Christian Telegram

New Study Bible!

2006-12-12T17:58:00.000-08:00

My parents gave me a new study Bible for my birthday. Some of you know I have been looking for one for some time, specifically for one with good "reformed" study notes. I considered many, but in the end decided on the NIV Spirit of the Reformation Study Bible. With regard to the NIV, keep in mind that this is not my "every day" Bible (which will remain my NASB Open Bible).

So, why did I choose this Bible? Good question. I had narrowed it down to this one along with the ESV Reformation Bible and the NASB Scofield Study Bible III. The Scofield was the first of these to be "cut", primarily due to the fact that the other two have more comprehensive notes. Finally, I chose the NIV over the ESV not because of translation - but because the "Spirit" Bible links Scripture to the various confessions throughout the Bible and has more notes on the text. I personally see much value in these references to the confessions, and would have trouble reconstructing them on my own. The Spirit Bible has the following catechisms/confessions in its appendix:

The Heidelberg Catechism
The Belgic Confession
The Canons of Dort
The Westminster Confession of Faith
The Westminster Larger Catechism
The Westminster Shorter Catechism

Honestly, I haven't studied much about these - but plan to do some research on them and post some of the content here. I'm interested in anyone's "take" on these.

Lordship or Free Grace - so which is it?

2006-12-01T19:00:00.000-08:00

OK, I’ve been hedging. I have purposely left the impression that I disagree with both the ideas of “Lordship Salvation” and “Free Grace”. I’m sorry, it simply isn’t true. In fact, I do have a position – and it isn’t “in the middle”. As much as I like compromise, it just can't be done here.

John 1:14 NASB And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Christ is full of grace and truth. He isn't 50% of one and 50% of the other, but 100% of each. The two aren’t at odds, and they aren’t mutually exclusive. If it is Christ who saves us, why is it that we aren’t saved by both grace and truth, since He is both? Why is it that we feel compelled to move to one of those extremes while ignoring the plain Biblical truths of the other? Is there really a contradiction, or have people like John MacArthur and Zane Hodges built their own apparent contradictions by their inability or unwillingness to give ground where it obviously needs to be given?

With regard to Lordship, consider this passage:

Luke 23:43 NASB And He said to him, "Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise."

I look at this passage thinking about MacArthur’s “Lordship”, and I wonder what he would say about the thief. Was there time to comprehend the Gospel adequately? Where did he serve? What actions of discipleship did he take part in? I’m guessing there wasn’t much time. I’m guessing he was saved by grace through faith, and without having done much more than to have said, "Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!" That sounds like “bare mental assent” to me, but it was credited to him as much, much more.

With regard to Free Grace, consider this passage:

John 5:14 NASB Afterward Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, "Behold, you have become well; do not sin anymore, so that nothing worse happens to you."

When looking at this passage in view of Hodges “Free Grace”, I wonder where the “free” part comes in to play. Surely Jesus said exactly what He meant to say to this man (and to us). I note that the man was “made well”, and is then instructed to “sin no more”. While it isn’t stated conditionally, there is a definite relation of the command of truth to the act of grace. I’m guessing the man did his best to “sin no more”. If only Christians could recognize that they too have been “made well”, perhaps we would work out our salvation with more fervor if we would recognize what has happened to us inwardly what this man recognized was done to him outwardly.

Randy Alcorn, in his book The Grace and Truth Parodox writes:

If we minimize grace, the world sees no hope for salvation. If we minimize truth, the world sees no need for salvation. To show the world Jesus, we must offer unabridged grace and truth, emphasizing both, apologizing for neither. The Colossian church “understood God’s grace in all it’s truth” (Col 1:6).

For me, this goes along with what Sawyer writes when he says that “both are right in what they accept and wrong in what they deny.” In other words, not only are they not mutually exclusive as both extremes would have you believe, the are in fact interdependent upon one another. One without the other is meaningless.

More from Alcorn:

Truth is quick to post warning signs and guardrails at the top of the cliff. Yet it fails to empower people to drive safely – and neglects to help them when they crash. Grace is quick to post ambulances and paramedics at the bottom of the cliff. But without truth, it fails to post warning signs and guardrails. In doing so it encounters the very self destruction it attempts to heal.

Truth without grace crushes people and ceases to be truth. Grace without truth deceives people and ceases to be grace.

