Jesus: the Lamb of God

“Behold! The Lamb of God  who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29. John the Baptist did not have a long recorded career in Scripture, but from what we know of him, this declaration upon seeing Jesus, the Christ, was perhaps one of the greatest recorded in the New Testament.

Hebrews Chapter Three Part 5

3:15-19 While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation. For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses. But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness? And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not? So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.

This passage is prefaced in verses 13 and 14 by the reminder that we are to exhort one another daily so that none are hardened by sin’s deceit, and that we only become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast until the end. These verses, coupled with the passage we are now considering, is reminiscent of John chapter 15, verses 1-8.

The Silly-Putty Bible

I'm constantly upset and disturbed by Christians and Christian "pastors" who like to teach their church that the Bible was merely the subjective babblings of men who used heavy symbolism to attempt to convey contemporary meaning to their audience; essentially relegating any genuine, authoritative or objective point they may have tried to have been making into total obscurity.

If the Bible is only subjectively true, rife with symbols and apt to mean different things to different people (depending on culture, education, etc) then in truth we are using semantics to say the Bible effectively means nothing. It teaches nothing. If it is subject to my opinion of what a text means, rather than an objective truth presented by the Holy Spirit for my acceptance or rejection (but hardly my interpretation), then the word of God is in fact only the word of man. Perhaps it is the word of men who were seeking after God, with some of God's actual word scattered throughout its pages, but is that any better? Who determines which parts God actually inspired, and which were simply human musings, subject to deterioration? And what of the writers who claimed to be speaking for God, inspired BY God? If nothing else can be said about them, they were either demented or deliberate liars.

I think the idea of saying the Bible was written by fallible men who were speaking to their generation is perhaps some backward attempt to salvage the Bible. Some Christians believe the Bible is precise when it comes to morals and eternal matters, but hazy and replete with error when it speaks of history, science or anything that can be empirically verified. But if what can be verified by secular corroboration is at fault, then how am I inspired to believe in a God for my eternal welfare that can't get temporal details right? The Bible becomes a sad relic from the past that ought not to be respected, but quietly set aside and forgotten.

I also believe that people today suffer from chronological snobbery. They think that people today are far smarter than those who lived 2000-3000 years ago. Yet the people who lived in such times gave us complex mathematics, philosophy, and structures that cannot be replicated even today, with techniques that continue to elude the modern mind. If the Second Law of Thermodynamics is correct, then the human mind (a close system) is winding down along with the rest of creation. Man isn't on an upward path of evolutionary change into some eventual god-like being; we are breaking down along with the rest of the world. Joshua said the same when he told Israel: "Behold this day I am going the way of all the earth," Joshua 23:14. He understood that the very planet he inhabited was not going to endure, but was breaking down, just like he was, and would eventually cease to be. In layman's terms, I believe we have become LESS intelligent than our ancestors as time as progressed.

The Bible speaks implicitly that Christians would forsake the faith and have their itching ears tickled by teachers who were not interested in God's word, it's integrity or accuracy, but in leading astray people to follow after them. When you depart in this fashion, actively telling people to doubt the veracity of the Bible, you have replaced the Bible as the authority of spiritual matters. Because who will the church body turn to when questions regarding its interpretation arise? The pastor, of course! Some will decide on their own, but many will follow that old and erroneous saying "want to know your standing with God? Check your relationship with your pastor." The Bible has withstood every acid test used against it, and still people prefer to doubt rather than trust because the pressure of an unbelieving world bears down on them. Either the Bible is totally trustworthy and an objective source of divine truth for the believer to use like as road map to navigate this life, or it is a hodge-podge of useless wranglings of men who deceived both themselves and their readers. You can't have it both ways, to say "I teach the word of God in truth...but only the parts that actually might be true..."

Again, Joshua challenged Israel in his day, and the challenge stands for every professing Christian who thinks they belong to God: "If it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve," Joshua 24:15. Turning from God and maligning His word, altering His word, failing to teach ALL of His word, is effectually committing the sin Israel would chronically be guilt of: failure to adhere 100% to God's revealed word. 99% is disobedience, and therefore a rejection of the Lord's rule for your own, because your supplanting His wisdom with your own, determining for Him which parts of the Bible He got wrong. Furthermore, our sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, is whittled down to a paring knife if we cast constant doubt over any part we find disagreeable, or supposed experts long to reveal as defunct and wrought with error. You're a soldier on a battlefield without a weapon; in other words, you are a sure fire casualty in this war.

