth. They get exited about fighting and goriness. Their lifestyle leads to destruction and misery. They have never experienced a life of peace. They don't care about God.
Most of these come from the Psalms, and Jesus is an exception to the universality of sin, when it says "not one" this was written before Jesus and does not apply to him. That is my reading of it.
Paul uses a lot of Bible references, this is a big point, which the Jews had trouble accepting. Today we have swung in the opposite direction; we have given up on the concept of being holy and accepted sin as a part of life. But sin is the way of death, and being corrected by God's laws and his servants is the way of life. For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life: (Proverbs 6:23)
Look at God's law, try to live by it; you will find that you need Jesus. Allow Jesus to be your teacher, reproving and instructing you and you will have life.
Thursday, 16 May 2013
Romans 3:7-8 // Paul In Defamation Case
Based on Romans 3:7-8
7 For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner? 8 And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just.
The previous verses explained that in the interests of justice, God must judge sinners. 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:10-11) The evil committed by sinners and their eventual acknowledgement of this shows the righteousness of God to men and angels And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28) so sin is ultimately beneficial to everyone. Well, everyone except those that commit it, they are punished. So in a moral system that benefits from the work of sinners, why are sinners punished? Well, they work for wages For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:23) which most of them seem quite content with, I don't know why. But who is their employer? I think verse 8 is useful to determine that.
Paul preached salvation by grace. Although Martin Luther was a great reformer and did great good, he would have benefited from a careful reading of Romans 3:8. Luther reputedly said he sometimes sinned on purpose to remind himself he was saved by grace, and recommended this to others. Paul was accused of a similar teaching, Paul saw this as slander against his ministry. Paul did not teach that sin could be a good thing. Paul upheld God's moral law as the standard that reveals the depth of our sin so we will come to Christ for the help we need. Satan leads men to sin, not God, but God pays the bill. This analogy isn't going anywhere, so best leave it at that.
There were church members that falsely accused Paul of false teaching and even claimed to have heard him teach it. According to the Bible such people are worthy of condemnation in the judgment. You may be discouraged by the imperfections of people in your church, Paul's church was very imperfect. If your church teaches differently to the Bible then consider leaving; but if individuals within it seem unconverted, though they may be preachers, just think of ways you can serve God yourself.
7 For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner? 8 And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just.
The previous verses explained that in the interests of justice, God must judge sinners. 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:10-11) The evil committed by sinners and their eventual acknowledgement of this shows the righteousness of God to men and angels And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28) so sin is ultimately beneficial to everyone. Well, everyone except those that commit it, they are punished. So in a moral system that benefits from the work of sinners, why are sinners punished? Well, they work for wages For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:23) which most of them seem quite content with, I don't know why. But who is their employer? I think verse 8 is useful to determine that.
Paul preached salvation by grace. Although Martin Luther was a great reformer and did great good, he would have benefited from a careful reading of Romans 3:8. Luther reputedly said he sometimes sinned on purpose to remind himself he was saved by grace, and recommended this to others. Paul was accused of a similar teaching, Paul saw this as slander against his ministry. Paul did not teach that sin could be a good thing. Paul upheld God's moral law as the standard that reveals the depth of our sin so we will come to Christ for the help we need. Satan leads men to sin, not God, but God pays the bill. This analogy isn't going anywhere, so best leave it at that.
There were church members that falsely accused Paul of false teaching and even claimed to have heard him teach it. According to the Bible such people are worthy of condemnation in the judgment. You may be discouraged by the imperfections of people in your church, Paul's church was very imperfect. If your church teaches differently to the Bible then consider leaving; but if individuals within it seem unconverted, though they may be preachers, just think of ways you can serve God yourself.
Wednesday, 15 May 2013
Romans 3:5-6 // I Speak As A Man
Romans 3:5-6
5 But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man) 6 God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world?
If there were no serial killers and pedophiles we would have a lot more trouble convincing people that sin is a bad thing. The depths of sin that many people fall into demonstrates that God and his law is right and rebellion against him is wrong. The most pronounced case of this is the crucifixion of Jesus, where sin showed that it would even lead people to kill God himself.
Paul writes: "I speak as a man". He does this kind of thing quite often, leading to confusion among those who refuse to compare scripture with scripture to clarify their interpretation of his theology. This may be what Peter was talking about in 2 Peter 3:15-16 and he was right, misunderstandings of Paul's writings are the source of the most popular heresies.
Writing from the perspective of an unconverted man, Paul poses the question; If God uses my sin to show his own correct position how isn't God unfair because he punishes me for helping him out? No, no! God needs to bring justice to the world, but if everything that happens is to his credit (shows God is good) that only proves God is in fact good, it does not prove he is pulling the strings to make people sin so that he looks better. This world needs justice, and Jesus is going to bring it some day soon. Are you a source of injustice or a source of justice? Are you a source of mercy or a source of oppression? Jesus is the master teacher, he can transform your life and make you like himself. Submit your life to him and let him turn you from a rich ruler to a contented peacemaker.
5 But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man) 6 God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world?
If there were no serial killers and pedophiles we would have a lot more trouble convincing people that sin is a bad thing. The depths of sin that many people fall into demonstrates that God and his law is right and rebellion against him is wrong. The most pronounced case of this is the crucifixion of Jesus, where sin showed that it would even lead people to kill God himself.
Paul writes: "I speak as a man". He does this kind of thing quite often, leading to confusion among those who refuse to compare scripture with scripture to clarify their interpretation of his theology. This may be what Peter was talking about in 2 Peter 3:15-16 and he was right, misunderstandings of Paul's writings are the source of the most popular heresies.
Writing from the perspective of an unconverted man, Paul poses the question; If God uses my sin to show his own correct position how isn't God unfair because he punishes me for helping him out? No, no! God needs to bring justice to the world, but if everything that happens is to his credit (shows God is good) that only proves God is in fact good, it does not prove he is pulling the strings to make people sin so that he looks better. This world needs justice, and Jesus is going to bring it some day soon. Are you a source of injustice or a source of justice? Are you a source of mercy or a source of oppression? Jesus is the master teacher, he can transform your life and make you like himself. Submit your life to him and let him turn you from a rich ruler to a contented peacemaker.
Tuesday, 14 May 2013
Romans 3:1-4 // What Point Is There In Growing Up In The Church
Based on Romans 3:1-4
1 What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision? 2 Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God. 3 For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? 4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.
If being Jewish - or a Gentile that became a Jew before becoming a Christian - does not give you credit with God for salvation; why did God set the Jews apart in the first place? In the modern context; what advantage is there to being a member of God's organised remnant church? Neither of these things save you by virtue of membership, so what use are they? Are they useless?
