Richard Mansel's Blog, page 11

Counting the Costs

by Richard Mansel

Singer, songwriter Fiona Apple writes piercing words about relationships. While I do not endorse all she writes or does, her song, “Paper Bag,” carries a profound lesson.

In her song, she discusses a man who holds a powerful attraction for her. At the outset, she is exhilarated because she thinks the dove of hope is about to alight upon her. Then, she realizes it was only a paper bag and the jarring image awakens her from her stupor.

She carries the image into her analysis of the doomed relationship. Her lover was a man who had failed to grow up and was not ready for an adult relationship. She knew she had to leave before she was in too deep.

Fiona writes:

“Hunger hurts, but starving works, when it costs too much to love.”

These words are stunning when we carefully meditate upon their implications.

Millions are in toxic dating relationships that are almost certainly doomed to fail. Sadly, in many cases, they will marry and complete the nightmare that will end in tragedy, spiritually and emotionally.

Millions more have already wed, and their misery is very real. Their pain and heartaches take too many years from their lives. The price is too high.

Emotions often blind the human heart, and we fail to see our situation for what it is. We must step out of our emotions and listen to the rational. We must be fearless as we see the bigger picture.

Loved ones try to open our eyes to the dangers we face but our emotions close our ears. We refuse to listen, and we lash out at our loved ones until we hit bottom and see what we had refused to see.

In our Christian walks, these words are equally profound.

We place our pleasure ahead of our souls and turn against God. We satisfy our hunger for sin when we would be better off starving.

“Better is a dry morsel with quietness, Than a house full of feasting with strife” (Proverbs 17:1, NKJV)

We must see the bigger picture and say no to our appetites when they place us at odds with God.

Satan, the father of lies (John 8:44), places them strategically ahead of us where we are most vulnerable (1 John 2:15-16). We pick them up, place them in our pockets, and they lead us away from Christ (Luke 15:11-32).

Sin is too dangerous. The price is too steep.

“But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death” (James 1:14-15).

There is too much at stake.

An eternity in hell is never worth the momentary pleasure of Satan’s lies. Yet, we persevere each day, paying Satan’s impossible price. We accept sin’s call while the voice of God’s Word speaks rationally and clearly through Scripture.

God calls us to a higher calling (Romans 12:1-2). Our sinful appetites yearn to be satisfied. However, Satan’s food is poison (1 Peter 5:8). We may hunger for it, but starving is better. The food of the Lord is far more satisfying (John 6:26-35).

“I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly (John 10:10)

“And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life” (Matthew 25:46).

The challenges are serious, but the consequences are eternal. Now, we have to choose. Be wise.

Becoming Better Bible Students

by Richard Mansel

The Bible is God’s inspired book (2 Timothy 3:16-17). From it, we find the path to heaven (Romans 10:17). Therefore, we should be eager to immerse ourselves in God’s Word.

How can we presume to follow and emulate a Savior that we know nothing about? Christians must develop the initiative and routine to read and study God’s Word on their own (John 14:15).

We must be very careful when we study so we can learn the truth of the Gospel. We must be diligent to monitor the veracity of the teachings of men (Galatians 1:6-9; 1 Timothy 4:1).

We must never tamper with the Word of God (Deuteronomy 4:2; 12:32; Proverbs 30:6; Revelation 22:18). In fact, we’re warned not to even think beyond what is written (1 Corinthians 4:6).

There are many guidelines that we can use to become better Bible students.

Read More

Why I Love the Bible

by Richard Mansel

To me, the Bible is more than just a book. It is a living thing, breathing wisdom and power. It is a message from God and a window to the future. Nothing else exists like the Bible in the entire universe.

It is my lifelong love. I share my passion for the Word of God in hopes that readers will grow in their love for the Bible and will spend more time with Scripture.

That word “Scripture” is such a hallowed word that rises above us in majesty. It feels so powerful and sacred coming off the tongue.

Reading is one of the most important things in my life, and I cannot remember a time when I could not read. Books have been my constant companion, and they matter more to me than a mansion. So, why would I neglect the greatest one ever written?

I remember Bible class as a child and winning a Bible for reading the New Testament. That was one of my proudest moments and I still have the Bible today. Later as an adult, one of my Bibles was stolen, and I remember the trauma I felt.

The Bible is God’s Word to humanity (2 Timothy 3:16-17). While I may be very insignificant in this world, God tells me in Scripture how important I am to him (John 3:16).

Jesus is even described as the Word (John 1:1-5,14), the very thoughts and intents of the Father. He is knowledge, reason, wisdom and reality at a level beyond human comprehension. We cannot stand in judgment of Him, we can only marvel in awe.

God’s Word was settled before time as we know it began, so it will never change (Psalm 119:89). Yet, I can return to its pages and continually find it fresh and new. A lifetime of study cannot exhaust its lessons.

We study, learn and live God’s Word, and it is always prescient and pertinent. A student can never grow bored studying Scripture and should continually humble themselves before its brilliance.

I find myself in this book from the Creator of the Universe, and that takes my breath away. I learn who I am, why I make so many mistakes and how I can grow and understand better how to deal with others.

I see the world in the Bible, and I subsequently understand why evil exists, why people live as they do and how we can all grow closer together. Every problem of mankind finds a solution in Scripture because our Father loves us.

Solomon said that there is nothing new under the sun (Ecclesiastes 1:9) and God has laid out the patterns for us all to follow.