To the pastors and teachers who commit such sins, I would implore you to stop poisoning the minds of people who look to you for spiritual leadership. You yourself are blind, because it is only God's revealed word that is a light unto our path, and a lamp for our feet, Psalm 119:105. Jesus warned the blind leading the blind would result in both (teacher and student) falling into a ditch. The word of God, by the leading of the Holy Spirit who dwells in His saints, teaches us what is true. It's time for the saints to be strong, trust that their God is likewise strong, and believe that the Bible is accurate, objective, divinely inspired truth; not only for the generation in which it was written, but entirely applicable today, here and now. Otherwise you may one day find yourself hearing those horrifying words from our Savior: "I never knew you, depart from Me," Matthew 7:23.

Hebrews Chapter Three Part 4

3:12-14 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end

We now come to what many would consider a trouble passage, while others regard it is a proof positive that falling away can and does occur with genuinely saved Christians. But does it? What is this passage truly saying in the context of this chapter, and this epistle? We shall see.

Hebrews Chapter Three Part 3

3:7-11 Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice, Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness: When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years. Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways. So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.)

This passage is quoted from Psalm 95:7-11, and was written in reference to the rebellion of Israel in the desert. Led by Moses, the infant nation became afraid of the denizens of Canaan when they spied out the land. Despite God assuring them that He would give them victory over the people of Canaan the Israelites rebelled and tried to appoint a new leader to bring them back to Egypt. The men of war who rebelled would all die over the next forty years since they did not trust in God or His word that He would do what He said He would for them. Their hearts became hard through the deceitfulness of sin, Hebrews 3:13.

Updates on the Fight for Academic Freedom

This is an excerpt from  the Discovery Institute, which I receive via email periodically. My desire is to keep people apprised and aware of what is going on, and hopefully stimulate a little effort on the part of academic freedom to speak about the issues here involved without fear. It seems Darwinism does not like being challenged; but that only begs the question, why? Are the advocates of Darwinism unwilling to consider plausible alternatives, or is there something else at work here? A fair count of evolutionary scientists are beginning to come forward and admit that their theory (Darwinian Evolution) is filled with holes. I know that it's difficult to change one's mind, especially when it is something  that boasts such amazing implications, but isn't the alternative intellectual suicide? I leave the reader to decide.

Hebrews Chapter Three part 2

3:5-6 And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after; But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.

Again we are reminded of Moses’ fidelity toward God. He performed his duties as a servant, for the sake of giving testimony about things to come. Moses did indeed receive glory from God. We can recall that when Moses descended the mountain in God’s presence that his face shone with God’s glory, and Moses was a well polished mirror that could, in his humility and servitude, reflect that glory in such a way that it actually frightened people. His exposure to God on the mountain, the closeness of God’s presence, had given Moses a radiance of beauty that was not his own. Apparently this radiance was so unearthly that none of Israel would approach him unless he hid his face from them, Exodus 34:29-35.

Hebrews Chapter Three Part 1

3:1 Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus

This verse is a succinct appeal for the believer (the writer’s brethren) to consider Jesus Christ. The Greek word for “consider” is “kataneuo” and means “the action of the mind in apprehending certain facts about a thing.” This same verb is used once more in Hebrews in regards to our fellow Christians when we read: “Let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,” Hebrews 10:24.

Praise for the Lord's Mercy

This is simply a personal praise I wanted to share regarding God's fidelity toward us. Among many prayers answered of late, of which it is too numerous to make mention of them all, I wanted to share this: I have, for the past three years at least, had a lipoma on my right shoulder.

Hebrews Chapter Two Part 6

2:16-17 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.

Our present verse very clearly states that Jesus Christ is not an angel. He does not share the nature of angels, being created beings, nor has He associated Himself with them by taking on their likeness. Rather He came as a Man, born from Abraham, through Judah’s bloodline, of the House of David; thoroughly a Jew in the flesh, Romans 1:3; 9:5.

Academic Freedom?

I wanted to pass along this message in an effort to bring this to light. Please share this with everyone and anyone you can. It is worth our time to become involved, because what we lose through idleness will be very costly.