They are not useless. They are very useful. Being a Jew in the first century was mostly advantageous because you would have access to and familiarity with the writings of the true prophets of God. Being a member of God's remnant world church in the twenty-first century is mostly advantageous because you have access to and familiarity with the writings of the true prophets of God. In both cases these are fairly small and privileged groups. Knowing all this information makes it easier to be saved, and if you know it you ought to share it. If you don't know it I am happy to tell you about it.
But there is the problem that the Gentiles were becoming more interested in the gospel than the Jews were, - and there may be modern analogy to this too - so how does God explain that? After all these privileges the Jews still did not believe the full implications (about the Messiah) of the scriptures, does that mean that God was bad at his job? Does it mean that God did not know how to save the Jews, and that the scriptures are ineffective? Do we need to use more "relevant" methods and books to help God do his job of saving humanity?
No, no! (=God forbid) The only safe path in our reasoning is to assume that God is right even if everybody on Earth must be regarded as a liar (or a dingbat). When we come to God's testimonies for counsel we must trust that he knew what he was doing when he gave them, I have an analogy for this I have been thinking over lately.
Imagine two great empires covering the Earth in the late 2000s (this is not a prophecy but an analogy, in case you forgot). One empire (Alpha Empire) gained and maintains its control by force, and by force keeps peace, prosperity and efficiency within the empire. Alpha Empire has a mighty army equipped with the latest technology, well trained officers and a massive arsenal of nuclear weapons. It is a democratic capitalist system that gives abundant freedom to its citizens, like in many "developed" countries today. But there are many secret police and any rebellion or crime is met with swift punishment. The citizens take pride in their army, and quote slogans like "power is freedom", "fight for right" and "never surrender".
Now imagine Beta Empire, which is much smaller, and has a different ideology. Beta Empire has never had an army or an armed police officer, but has a strict set of laws that reach every aspect of the lives of its citizens. Constitutionally, even the smallest crime is punished by banishment, but the king of the empire, who is also its religious leader has acquired the ability to forgive any crime under certain conditions. There is only one soldier in Beta Empire, and that is its priest-king, who has great and mysterious powers and is the only person in the empire who is allowed to kill. Beta Empire has slogans like "love your enemies" and "sell what you have and give to others" and its citizens love to talk about their king.
The parliament of Alpha Empire claims that Beta Empire is an evil dictatorship, the king of Beta Empire claims that Alpha Empire is violent and oppressive, and appeals to the citizens of Alpha Empire to switch sides. The two empires are in a cold war, both compete against each other but neither invades; why not?
Because the government of Alpha Empire knows that the priest-king will destroy their whole invasion force and the priest-king will not invade because he wants to have the Alpha citizens himself. For Beta Empire to raise an army with guns and tanks would be pointless, against their values and damaging to their cause of having the Alpha citizens change sides (by killing these same citizens). Yet many people in the Beta Empire advocate doing this, because they fear that their king may not be powerful enough to protect them and to win over the Alpha citizens. The Alpha government wants Beta citizens too, and tries to win them over by making them resent having to always obey the king, the Alpha citizens are almost unanimously supportive of their government, but some are influenced by the priest-king's special agents. There are always citizens from both empires crossing the border, there are strongholds on the Alpha side that shoot at anyone trying to cross, but the priest-king often destroys these strongholds.
Think about this; if the citizens of Beta Empire try to defeat Alpha Empire using their own methods they will fail miserably. Not only that, they will earn themselves banishment and become citizens of Alpha Empire themselves. Beta citizens must depend on their king and obey him in everything.
Beta Empire is the church, and Alpha Empire is the world (society). If the church uses force and manipulation: politics, financial pressure, peer pressure, emotion, music, threats or actual violence as its primary mode for achieving the goals God has set for it, it will cease to be the church and become just another selfish worldly organisation. The (true) church has an ideology that Jesus fights for us and that we must love each other and even our enemies, we are trying to demonstrate the character of Jesus. To use these worldly methods of force and manipulation works against this purpose and demonstrates that we do not believe in our own ideology. The church must be careful to follow God's directions for how the world should be reached and not depend on other methods. The world's methods work, but to adopt them would glorify Satan who made them, not God. Be careful not to find yourself fighting against God when you are sincerely trying to serve him. It happened to Saul (Paul) and it can happen to you.
God is able to make the way for people to come over from the world into his church, he is able to give you power to overcome habits and addictions (strongholds) that you cannot overcome. Turn to Jesus, read his word, pray to him. The Holy Spirit and the angels (special agents) are working hard to bring you to Jesus; today if you hear his voice speaking to you by the written word do not harden your heart.
Don't try to take anything away from the parable that isn't stated in the last paragraph, unless you have a clear Biblical reason that you know it is true. Parables are illustrations, not sources of truth.
1 What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision? 2 Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God. 3 For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? 4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.
If being Jewish - or a Gentile that became a Jew before becoming a Christian - does not give you credit with God for salvation; why did God set the Jews apart in the first place? In the modern context; what advantage is there to being a member of God's organised remnant church? Neither of these things save you by virtue of membership, so what use are they? Are they useless?
They are not useless. They are very useful. Being a Jew in the first century was mostly advantageous because you would have access to and familiarity with the writings of the true prophets of God. Being a member of God's remnant world church in the twenty-first century is mostly advantageous because you have access to and familiarity with the writings of the true prophets of God. In both cases these are fairly small and privileged groups. Knowing all this information makes it easier to be saved, and if you know it you ought to share it. If you don't know it I am happy to tell you about it.
But there is the problem that the Gentiles were becoming more interested in the gospel than the Jews were, - and there may be modern analogy to this too - so how does God explain that? After all these privileges the Jews still did not believe the full implications (about the Messiah) of the scriptures, does that mean that God was bad at his job? Does it mean that God did not know how to save the Jews, and that the scriptures are ineffective? Do we need to use more "relevant" methods and books to help God do his job of saving humanity?
No, no! (=God forbid) The only safe path in our reasoning is to assume that God is right even if everybody on Earth must be regarded as a liar (or a dingbat). When we come to God's testimonies for counsel we must trust that he knew what he was doing when he gave them, I have an analogy for this I have been thinking over lately.
Imagine two great empires covering the Earth in the late 2000s (this is not a prophecy but an analogy, in case you forgot). One empire (Alpha Empire) gained and maintains its control by force, and by force keeps peace, prosperity and efficiency within the empire. Alpha Empire has a mighty army equipped with the latest technology, well trained officers and a massive arsenal of nuclear weapons. It is a democratic capitalist system that gives abundant freedom to its citizens, like in many "developed" countries today. But there are many secret police and any rebellion or crime is met with swift punishment. The citizens take pride in their army, and quote slogans like "power is freedom", "fight for right" and "never surrender".
