Randy Green's Blog, page 459
November 29, 2012
God’s Dictionary
It is not as though God’s word had failed. For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel. Nor because they are his descendants are they all Abraham’s children. On the contrary, “It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.” In other words, it is not the children by physical descent who are God’s children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as Abraham’s offspring [Romans 9:6-8].
The Apostle Paul was a Hebrew of Hebrews. He was not ashamed of his lineage. He was, however, ashamed of the natural man, the sinner. The Lord taught him that natural birth can only breed sinners. We must be born again. This applies to Jews as well as to Gentiles (non-Jews).
Abraham had many descendants, but only those of the lineage of Isaac were incorporated in the Lord's covenant. Abraham's progeny had nothing to do with it either. Those in the covenant didn't choose to be so. They were born into it. Those outside the covenant didn't choose to be so. They were born into it.
This teaches us that it is all of God's grace, not man's goodness or worth or smarts or athleticism, or anything else in all creation. This logically raises the question, "Then why are we accountable?" We could answer it philosophically by visiting with Aristotle. No good ever came of that, though, so we pass.
God's mysterious workings are inscrutable to us, His mere creatures. Instead of attempting to descry eternal things which are beyond our temporal abilities, we would be better served to stick with the text. So let's return to the text now.
By His own sovereign choice God chose Abraham. By His own sovereign choice He chose Isaac. Abraham's other kids were not included in God's covenant with Abraham. That is the point Paul made. God created the nation of Israel to be His people and He their King. Those who submitted to Him were His people. Those who didn't were not. That is how God's Dictionary defines a true Israelite.
He made this point to note that natural birth does not make anyone a child of God. The context for Paul's words in Romans 9-11 had to do with the Hebrews, not the Gentiles. Yes, we Gentiles also must be born again, but that isn't Paul's subject matter here.
Paul taught the Gentile Christians in Rome how they should understand the situation with the Jewish people. Just because someone was born of Abraham did not make them God's kid. Some of the Hebrews received Jesus and so they were God's kids. Others didn't, so they were not God's kids. Their natural birth did not determine it. Their acceptance of Jesus as their Messiah did.
Back in Paul's day the Jewish authorities, who controlled the Jewish communities throughout the world, violently rejected Jesus as the Messiah. They persecuted those Jews who accepted Him. These Gentile Christians in Rome were hated by the Jewish leaders because they promoted what the Jewish leaders considered to be heresy.
Paul wanted them to understand that salvation was an individual matter, not an ethnic one. Yes, the Jewish communities overall made life difficult for Christianity because their leadership instigated it. Nonetheless, many Jews did receive Jesus and were born again. Ergo, the Christians should not see people as their enemies based on ethnicity—in Paul's case because they were Jews—but they should share Jesus with everyone, including the Jews.
This is not much understood today. There is no way to the Father but through Jesus (John 14:6). Culture isn't the issue. Ethnicity isn't the issue. Christianity is hated because the Word of God denies that all religions are different approaches for getting into heaven. Every person MUST be born again, and Jesus is the only way to reach that destination. Hard words, these. But we dare not deny them!
The Apostle Paul was a Hebrew of Hebrews. He was not ashamed of his lineage. He was, however, ashamed of the natural man, the sinner. The Lord taught him that natural birth can only breed sinners. We must be born again. This applies to Jews as well as to Gentiles (non-Jews).
Abraham had many descendants, but only those of the lineage of Isaac were incorporated in the Lord's covenant. Abraham's progeny had nothing to do with it either. Those in the covenant didn't choose to be so. They were born into it. Those outside the covenant didn't choose to be so. They were born into it.
This teaches us that it is all of God's grace, not man's goodness or worth or smarts or athleticism, or anything else in all creation. This logically raises the question, "Then why are we accountable?" We could answer it philosophically by visiting with Aristotle. No good ever came of that, though, so we pass.
God's mysterious workings are inscrutable to us, His mere creatures. Instead of attempting to descry eternal things which are beyond our temporal abilities, we would be better served to stick with the text. So let's return to the text now.
By His own sovereign choice God chose Abraham. By His own sovereign choice He chose Isaac. Abraham's other kids were not included in God's covenant with Abraham. That is the point Paul made. God created the nation of Israel to be His people and He their King. Those who submitted to Him were His people. Those who didn't were not. That is how God's Dictionary defines a true Israelite.
He made this point to note that natural birth does not make anyone a child of God. The context for Paul's words in Romans 9-11 had to do with the Hebrews, not the Gentiles. Yes, we Gentiles also must be born again, but that isn't Paul's subject matter here.