God’s Word is a highway to holiness (Isaiah 35:8), and I need to scour its pages to learn how I can live for God and spend an eternity in heaven with Jesus. Nothing on earth can change God’s plan, and that brings comfort beyond belief!

Live in the Word, love its Message and share its glory with everyone who will listen! Because the beauty within its pages is brighter than the sun! In fact, it “is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105) and all I have to do is walk the resplendent road to paradise!

Reading Room Links

I have a Facebook page called Richard’s Reading Room where we discuss books, reading, writing, history and whatever else I find interesting to share with members of the site. The one rule we have is that you must not be rude or use profanity.

From time to time, I want to share some of the links with you here at my website. I hope you find them interesting. You can also add me at Scoop-It and Twitter as well.

5 Creative Cures for Writer’s Block from Psychology Today

My article on Writer’s Block

How to Visualize a Story

Interactive map for Civil War battlefields and casualties

The first “Divergent” trailer on Book Riot

Hear Virginia Woolf’s voice as she discusses the craft of writing

“The Gallic War” by Julius Caesar

A poignant letter received by Margaret Mitchell a day after her Mother passed away

A curious list from 1898 of the best novels ever written

Herodotus the Homer of European Prose

Sherlock Holmes films on YouTube

How Sherlock Changed the World

If Books Ruled the World

7 Things You Didn’t Know About Albert Camus

Gorgeous Libraries

24 Quotes to help you write more

9 Beloved Books that we almost not published

The Fascinating History of the Dystopian Novel

The Qualities that Made Paul a Great Man of God

by Richard Mansel

INTRODUCTION

The Apostle Paul scarred from the daily spiritual wars, sought release through the rest Christ promised (Hebrews 4:8-11). His arduous battle was at an end. Few would face the struggles he had endured. His body was tired and ached for relief.

Spiritually, his soul hungered for God and the glory he knew awaited. He had worked the entire day and soon the night would fall about them.

Paul’s fervor, fellowship and faith gave him the impetus to be confident in his eternal destiny. It explains his self-motivation as he endured his life of sacrifice.

A MAN OF FERVOR

Paul was a man who vigorously fulfilled his mission, no matter the orders. Whether it required the gore of persecution or the glory of God, he stood ready for duty. Isaiah said, “Here am I; send me” (Isaiah 6:8). [1] Paul exemplified these words throughout his life.

“He embodies the words of Solomon, ‘Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might’ (Ecclesiastes 9:10, NKJV). God saw his unyielding resolve and employed him for the mission to the Gentiles (Acts 9:15; 2 Timothy 1:11). The early church stood tall because of his tireless labors.” [2]

Paul’s overwhelming desire for work and finality brought fulfillment to his life. His self-motivation and untiring zeal for truth were indispensable in the work of God. They would steel his resolve through the persecutions he would face. He would need them.

Paul is first seen in Scripture as Saul, the persecutor (Acts 7:58).

And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles. As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison” (Acts 8:1,3).

He “was like a war horse who sniffed the smell of battle” in his persecutions of the saints.” [3].  He signified the damage a wild boar would do in a helpless vineyard. [4].

In Acts 9:21, the people had “destroyed” those who were Christians. Barclay says of the word destroyed:

“It is the word for an army sacking a city. Just as an invading army might tear a city stone from stone and murder and slaughter right and left with almost sadistic brutality, so Paul attacked the Church.” [5]

As a Pharisee, Paul was just as dedicated and quickly rose to prominence. The son of a Pharisee (Acts 23:6), he advanced in his studies under the esteemed Gamaliel (Acts 22:3).

“Learned men met and discussed scriptures, gave various interpretations, suggested illustrations, and quoted precedents. The students were encouraged to question, doubt and even contradict.” [6].

“Saul was a man of such vehemence and power that he was head in whatever circle he moved, whether as Saul the persecuting Pharisee, or Paul the laboring missionary” [7].

A MAN OF FELLOWSHIP

Paul’s deep and abiding love for his brethren led him to long for the grand renewal in heaven. It helped empower his confidence in death.

When his brethren were confused about the end of time, he told them to see heaven as a “gathering together” of the saints and a reason for comfort and hope (2 Thessalonians 2:1,17).

“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Phillippians 1:3-6).

He loved Timothy like a child (1 Timothy 1:2; Philippians. 2:19-20). He included greetings to a variety of people in his epistles (Rom. 16). They were his spiritual family.

Paul wrote the consummate chapter on the beauty of Christian love (1 Corinthians 13). His love for the church and for souls met in the unity of the brethren. Paul’s sole desire was to see everyone find salvation.

“Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved” (Romans 10:1). He loved the Jews and desperately wanted them to be saved (Romans 9:2-3). “And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved” (2 Corinthians 11:15).

Romans is a book where he largely writes to the Jewish and Gentile Christians to stop fighting one another and become one flesh. When accomplished, they would find transformation through the gospel (Romans 12:1-5).

Heaven will therefore be the ultimate fulfillment of unity. We will all be one as we enjoy eternity in the arms of our Lord. Unity on earth leads to an eternity together in the perfection of heaven (Ephesians 4).

“The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together” (Romans 8:16-17).

A MAN OF FAITH

Paul’s fervor also fuels his faith. His faith is a powerful force that leads him to survive an extraordinary amount of hardship.

“Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness” (2 Corinthians 11:23-27).

Paul had been a persecutor but discovered he was in error. When Paul realizes what he had done and been forgiven of, he becomes a fierce defender of the faith. God had said, “For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake” (Acts 9:16).

Paul knew exactly what he was getting into. He “was under no misapprehension of what was before him. He knew what he was to receive in lieu of what he had given up” [8].

When he writes about faith, it is far more than a mental acknowledgement. It is the core of a life committed to a cause.

Faith justifies us and leads us to live actively for the Lord (Romans 5:1-2; Ephesians 2:8-10). Faith transforms our lives as we walk in Christ (Romans 12:1-2; Ephesians 4:1). We are also protected from the schemes of the devil by the shield of faith (Ephesians 6:10-16).

Faith in Christ was enough of a motivation to Paul to do anything Christ asked. His love for God was so palpable that he never hesitated to be active in the fields of the Lord.

A MAN OF FINAL SACRIFICE

Paul was ready to offer the ultimate sacrifice by giving up his life (Acts 9:29; 25:11). He had lived life to the fullest. He was ready to be with his Savior for all eternity. “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Rom. 8:18).

“For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:6-8).

He was “ready to be offered.” The phrase is “figuratively used of one whose blood is poured out in a violent death for the cause of God” [9]. “The possibility of his execution is vividly present to his own mind” [10]. “The passive voice hints that the apostle is the victim, being offered” [11].

He was giving his life as the ultimate sacrifice. He had taught the Ephesians that our lives and mission were to be about bringing glory to Christ (Ephesians 3:20-21). To insert himself and his needs at the forefront of his mind would obviate what he had instructed. In all things, Paul wished to be consistent.

Drink offerings served a purpose during the Old Law. In Genesis 35:14, we find Jacob offering a drink offering to God after His blessing.

“And God said unto him, I am God Almighty: be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall be of thee, and kings shall come out of thy loins; And the land which I gave Abraham and Isaac, to thee I will give it, and to thy seed after thee will I give the land” (Genesis 35:11-12).

Jacob wanted to express his reverence and joy at such a blessing.

Drink offerings were a part of the Mosaical Law (Exodus 29:40; Leviticus 23:13). They were commanded in Numbers 15 as commemorating the entrance into the promised land. “When you have come into the land which you are to inhabit, which I am giving to you” (Num. 15:2). They were to do so as a “sweet aroma to the Lord” (Numbers 15:7).

Paul was ready for his departure. The word refers to “a metaphor drawn from loosing from moorings preparatory to setting sail” and “breaking up an encampment” [12]. “At last he is released from the harness like the faithful horse at the end of the day’s journey. It will be sweet to rest from the toil and strife, but he is glad that he has had his share of the work” [13].

The imagery of the drink offering signifying the entering into the promised land and the onset of the departure on a journey signifies the differences between Israel’s physical homeland and the spiritual homeland of heaven.

The promised land given to Israel was temporal and had to be conquered. Our promised land in heaven will be sinless and is being built personally by the Lord (John 14:1-6). Israel’s land may have been a “land that floweth with milk and honey” (Deut. 6:3) but our promised land is resplendent beyond all the imaginations of men (Revelation 21; 2 Corinthians 12:4).

Paul knew the weariness of sin (cf. Psalms 32:3-7). He wished to enjoy release from its bonds.

“For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me” (Romans 7:15-20).

Ovid said, “I see and approve the better; I follow the worse.” Paul suffered through the same temptations we all face and he was sick of them. He understood that “The inner man must be educated, trained, and brought under the elevating and purifying of the word of God to such an extent as to control and keep down all excessive demands of the flesh” [14].

Paul knew his crown awaited his arrival in heaven. It is a “garland of green leaves for the victor,” given to those who persevere against the ravages of the spiritual wars [15].

While Paul was ready for the end of his journey, he still had his thoughts on the mission and his brethren. He wanted nothing more than to know that his brethren would be safe after his journey ended (Acts 20:28-31; 1 Tim. 4:1-2; 2 Tim. 3:10-14; 4:14-15).

“Paul still has interest in earthly affairs, but his heart is in the hills on high. He looks away to the mountains. His feet are growing restless and the sun is setting in the west. Jesus is beckoning to him and he will go” [16].

CONCLUSION

Paul gave his life for the cause of Christ. Scripture says nothing of his death, so history will have to suffice.

“According to the historical records available, God’s apostle to the Gentiles was beheaded at Aquae Salviae about three miles outside the city of Rome on the Ostian Way. The murder of Paul was most probably a result of Nero’s general persecution against Christians, which began during (or shortly after) A.D. 64″ [17].

Paul’s extraordinary life is replete with personal applications we can add to our lives. We pray we will learn from them.

NOTES

1. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references will be from the King James Version.

2. Richard Mansel, “Zealous for God” http://www.forthright.net/square_one/zealous_for_god.html August 23, 2008.

3. A.T. Robertson, Epochs in the Life of Paul (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1976), 105.

4. William Barclay, Ambassador for Christ (Valley Forge: Judson Press, 1973), 39.

5. Ibid.

6. Warren Doud, “The Apostle Paul” http://www.realtime.net/~wdoud/topics/paul.html August 23, 2008

7. Robertson, 1.

8. Robertson, 57.

9. Joseph H. Thayer, Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament (Nashville: Broadman Press, 1977), 583.

10. Ralph P. Martin, Philippians, vol. 11 of Tyndale New Testament Commentary Series ed. Leon Morris (Inter-Varsity Press, 1987), 123.