Now imagine Beta Empire, which is much smaller, and has a different ideology. Beta Empire has never had an army or an armed police officer, but has a strict set of laws that reach every aspect of the lives of its citizens. Constitutionally, even the smallest crime is punished by banishment, but the king of the empire, who is also its religious leader has acquired the ability to forgive any crime under certain conditions. There is only one soldier in Beta Empire, and that is its priest-king, who has great and mysterious powers and is the only person in the empire who is allowed to kill. Beta Empire has slogans like "love your enemies" and "sell what you have and give to others" and its citizens love to talk about their king.
The parliament of Alpha Empire claims that Beta Empire is an evil dictatorship, the king of Beta Empire claims that Alpha Empire is violent and oppressive, and appeals to the citizens of Alpha Empire to switch sides. The two empires are in a cold war, both compete against each other but neither invades; why not?
Because the government of Alpha Empire knows that the priest-king will destroy their whole invasion force and the priest-king will not invade because he wants to have the Alpha citizens himself. For Beta Empire to raise an army with guns and tanks would be pointless, against their values and damaging to their cause of having the Alpha citizens change sides (by killing these same citizens). Yet many people in the Beta Empire advocate doing this, because they fear that their king may not be powerful enough to protect them and to win over the Alpha citizens. The Alpha government wants Beta citizens too, and tries to win them over by making them resent having to always obey the king, the Alpha citizens are almost unanimously supportive of their government, but some are influenced by the priest-king's special agents. There are always citizens from both empires crossing the border, there are strongholds on the Alpha side that shoot at anyone trying to cross, but the priest-king often destroys these strongholds.
Think about this; if the citizens of Beta Empire try to defeat Alpha Empire using their own methods they will fail miserably. Not only that, they will earn themselves banishment and become citizens of Alpha Empire themselves. Beta citizens must depend on their king and obey him in everything.
Beta Empire is the church, and Alpha Empire is the world (society). If the church uses force and manipulation: politics, financial pressure, peer pressure, emotion, music, threats or actual violence as its primary mode for achieving the goals God has set for it, it will cease to be the church and become just another selfish worldly organisation. The (true) church has an ideology that Jesus fights for us and that we must love each other and even our enemies, we are trying to demonstrate the character of Jesus. To use these worldly methods of force and manipulation works against this purpose and demonstrates that we do not believe in our own ideology. The church must be careful to follow God's directions for how the world should be reached and not depend on other methods. The world's methods work, but to adopt them would glorify Satan who made them, not God. Be careful not to find yourself fighting against God when you are sincerely trying to serve him. It happened to Saul (Paul) and it can happen to you.
God is able to make the way for people to come over from the world into his church, he is able to give you power to overcome habits and addictions (strongholds) that you cannot overcome. Turn to Jesus, read his word, pray to him. The Holy Spirit and the angels (special agents) are working hard to bring you to Jesus; today if you hear his voice speaking to you by the written word do not harden your heart.
Don't try to take anything away from the parable that isn't stated in the last paragraph, unless you have a clear Biblical reason that you know it is true. Parables are illustrations, not sources of truth.
Monday, 13 May 2013
Romans 2:25-29 // Do The Circumcised Need to Keep Moses' Law
Based on Romans 2:25-29
25 For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision. 26 Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision? 27 And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?
Circumcision is good if it is accompanied by humble devotion to God's moral law. It is not the circumcision itself that is advantageous, but the Jewish upbringing it represents as will be seen later. A circumcised person who breaks God's law is like an uncircumcised person who breaks God's law. The fact that he is circumcised does not make a difference in itself. Acts 7:51 describes heart uncircumcision as resisting the Holy Spirit; therefore submission to the Holy Spirit must be the meaning and fulfilment of circumcision.
The same works in reverse; if a person is physically uncircumcised but does keep God's moral law they have fulfilled the purpose of circumcision and there is no need for them to be circumcised; they can be considered "circumcised" or "Jews" already. The fact that people have been transformed by God's grace and lived by his law without being circumcised may be compared to the many who were circumcised but did not keep God law; at least ought to make physically circumcised sinners ashamed of themselves, and less inclined to judge.
28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: 29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.
God's word tells us that real Jews are not defined by circumcision or any physical thing (like genes) but by a change inside. How can this be reconciled with the belief that modern Jews are still the subjects of major Bible prophecies that are to be fulfilled? God is not looking for a people that can be physically distinct, but rather morally distinct, however physical distinctions can be useful is reinforcing moral distinctions.
The greatest enemy of success is to try to please everybody. Try to please God, and if you can please others along the way, praise God!
You will make some enemies - hopefully not for being mean, that would not be pleasing God - Paul made some enemies, lots of them. Please God, only his ideas about what are important and what is right really count.
You can please God without being Jewish and without being circumcised, if you are not either don't try to become either. Those who are one or both of these already must not feel it makes us superior.
1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. 2 Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. 3 For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. 4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. 5 For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. 6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love. Galatians 5:1-6
Paul is writing to the church in Galatia. Are the Galatians he is writing to less than eight days old? Is he writing to those Jewish baby boys telling them they will be condemned if they let themselves get circumcised? Is he writing to unborn Jewish babies telling them they will be condemned from birth for being Jewish? No, no, no. But... there is a principle at stake. Adult Gentile men, Celts and Hellenes of Galatia are considering whether they should believe the teachers that are telling them they must be circumcised to be saved (Acts 15:1). They are thinking about the ordeal, and deciding that because they want to be sure they are saved, they are going to get circumcised. Paul is inspired by the Holy Spirit to write to them and in strong terms prevent them from carrying this out. By submitting to these teachers in circumcision, these adult men would be making a statement that the ceremonial law which included circumcision, which was first introduced to Abraham - not from Creation - and was fulfilled by faith and obedience to God; was still binding on the Christian, like the Ten Commandments. They would be trying to assure their salvation by fulfilling Moses' law - which was not given for that purpose - not by faith in Jesus. Such an act would demonstrate a lack of true faith in Jesus sufficient to compromise salvation. It is faith, working by love that brings salvation. There are good rules and better rules, but even the best rules do not enforce themselves. Obedience to God's Ten Commandments comes from faith working by love. Moses' Law was a set of good rules that helped facilitate the Jewish people to be ready for Jesus and to help them keep the Ten Commandments. We don't need them any more.
Circumcision is nothing; it won't condemn you or save you. If you do it to your sons let it be for some benefit un-related to salvation. If you want to do it to yourself, I can't think of any reason strong enough why you would if you were not doing it for salvation. That is why circumcising yourself indicates falling from grace.
25 For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision. 26 Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision? 27 And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?