Paul taught the Gentile Christians in Rome how they should understand the situation with the Jewish people. Just because someone was born of Abraham did not make them God's kid. Some of the Hebrews received Jesus and so they were God's kids. Others didn't, so they were not God's kids. Their natural birth did not determine it. Their acceptance of Jesus as their Messiah did.
Back in Paul's day the Jewish authorities, who controlled the Jewish communities throughout the world, violently rejected Jesus as the Messiah. They persecuted those Jews who accepted Him. These Gentile Christians in Rome were hated by the Jewish leaders because they promoted what the Jewish leaders considered to be heresy.
Paul wanted them to understand that salvation was an individual matter, not an ethnic one. Yes, the Jewish communities overall made life difficult for Christianity because their leadership instigated it. Nonetheless, many Jews did receive Jesus and were born again. Ergo, the Christians should not see people as their enemies based on ethnicity—in Paul's case because they were Jews—but they should share Jesus with everyone, including the Jews.
This is not much understood today. There is no way to the Father but through Jesus (John 14:6). Culture isn't the issue. Ethnicity isn't the issue. Christianity is hated because the Word of God denies that all religions are different approaches for getting into heaven. Every person MUST be born again, and Jesus is the only way to reach that destination. Hard words, these. But we dare not deny them!
November 28, 2012
Paul the Circumcised
If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more: circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless. But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ [Philippians 3:4-7].
If Christians were polled on who they considered the Numero Uno man of all time, the answer would invariably be, "Jesus!" Probably most often their second choice would be, "The Apostle Paul!" Yes, Paul impacted the Church more than any other man, Jesus excepted. He planted more churches than anyone else, and he was used by the Holy Spirit to write New Testament Scripture to a greater extent than anyone else was. Paul was indeed a giant among Christians.
We began this post with a the quote from Philippians. In those verses Paul presented the Christians of Philippi with his job résumé. His credentials as a Hebrew, who were the people of God back in the day, were quite impressive. Paul was a giant among the Hebrews as well.
The sign of the covenant for the Hebrews was circumcision. It is not surprising to read, then, that the first credential Paul presented in his list was circumcision. Paul stated that he was circumcised the eighth day. The Law of Moses required circumcision to be done on the eighth day (cf., Leviticus 12:3). You see, Paul obeyed the Law meticulously, as a good Hebrew was expected to do.
Notwithstanding all this—or rather because of it—once he was born again, Paul was just as gung-ho for the Gospel as he was for the Law earlier in his life. Hence his words to the Philippian Christians, But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ.
We Christians can learn a good deal from Brother Paul. Once the light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ invades the darkness of our lives, we too count as loss all the vain conceits for which we have a predilection to boast. We do an about face (i.e., repent). We cease from playing the trumpet and clashing the cymbals, while singing our own praises. We replace it with singing Jesus' praises.
So how am I doing in this department? Am I proud of what I've accomplished? Do I look in the mirror and tell myself I've reached the big time now? Or do I see the Lord Jesus and recognize my own unworthiness? He alone is worthy, Christ the Lord!
We cannot attain to such a desirable haven apart from daily quiet time alone with Jesus, dear friends. I think I'll enter my prayer closet now, bow low, open my Bible, and allow my Savior to speak His Word directly to my heart. Would anyone like to join me?
To further research this issue, I direct you to my book Leviticus: Volume 3 of Heavenly Citizens in Earthly Shoes. For more info please visit these sites to purchase my books:
http://www.amazon.com/Randy-Green/e/B...
https://sites.google.com/site/heavenl...
If Christians were polled on who they considered the Numero Uno man of all time, the answer would invariably be, "Jesus!" Probably most often their second choice would be, "The Apostle Paul!" Yes, Paul impacted the Church more than any other man, Jesus excepted. He planted more churches than anyone else, and he was used by the Holy Spirit to write New Testament Scripture to a greater extent than anyone else was. Paul was indeed a giant among Christians.
We began this post with a the quote from Philippians. In those verses Paul presented the Christians of Philippi with his job résumé. His credentials as a Hebrew, who were the people of God back in the day, were quite impressive. Paul was a giant among the Hebrews as well.
The sign of the covenant for the Hebrews was circumcision. It is not surprising to read, then, that the first credential Paul presented in his list was circumcision. Paul stated that he was circumcised the eighth day. The Law of Moses required circumcision to be done on the eighth day (cf., Leviticus 12:3). You see, Paul obeyed the Law meticulously, as a good Hebrew was expected to do.