11. Wayne Jackson, Before I Die (Stockton: Christian Courier Publications, 2007), 281.

12. Thayer, 39.

13. Robertson, 314.

14. David Lipscomb, A Commentary on the New Testament Epistles, vol. 1 (Nashville: Gospel Advocate, 1965), 137.

15. Jackson, 282.

16. Robertson, 314.

17. Jackson, 302; cf. Robertson, 316-317.

Should We Be Political Christians?

When our Christianity wears political clothes, it usually leads people to the political headquarters, instead of the spiritual one. Jesus said, “Come unto Me,” not to Washington (Matthew 16:24-28).

When we see the world through a political mindset, we become naturally adversarial. Accordingly we debate rather than disciple,  we shout instead of soothe,  and we call people to bills rather than the Bible.

We put our trust in people rather than God when we invest all of our hope in an election. In doing so, we set ourselves up to lose faith in God because our party or candidate didn’t win.

In fact, God may have more good planned through the election of a terrible candidate than a good one. Providence doesn’t always come in the form we expect.

When we lose sight of the Gospel call, we take our eyes off of Christ and the Great Commission is forgotten (Matthew 28:18-20).  As a result, Satan has been given an inroads into our heart, and all manner of evil is possible.

As God’s people we must always be Christians immersed in righteousness. In every aspect of life, we remain transformed saints (Romans 12:1-2). When we approach politics with godliness, we never lose sight of our faith and mission (Matthew 28:18-20).

We address social ills and vote with the will of God foremost in our minds.  However, we do not turn people away from the gospel by deceiving them into thinking that accepting our political positions is a requirement for becoming a Christian.

A Christian may understand the boundaries necessary as we analyze the political landscape, but the world does not. Politics are very emotional, and even Christians can lose their perspective when they get upset.

While we may think we are still focused on God when we are being openly political, the world may be unable to distinguish between the two. Are we willing to take the chance that Christ is being obscured by our behavior? Better a soul won than an election.

All political parties have ungodly foundations. They all espouse unbiblical principles, and some are worse than others. We must pray and study our Bibles as we prepare to vote as people of God.

We must ask as we vote, “How will our vote affect the moral condition of the country and our religious freedoms?”

When politics and racial attitudes mix, things become explosive, and no one can handle it without unnatural skill and diplomacy. God’s people wade in very dangerous waters when they fail to be wise and careful as they walk there. Evangelistic opportunities can be destroyed forever.

If a salesman becomes a Christian and he obsessively tries to sell to every person he sees, it is unlikely he will ever be able to evangelize because people will never be able to trust his intentions. Likewise, when we talk more about our political party than our Savior, people are justified in being dubious of our intentions.

Denying our Savior by inadvertent means, is still a denial and Satan is glorified.

Is Homosexuality Unnatural?

by Richard Mansel

The homosexual influence in America has spread to theological circles and gay ministers and scholars have begun to re evaluate Scripture in the light of a “homosexual hermeneutic.” Chief among these is John Boswell’s work, Christianity, Social Tolerance and Homosexuality (1980).

In his exegesis of Romans 1:26 27 Boswell uses three arguments to trivialize the sexual aspect of these verses.

One, that idolatry (which he associates with temple prostitution) is not the point of this passage.
Secondly, that Paul simply rebukes Gentile behavior. They could have seen evidences of God in the powers of nature, yet, they turned to idols (1:19 23). Therefore, Boswell posits, “the reference to homosexuality is simply a mundane analogy to this theological sin.”
Thirdly, Boswell argues that Paul is condemning “homosexual acts by apparently heterosexual persons.” (3)

Many scholars do feel that idolatry is the point of this passage. Moo cites the Wisdom of Solomon as saying, “the idea of making idols was the beginning of fornication” (14:12). Their idolatry was the progenitor of their homosexual and lesbian tendencies.

Morris says that the flow of the reading requires that idolatry be the antecedent of the punishment. (4) Bahnsen adds that “in this context Paul was teaching the wrath of God as revealed against those who turn from this proper relationship to the Creator (and) various forms of idolatry.” (5)

Contextually, Boswell falls short of his goal. If we accept the background of the Roman Church being torn apart by the Claudian expulsion of 47 49 AD then his argument become even more tenuous. (6) Under this scenario Jews and some non Jewish Christians were expelled leaving an exclusively Gentile congregation. Upon the return of the Jews, problems concerning the history and birthright of the Israelite nation arose. If the first chapter is received in this light it appears to develop a more accessible line of reasoning.

After addressing the church as a body in 1:8, Paul breaks them into separate groups of Jews and Gentiles. Gentiles were separate from God as a race but close to God as human beings. By viewing the power of nature, God should have been evident. Yet, they turned to idols and “professing to be wise, they became fools” (1:22). Assimilating the sin of idolatry into their culture brought uncleanness, lust and the misuse of sexuality.

Having then made this progression, Paul turns to an example to verify his statements. It had to be depraved and shocking enough to elicit the proper response. Gentiles had even turned to gay/lesbian sex for fulfillment and happiness. In doing so, they had committed what was “debased” (1:28) and “shameful” (1:27). Because they had turned from Jehovah they had found degradation.