Circumcision is good if it is accompanied by humble devotion to God's moral law. It is not the circumcision itself that is advantageous, but the Jewish upbringing it represents as will be seen later. A circumcised person who breaks God's law is like an uncircumcised person who breaks God's law. The fact that he is circumcised does not make a difference in itself. Acts 7:51 describes heart uncircumcision as resisting the Holy Spirit; therefore submission to the Holy Spirit must be the meaning and fulfilment of circumcision.
The same works in reverse; if a person is physically uncircumcised but does keep God's moral law they have fulfilled the purpose of circumcision and there is no need for them to be circumcised; they can be considered "circumcised" or "Jews" already. The fact that people have been transformed by God's grace and lived by his law without being circumcised may be compared to the many who were circumcised but did not keep God law; at least ought to make physically circumcised sinners ashamed of themselves, and less inclined to judge.
28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: 29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.
God's word tells us that real Jews are not defined by circumcision or any physical thing (like genes) but by a change inside. How can this be reconciled with the belief that modern Jews are still the subjects of major Bible prophecies that are to be fulfilled? God is not looking for a people that can be physically distinct, but rather morally distinct, however physical distinctions can be useful is reinforcing moral distinctions.
The greatest enemy of success is to try to please everybody. Try to please God, and if you can please others along the way, praise God!
You will make some enemies - hopefully not for being mean, that would not be pleasing God - Paul made some enemies, lots of them. Please God, only his ideas about what are important and what is right really count.
You can please God without being Jewish and without being circumcised, if you are not either don't try to become either. Those who are one or both of these already must not feel it makes us superior.
1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. 2 Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. 3 For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. 4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. 5 For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. 6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love. Galatians 5:1-6
Paul is writing to the church in Galatia. Are the Galatians he is writing to less than eight days old? Is he writing to those Jewish baby boys telling them they will be condemned if they let themselves get circumcised? Is he writing to unborn Jewish babies telling them they will be condemned from birth for being Jewish? No, no, no. But... there is a principle at stake. Adult Gentile men, Celts and Hellenes of Galatia are considering whether they should believe the teachers that are telling them they must be circumcised to be saved (Acts 15:1). They are thinking about the ordeal, and deciding that because they want to be sure they are saved, they are going to get circumcised. Paul is inspired by the Holy Spirit to write to them and in strong terms prevent them from carrying this out. By submitting to these teachers in circumcision, these adult men would be making a statement that the ceremonial law which included circumcision, which was first introduced to Abraham - not from Creation - and was fulfilled by faith and obedience to God; was still binding on the Christian, like the Ten Commandments. They would be trying to assure their salvation by fulfilling Moses' law - which was not given for that purpose - not by faith in Jesus. Such an act would demonstrate a lack of true faith in Jesus sufficient to compromise salvation. It is faith, working by love that brings salvation. There are good rules and better rules, but even the best rules do not enforce themselves. Obedience to God's Ten Commandments comes from faith working by love. Moses' Law was a set of good rules that helped facilitate the Jewish people to be ready for Jesus and to help them keep the Ten Commandments. We don't need them any more.
Circumcision is nothing; it won't condemn you or save you. If you do it to your sons let it be for some benefit un-related to salvation. If you want to do it to yourself, I can't think of any reason strong enough why you would if you were not doing it for salvation. That is why circumcising yourself indicates falling from grace.
Friday, 10 May 2013
Romans 2:25 // Circumcision
Based on Romans 2:25
25 For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision. 26 Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision? 27 And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law? 28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: 29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.
The early apostolic church was predominantly Jewish. The coming of Jesus changed the ceremonies of the Jewish religion to new ceremonies like the Lord's Supper, Foot Washing, Baptism and Ordination of Pastors. But many vocal Jews - even the apostles - were reluctant to stop practicing the Jewish feast days, sacrifices and ceremonial laws. Because of his vision of the unclean animals Peter learned to stop observing the Pharisaic laws and customs (Acts 10-11) that Jesus had ignored during his ministry, which especially made it hard to preach to Gentiles. But Paul was the first person I know of that was humble enough for God to show that even Moses' Ceremonial Law was not binding.
Circumcision was a particularly big issue; allowing uncircumcised Christians would open the door for many Gentiles and dilute the Jewishness of Christianity. From the Roman perspective, Christianity would become a new cult rather than a sect of Judaism, and being a peaceful religion potentially weaken the military strength of the empire. Abandoning circumcision allowed many Gentile men to enter the church; but turned Jews and Romans against the Nazarene Sect generating persecution, which Paul himself was an early victim of. As the crucial distinction that defines Christianity as a separate religion from Judaism, circumcision is very important, and dealt with thoroughly in the Greek Scriptures. Paul defends the position that circumcision was never a requirement for salvation and that Jews that make it a requirement for salvation (Acts 15) are leaving the original faith and should be disfellowshipped/separated from (Gal 5:12).
Paul approaches the issue cautiously. In the Bible, circumcision is a good thing that the Jews were to do as a part of keeping the law, but if they did not keep the law it did not matter if they were circumcised, they were still sinners. Uncircumcision among Jews represented sin and circumcision salvation, but even if you were circumcised once, if you sinned you would lose your salvation. Judas, Annas and Caiaphas are good examples of circumcised people that were sinners, but you can find examples through the Hebrew Scriptures too. It is clear that just being circumcised, just having been saved at one point, doesn't guarantee salvation in the end. So if circumcision can be useless because of sin, uncircumcision can be unimportant because of keeping the moral law of the Ten Commandments. Breaking God's moral law in order to keep customs and traditions is wrong. Those who are true Jews, God's people at this time are those that care about pleasing God more than pleasing other people by keeping their customs and traditions. They are those that trust Jesus and follow his commandments.
Not only conservative people have customs and traditions; "political correctness" is a kind of tradition and fashion is a kind of custom. Any way of doing things that can be learned is a custom or tradition, and they are not bad if they are in line with the deep meaning of the Ten Commandments. But anything people "do" that is against God's plan is not excusable. This includes what you read, watch, study; where you study, what kind of job you look for, what clothes and accessories you wear, what you eat; it includes all aspects of your life. Follow God's plan in all areas of your life, don't just do what everyone around you does.
Being circumcised or not is not the point, obedience to God, especially in being fair and kind to those around you is what you need. To get this, think about Jesus and what he has done for you, by thinking about him you will become more like him.
25 For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision. 26 Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision? 27 And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law? 28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: 29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.
The early apostolic church was predominantly Jewish. The coming of Jesus changed the ceremonies of the Jewish religion to new ceremonies like the Lord's Supper, Foot Washing, Baptism and Ordination of Pastors. But many vocal Jews - even the apostles - were reluctant to stop practicing the Jewish feast days, sacrifices and ceremonial laws. Because of his vision of the unclean animals Peter learned to stop observing the Pharisaic laws and customs (Acts 10-11) that Jesus had ignored during his ministry, which especially made it hard to preach to Gentiles. But Paul was the first person I know of that was humble enough for God to show that even Moses' Ceremonial Law was not binding.