Notwithstanding all this—or rather because of it—once he was born again, Paul was just as gung-ho for the Gospel as he was for the Law earlier in his life. Hence his words to the Philippian Christians, But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ.
We Christians can learn a good deal from Brother Paul. Once the light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ invades the darkness of our lives, we too count as loss all the vain conceits for which we have a predilection to boast. We do an about face (i.e., repent). We cease from playing the trumpet and clashing the cymbals, while singing our own praises. We replace it with singing Jesus' praises.
So how am I doing in this department? Am I proud of what I've accomplished? Do I look in the mirror and tell myself I've reached the big time now? Or do I see the Lord Jesus and recognize my own unworthiness? He alone is worthy, Christ the Lord!
We cannot attain to such a desirable haven apart from daily quiet time alone with Jesus, dear friends. I think I'll enter my prayer closet now, bow low, open my Bible, and allow my Savior to speak His Word directly to my heart. Would anyone like to join me?
To further research this issue, I direct you to my book Leviticus: Volume 3 of Heavenly Citizens in Earthly Shoes. For more info please visit these sites to purchase my books:
http://www.amazon.com/Randy-Green/e/B...
https://sites.google.com/site/heavenl...
November 27, 2012
Golden Calves for All!
All the people tore off the gold rings which were in their ears and brought them to Aaron. He took this from their hand, and fashioned it with a graving tool and made it into a molten calf; and they said, “This is your god, O Israel, who brought you up from the land of Egypt.” Now when Aaron saw this, he built an altar before it; and Aaron made a proclamation and said, “Tomorrow shall be a feast to the LORD.” So the next day they rose early and offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play [Exodus 32:3-6].
Egads! What were those nincompoops thinking? They witnessed the Lord's power against the world's power of that day, Egypt and Pharaoh. They witnessed the dividing of the waters at the Red Sea, and they crossed the sea on dry ground. They saw Mt. Sinai ablaze with fire and billowing smoke, the earthquake and thunderous voice of the Lord. Those stupendous miracles occurred only a matter of days and weeks before. They couldn't have forgotten so quickly.
Alas, but such is the framework of sinful man, and all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). We're all sinful man!
Sin began in a beautiful garden, where all man's needs were readily provided for. Even his work of tending the garden was more like a hobby than strenuous exertion. The fruit of every last tree was available for him to eat...all, that is, except one measly tree.
Man was created in the image of God and, along with all creation, was "very good". No sin existed in man to incline him to disobey God. By nature man did not want to eat of the forbidden fruit because the Lord God told him not to. This was the exact opposite of man's penchant to sin nowadays.
The forbidden tree symbolized living for self according to one's own lusts and viewpoint. It typified man being lord of his own life, rather than as children of the Lord. There was nothing wrong with the tree or its fruit per se. It wasn't poisonous because everything God created was "very good". The interdiction on eating its fruit was given simply to test man. If man obeyed the Word of God, he would mature spiritually. If he disobeyed and did his own thing, he would die spiritually (and physically).
Man disobeyed because he listened to a voice other than the voice of the Lord God. He obeyed other words other than the Word of God. The inclination to sin came from outside man back then in the garden. Once man disobeyed, however, the inclination to sin was inside man. It formed the core of his nature, a sin nature which wants to live for self.
This was at the root of the Israelites fiasco of worshiping a golden calf and committing lewd acts during their bacchanalia. Will we dare say we haven't the same sin nature today? Will we be so blind as to say we can see, while all along we are strangers to the Word of God and to knowing Him personally? Will we insist we do have a personal relationship with Him, but not spend time alone with Him daily in prayer and Bible?
O Christians, for Christmas let there be golden calves for all! The gewgaws and baubles of the world claim our hearts, in much the same way a golden calf owned the hearts of those Israelites back in the day. We should assemble our worldly toys as a right fine display atop a stage. Then we can worship our gods in bacchanalian trysts before all the world.
Wait! We are already doing that... May this Christmas season serve as a call to repentance. Let us confess our sins, return to the Lord with our whole hearts, and be a cleansed people fit for the Master's use. Make it so, Lord Jesus. Make it so, we pray.
To further research this issue, I direct you to my book Exodus: Volume 2 of Heavenly Citizens in Earthly Shoes.