An understanding of the word “natural” in this passage is imperative. Scripture says, “God gave them up to ‘vile passions’ (Rom. 1:26, NKJV); ‘dishonorable passions’ (RSV); ‘degrading passions’ (NEB, NASB, NRSB, NAB); ‘vile affections’ (KJV, Amplified Bible); ‘shameful lusts’ (NIV); ‘shameful affections’ (Rheims). Thayer defines it as “base lusts, vile passions.” (7) Bauer translates it as “shameful passions.” (8)

Scroggs suggests that Paul’s knowledge of homosexuality was less than extensive and ostensibly from the rumor mill. (9) This denies Paul’s expansive education, natural intelligence and inspiration as a writer. Paul studied with the esteemed Gamaliel (Acts 22:30), was cognizant of the arts (Acts 17:16 34) and even was a lecturer in the school of Tyranus (Acts 19:9). Obviously, he was astute enough to know something about homosexuality, especially if it were as prominent as Boswell claims.

Romans 1:26 says, “for even their women exchanged the natural use for what was against nature.” The word “exchanged” plays a crucial part in this passage, “emphasizing the direct parallelism between the rejection of God and the rejection of created sexual roles.” (10)

Back in 1:23 Paul said the Gentiles “exchanged” idols for God and in 1:25 they “exchanged the truth of God for a lie.” Hays notes that the deliberate repetition of the verb, metexallan, forges a powerful rhetorical link between the rebellion against God and the ‘shameless acts’ (1:27, RSV) which are themselves both evidence and consequence of that rebellion.” (11)

The women ‘exchanged,” Thayer says, “one thing for another,” meaning the sacred sexual union between the husband and wife. (12) Bauer defines it as “an exchange of natural sex relations for those that are contrary to nature.” (13)

“What does the word “natural” here mean? Boswell claims that it means what is natural to each person. More precisely, that some are born homosexual and some heterosexual and the abandoning of that natural inclination would be “unnatural” and sinful. (14)

Furnish seeks to provide a historical context for Paul’s teachings here. These statements are a result of the beliefs of the day, and as he sees it, anti Biblical. (15). First, it was universally believed that homosexual intercourse was “overriding their natural desire for the opposite sex.” Second, homoerotic acts were intrinsically lustful and a result of an “insatiable sexual appetite.”

Third, that intercourse requires a passive and active participant. These roles have by nature been assigned to the husband and wife so homosexual intercourse is a violation of this “law.” Fourth, that homosexuality could lead to the extinction of the human species.

These prejudices, Furnish thinks, that clouded Paul’s mind and tainted his teachings were a result of his innate bigotry. However, if that were true then Paul’s writings were not inspired, and Scripture is erroneous and argument from it is superfluous anyway.

If Paul’s writings were not inspired as he claimed (2 Tim. 3:16 17) then he was a liar and a deceiver (cf. Acts 9:1 9; 2 Pet. 3:14 16) and he was setting out to destroy the church through clandestine methods.

Paul was a man of esteemed intelligence and training through a privileged upbringing (Acts 22:3). Therefore, Paul knew the Old Testament Scriptures and sought them as his source of contention against those who would purport homosexuality. Furnish’s points are such that they can be easily dismissed with a fundamental perspective on Scripture (Gen. 2:20 25; 19; Lev. 18:22; 20:13).

Paul did have in mind that homosexuality was intrinsically sinful and wholly unnatural but it was due to the teachings of Scripture rather than petty prejudices.

Boswell sees “nature” as a “matter of character” rather than a “moral force.” (16) It should be understood as the “personal nature of the pagans in question.” He calls into question the accepted definition of the word “against” in 1:26 since in other places it does not mean “in opposition to” citing Romans 11:23 24 he asks if it means “moral turpitude” then how could it be applied to God? Rather, “it signifies behavior which is unexpected, unusual or different from which would occur in the normal order of things: beyond nature, perhaps, but not immoral.” (17)

Hays discusses Boswell’s use of para physin in other contexts. Boswell, in a footnote, acknowledges that “in certain stock phrases such as para doxan ‘contrary’ may be the best rendering of para with the accusative.” (18) Hays responds by pointing out that para physin is just such a stock phrase, but Boswell gives no hint of this fact to his readers.” (19)

Hays continues, “whether intentionally or not (Boswell) leaves the impression that Paul’s turn of phrase ought to be interpreted in light of various other Pauline constructions using the preposition para, without reference to the occurrence of the stereotypical para physin throughout Hellenistic literature.” (20)

DeYoung gives these possible meanings for physis in Romans 1:26 27. (21) First, “origin, including birth and growth.” Second, “the natural form or constitution of a person, animal or thing.” Third, the regular order of nature.” Fourth, “philosophically, nature as an originating power.” Fifth, “creature or mankind.” Sixth, “kind or sort.” Seventh, “sex.” Eighth, “approximately equal to nomos. In the third example kata physin and para physin are included.

Helmut Koester translates physis as one’s tendency.(22) Their nature is given and not one”dependent on conscious direction or education.” It was often tied to the universal nature of God and the adjectival form often refers to “natural law” and that which cannot be changed.