Circumcision was a particularly big issue; allowing uncircumcised Christians would open the door for many Gentiles and dilute the Jewishness of Christianity. From the Roman perspective, Christianity would become a new cult rather than a sect of Judaism, and being a peaceful religion potentially weaken the military strength of the empire. Abandoning circumcision allowed many Gentile men to enter the church; but turned Jews and Romans against the Nazarene Sect generating persecution, which Paul himself was an early victim of. As the crucial distinction that defines Christianity as a separate religion from Judaism, circumcision is very important, and dealt with thoroughly in the Greek Scriptures. Paul defends the position that circumcision was never a requirement for salvation and that Jews that make it a requirement for salvation (Acts 15) are leaving the original faith and should be disfellowshipped/separated from (Gal 5:12).
Paul approaches the issue cautiously. In the Bible, circumcision is a good thing that the Jews were to do as a part of keeping the law, but if they did not keep the law it did not matter if they were circumcised, they were still sinners. Uncircumcision among Jews represented sin and circumcision salvation, but even if you were circumcised once, if you sinned you would lose your salvation. Judas, Annas and Caiaphas are good examples of circumcised people that were sinners, but you can find examples through the Hebrew Scriptures too. It is clear that just being circumcised, just having been saved at one point, doesn't guarantee salvation in the end. So if circumcision can be useless because of sin, uncircumcision can be unimportant because of keeping the moral law of the Ten Commandments. Breaking God's moral law in order to keep customs and traditions is wrong. Those who are true Jews, God's people at this time are those that care about pleasing God more than pleasing other people by keeping their customs and traditions. They are those that trust Jesus and follow his commandments.
Not only conservative people have customs and traditions; "political correctness" is a kind of tradition and fashion is a kind of custom. Any way of doing things that can be learned is a custom or tradition, and they are not bad if they are in line with the deep meaning of the Ten Commandments. But anything people "do" that is against God's plan is not excusable. This includes what you read, watch, study; where you study, what kind of job you look for, what clothes and accessories you wear, what you eat; it includes all aspects of your life. Follow God's plan in all areas of your life, don't just do what everyone around you does.
Being circumcised or not is not the point, obedience to God, especially in being fair and kind to those around you is what you need. To get this, think about Jesus and what he has done for you, by thinking about him you will become more like him.
Thursday, 9 May 2013
Romans 2:17-18 // Continuing
Based on Romans 2:17-18
17 Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God, 18 And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law; 19 And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness, 20 An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law. 21 Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal? 22 Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege? 23 Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God? 24 For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.
This is very relevant to those of us who acknowledge the law of God in our lives. By building good habits we can keep many laws that others break, and this is right and good, it is only possible by the work of the Holy Spirit and the reconciliation of Jesus. When we have made some positive lifestyle changes, looking at others can lead us to think that God has now finished with us, and become proud. But there are many faults God wishes to correct us from. You may not be able to think of any fault you have, but spend time daily in prayer and Bible study; think about the character and obedience of Jesus and imitate these things in your own life. Praise God for how far you have gone, but you will find that you have a long way to go still.
17 Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God, 18 And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law; 19 And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness, 20 An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law. 21 Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal? 22 Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege? 23 Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God? 24 For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.
This is very relevant to those of us who acknowledge the law of God in our lives. By building good habits we can keep many laws that others break, and this is right and good, it is only possible by the work of the Holy Spirit and the reconciliation of Jesus. When we have made some positive lifestyle changes, looking at others can lead us to think that God has now finished with us, and become proud. But there are many faults God wishes to correct us from. You may not be able to think of any fault you have, but spend time daily in prayer and Bible study; think about the character and obedience of Jesus and imitate these things in your own life. Praise God for how far you have gone, but you will find that you have a long way to go still.
Tuesday, 7 May 2013
Romans 2:13-15 // Moral Law
Based on Romans 2:13-15
13 (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. 14 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: 15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)
It is not true that knowing and believing the truth about Jesus dying for our sins is necessary and sufficient for our salvation. Of course, this is more specifically talking about the law, which is the standard of truth, and what is right. Simply going to church and hearing and believing the truth does not make you righteous. We would all agree on that. But it may be new for some to know that to be righteous in God's eyes we must actually do what he commands in his law. The Bible is not teaching legalism here, that issue is addressed later. But you ought to know that if you know the Ten Commandments and knowingly break any, you are in peril. If you are told not to eat between meals and you agree it's bad for you and you say you won't do it, that doesn't help your health if you do it anyway. Saying the law is good doesn't help you if you break it anyway.
Six of the Ten Commandments are known by every human, without being told. We have a sense we need to honour our elders and leaders and have a natural affection for our parents. We all feel guilty about killing at first, even killing animals. We know it's wrong to betray our close companions; of all betrayals, unfaithfulness in marriage may be the most extreme example. We know that there is something unfair about stealing. Lying is so deeply perceived as wrong that they can make lie detectors which detect the physical revulsion our body has for lies. We know that envy is not helpful or desirable, especially in others. All societies share these general principles, and have traces of the first three commandments. Desire for unity relates to the command to be united by God. Desire for censorship of evil relates to the command to keep our attention away from worthless idols. Rules against coarse language relates to the command to use God's name with respect. This general sense of what is morally right means that every society shares some common moral threads. God does not condemn people who do not have access to the Bible for failing to keep all of his Ten Commandments. He only expects them to live up to the commandments they know, as he brings conviction. On the other hand, when people who are ignorant of God's entire law break the laws they do know, they accuse each other. An example of this is the politician test. The best test of the morality of a nation is the esteem with which they hold their politicians. This is because politicians get into power through general popularity, and therefore accurately represent the ordinary people. In very depraved societies politicians are despised, in very upright societies politicians are revered. This is a general rule of thumb, how does your society rate? What does that suggest about the standard of morality you are comparing yourself to? Compare yourself to Christ not to evil men.
We are told here that those who do not know the law are allowed to have their own standard to be judged by. What about those that do know the law or have access to it? Can they be judged by their own standard too? I think that issue will come up later, but from what I see here; my answer would be "no". If you own a Bible you will be judged by all of the Ten Commandments. Now, there may be room for interpretation, subject to whether God brings conviction. We notice in history that after the warped theology of the Middle Ages the reformers were only themselves able to each make a few small steps, back into the truth. And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: 31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world... (Acts 17:30) The time of judgment has come, the time has come when it is time to measure up to the full truth again, God excused people in the past, but now we need to keep the full law.
That means obeying the law, not merely acknowledging it is good. That also means remembering the Sabbath Day to keep that day holy, not some other day. That particular commandment has not so much to do with rest as it has to do with the day itself. Have a read of it and see for yourself. I used to rest all day once a week and think I was keeping the commandment, but if you read it carefully you will notice that it doesn't even mention work until it is half over.