Egads! What were those nincompoops thinking? They witnessed the Lord's power against the world's power of that day, Egypt and Pharaoh. They witnessed the dividing of the waters at the Red Sea, and they crossed the sea on dry ground. They saw Mt. Sinai ablaze with fire and billowing smoke, the earthquake and thunderous voice of the Lord. Those stupendous miracles occurred only a matter of days and weeks before. They couldn't have forgotten so quickly.
Alas, but such is the framework of sinful man, and all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). We're all sinful man!
Sin began in a beautiful garden, where all man's needs were readily provided for. Even his work of tending the garden was more like a hobby than strenuous exertion. The fruit of every last tree was available for him to eat...all, that is, except one measly tree.
Man was created in the image of God and, along with all creation, was "very good". No sin existed in man to incline him to disobey God. By nature man did not want to eat of the forbidden fruit because the Lord God told him not to. This was the exact opposite of man's penchant to sin nowadays.
The forbidden tree symbolized living for self according to one's own lusts and viewpoint. It typified man being lord of his own life, rather than as children of the Lord. There was nothing wrong with the tree or its fruit per se. It wasn't poisonous because everything God created was "very good". The interdiction on eating its fruit was given simply to test man. If man obeyed the Word of God, he would mature spiritually. If he disobeyed and did his own thing, he would die spiritually (and physically).
Man disobeyed because he listened to a voice other than the voice of the Lord God. He obeyed other words other than the Word of God. The inclination to sin came from outside man back then in the garden. Once man disobeyed, however, the inclination to sin was inside man. It formed the core of his nature, a sin nature which wants to live for self.
This was at the root of the Israelites fiasco of worshiping a golden calf and committing lewd acts during their bacchanalia. Will we dare say we haven't the same sin nature today? Will we be so blind as to say we can see, while all along we are strangers to the Word of God and to knowing Him personally? Will we insist we do have a personal relationship with Him, but not spend time alone with Him daily in prayer and Bible?
O Christians, for Christmas let there be golden calves for all! The gewgaws and baubles of the world claim our hearts, in much the same way a golden calf owned the hearts of those Israelites back in the day. We should assemble our worldly toys as a right fine display atop a stage. Then we can worship our gods in bacchanalian trysts before all the world.
Wait! We are already doing that... May this Christmas season serve as a call to repentance. Let us confess our sins, return to the Lord with our whole hearts, and be a cleansed people fit for the Master's use. Make it so, Lord Jesus. Make it so, we pray.
To further research this issue, I direct you to my book Exodus: Volume 2 of Heavenly Citizens in Earthly Shoes.
November 26, 2012
What's the difference?
Then beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, (Jesus) explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures [Luke 24:27].
"All the Scriptures" teach about Jesus in some capacity, whether about His Person or about His ministry. This is infinitely so when it comes to the various offerings in the Law of Moses. For our purposes today we will limit our discussion to the sin offering and the guilt offering.
The question at hand, then, is what's the difference between sin and guilt? Since these were two different offerings, a difference must needs exist to mandate two different offerings. In seeking an answer, we mustn't forget Jesus' words quoted at the start of this post. These two offerings, as well as all the offerings, were picture stories to teach aspects of Jesus' Person and/or ministry.
Over the centuries many varying attempts have been made to define this difference. For instance, some folks thought the sin offering was directed toward God, while the guilt offering was directed toward man. But a cursory reading of Scripture reveals that some of the sins which required the guilt offering had to do solely with God. Man had no part in the matter.
Several other theories also exist. This issue is a deep one, requiring much thought and prayer for an answer. I believe I have the correct understanding, and I share it in detail in my book on Leviticus. A full vetting of the various theories, as well as a presentation of my explanation, requires considerable space.
This post is not the place to copy a large portion of my book! To further research this issue, I direct you to my book Leviticus: Volume 3 of Heavenly Citizens in Earthly Shoes.
"All the Scriptures" teach about Jesus in some capacity, whether about His Person or about His ministry. This is infinitely so when it comes to the various offerings in the Law of Moses. For our purposes today we will limit our discussion to the sin offering and the guilt offering.
The question at hand, then, is what's the difference between sin and guilt? Since these were two different offerings, a difference must needs exist to mandate two different offerings. In seeking an answer, we mustn't forget Jesus' words quoted at the start of this post. These two offerings, as well as all the offerings, were picture stories to teach aspects of Jesus' Person and/or ministry.
Over the centuries many varying attempts have been made to define this difference. For instance, some folks thought the sin offering was directed toward God, while the guilt offering was directed toward man. But a cursory reading of Scripture reveals that some of the sins which required the guilt offering had to do solely with God. Man had no part in the matter.