In Stoic thought physis was a universal divine principle. (23) Of Romans 1:26 27 Koester says, “the stress on sexual faults corresponds to the so called Noahic commandments of Rabbinic Judaism but in tenor and formulation it is in every way Greek in Paul, the idea being that of a violation of the natural order.” (24)

DeYoung goes as far as saying, “never does the term physis mean ‘what is natural to me,’ in Greek literature or Biblical contexts.” (25) Meye says it is translated as the “forces or laws which govern the world and its inhabitants.” (26) Moo translates it as a “violation of God’s created order.” (27)

Holter thinks Paul is purposefully providing a contrast with the creation of male and female in Genesis 1:26 28. (28) There it was “natural” and here it is “unnatural.” Cranfield points out that it must refer to “unnatural sexual relations.” (29) Hays notes of the meaning of para physin that in the area of horticultural it can have the “relatively neutral meaning of para physin that in the area of horticultural it can have the :relatively neutral meaning of artificial.” (30)

In 1:17 24 Paul “artfully plays this meaning in counterpoint with the phrase’s lingering connotations of unseemliness.” But, in 1:26 27 it is the very context, supposedly which denies its sinfulness, that “insures that sexual acts are contrary to nature and are given a negative moral evaluation.” (31)

Boswell, while providing the scholarly community with a worthy discussion on the homosexual hermeneutics, nevertheless falls short of his goal. The evidence is against him in diluting the sinfulness of homosexuality in Scripture because it is clearly taught throughout God’s Word. However, this argument is far from over because to gain widespread acceptance in American culture gays must prove their behavior is natural.

If so proven then they can justifiably classify themselves as victims and the game will be lost. But, even if that occurs God’s Word will still be just as adamant against the gay lifestyle.

Notes

1. John Boswell, Christianity, Social Tolerance and Homosexuality (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1980), 108.

2. Ibid.

3. Ibid.

4. Leon Morris, The Epistle to the Romans (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1988), 92.

5. Greg L. Bahnsen, Homosexuality: A Biblical View (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1978), 48.

6. Donald G. Miller, “The Epistle to the Romans,” in The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, ed. and trans. Geoffrey W. Bromiley (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1988), 4:225.

7. Joseph H. Thayer, Thayer’s Greek English Lexicon of the New Testament (Broadman: Nashville, 1977), 660.

8. Walter Bauer, William F. Ardnt and F. Wilbur Gingrich, A Greek English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1979), 869.

9. Robin Scruggs, The New Testament and Homosexuality: Contextual Background for Contemporary Debate (Philadephia: Fortress, 1983), 43.

10. Richard B. Hays, “Relations Natural and Unnatural: A Response to John Boswell’s Exegesis of Romans 1, Journal of Religious Ethics 14/1 (Spring 1986), 192.

11. Ibid.

12. Thayer, 405.

13. Bauer, 511.

14. Boswell, 109.

15. Victor Paul Furnish, “The Bible and Homosexuality: Reading the Texts in Context,” In Homosexuality in the Church: Both Sides of the Debate. ed. by Jeffrey S. Siker (Louisville: Westminister/John Knox Press, 1994), 26 28.

16. Boswell, 109.

17. Ibid.

18. Boswell, 111 112.

19. Hays, 198.

20. Ibid.

21. James De Young, “The Meaning of ‘Nature’ in Romans 1 and Its Implications for the Biblical Proscriptions of Homosexual Behavior,” Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 31/4 (December 1988), 430.

22. Helmut Koester, “Physis, Physikos,” in The Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, ed. and trans. Gerhard Friedrich (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1974), 251.

23. Ibid, 263 266.

24. Ibid, 273.

25. DeYoung, 438.

26. Robert P. Meye, ‘Nature, Natural,” in The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, ed. Geoffrey W. Bromiley (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1986), 3:486 487.

27. Moo, 109.

28. Knut Holter, “A Note on the Old Testament Background of Romans 1:23 27,” Biblische Notizen 69 (Muchen 1993) 21 23.

29. C.E.B. Cranfield, A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans (Edinburgh: T&T Clark Limited, 1975), 1:126.

30. Hays, 199.

31. Ibid.

The Coming Day of the Lord

by Richard Mansel

INTRODUCTION

In an age of uncertainty, hope is the most desirable destination. We need to know that someone is in charge and has answers. As the government and experts flail away, hopeless as to what to do, God stands quietly competent. Man’s failures and foibles are as stark a contrast against God’s backdrop of perfection, as can be imagined.

God is the answer, the peace, the prosperity and the promise. However, it cannot be purchased. Man is helpless to obtain it by legal or clandestine means. It lies only in Christ and is found within the pages of Scripture (Romans 10:17). Moreover, the answers we crave come to fruition in the afterlife, where negotiations, schemes, bribery, class order and position cease to exist.

The Lord will be on the throne, we will stand before him, craving his mercy (Eph. 2:8-9). Yet, the decision will have been made in the quiet moments in our daily lives.

The second coming is certain, and our choice must be made today.

PETER’S EXPERIENCE

Simon Peter is a complex man who comes to 2 Peter with the wisdom of time and experience. His epistles are reminiscent of Ecclesiastes as the aged man shares his scars and the lessons he gained from them. Accordingly, readers, who study his life, are able to find a cornucopia of lessons.

A study of Peter’s journey allows us to see behind the Scriptures and gain insight into his words. Peter’s failings are legendary in Scripture. His impetuousness led him to a host of reprimands from the Lord.

His love for Jesus exceeded his wisdom and understanding, and he unwittingly stood in the way of the Savior he passionately loved.