Truth without grace degenerates into judgmental legalism. Grace without truth degenerates into deceitful tolerance.

Grace and truth are both necessary. Neither is sufficient.

Truth hates sin. Grace loves sinners.

Those full of grace and truth do both.

Like I said, I just don't see the confusion. Again, for me each side is 100% correct in what they accept, and are wrong only in their fierce denials of the other view. Accepting both is comforting to me, not confusing. I thank God for both.

Free Grace

2006-11-30T17:08:00.000-08:00

Surely you are expecting me to support the idea of Free Grace after my post on Lordship Salvation yesterday - right? It makes sense. Scott argues against Lordship (at least MacArthur's version), so he must be a Free Grace guy. After all, it must be one of those positions or the other - right?

Um, not so fast.

While I believe MacArthur has taken Lordship too far, I also believe that Zane Hodges and others have taken the idea of Free Grace too far. As with nearly any doctrine, proponents tend to harden their positions, ignore context, set up straw men, and call the other side heretical - all much easier than attempting to look at the broad scope and find common ground. I referenced this article by Dr. James Sawyer in my post yesterday, and believe that he has found the common (and Biblical) ground between two unacceptable extremes.

So, what is "Free Grace"? Here's the definition that Sawyer gives:

[Free Grace] is a free gift offered without condition or precondition to those who will simply stretch out the empty hand of faith and receive it. Once one exercises faith, he is secure forever in his possession of that gift, even should he cease to believe.

And here is the Free Grace view on Lordship:

Any talk of works even in a post-conversion state smacks of mixing faith and works and ultimately of a compromise of the free offer of salvation...

Sawyer argues that the view espoused by Hodges is every bit as dangerous as the extreme Lordship view. In fact, one gets the sense that while in the end the Lordship view bothers Sawyer more, he finds far more disagreement - at least in practice - with Free Grace. Following are some of his problems with this viewpoint and its differences with Lordship:

Hodges in particular is attacking a caricature of the Lordship position by insisting that the Lordship view makes works a condition of salvation (I must apologize for having done this myself in yesterday's post). He is, in short, attacking a sort of straw man.
Free Grace adherents tend to place a divide between justification and sanctification that simply doesn't exist.
Free Grace implies that faith arises from within the individual, not as a gift of the Holy Spirit.
Salvation is seen as a legal transaction not related to the experience of the individual.

Sawyer summarizes as follows:

In Hodges and those who follow him there is an explicit disavowal of the concept of the witness of the Spirit in the life of the believer, as well as a decidedly "anti-mystic" tendendcy which, in effect, strips the Christian life of its relational qualities in order to raise the authority of the Scripture as that to which the individual can cling for assurance. The next problem is the greatest, that is the reduction of faith to something close to bare mental assent...

In his discusssions of faith, his working definition seems often to have reference to [an assent to facts rather than trust in a person].

As his positions are worked out he insists that faith can exist without commitment. If pressed, there is a danger of reducing salvation to a kind of magical incantation... whereby, for example, the individual repeats the prayer at the end of the Four Laws, with the barest assent to the Gospel, and then is eternally saved, assured by the promises of Scripture.

The Free Grace position, along with much of evangelical Christianity, has succumbed to an unBiblical bifurcation between justification and sanctification. While justification is by faith alone, the Christian life is variously viewed as being accomplished by works, or as beginning sometime after salvation and coming through an experience, a second blessing, a dedication, or some such thing. Zane Hodges has constructed a theology of inheritance based upon the concept of being an heir with Christ. For him, it is the hope of reward that serves as the sole basis and motivation factor for Christian growth. Specifically, he sees no necessary relationship between the salvation of an individual and any reflection of God's character. This he labels as works salvation.

It is clear to me, reading Sawyer's opinions on these two views, that he is right in saying that both are "right in what they accept and wrong in what they deny." I simply cannot sign on to one of these extreme views when it is obvious, at least to me, that the truth is somewhere in the middle.

Next up - The "Middle".

Lordship Salvation

2006-11-29T06:16:00.000-08:00

John MacArthur is one of the primary proponents of what is called "Lordship Salvation". Now, before I get too far with this view we need to find a suitable definition (too often when we discuss things like this, one person has a different opinion of how to define the viewpoint being discussed). Here are some definitions that I have found:

GotQuestions.org
Lordship Salvation emphasizes that submitting to Christ as Lord over your life goes hand-in-hand with trusting in Christ to be saved. It also focuses on a changed life as the result of salvation.