Several other theories also exist. This issue is a deep one, requiring much thought and prayer for an answer. I believe I have the correct understanding, and I share it in detail in my book on Leviticus. A full vetting of the various theories, as well as a presentation of my explanation, requires considerable space.
This post is not the place to copy a large portion of my book! To further research this issue, I direct you to my book Leviticus: Volume 3 of Heavenly Citizens in Earthly Shoes.
November 25, 2012
God vs. the Lord God
If you open your Bible to Genesis chapter 1, you will see the Divine Being identified by the word God. In fact this word is employed through Genesis 2:3. Beginning at v.4 of chapter 2, the Divine Being is identified as the Lord God. We are to garner a goodly amount of theological instruction from this, dear friends.
From Genesis 1:1 through 2:3 the subject matter is the creation of the heavens and the earth. Beginning with Genesis 2:4 the subject matter switches to the earth, to mankind's rule over it as the Divine Being's steward, and to man's personal relationship with the Lord.
Ergo, when the word God is used to identify the Divine Being, emphasis is on His being high and mighty, far above His creation, the Creator Who is unapproachable and fearsome. When the identifier is the Lord God, His personal relationship with man is the focus, His being close to us, approachable and desirable to converse with. The concept behind the words Lord God also apply to the one word Lord.
In theology textbooks the concept of God as being far removed from man is expressed by the word transcendence. The concept of the Lord God as being close and intimate with man, as being in covenantal relationship with him, goes by the word immanence. But don't confuse this word with the word imminence, which means "at any moment".
If you will meditate on these concepts a bit, they will aid you immensely in understanding Scripture. The concepts are applicable throughout the Old Testament. In the New Testament the Lord God receives the identifier Jesus Christ. So be sure to save this mental RAM info to your gray matter hard disk and use it liberally!
From Genesis 1:1 through 2:3 the subject matter is the creation of the heavens and the earth. Beginning with Genesis 2:4 the subject matter switches to the earth, to mankind's rule over it as the Divine Being's steward, and to man's personal relationship with the Lord.
Ergo, when the word God is used to identify the Divine Being, emphasis is on His being high and mighty, far above His creation, the Creator Who is unapproachable and fearsome. When the identifier is the Lord God, His personal relationship with man is the focus, His being close to us, approachable and desirable to converse with. The concept behind the words Lord God also apply to the one word Lord.
In theology textbooks the concept of God as being far removed from man is expressed by the word transcendence. The concept of the Lord God as being close and intimate with man, as being in covenantal relationship with him, goes by the word immanence. But don't confuse this word with the word imminence, which means "at any moment".
If you will meditate on these concepts a bit, they will aid you immensely in understanding Scripture. The concepts are applicable throughout the Old Testament. In the New Testament the Lord God receives the identifier Jesus Christ. So be sure to save this mental RAM info to your gray matter hard disk and use it liberally!
November 24, 2012
The Kogae Tree
The Lord God planted a garden toward the east, in Eden; and there He placed the man whom He had formed. Out of the ground the Lord God caused to grow every tree that is pleasing to the sight and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil [Genesis 2:8-9].
We take from those two verses a contrast between three categories of trees. First there was "every tree that is pleasing to the sight and good for food". Such trees, indeed, would be suitable in a "garden". Am I not right?
The second and third categories of trees were not just planted in the garden: they were "in the midst of the garden". The centrality of these two trees to man's environment meant they took center stage in the life of Adam and Eve.
Okay. Then what were the two trees around which the life of man and woman revolved? There was the "tree of life", and there was the "tree of the knowledge of good and evil". For brevity's sake I created an acronym for that last named tree. I call it the kogae tree, i.e., Knowledge Of Good And Evil tree.
Hmm. Just what is a kogae tree anyway? One clue we have for deciphering it is the contrast it has with the life tree. The life tree, if we employ the definitions of the two words, would be a tree which bestows life to those who eat its fruit. It wouldn't seem to be much of a stretch, then, to suggest the kogae tree bestowed death to those who ate its fruit.
Why did death result from eating the fruit of the kogae tree? Well, it's like this. The Hebrew word for "knowledge" in the phrase "tree of the knowledge of good and evil" doesn't simply mean "information". The Hebrew word refers to experiential knowledge, knowledge we obtain by experiencing something.