God is preparing a group of people all over the world, to stop needing to be winked at, and start repenting. Only Jesus can make us faithful to his commandments, pray that he will make us faithful.
13 (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. 14 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: 15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)
It is not true that knowing and believing the truth about Jesus dying for our sins is necessary and sufficient for our salvation. Of course, this is more specifically talking about the law, which is the standard of truth, and what is right. Simply going to church and hearing and believing the truth does not make you righteous. We would all agree on that. But it may be new for some to know that to be righteous in God's eyes we must actually do what he commands in his law. The Bible is not teaching legalism here, that issue is addressed later. But you ought to know that if you know the Ten Commandments and knowingly break any, you are in peril. If you are told not to eat between meals and you agree it's bad for you and you say you won't do it, that doesn't help your health if you do it anyway. Saying the law is good doesn't help you if you break it anyway.
Six of the Ten Commandments are known by every human, without being told. We have a sense we need to honour our elders and leaders and have a natural affection for our parents. We all feel guilty about killing at first, even killing animals. We know it's wrong to betray our close companions; of all betrayals, unfaithfulness in marriage may be the most extreme example. We know that there is something unfair about stealing. Lying is so deeply perceived as wrong that they can make lie detectors which detect the physical revulsion our body has for lies. We know that envy is not helpful or desirable, especially in others. All societies share these general principles, and have traces of the first three commandments. Desire for unity relates to the command to be united by God. Desire for censorship of evil relates to the command to keep our attention away from worthless idols. Rules against coarse language relates to the command to use God's name with respect. This general sense of what is morally right means that every society shares some common moral threads. God does not condemn people who do not have access to the Bible for failing to keep all of his Ten Commandments. He only expects them to live up to the commandments they know, as he brings conviction. On the other hand, when people who are ignorant of God's entire law break the laws they do know, they accuse each other. An example of this is the politician test. The best test of the morality of a nation is the esteem with which they hold their politicians. This is because politicians get into power through general popularity, and therefore accurately represent the ordinary people. In very depraved societies politicians are despised, in very upright societies politicians are revered. This is a general rule of thumb, how does your society rate? What does that suggest about the standard of morality you are comparing yourself to? Compare yourself to Christ not to evil men.
We are told here that those who do not know the law are allowed to have their own standard to be judged by. What about those that do know the law or have access to it? Can they be judged by their own standard too? I think that issue will come up later, but from what I see here; my answer would be "no". If you own a Bible you will be judged by all of the Ten Commandments. Now, there may be room for interpretation, subject to whether God brings conviction. We notice in history that after the warped theology of the Middle Ages the reformers were only themselves able to each make a few small steps, back into the truth. And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: 31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world... (Acts 17:30) The time of judgment has come, the time has come when it is time to measure up to the full truth again, God excused people in the past, but now we need to keep the full law.
That means obeying the law, not merely acknowledging it is good. That also means remembering the Sabbath Day to keep that day holy, not some other day. That particular commandment has not so much to do with rest as it has to do with the day itself. Have a read of it and see for yourself. I used to rest all day once a week and think I was keeping the commandment, but if you read it carefully you will notice that it doesn't even mention work until it is half over.
God is preparing a group of people all over the world, to stop needing to be winked at, and start repenting. Only Jesus can make us faithful to his commandments, pray that he will make us faithful.
Monday, 6 May 2013
Romans 2:12,16 // The Judgment
Based on Romans 2:12,16
12 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; 16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.
I have skipped the parentheses and will address them next. We have read that God does not favour people that have advantages over those who do not. Here we find that sinners who do not know the law/truth will not be judged by it by Jesus, they will be judged and they will perish for their sin, we learn more about that later. Those who know the law - know the truth - will be judged by the law, and if they have been breaking it they will be condemned. The judgment of the secrets of men by Jesus Christ is a part of the true gospel.
6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, 7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. Revelation 14:6-7
The message of the gospel includes a declaration of God's judgement, when secrets will be judged. In heaven this judgment is already happening, and we should fear God and give a positive representation of him in our lives, including being willing to worship him as the Creator when the idea is becoming unpopular. More than simply worshiping him as Creator, we must honour him as the one that made the world in six days and rested on the seventh. Many people believe in Creation but doubt the chronology of it described in Genesis 1 and reiterated unmistakably in the fourth commandment which calls on us to worship the Creator every Saturday as a sign of loyalty to him.
Praise God for his sign that helps us to have faith that the Bible really is true and he really is the Creator.
Fear God - not man - and live in the way he requires - not as man recommends - refuse to compromise his principles; help those who need help, be willing to sacrifice for strangers. Show the angels that Jesus has transformed your life, and ask Jesus to keep working on you because you know you need it.
12 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; 16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.
I have skipped the parentheses and will address them next. We have read that God does not favour people that have advantages over those who do not. Here we find that sinners who do not know the law/truth will not be judged by it by Jesus, they will be judged and they will perish for their sin, we learn more about that later. Those who know the law - know the truth - will be judged by the law, and if they have been breaking it they will be condemned. The judgment of the secrets of men by Jesus Christ is a part of the true gospel.
6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, 7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. Revelation 14:6-7
The message of the gospel includes a declaration of God's judgement, when secrets will be judged. In heaven this judgment is already happening, and we should fear God and give a positive representation of him in our lives, including being willing to worship him as the Creator when the idea is becoming unpopular. More than simply worshiping him as Creator, we must honour him as the one that made the world in six days and rested on the seventh. Many people believe in Creation but doubt the chronology of it described in Genesis 1 and reiterated unmistakably in the fourth commandment which calls on us to worship the Creator every Saturday as a sign of loyalty to him.
Praise God for his sign that helps us to have faith that the Bible really is true and he really is the Creator.
Fear God - not man - and live in the way he requires - not as man recommends - refuse to compromise his principles; help those who need help, be willing to sacrifice for strangers. Show the angels that Jesus has transformed your life, and ask Jesus to keep working on you because you know you need it.
Sunday, 5 May 2013
Romans 2:10-11 // Respect of Persons
Based on Romans 2:10-11
10 But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: 11 For there is no respect of persons with God.
It is generally considered a fairly modern idea that all people are equal; in the ancient world it was not a commonly held belief. But equality is popular in the kingdom of heaven; the rest of the universe considers every person to be equal, because God himself does not favour anyone because of his position or advantages. Being equal doesn't mean being the same in everything, it means being entitled to justice and so on. God speaks against those who consider the ability to be successful in the world to be a sign of virtue, in 2 Timothy 6:5, when it finally sunk in to my mind what that passage meant, I realised that everywhere around me that is exactly how people think.