Hebrews Chapter Two Part 5

2:14-15 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

When Satan and his angels rebelled against God, God created a place separated from Him where He could consign the rebel angels forever. That place is the Lake of Fire, Matthew 25:41. Hell is merely a holding cell where the worst offending angels and the souls of unsaved men go to await the final sentencing at the Great White Throne, 2nd Peter 2:4; Revelation 20:14.

Hebrews Chapter Two Part 4

2:11-13 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee. And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me.

Jesus is the one who sanctifies the sinner. We are those (who have believed the gospel) that are sanctified; we are one in Christ. The Greek verb “hagiazo” means to “make holy, purify or consecrate” and is derived from another word that describes separation; being separated from sin and consecrated to God like the holy vessels in the OT. Just as Jesus shared in our humanity and became fully man, so now we who have believed receive imputed righteousness which permits us to be called children of God, John 1:12; 1st John 3:1.

Hebrews Chapter Two Part 3

2:9-10 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.

It is now contrasted what we do not see (what we have dominion over) against what we do see, Jesus our Lord. The Greek word for “made” in this verse is “elattoo” and means “to lessen in rank or influence. It signifies being made less or inferior in quality, position or dignity.” Christ our Lord was brought down from His unique position of God the Son and incarnated in flesh; He never ceased being God, but chose voluntarily to make Himself of no reputation, coming in the form of a man, Philippians 2:7.

Hebrews Chapter Two Part 2

2:5-8 For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak. But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him? Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands: Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him.

The angels are ministering companions to the saints, as we have already seen in Hebrews 1:14; we shall enjoy their company for eternity in the new Heavens and Earth. They will not be beneath us as slaves, but are fellow servants, Revelation 19:10. Though this passage does in fact indicate that our joint rule with Christ our Lord will place as above the angels in authority, which is positively mind boggling.

Hebrews Chapter Two Part 1

2:1 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.

The NKJV renders the latter portion of this verse “lest we drift away.” The Bible seems to teach that one is either advancing in their spiritual walk or regressing; there is no standing fast and holding ground. I am either walking with the Lord, and strengthening my feeble limbs (Hebrews 12:12-13) or I am walking away from God, which compels our Lord to walk contrary to us, Amos 3:3; Leviticus 26:23-24. The whole idea of our life on this earth is one of pilgrimage, Hebrews 11:13-14. This world and what it represents is no longer our home; we have been transferred from Satan’s kingdom to Christ’s via the new birth and the power of the Holy Spirit, Colossians 1:13.

Hebrews Chapter One Part 8

1:10-12 And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail.

This next quotation from the Old Testament focuses the reader once more on the primacy and supremacy of Jesus Christ over the created order. Note the little word “and” at the beginning of the verse. At the beginning of verse 8 the writer establishes the fact that his OT quotes are in reference to the person of Jesus Christ. The conjunction “and” denotes that his train of thought is being carried over to verses 10 through 12. Both Heaven and earth are the works of Christ’s hands. As the Creator of the universe He has power and authority to change it as it suits Him; and we read that one day He will do just that. The material universe perishes, but Christ is eternal and His years “fail not.”

Hebrews Chapter One Part 7

1:8-9 But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.

Quoted from Psalm 45, we have a snippet of conversation between the Father and the Son. Here, in unflinching and unabashed words, do we have a bold declaration of Christ’s native deity. “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever…” One thing cannot be mistaken: the Biblical writers (and Jesus Himself) all believed Christ to be God. What is this throne the Father speaks of? Hearken back to Psalm 2, when the Father promises the Son the kingdoms of the world, to reign over them. This vision of the Messiah or the Christ reigning over a world-wide kingdom is explored in Daniel.

Hebrews Chapter One Part 6

1:7 And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire.

The study of angels can easily become a massive distraction in our study of Scripture, and there seems to be a two pronged approach to them. Either they are largely ignored, or there is a fixation on angelic beings that is quite unhealthy. I would venture that a fixation on angels is worse than ignoring them, since it may eventually lead us into a morbid study of demonology and Satanism. While angels, both holy and fallen, are very real and quite capable of interacting with the world of men, it is unwise to devote too much time to them, since they are not our God and Savior, but a fellow servant such as we are. Contrarily, neglecting their reality is equally unwise; if they had no importance God would not have created them and used them (and still use them) to interact with us.

Hebrews Chapter One Part 5

1:4-6 Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.