The knowledge gained by eating the fruit of the kogae tree was to experience the reality of good and evil. The Lord God forbade man to eat the fruit of this tree. By eating it man disobeyed the Word of God. This is known as sin. The wages of sin is death, so man died when he ate the fruit of this tree.
This helps us more fully define why man received life, when he ate the fruit of the life tree. The Lord decreed that, by eating of its fruit, life would be imparted to man. Obedience to the Word of God resulted in man's receiving life.
Do you see from this why the life tree and the kogae tree were placed by the Lord God in the midst of the garden? Man's condition, whether to live or to die, whether to be alive or to be dead, revolves around whether he obeys the Word of God or disobeys it.
As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord [Joshua 24:15]. This can only be done on the basis of having life, and life can only result from obeying the Word of God.
We take from those two verses a contrast between three categories of trees. First there was "every tree that is pleasing to the sight and good for food". Such trees, indeed, would be suitable in a "garden". Am I not right?
The second and third categories of trees were not just planted in the garden: they were "in the midst of the garden". The centrality of these two trees to man's environment meant they took center stage in the life of Adam and Eve.
Okay. Then what were the two trees around which the life of man and woman revolved? There was the "tree of life", and there was the "tree of the knowledge of good and evil". For brevity's sake I created an acronym for that last named tree. I call it the kogae tree, i.e., Knowledge Of Good And Evil tree.
Hmm. Just what is a kogae tree anyway? One clue we have for deciphering it is the contrast it has with the life tree. The life tree, if we employ the definitions of the two words, would be a tree which bestows life to those who eat its fruit. It wouldn't seem to be much of a stretch, then, to suggest the kogae tree bestowed death to those who ate its fruit.
Why did death result from eating the fruit of the kogae tree? Well, it's like this. The Hebrew word for "knowledge" in the phrase "tree of the knowledge of good and evil" doesn't simply mean "information". The Hebrew word refers to experiential knowledge, knowledge we obtain by experiencing something.
The knowledge gained by eating the fruit of the kogae tree was to experience the reality of good and evil. The Lord God forbade man to eat the fruit of this tree. By eating it man disobeyed the Word of God. This is known as sin. The wages of sin is death, so man died when he ate the fruit of this tree.
This helps us more fully define why man received life, when he ate the fruit of the life tree. The Lord decreed that, by eating of its fruit, life would be imparted to man. Obedience to the Word of God resulted in man's receiving life.
Do you see from this why the life tree and the kogae tree were placed by the Lord God in the midst of the garden? Man's condition, whether to live or to die, whether to be alive or to be dead, revolves around whether he obeys the Word of God or disobeys it.
As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord [Joshua 24:15]. This can only be done on the basis of having life, and life can only result from obeying the Word of God.
Death Warmed Over
And you were dead in your trespasses and sins...Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh…But God…made us alive together with Christ [Ephesians 2:1-5]. Examine those excerpts from vv.1-5, if you will. Note the three classes of people listed. They are delineated by three different sentences.
The Hebrew Christian Paul the Apostle wrote to the Christians in the city of Ephesus. They were predominantly Gentiles, i.e., non-Jews. He distinguished them from the Jews by employing the word "you". YOU guys were dead in sins!
In the next sentence the Hebrew Paul identified the Jews as also being in like condition of death because of sins. He left off the "you" word and inserted the "us" word. We Jews were likewise dead in our sins, living for the lusts of our flesh.
Both those classes of people were once upon a time born dead to God, born with a sin nature which inclined them to live according to what seemed right in their own eyes. Each person perforce made his/her determinations of right and wrong on the basis of what seemed beneficial to self.
The third class of persons is identified in the third sentence, viz., "But God". Needless to say, but God was not born dead in sins! Truth be told, God wasn't born at all! God is eternal, and He is without sin and is the definition of holy.
So what did Paul teach the Ephesian Christians about God? Well, he taught them that while they were in sin, while they were at war with God—and the Jews too, which incorporates every last person ever on earth as being dead in sins—but God made some people "alive together with Christ".
The "some people" refers to Christians, to those who accept God's offer of salvation in Christ. Such persons are not only "born" in sin: they are also born again in Christ. Since Christ is without sin, those who are in Him are also without sin. The old life of sin has passed away. Behold, all things have become new. Being without sin, we Christians no longer have to pay the penalty of death for our sins. Christ paid the penalty for us on the cross.
We learn from this that some folks are born once and die twice. They are born dead to God and they die again at God's judgment because they refused God's deliverance in His Son Jesus Christ. Other folks are born twice (born again) and die once. They also were born dead to God, but they don't die again at God's judgment because they are in Christ and Christ in their stead.