One of the results of our bias against the insignificant is our satisfaction with the state of Christianity in countries outside the English-speaking world. Most of these countries have very few people that really know and practice Bible religion. The English-speaking world is similar, but we have the chance to hear the truth if we want to, in many other countries there is simply no way to find the truth. Many places are neglected because we think people are worth more who live in more fortunate countries. That's how I think, I pray God may change that.
Another example is our worship of anyone who becomes famous or achieves highly in some field that is honoured by the world (society). God is not after prime ministers, CEOs, QCs, Nobel laureates or (dare I say it) surgeons; he wants people who will be faithful in doing a humble work that will bring the greatest good to his eternal kingdom. It is tempting to study honours, it is tempting to study a master of teaching, it is tempting to study a master of divinity or even a graduate diploma but right principles must not be sacrificed to my perception of what would make my future easier. God's plan is always best, and he can direct our paths when we trust him and follow his principles; in fact he promises he will in Proverbs 3:5-6. A life that is leading to eternal life will have major struggles, and it is good to bear the yoke while still young (Lamentations 3:27) so take heart, bear the yoke now and save yourself a lot of trouble later on.
The glory of being an accurate reflector of God, the honour of being one of his faithful children, and the peace of knowing eternal bliss awaits is promised to every person that does good by the working of the Holy Spirit, no matter where you've come from. This is Jesus' gift to you.
10 But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: 11 For there is no respect of persons with God.
It is generally considered a fairly modern idea that all people are equal; in the ancient world it was not a commonly held belief. But equality is popular in the kingdom of heaven; the rest of the universe considers every person to be equal, because God himself does not favour anyone because of his position or advantages. Being equal doesn't mean being the same in everything, it means being entitled to justice and so on. God speaks against those who consider the ability to be successful in the world to be a sign of virtue, in 2 Timothy 6:5, when it finally sunk in to my mind what that passage meant, I realised that everywhere around me that is exactly how people think.
One of the results of our bias against the insignificant is our satisfaction with the state of Christianity in countries outside the English-speaking world. Most of these countries have very few people that really know and practice Bible religion. The English-speaking world is similar, but we have the chance to hear the truth if we want to, in many other countries there is simply no way to find the truth. Many places are neglected because we think people are worth more who live in more fortunate countries. That's how I think, I pray God may change that.
Another example is our worship of anyone who becomes famous or achieves highly in some field that is honoured by the world (society). God is not after prime ministers, CEOs, QCs, Nobel laureates or (dare I say it) surgeons; he wants people who will be faithful in doing a humble work that will bring the greatest good to his eternal kingdom. It is tempting to study honours, it is tempting to study a master of teaching, it is tempting to study a master of divinity or even a graduate diploma but right principles must not be sacrificed to my perception of what would make my future easier. God's plan is always best, and he can direct our paths when we trust him and follow his principles; in fact he promises he will in Proverbs 3:5-6. A life that is leading to eternal life will have major struggles, and it is good to bear the yoke while still young (Lamentations 3:27) so take heart, bear the yoke now and save yourself a lot of trouble later on.
The glory of being an accurate reflector of God, the honour of being one of his faithful children, and the peace of knowing eternal bliss awaits is promised to every person that does good by the working of the Holy Spirit, no matter where you've come from. This is Jesus' gift to you.
Saturday, 4 May 2013
Romans 2:8-9 // God Is My Judge
Based on Romans 2:8-9
8 But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, 9 Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;
The previous verse described how the righteous who are seeking immortality, honour and God's glory receive eternal life. But troublemakers who refuse to submit to the saving truth from God's word but enslave themselves to their passions and are led into doing much evil, abusing the righteous and each other, receive the justice of a very passionate and emotional Jesus who is not an insipid wimp. With flushed indignation and hot-blooded vengeance Jesus will bring crushing trouble and dire straits to the very soul of all humans who incorrigibly abuse themselves and others no matter what church they have membership in.
And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell*. Matthew 10:28 *Gehenna; the lake of fire.
The human avenger kills the body but not the soul, resurrection can occur. But in the lake of fire God will destroy the body and the soul; the thoughts, the emotions, the will, the memory, the senses and any other part of body and soul there may be. They will be destroyed forever with no possibility of return.
Jesus does not enjoy bloodshed, but he hates sin, and pities his persecuted people. Jesus will be angry when he returns to bring justice to an unjust world.
Make sure you are not unjust, it helps to know the standard of the law the judge will judge you by.
8 But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, 9 Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;
The previous verse described how the righteous who are seeking immortality, honour and God's glory receive eternal life. But troublemakers who refuse to submit to the saving truth from God's word but enslave themselves to their passions and are led into doing much evil, abusing the righteous and each other, receive the justice of a very passionate and emotional Jesus who is not an insipid wimp. With flushed indignation and hot-blooded vengeance Jesus will bring crushing trouble and dire straits to the very soul of all humans who incorrigibly abuse themselves and others no matter what church they have membership in.
And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell*. Matthew 10:28 *Gehenna; the lake of fire.
The human avenger kills the body but not the soul, resurrection can occur. But in the lake of fire God will destroy the body and the soul; the thoughts, the emotions, the will, the memory, the senses and any other part of body and soul there may be. They will be destroyed forever with no possibility of return.
Jesus does not enjoy bloodshed, but he hates sin, and pities his persecuted people. Jesus will be angry when he returns to bring justice to an unjust world.
Make sure you are not unjust, it helps to know the standard of the law the judge will judge you by.
Thursday, 2 May 2013
Romans 2:6-7 // Good Ambitions
Based on Romans 2:6-7
6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds: 7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:
The previous verse describes the judgment of God. He will judge every person according to his or her actions. It seems that although we are saved by grace through faith, we will be judged by works; our actions. This is a pretty worrying thought, so what kind of works do we need to be saved?
Eternal life is given to those who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality. These are people who are willing to sacrifice for the gospel and the welfare of others in a determined and persistent way.
How are they motivated? By a desire for glory, what kind of glory? The attention and worship of others?
It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their own glory is not glory. Proverbs 25:27
No, not for their own glory.
Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord. Psalm 105:3
We seek the Lord, we glory in his name, his identity. This was what Moses sought.
18 And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory. 19 And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy. Exodus 33:18-19
God's character is his glory, to glorify is to enhance the reputation. Those who are saved are trying/seeking to reflect the character of God so that people will appreciate him for who he is.
How else are they motivated? By a desire for honour, what kind of honour?
Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity... If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour... 2 Timothy 2:19,21
Paul mostly uses the word honour in his analogy about some pots made for honour and others for dishonour; meaning some people saved for honour and others condemned for dishonour. God wants to save everyone (2 Peter 3:9) but only those who exercise faith in him can be saved; made honourable. The others still serve a purpose, in showing that rebellion against God leads to evil, this is a dishonourable purpose. I want to be a person that is honoured by God because I have allowed him to save me, I want to be an example of "what to do", not "what not to do". So I am driven by my desire to be honoured by God.