The writer of Hebrews begins to discuss the nature of Jesus and of angels, contrasting one against the other. It is immediately clear then that Jesus Christ is not an angel. The first chapter of Hebrews alone dissolves the Jehovah’s Witnesses’ contention that Jesus Christ is Michael the archangel. Yet the writer of Hebrews states clearly that Jesus is not an angel. Jude refers to Michael in his epistle, addressing a conversation the archangel had with Satan. Though we are not told the particulars of the conversation, it culminates with Michael telling Satan that the Lord will rebuke him. The language and tense of the verse in Jude suggests an attitude of fear while Michael was addressing Satan; certainly not an attitude Jesus possessed even while incarnated as a man.

Two Days Late: A Fourth Year in Review

Missing the actual anniversary of my blog summarizes how this last year has been: busy.

My wife and I are one month shy of six years of marriage, while my son is a mere week shy of being two years old. My twin daughters rush toward their fourth birthday, of which they are both quite excited. This summer has been a flurry of activity already. I have recently launched book three in The Canticles of Andurun series: Dragonfyre. I'm working slowly on book six while I continue biblical studies on Hebrews and other areas which I shall later bring to light, God willing.

Hebrews Chapter One Part 4

1:3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high

Since the subject of verse 2 is Christ we know that the thought is carried on here in verse 3. To recap, Jesus is said to be the perfect revelation of God and the means by which He revealed Himself to us in these latter times. Also, Jesus is the heir of all things and the vehicle by which God created the universe. Following this train of thought we learn that Jesus is, more than these things, the sum expression of God. Jesus is the brightness of God’s glory (John 1:14) and the express image of His person, Colossians 2:9.

Hebrews Chapter One Part 3

1:1-2 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds

Christ is the heir of all things, and also the one through whom all things were made. Christ is the Creator. It is a simple confession of faith by the writer of Hebrews, one that he will assert again and again, that Christ is God and that we are His creation. To desert Jesus Christ, the living Word of God, after knowing such things, is not to honor God by reverting to Judaism for these Jews; it is to reject the revelation God vouchsafed them and apostatize. Judaism offered these Jewish Christians nothing any longer; going back to it meant that they preferred the physical, mechanical rituals of endlessly perpetuating sacrifice to the satisfaction of having that sacrifice for sin accomplished, and resting in that glorious truth. Judaism, as it were, was not meant to remain.

Hebrews Chapter One Part 2

1:1-2 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds

We begin our look into these verses with the simple declaration of the writer, who tells us that God had in various times and ways spoke to the Jewish fathers by the prophets. Not just to the Jews, however, but prior to the Flood He spoke to a sinful world through Abel, Enoch and perhaps other prophets (including Noah). His message of redemption and forthcoming judgment is hardly a new theme in the history of mankind. Halfway through the first 1600 years of mankind’s existence (roughly) Enoch was recorded having spoken of a time when the Lord would come with His saints to mete out judgment on the world that rejected Him and killed His prophets, Jude 1:14-15.

Hebrews Chapter One Part 1

The letter to the Hebrews was written by an anonymous author sometime prior to the destruction of the city of Jerusalem and its temple in 70 AD. This date is based on speculation regarding the writer’s silence concerning the temple’s destruction and the proof that would yield in that Jesus Christ fulfilled what the temple only foreshadowed. Mind you, remember then that the date is mere speculation.

3rd John Part 5

1:11-12 Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God. Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true.

In short order we come to the third man spotlighted in this brief epistle: Demetrius. Unlike Diotrephes who was overbearing and vying for sole rulership of the church, Demetrius was a man well spoken of. He had a good report from all men. I would assume that by this John means, saved or unsaved, men of every walk, if they knew Demetrius, only had good things to say about him.

3rd John Part 4

1:9-10 I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.

John informs Gaius that he had written a letter already addressed to the entire house church to which Gaius had previously belonged, but a man named Diotrephes refused to submit to the authority of the apostle. Apparently John must have been commending these itinerant preachers and asked the church to accept them and support them, but Diotrephes would have none of it.

3rd John Part 3

1:7-8 Because that for his name's sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles. We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.

John continues discussing the evangelists whom Gaius lent help to giving the reason why they have chosen the life they chose. It was for His name’s sake. The NASB renders the phrase “for the sake of the Name.” The word “name” is the Greek “onoma” and means “in general the “name” by which a person or place is called…for all that  a “name” implies, of authority, character, rank, majesty, power, excellence, etc, of everything that the “name” covers.”