The Bible uses the words "second death" to depict those who die twice. Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire [Revelation 20:14-15].
You see, every person is born dead to God. Some folks receive God's new life through Jesus, and some folks reject Jesus and remain dead to God. When they enter eternity and stand before Him for judgment, their destination is the "second death".
This is not a pleasant topic, and it is not one we should take delight in. But it is the truth, so we should want to warn people of what awaits them on the other side of the curtain. To do so is not to be "judgmental". It is to share the Word of God, which He commands us to do. Nor is it to be callous and hateful to people. Rather, it is to share the love of God given us in Christ Jesus.
Let's be faithful to what the Lord calls us to do. Before we can do so, we must first be born again. Look intently into the mirror of God's Word and allow the Holy Spirit to give you discernment concerning these things.
The Hebrew Christian Paul the Apostle wrote to the Christians in the city of Ephesus. They were predominantly Gentiles, i.e., non-Jews. He distinguished them from the Jews by employing the word "you". YOU guys were dead in sins!
In the next sentence the Hebrew Paul identified the Jews as also being in like condition of death because of sins. He left off the "you" word and inserted the "us" word. We Jews were likewise dead in our sins, living for the lusts of our flesh.
Both those classes of people were once upon a time born dead to God, born with a sin nature which inclined them to live according to what seemed right in their own eyes. Each person perforce made his/her determinations of right and wrong on the basis of what seemed beneficial to self.
The third class of persons is identified in the third sentence, viz., "But God". Needless to say, but God was not born dead in sins! Truth be told, God wasn't born at all! God is eternal, and He is without sin and is the definition of holy.
So what did Paul teach the Ephesian Christians about God? Well, he taught them that while they were in sin, while they were at war with God—and the Jews too, which incorporates every last person ever on earth as being dead in sins—but God made some people "alive together with Christ".
The "some people" refers to Christians, to those who accept God's offer of salvation in Christ. Such persons are not only "born" in sin: they are also born again in Christ. Since Christ is without sin, those who are in Him are also without sin. The old life of sin has passed away. Behold, all things have become new. Being without sin, we Christians no longer have to pay the penalty of death for our sins. Christ paid the penalty for us on the cross.
We learn from this that some folks are born once and die twice. They are born dead to God and they die again at God's judgment because they refused God's deliverance in His Son Jesus Christ. Other folks are born twice (born again) and die once. They also were born dead to God, but they don't die again at God's judgment because they are in Christ and Christ in their stead.
The Bible uses the words "second death" to depict those who die twice. Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire [Revelation 20:14-15].
You see, every person is born dead to God. Some folks receive God's new life through Jesus, and some folks reject Jesus and remain dead to God. When they enter eternity and stand before Him for judgment, their destination is the "second death".
This is not a pleasant topic, and it is not one we should take delight in. But it is the truth, so we should want to warn people of what awaits them on the other side of the curtain. To do so is not to be "judgmental". It is to share the Word of God, which He commands us to do. Nor is it to be callous and hateful to people. Rather, it is to share the love of God given us in Christ Jesus.
Let's be faithful to what the Lord calls us to do. Before we can do so, we must first be born again. Look intently into the mirror of God's Word and allow the Holy Spirit to give you discernment concerning these things.
November 22, 2012
MachoMan vs. GodMan
You may say in your heart, "My power and the strength of my hand made me this wealth." But you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who is giving you power to make wealth [Deuteronomy 8:17-18].
The first sentence of that quotation (v.17) expresses the words of the natural man, the person who was born a sinner. Such a one is egocentric, which means his life and world revolve around himself. He is a self-made man, you see. Nobody ever gave him anything. He worked hard all his life to get to where he is at.
The second sentence of the quotation (v.18) reveals the spiritual man, the person who was reborn a saint. Such a one is Christocentric, which means his life and world revolve around Christ. He is a remade man. Whatever he achieves is God's blessing to him, not his own goodness or strength.
The way to understand Christ and what He wants with us individually can only come via the Bible. And we need the Holy Spirit to teach it to us personally. This scenario is known as quiet time alone with the Lord. It should be the Christian's standard daily exercise regimen. Spiritual maturity is not possible without it.
This Thanksgiving let's thank the Lord Jesus, the GodMan, for all the blessings He's given us. Let us not take the glory to ourselves by claiming to be Mr. MachoMan.