All About Jesus Christ
The theology of Lordship Salvation stresses that submitting to Jesus as "Lord of your life" goes hand-in-hand with trusting in Christ at salvation. A changed life should result.

As I'm reading these two definitions (and both of these sites disagree with the Lordship view), I'm thinking, "who could have a problem with that"? We all know that the Bible teaches that our faith will result in a changed life - most of us even know that the Bible tells us to confess Christ as Lord. And this is the problem, at the surface level the Lordship view looks to be entirely Biblical - yet we haven't really delved into the specifics and resulting theological implications. Consider this definition of the Lordship view from Bible.org's Theology Program (they also disagree with Lordship):

The Theology Program - Soteriology - The Doctrine of Conversion
Salvation includes both faith and repentance, which are two sides of the same coin. In repentance, the believer is committing to give up all known sin, thereby making Christ Lord of his or her life.

Wait, do you see the difference yet? This seems to be getting more legal, and, in a sense - it is. This definition is much closer to what MacArthur would actually teach about this view - because it places faith and repentance in the same breath. In fact, it actually places repentance before faith - since this view teaches that you must make Christ the Lord of your life in order to be saved.

What has occurred here, is that the cart has been put before the horse - and as a result something we "do" has contributed to our salvation. It is the same argument as the "baptismal regenerationists" who claim that we must be baptized with water in order to be saved. In fact, I would be interested in knowing how anyone can adhere to the Lorship view and argue against baptismal regeneration, because the arguments are so very similar!

Consider the full text from GotQuestions.org:

Lordship Salvation emphasizes that submitting to Christ as Lord over your life goes hand-in-hand with trusting in Christ to be saved. It also focuses on a changed life as the result of salvation. Those who believe in Lordship Salvation would have serious doubts about a person who claims to believe in Christ but does not have good works evident in his life. The Bible does teach that faith in Christ will result in a changed life (2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 5:22-23; James 2:14-26).

However, depending on the person and his circumstances, spiritual growth sometimes occurs quickly, and other times it takes a long time for changes to become evident, and even then the changes may not be evident to everyone. The Bible clearly teaches that salvation is by faith alone, apart from works (John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-9). The Bible also declares that a life changes after salvation (Ephesians 2:10). So, as you can see, it is a difficult balance to make.

So, is Lordship Salvation Biblical? Again, it cannot be denied that faith in Christ produces a change (2 Corinthians 5:17). A person who has been delivered from sin by faith in Christ should not desire to remain in a life of sin (Romans 6:2). At the same time, submitting to the Lordship of Jesus Christ is an issue of spiritual growth, not salvation. The Christian life is a process of submitting to God in increasing measure (2 Peter 1:5-8). A person does not have to submit to God in every area of his or her life in order to be saved. A person simply has to recognize that he or she is a sinner, in need of Jesus Christ for salvation, and place trust in Him (John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-9). Jesus is Lord (Philippians 2:10). Christians absolutely should submit to Him (James 4:7). A changed life and submission to Christ's lordship are the result of salvation, not a requirement for salvation.

I believe that last statement to be key. And notice that this places the emphasis back on God, and away from what man does in order to achieve and even aid in the process of salvation.

This issue, of course, is much more complex than the above summary and my thoughts. Dr. James Sawyer wrote a fantastic article that goes much more in depth, and even shares the benefits of the "Lordship" view and the problems with the "Free Grace" view. His argument is that both sides have polarized the argument and set up straw men. But in the end, he is compelled to reject the Lordship view:

While I applaud the Lordship position in its insistence that the believer in Jesus Christ will show by his life that he is a believer, the rhetoric I hear is akin to a General George Patton slapping the G.I. who was hospitalized for nerves during WWII. Lordship teachers appear to be forcing all teaching on salvation through one grid, discipleship. This, I would argue, the Scripture does not do. I would argue that many (most?) who come to Christ are bruised, battered and shattered emotionally, as a result of the ravages of sin, both personal and corporate. They need spiritual and emotional healing, a healing that goes far deeper than most of the intellectualized theology which focuses upon positional truth as abstract and unrelated to the life of the believer. The lack of spiritual maturity in the lives of professing believers may be the result of rebellion, it may indeed be an evidence of the fact that a professing believer is in fact unregenerate, or it may in fact be a result of the deep seated psychological problems/needs which can be truly solved by learning how the believer’s identification and oneness with Christ can existentially transform his/her daily existence. I find it significant that the Apostle Peter (2 Peter 1:3-11), when referring to believers who were evidently not displaying Christian grace in their lives, did not call their salvation into question, rather he noted that they were, “nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.” (2 Pet. 1:9).58 This condition arises when justification is separated from sanctification and made to be unimportant, abstract or theoretical.