First, Jesus taught his disciples about the reality of his death and Peter scolded the Christ.”Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee” (Matt. 16:22). Jesus chastised him for doing the work of Satan by trying to intervene in His heavenly mission (Matt. 16:23).

Second, Peter swore that he would die with the Lord (John 13:37). Nevertheless, Jesus prophesied that Peter would deny Him three times (John 13:38). When the Roman soldiers came to arrest Jesus, Peter once again stood in the way (John 18:10). Jesus told Peter that His mission was to do the will of the Father (John 18:11).

After Jesus was arrested, Peter denied that he knew Jesus, just as prophesied (Luke 22:54-62). The rooster crowed.

“And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice” (Luke 22:61).

Peter undoubtedly wondered if it was all over for him. If Jesus was dead, then he might never be forgiven. Apparently he feared the death of Jesus because he might never get Jesus back again. He would be lost forever without his Savior.

Later, Jesus visited with Peter and let him know that he would still do great things in the kingdom (John 21).

The failures of Peter’s life are still on his mind as he writes his epistles. After the greeting in 1 Peter, he immediately turns to something dear to his heart.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:3) (All quotations will be from the King James Version).

Peter understood all too well the necessity of mercy and the resurrection of Jesus. He desperately needed the mercy and grace of Jesus after his sins. Moreover, he was one of the first ones to the empty tomb of Jesus (John 20:1-10).

Not surprisingly, the first words out of his mouth in these epistles are about the promise of heaven. When he writes to the persecuted saints in these epistles, he speaks with authority and experience, having spent a good bit of time incarcerated for his faith (Acts 4:3; 5:17-18; 12:3-19). Advanced in age, he longed to find the rest of heaven (Matthew 11:28-29).

ENCOURAGING AND WARNING

Peter’s urgency is obvious as he begins the final chapter of his two epistles with an explanation of why he is writing about something familiar to his readers.

We should never have the idea that we only need to hear something once. Some complain if the preacher preaches on something they already know. This is naive and selfish. We need to be reminded of God’s teachings and we are not the only ones in the audience. Moreover, we gain a better understanding of fundamentals, so we can teach it to others.

“The things which Peter would have them recall were the principles, the prophecy, the truth, and the doctrine which the apostles and prophets had taught them.” (Woods, 180).

First principles are extremely important, and the matters under discussion carry even more weight. Amidst persecutions, nothing was more important than the affirmation that Christ would be faithful until the end (Revelation 2:10).

Peter’s love for his readers is clear as he calls them “beloved,” which “contrasts with the vehement pronouncements against the false teachers and mockers” in previous verses (Coffman). (2 Peter 3:1,14,17).

Peter has just been attacking the enemies of the cross in anger. His tone changes as he addresses the faithful Christians whom he loves. Because of his gentleness, he feels the need to return to the subject close to his heart. His final days are undoubtedly heavy on his heart.

Peter knew that the persecution against the Lord’s Church would claim his own life, so it was his passion to remain vigilant and vocal in his encouragement to the saints.

Jesus told Peter:

“Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not” (John 21:18).

In times of respite and calm, the intricacies of a storm are unimportant. However, when the wind scatters our picnic, we are suddenly alert.

Facing the persecutions of the day, Peter’s audience was undoubtedly interested in Peter’s topic at hand. He was in the same place they were – under threat by Satan and his agents.

Peter had keen insight into the Man of Darkness (1 John 1:5). Peter had seen his handy work.

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8).

As a result, Peter must warn his brethren and encourage them to cling to the Savior. Peter wanted them to be reminded of Satan and his agents as he continues through the chapter. Scoffers served Satan well in Peter’s day as they did to Israel when they were trying to rebuild Jerusalem (Ezra 4:1-5; Nehemiah 4:1-3).

The scoffers would claim:

“Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation” (2 Peter 3:4).

“Far from being any intelligent and well-reasoned objection, the mockery of the scoffers was merely a loud and arrogant denial. This is a perfect example of the enmity of the carnal mind against God” (Coffman).

“Cynicism is as old as the human race. It is the particular affliction of those who demand no law and no restraints.” (Warden, 414).

“The motivating factor of the mockers is stressed-they walk after their own lusts. The warning is not new, for from the prophets through the apostles of the Lord, the warning has been issued and the action of the mockers condemned” (Gospel Advocate, 350).

“Years had passed, generations had died, and still the Lord had not returned. The false teachers exploited a disappointed hope that had been long in the making.” (Warden, 415).

Nothing has changed today. Nearly two thousand years have passed, and Christ has not returned. Accordingly, people become cynical. Jesus endured mocking and persecution and so shall we (John 15:18-19).

The Christians must ignore their mocking and return to the only undeniable thing they possessed. God’s Word will never let them down (Hebrews 13:5; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). Peter directed them back to the Scriptures and the inspired Words of the Lord.

“Peter appeals to the apostles and prophets and their teachings since the Scriptures had not been completed” (Woods, 180).

Today, we have the completed canon and can confidently proclaim the promises of God, contained in Scripture, knowing they will come to pass (Psalm 111:7-8).

God, who cannot lie (Titus 1:2), promised that the Lord would return and Peter wanted to build the confidence of the persecuted saints, so their faith would endure to the end.

COMING DAY OF THE LORD

Peter appeals to creation and the flood, displaying the power and glory of God (2 Peter 3:5-6). If God could accomplish creating the universe with a thought, He could certainly finish the job in the end. Scripture is very clear that there will be a judgment. Trying to avoid this certainty is foolishness.