The first sentence of that quotation (v.17) expresses the words of the natural man, the person who was born a sinner. Such a one is egocentric, which means his life and world revolve around himself. He is a self-made man, you see. Nobody ever gave him anything. He worked hard all his life to get to where he is at.
The second sentence of the quotation (v.18) reveals the spiritual man, the person who was reborn a saint. Such a one is Christocentric, which means his life and world revolve around Christ. He is a remade man. Whatever he achieves is God's blessing to him, not his own goodness or strength.
The way to understand Christ and what He wants with us individually can only come via the Bible. And we need the Holy Spirit to teach it to us personally. This scenario is known as quiet time alone with the Lord. It should be the Christian's standard daily exercise regimen. Spiritual maturity is not possible without it.
This Thanksgiving let's thank the Lord Jesus, the GodMan, for all the blessings He's given us. Let us not take the glory to ourselves by claiming to be Mr. MachoMan.
November 21, 2012
Turkey or jerkey?
Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift [2 Corinthians 9:15].
Seems a fitting thought in the Thanksgiving season, does it not? God's "gift" is His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. For God so loved the world that He GAVE. Something "given" is a "gift".
This gift is "indescribable". It cannot be described. It cannot be put into words suitable to depict it. While we were still sinners—that is, while we hated God, shook our fist at him in rage, and bellicosely blurted anathemas at Him, saying, "We won't have this man Jesus to reign over us!"—while we were content to be like that, God gave His only Son to die as a sin offering in our stead. Yes, indescribable.
"Thanks be to God". It was God Who did this, so our thanksgiving belongs to Him. Yes, thanks should ring out for His indescribable gift of Jesus the Son of God.
So then why am I not feeling particularly thankful at this time? Go figure. Perhaps I had too much turkey...or was that too much beef jerky? Turkey. Now that is soft and edible, and usually quite tasty. It should evoke thanksgiving from us.
I can't speak for you, but beef jerky? Now that is another matter altogether! Can you imagine sitting around the family table for Thanksgiving, the full course meal spread out in decorative fashion, and there in the center is the turkey? Scratch that, it's not turkey at all. It's beef jerky!
Didn't think so. I can't imagine that either. Turkey is appreciated on Thanksgiving by most folks, but beef jerky only appeals to a select bunch. And no one wants it on Thanksgiving in place of the turkey! Maybe that's it. Maybe, just maybe, I've been indulging myself with beef jerky. Think I better switch to the turkey because Thanksgiving is not for crab apple faints: it's for cranberry saints.
Lord, You are worthy of all praise and thanksgiving. Forgive me, please, and fill my heart with Your joy. I want to be filled with thanksgiving for You on Thanksgiving Day and always. Amen.
Seems a fitting thought in the Thanksgiving season, does it not? God's "gift" is His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. For God so loved the world that He GAVE. Something "given" is a "gift".
This gift is "indescribable". It cannot be described. It cannot be put into words suitable to depict it. While we were still sinners—that is, while we hated God, shook our fist at him in rage, and bellicosely blurted anathemas at Him, saying, "We won't have this man Jesus to reign over us!"—while we were content to be like that, God gave His only Son to die as a sin offering in our stead. Yes, indescribable.
"Thanks be to God". It was God Who did this, so our thanksgiving belongs to Him. Yes, thanks should ring out for His indescribable gift of Jesus the Son of God.
So then why am I not feeling particularly thankful at this time? Go figure. Perhaps I had too much turkey...or was that too much beef jerky? Turkey. Now that is soft and edible, and usually quite tasty. It should evoke thanksgiving from us.
I can't speak for you, but beef jerky? Now that is another matter altogether! Can you imagine sitting around the family table for Thanksgiving, the full course meal spread out in decorative fashion, and there in the center is the turkey? Scratch that, it's not turkey at all. It's beef jerky!
Didn't think so. I can't imagine that either. Turkey is appreciated on Thanksgiving by most folks, but beef jerky only appeals to a select bunch. And no one wants it on Thanksgiving in place of the turkey! Maybe that's it. Maybe, just maybe, I've been indulging myself with beef jerky. Think I better switch to the turkey because Thanksgiving is not for crab apple faints: it's for cranberry saints.
Lord, You are worthy of all praise and thanksgiving. Forgive me, please, and fill my heart with Your joy. I want to be filled with thanksgiving for You on Thanksgiving Day and always. Amen.
November 20, 2012
Benedictions For All!
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit [Romans 15:13].