ECKANKAR

I was in a local coffee shop the other day when I happened upon a brochure asking “when your child asks you about God, how will answer them?” This brochure belonged to a small but growing cult known as ECKANKAR, which is supposed to mean “co-worker with God,” but may intentionally be a perversion of “Ek Onkar” the name of the supreme deity of Shabda Yoga.

3rd John Part 2

1:4-6 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers; Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well:

Gaius appears to be a convert of John’s, since he refers to him as one of his children. You will note that when the apostle wrote to the matron of 2nd John that he rejoiced to find her children walking in truth; though she may have been a disciple of his, her children clearly were not. Were this a real woman and not in reference to a church body she was a godly mother who raised her offspring in the Scriptures like Timothy had been raised by his mother and grandmother, 2nd Timothy 1:5.

Catholicism vs. The Bible

A point - by - point comparison — Excerpted from  The Gospel According to Rome  by James McCarthy

Defender of the faith, Dave Hunt at home with the Lord

Roger Oakland's close friend Dave Hunt, has passed away and gone to be with the Lord. Roger and Dave spoke together at conferences around the world including countries such as Chile, Argentina. Paraguay, Mexico, USA, Canada, England and Russia. Dave was a beloved, humble brother who boldly proclaimed the truth and will be greatly missed by the countless number of lives he touched though the many books he wrote and the messages he delivered.

The following overview of Dave's life and ministry was published on the Berean Call web site:

Friday, April 5, 2013, Dave Hunt drew his final breath and entered into the presence of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. His beloved wife Ruth was at his side.

 

3rd John Part 1

1:1-3 The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth. Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.

John’s third epistle, an intimate letter written to a man named Gaius who is apparently attending a house church John is familiar with or had seeded, is something of a portfolio of three men. The first of whom we find in verse 1. John writes that Gaius is beloved, that his soul (or spiritual health) prospers, and that he walks in the truth; or perhaps said health prospers BECAUSE he walks in the truth.

Sin or Sins: Is There a Difference? Part 4

Hebrews 10:26-31 describes the folly of continuing in willful sin after one is saved. He likens the matter to the time of Israel under Moses when God gave them the Law. Anyone who transgressed the Law and was caught was killed on the testimony of witnesses, without mercy. Again, it cannot be overstated that the writer never mentions the spiritual state of the party killed by the Jews for law breaking; only that the Law demanded death for its infraction.

Sin or Sins: Is There a Difference? Part 3

The issue of sin has been dealt with efficiently and perfectly in Jesus Christ. It was done once for all, a phrase repeated for effect throughout Hebrews. Christ stands a Savior of all men, having destroyed the Devil’s works, which at least one of which was an impending fear of death, 1st John 3:8; Hebrews 2:14-15. The saint of God knows that the Devil’s works are destroyed since in Christ death holds no more fear. The love of God drives out fear of both death and judgment, 1st John 4:18. Jesus is the door through which a saint may walk into the eternal presence of the Father.

Sin or Sins: Is There a Difference? Part 2

Whereas the high priest entered the Holiest of All with the blood of bulls and goats once per year, Jesus entered “not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption,” Hebrews 9:12. The sacrifice Jesus made on our behalf goes well beyond merely “atoning” in the Old Testament sense of animal sacrifice.

Sin or Sins: Is There a Difference?

The Bible seems to give conflicting reports about what has been done for us regarding our state before God. Did Jesus Christ die for our sins individually, or did He die to put sin itself away? What I’m asking is, did our Lord atone for only some sins and not for others, or did He pay for all sins for all people, past, present and future, and therefore pay for sin (singular)?

2nd John Part 10

1:12-13 Having many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full. The children of thy elect sister greet thee. Amen.

It appears that John restrained himself from writing further to advance his conversation with his audience. He didn’t stop on account of having nothing more to say, but rather that he would finish saying these things face to face rather than through a letter. His intention was that their (mutual) joy may be full. Paul the apostle wrote much the same thing to the Christians at Rome when he said “For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me,” Romans 1:11-12.

2nd John Part 9

1:10-11 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.