I couldn't agree more. Next up: Free Grace

Post Frequency

2006-11-29T06:10:00.000-08:00

One thing I've learned over the past couple of months is that I simply am too busy (and don't have either the will or the material) to post on a regular, daily basis. I am resigned to the fact that I am a better student than teacher, and as such all I have to share is what I think I learn in my studies.

So while the Christian Telegram will continue, there may be some times when I post daily, and there may be other times when I take a week (or more) off. We'll all be better off for it!

Still Alive!

2006-11-16T14:18:00.000-08:00

A few of you have e-mailed me, concerned that perhaps I was raptured and you all were left behind. Worry not...

I've been very busy after the conference with some new customers and follow-ups - too busy to blog. I'll try to get back into a routine after the Thanksgiving holiday.

Question for anyone with an opinion. I'm looking for a new study Bible - and I would prefer to stick with the NASB translation. I currently use the Open Bible, which I like, but the textual notes are limited. I have narrowed it down to the NASB Study Bible by Zondervan (that's the frontrunner currently), and the NASB Scofield Study Bible III. I've ruled out, for now, the MacArthur Study Bible and the Ryrie. Comments?

National Conference - Philadelphia

2006-10-21T15:17:00.000-07:00

I'll be away from home at a conference Sunday through Wednesday, and may not get a chance to post while I am there. I will likely get an opportunity to read some of your blogs while I am away though, so don't think you're not being watched...

What is your theological worldview?

2006-10-19T13:48:00.000-07:00

Yep, another test... enjoy!

You scored as Reformed Evangelical. You are a Reformed Evangelical. You take the Bible very seriously because it is God's Word. You most likely hold to TULIP and are sceptical about the possibilities of universal atonement or resistible grace. The most important thing the Church can do is make sure people hear how they can go to heaven when they die.

Reformed Evangelical

93%

Evangelical Holiness/Wesleyan

75%

Fundamentalist

71%

Emergent/Postmodern

57%

Neo orthodox

57%

Charismatic/Pentecostal

39%

Classical Liberal

32%

Modern Liberal

29%

Roman Catholic

18%

What's your theological worldview?
created with QuizFarm.com

Crash Course: Postmodernism

2006-10-18T07:36:00.000-07:00

I'm still thinking about that book, not only because of its direct affects on our Disciple class - but also due to the wider problem that its inclusion in any Christian teaching represents. I've been reading a little about postmodernism. If you never have, you should too. The Theology Program at Bible.org includes a course on this, and it's free to watch or listen to - well worth your time. For those that can't or won't, I'm posting some highlights here:

Relativism - The belief that all truth is relative, being determined by some group
Subjectivism - The belief that all truth is subjective, being defined by the perspective of the individual
Skepticism - The belief that truth cannot be known with certainty
Perspectivism - The belief that truth is found in the combined perspectives of many
Pragmatism - The belief that truth is ultimately defined by that which works to accomplish the best outcome. "The end justifies the means"
Objectivism - The belief that truth is an objective reality that exists whether someone believes it or not

"Christians today cannot work with the same assumptions that we did just 20 years ago. At that time, people would join you in your search for absolute truth. It is different now. Today, before we begin to lead people to the truth of Jesus Christ, we may have to lead them to the truth of truth. Common ground must be created before the Gospel can be proclaimed." - Charles Colson

Premodern - "There's balls and there's strikes and I call them as they are"

Modern - "There's balls and there's strikes and I call them as I see them"

Postmodern - They ain't nothing 'til I call 'em."