What is the last motivation? A desire for immortality. I do not have any kind of immortality at the moment, (1 Timothy 6:16) I am living on borrowed time. If I am living my life in a way that glorifies God and that will bring me honour from God, my time in this sinful age is not going to be very nice. I want immortality so I can enjoy what life is meant to be like after sin is done away, and enjoy it forever.
4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. Revelation 21:4-5
Jesus says "Surely I come quickly." Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
That's something to look forward to, and it's worth making an effort to submit to the Holy Spirit in the purging of my life from sin. Ask for a stronger desire for victory.
6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds: 7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:
The previous verse describes the judgment of God. He will judge every person according to his or her actions. It seems that although we are saved by grace through faith, we will be judged by works; our actions. This is a pretty worrying thought, so what kind of works do we need to be saved?
Eternal life is given to those who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality. These are people who are willing to sacrifice for the gospel and the welfare of others in a determined and persistent way.
How are they motivated? By a desire for glory, what kind of glory? The attention and worship of others?
It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their own glory is not glory. Proverbs 25:27
No, not for their own glory.
Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord. Psalm 105:3
We seek the Lord, we glory in his name, his identity. This was what Moses sought.
18 And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory. 19 And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy. Exodus 33:18-19
God's character is his glory, to glorify is to enhance the reputation. Those who are saved are trying/seeking to reflect the character of God so that people will appreciate him for who he is.
How else are they motivated? By a desire for honour, what kind of honour?
Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity... If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour... 2 Timothy 2:19,21
Paul mostly uses the word honour in his analogy about some pots made for honour and others for dishonour; meaning some people saved for honour and others condemned for dishonour. God wants to save everyone (2 Peter 3:9) but only those who exercise faith in him can be saved; made honourable. The others still serve a purpose, in showing that rebellion against God leads to evil, this is a dishonourable purpose. I want to be a person that is honoured by God because I have allowed him to save me, I want to be an example of "what to do", not "what not to do". So I am driven by my desire to be honoured by God.
What is the last motivation? A desire for immortality. I do not have any kind of immortality at the moment, (1 Timothy 6:16) I am living on borrowed time. If I am living my life in a way that glorifies God and that will bring me honour from God, my time in this sinful age is not going to be very nice. I want immortality so I can enjoy what life is meant to be like after sin is done away, and enjoy it forever.
4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. Revelation 21:4-5
Jesus says "Surely I come quickly." Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
That's something to look forward to, and it's worth making an effort to submit to the Holy Spirit in the purging of my life from sin. Ask for a stronger desire for victory.
Wednesday, 1 May 2013
Romans 2:2-5 // I Call A Spade A Spade But Never Use One
Based on Romans 2:2-5
2 But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things.
Verse 1 talked about the problem of judging, because we are all sinful. But some of us are educated in what is right and what is wrong, because we have been taught it or read it in the Bible. The Jews would have fit into this category in apostolic times, but the Gentiles would not. This section is talking to those of us who know the truth, believe in a judgment and are sure of their faith. That would be the cream of the Bible-believing Christians today.
3 And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?
What is that question about? As a Bible-believing Christian; do you live in such a way that shows you think your belief in the truth will save you although you are still sinning? Do you think you will escape God's judgment because you know that sodomy is wrong? What about those other sins? Do you say bad things about people behind their back? Or... have a look at the list from two days ago. Do you think that you will get away with this because you know it's wrong? You won't, you need to change.
4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? 5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;
This is your other option, sinner :) I'm talking to my fellow Bible-believing Christians.
Maybe your problem is that you think when they sin it's bad but when you sin it's not a big deal. Perhaps your theology is that now you are saved you can't sin, or that your sins aren't really doing any harm to anyone. The Bible declares that by refusing to turn away from your sin you are accumulating the punishment you will be dealt when you bear the full punishment of your sin in hell. You think you are saved because you said the sinners prayer out of fear of hell, and now you live life with little change inside. You think the riches of God's goodness and forbearance and longsuffering are worth little and can be abused. You don't mind adding to the burden Jesus bore on the cross, because you figure he could take it, that's what they call cheap grace. You may only need a fear of hell to say the sinner's prayer, but you need to know that the goodness of God is what causes you to actually want to change your life. Of course, only God can change it, but he won't do it if you refuse to be changed.
I used to think that thinking wrong is wrong and not wanting to be punished for it was the sum of true religion. But the Bible teaches a very different religion.
"Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world." James 1:27 (Don't forget the oft forgotten last section of the verse)
"Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up." Deuteronomy 6:4-7
God is too good to be despised and too powerful to be ignored, what will you do with his requirements?
2 But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things.
Verse 1 talked about the problem of judging, because we are all sinful. But some of us are educated in what is right and what is wrong, because we have been taught it or read it in the Bible. The Jews would have fit into this category in apostolic times, but the Gentiles would not. This section is talking to those of us who know the truth, believe in a judgment and are sure of their faith. That would be the cream of the Bible-believing Christians today.
3 And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?
What is that question about? As a Bible-believing Christian; do you live in such a way that shows you think your belief in the truth will save you although you are still sinning? Do you think you will escape God's judgment because you know that sodomy is wrong? What about those other sins? Do you say bad things about people behind their back? Or... have a look at the list from two days ago. Do you think that you will get away with this because you know it's wrong? You won't, you need to change.
4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? 5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;
This is your other option, sinner :) I'm talking to my fellow Bible-believing Christians.
Maybe your problem is that you think when they sin it's bad but when you sin it's not a big deal. Perhaps your theology is that now you are saved you can't sin, or that your sins aren't really doing any harm to anyone. The Bible declares that by refusing to turn away from your sin you are accumulating the punishment you will be dealt when you bear the full punishment of your sin in hell. You think you are saved because you said the sinners prayer out of fear of hell, and now you live life with little change inside. You think the riches of God's goodness and forbearance and longsuffering are worth little and can be abused. You don't mind adding to the burden Jesus bore on the cross, because you figure he could take it, that's what they call cheap grace. You may only need a fear of hell to say the sinner's prayer, but you need to know that the goodness of God is what causes you to actually want to change your life. Of course, only God can change it, but he won't do it if you refuse to be changed.
I used to think that thinking wrong is wrong and not wanting to be punished for it was the sum of true religion. But the Bible teaches a very different religion.
"Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world." James 1:27 (Don't forget the oft forgotten last section of the verse)
"Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up." Deuteronomy 6:4-7
God is too good to be despised and too powerful to be ignored, what will you do with his requirements?
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