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10).

“Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead” (Acts 17:31).

“The false teachers failed to understand that the appearance of the Lord Jesus for judgment was no afterthought of Christian doctrine. That Jesus will return is a bold declaration that human history is going somewhere” (Warden, 416).

John even described the judgment scene where we will all stand before the throne of Christ to be judged by our works (Revelation 20:11-15). We will be judged by the words of Christ, not men (John 12:48). Accordingly, the only one we should be listening to is Christ (John 14:1-3).

Augustine said, “God is patient because he is eternal.” (Coffman). The Word will come true. Yet, since we do not know when, we must always be ready (Hebrews 9:27).

God does not exist in time, as we know it. It is not the framework around which He operates. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD” (Isaiah 55:8).

“It is unbecoming for God’s creation to attempt to force on Him the fleeting conception of time to which humankind is bound” (Warden, 421).

For God, “one day is with the Lord as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day” (2 Peter 3:8). The Psalmist writes, “For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night” (Psalm 90:4). Jesus said, “But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only” (Matthew 24:36).

We cannot count on extra time thinking God is too busy or unconcerned about His Son’s return. God’s will is moving forward and we have no idea when it will culminate. The end is certain and it can happen today or in a thousand years.

Even though we do not know when the judgment will arrive, we do know when ours will come. When we die, there is no longer any sacrifice for sins. There is nothing we can do. Therefore, when we die, it is our judgment day. So, in one respect, the day of the judgment is superfluous. We must all be ready for our death and that may come at any time.

God does not want any of us to be lost but we have freewill and can choose to follow Christ or ignore Him. “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9; cf. Romans 2:4).

“Here the writer of this epistle enables us to view the summit of the Christian faith, and to rise to a magnificent conception of God” (Coffman). God is consummate goodness. However, He has given us a choice and must abide by it. Heaven and hell are both eternal and real (Matthew 25:46).

“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up” (2 Peter 3:10; cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6).

Everything that we know in our universe will be destroyed, which is beyond the imagination of humanity. We simply cannot conceive of it with our own senses. Only faith can save us (Hebrews 11:1,6).

“For a fire is kindled in mine anger, and shall burn unto the lowest hell, and shall consume the earth with her increase, and set on fire the foundations of the mountains” (Deuteronomy 32:22).

“The word for noise is a powerful word used for, ‘the swish of an arrow through the air, the rumbling of thunder, the crackle of flames, the scream of the lash as it descends, the rushing of mighty waters, or the hissing of a serpent.’” (Coffman).

“As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world” (Matt. 13:40).

“Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable” (Luke 3:17).

Nothing will remain of humanity’s feeble accomplishments. The moment will dwarf the laughable Tower of Babel (Gen. 11:1-9). Man’s absurdity will be exposed as God incinerates the universe.

All that remains will be the Godhead and the spiritual aspects of humanity. Everything that humans use to divide will be gone. We will stand helpless before God to be judged according to our deeds (Romans 2:6; Matthew 16:27; Revelation 2:23).

The terror of that day, in the mind of the unfaithful, scoffers and atheists, will be unprecedented. Nothing can prepare us for what will happen if we are outside of Christ. How do we avoid the eternal nightmare from which we cannot awaken?

HOW CAN WE BE SAVED?

“Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness” (2 Peter 3:11).

“The great ethical purpose of Christianity is clear in this. Christ came to save people from their sins, not in their sins; and the recognition of the ultimate fate of all created things, to say nothing of the immediate fate of all mortals, should have but one issue, that of godliness and holy living.” (Coffman).

Salvation is only found in Christ. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3).

We cannot hope to be saved outside of Christ. We will be as helpless as those outside of the Ark (Gen. 8:15-22).

We must be immersed into Christ for the remission of our sins (Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3-4; Galatians 3:27). It is the only path of salvation available to us (John 14:6; 1 Peter 3:21).

The final fire will burn off the dross and leave the golden and precious. The soul is all that matters and it is often the last thing man considers.

“Whatever wealth one accumulates will be left behind. Whatever one builds will wear out and fail. Even if we were to have no faith in God, it would be foolish to order one’s life as if it were no end to it. For the unbeliever, there appears to be only a sorry, hopeless faith that human life means no more than the life of a salamander or a sow bug. One lives for whatever sensual pleasures he can enjoy and then dies” (Warden, 426).

“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14).

Will we be ready when the end comes? Will we be ready to face the final judge when our lives end? If not, make them right today!

Works Cited

Coffman, Burton, E-Sword.

King James Version http://www.olivetree.com/

N/A (1982-1983), Gospel Advocate Companion Annual Lesson Commentary on Uniform Bible Lessons (Nashville: Gospel Advocate).

Warden, Duane (2009), 1 & 2 Peter and Jude in the Truth for Today Commentary Series. General Editor, Eddie Cloer (Searcy: Resource Publication).

Woods, Guy N. (1966), A Commentary on the New Testament Epistles of Peter, John and Jude (Nashville: Gospel Advocate).

Writing Tip

A skilled writer finds uncommon ways to express common things. We must never allow average into our vocabulary. The difference between plopping down a few words and turning them until they are perfect is a chasm as wide as comparing a young boy pitching a toy football in his bedroom to the MVP quarterback tossing spirals in the Super Bowl.