"In postmodernism, there is no objective, universal truth; there is only the perspective of the group... in postmodernism, all viewpoints, all lifestyles, all beliefs and behaviors are regarded as equally valid... tolerance has become so important that no exception is tolerated." - Charles Colson

Modernist - Facts, Rationality, Evidence
Postmodernist - Fairness, Relationships, Emotion

The Modern view of truth:

Correspondence view - (1) Truth is an objective reality that exists whether someone believes it or not, (2) and that objective reality is grounded in nature.
Law of non-contradiction applies - "A" does not equal "-A" (at the same time and in the same relationship)
Key Motto - "Man can and will know all truth"

The Postmodern view of truth:

Relative view - (1) Truth is a perspective reality that exists in the perspective of the individual or group, (2) and that perspective reality is grounded in time.
Law of non-contradiction does not apply - "A" equals "-A" (at the same time and in the same relationship)
Key Motto - "The truth cannot be known"

Religous spin on postmodernism:

Universalism - The belief that all people, good or bad, will eventually make it to heaven
Pluralism - The belief that there are many ways to God, all equally valid
Syncretism - The assimilation of differing beliefs and practices
Inclusivism - The belief that salvation is only through Christ, But Christ may be revealed in other religions

Christian view of truth:

Correspondence view - (1) Truth is an objective reality that exists whether someone believes it or not, (2) and that objective reality is grounded in the eternal God
The law of non-contradiction applies - God cannot even violate this principle
Key Motto - "The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our sons forever, that we may observe all the words of this law" - Deu 29:29

Reading through this information and watching the videos has made me realize just how far away from truth postmodernism has taken us, not only as it relates to Christianity, but in secular terms as well. I wonder how many people, Christians or not, even have a clue where this is taking us?

Light Blogging This Week

2006-10-18T06:29:00.000-07:00

For all of my regular readers (all 3 of you), I have a busy week preparing for a national conference so will not be posting much.

I'll leave you with something I read the other day though, it struck a chord with me given the book that I've been writing about lately:

To those who will believe, there is no explanation necessary;

to those who will not believe, there is no explanation possible.

Sounds about right, doesn't it?

Which Religion is the "right one for you?"

2006-10-16T12:49:00.000-07:00

Let me give you a hint: no matter how you score, Christianity is for you. And boy am I relieved to learn that I'm in the right place...

You scored as Christianity. Your views are most similar to those of Christianity. Do more research on Christianity and possibly consider being baptized and accepting Jesus, if you aren't already Christian.

Christianity is the second of the Abrahamic faiths; it follows Judaism and is followed by Islam. It differs in its belief of Jesus, as not a prophet nor historical figure, but as God in human form. The Holy Trinity is the concept that God takes three forms: the Father, the Son (Jesus), and the Holy Ghost (sometimes called Holy Spirit). Jesus taught the idea of instead of seeking revenge, one should love his or her neighbors and enemies. Christians believe that Jesus died on the cross to save humankind and forgive people's sins.

Christianity

100%

Judaism

50%

Hinduism

25%

Islam

25%

Paganism

agnosticism

Satanism

Buddhism

atheism

Which religion is the right one for you?
created with QuizFarm.com

About That Book Again...

2006-10-13T19:06:00.000-07:00

OK, I'm still having a hard time getting past the fact that my one of the resources my Disciple class is using is a book that teaches Christianity is not the only "truth." I wrote about this issue earlier this week, and this past Wednesday night I gave my report on the book. Nearly everyone in the class was stunned that the United Methodist Church would include this in our study.

The book, Jews & Christians, was supposed to change hands this week, but the moderator had me keep it another week to organize some thoughts and document some quotations and page numbers for our Pastor. This gave me an opportunity to read some of the chapters more closely, and I'm more convinced than ever that while the Christian author, Walter Harrelson, may very well profess his faith in the God of Christianity, accept the Deity of Christ, and even believe that Christianity is truth - he doesn't believe that Jesus is the only way, nor that Christianity is the only truth. How he reconciles all of these opposing religions to all be truth, that remains a mystery. Once again, I'll share the quotation from his book that should be the most offensive to us coming from someone who purports to be giving the Christian perspective in the Judeo-Christian relationship.

We cannot insist that [salvation] is an experience that can only come through the traditions and scriptures and experiences of our community. As a Christian, I believe in the depth-truth of the revelation of God in Jesus Christ. But I am unable to say to the adherents of other religions, or to the non-religious, “My depth-truth” is also yours.””