Here John issues further warning to the elect lady that if such false evangelists arrive bearing this message that perverts the nature and person of Jesus Christ that she was not to admit him or even wish him well. There was to be no blessing given to someone so set against the truth of the gospel. Two possibilities exist here. Either the elect lady was the matron of a house church that gathered under her roof, or the “elect lady” is indeed a cipher for a church body that John may have planted.

2nd John Part 8

1:9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.

John tells us that failing to abide in the doctrine of Christ delivered first by the apostles and then by evangelists and others was a transgression, Matthew 28:20; John 15:14. The Greek word for “transgresseth” John uses is “parabaino” and means “to go contrary, to violate a command, to go aside, or to go beyond.” To teach opposite of what Christ taught, to violate His command, to turn aside from His word, or to go beyond His word by adding our own, is to transgress His doctrine.

2nd John Part 7

1:8 Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.

This verse first of all commands that Christians watch over one another, especially in terms of doctrinal deviance which results in moral degeneration. Paul writes that we are to bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ, Galatians 6:2. This is in regards to the Christian ministering to a saint that has gone astray, Galatians 6:1. We are to look after ourselves, but also have the interests of others in mind, Philippians 2:20-21. The word “likeminded” in Philippians 2:20 is the Greek “isopsuchos” and means “of equal soul.” This is the mindset that we have for the brethren; the exact same mindset that Christ Jesus has.

Unprompted

I don't normally write impromptu posts, but I was compelled to simply write and praise God for the marvelous, prayer answering, faithful and holy God that He is. He is so much kinder to us, so much more patient with us, than anyone deserves. This modern mentality which demands what we deserve does not take into account that we deserve nothing, and that what we do have this is good is only a gift from God, purely by His grace.

2nd John Part 6

1:6-7 And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it. For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.

We demonstrate our love in a visible, testable way by obeying the voice of God as He reveals His will in Scripture. We are to walk—that is, order our lives—after His commandments. Listen to one of Israel’s prophet’s concerning the nature of walking in the direction God points us in.

2nd John Part 5

1:4-5 I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father. And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.

John rejoices over the fact that some of this woman’s children are walking in the truth. It delights the apostle to know that the reception of the gospel has landed in the fertile soil of prepared hearts and has yielded a harvest of obedience. I use the word prepared not in any Calvinist sense, but with the notion that if someone sets their heart to find God, God will reward them with Himself as He promised, Jeremiah 29:13.

2nd John Part 4

1:2 For the truth's sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever.

John tells this matron that it is for the truth’s sake that she is loved; both by him and by all who have known the truth, verse 1. There are two important points that the apostle stresses about this truth which is the commonality if their love and faith. First, it dwells in them individually. Because there is this individual possession of the truth John speaks of there can be corporate unity amidst the brethren. Second, this truth shall be with “us” (namely every Christian) forever. The notion of “forever” (NKJV) conducts the idea of eternity. The truth dwells in us and will forever be with us.

2nd John Part 3

1:1 The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth, cont.

We know from hundreds of verses throughout the New Testament that faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ saves. For example:

“For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe,” 1st Corinthians 1:18-21.

2nd John Part 2

1:1 The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth, cont.

I do not expect this portion of my writing to be well received, but I am convinced that it is the Biblical structure the church was meant to be founded upon, and we have gone far away from it, led back into a priesthood/worshiper dichotomy courtesy of the RCC and similarly designed church structures. A plurality of elders, independently governing the local church they are a part of is God’s design for His body, with the Holy Spirit ruling over all.

2nd John Part 1

1:1 The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth;

Though a number of scholars believe the beginning of this verse is in reference to “John the Elder” a disciple of John’s, I don’t believe such an explanation is necessary. John is merely, through his letter, reminding the saint he is writing of his position in the church. Like Peter he is a fellow elder among other things, 1st Peter 5:1.

1st John Chapter 5 Part 12

5:20-21 And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life. Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.

John wraps things up with an incredible declaration that we ought to meditate on. We know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding. What is this understanding? That we may know Him that is true. Moreover, that we are in Him that is true. We are in Christ.

1st John Chapter 5 Part 11

5:18-19 We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not. And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.

Since we just finished reading in verse 16 that Christians can and do still sin after being born again this is not a statement affirming sinless perfection after rebirth. Rather, it is in reference yet again to our spiritual attitude, whether or not we live in a habitual state of sin, or we practice righteousness habitually.