Huh? This is the Christian perspective? Hardly. This is the perspective of a person who claims to be Christian, while in actuality he adheres to a post-modern cop-out known as religious relativism. He's really launched a sort of stealth attack on Christianity, desiring the reader to believe he is stating the position of Christian orthodoxy, when in fact he is sharing the baseless opinion of a theologically liberal academic who doesn't believe what the Bible actually says:

John 14:6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me."

John 8:24 "Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins."

Where Harrelson sees "wiggle room" for other religions, and even for the non-religious, Jesus shows none. Jesus is the way, no one goes to the Father except through Him, those who do not believe that He is God will die in their sins. These are universal, authoritative statements. How does this author accept them for himself, yet reject them for others? It makes no sense.

Here's the problem. Well actually, there are lots of them, but this one is huge. If everyone's "depth-truth" is accepted universally as truth for them only, yet all religions teach opposing truths, then we must in actuality recognize that there is no truth. How does an intellectual academic like Harrelson fail to recognize this? His view is not only impossible, but even if it were possible it allows all to be saved no matter what their own truth is. So if my truth is murder and mayhem, and yours is love and service - well, we'll just see each other in the afterlife!

Mistakes

2006-10-13T10:04:00.000-07:00

I admit it. My mind is so twisted that I can't stop laughing at the ridiculous stuff available at Despair.com. I was reminded of this site recently by Darin over at Interactive Sermon, and the one pictured below is one of my all time favorites.

My question for you is - is there Biblical support for this??

"It could be that the purpose of your life
is only to serve as a warning to others"

Which Theologian Are You?

2006-10-12T19:46:00.000-07:00

Well, I suppose I shouldn't be surprised at my results:

You scored as John Calvin. Much of what is now called Calvinism had more to do with his followers than Calvin himself, and so you may or may not be committed to TULIP, though God's sovereignty is all important.

John Calvin

100%

Martin Luther

73%

Jonathan Edwards

67%

Friedrich Schleiermacher

67%

Karl Barth

53%

Anselm

53%

Augustine

53%

Jurgen Moltmann

20%

Paul Tillich

20%

Charles Finney

Which theologian are you?
created with QuizFarm.com

An Analogy for "Sovereign Election"

2006-10-12T08:28:00.000-07:00

Pastor Darin over at Interactive Sermon continues his walk through the 5 points of TULIP, and is currently posting some additional thoughts on the "U".

Of course, anyone who has spent any time on the subject of Election knows that one of the primary objections is the "unfairness" of it all. I posted a comment on his blog post that included an analogy I read somewhere (sorry, can't recall where)., and I think it's worth posting here too. In my view it does a pretty fair job of showing that rather than being unfair - God's sovereign choice is actually more than fair:

3 men are in prison for similar crimes, all have demonstrated good behavior. Every year, the Governor must release one prisoner (don't laugh, we may be headed there!). The Governor makes his choice, freeing one man. In providing that freedom, two men are left in jail - yet all were under equal condemnation. Is the Governor responsible for the other two having to remain in prison, is he to be faulted for choosing one to set free?

See, none of these men had yet served their prison term. One man received grace, the others remain under condemnation, not because they were not chosen - but because they are guilty! The man who was chosen is freed not because he is without guilt, but only because he was fortunate enough by the grace of God (not of his own merit) to be chosen. Taking it a step further, it could be that the Governor had a purpose for the one freed, as well as for those who remain under judgment!

We must remember that those among the "Elect" are no more worthy than those who are not. We are not "righteous," but credited with righteousness. If we feel guilty for being among the Elect - it's because we are guilty! We should respond by our love of God and others - and sharing the gospel to all who will receive it.

I've read other good ones on the subject, but this one seems to cover all of the bases. Let me know what you think, or if you have a favorite of your own.

Check it Out - T4G

2006-10-12T06:31:00.000-07:00

This website, Together for the Gospel - or T4G - is worth adding to your blogroll. It's an ongoing conversation between Mark Dever, Ligon Duncan, CJ Mahaney and Albert Mohler. For those in the "reformed" camp - it's a must read.

Birds of the Air: "Sell all your possessions"

2006-10-11T08:37:00.000-07:00

Occassionally you run across a post you wish everyone would read. This is one of those times. Birds of the Air is on my daily read list, and it probably should be on yours too:

"On one hand, it appears to be a mandate for all Christians to live in abject poverty. On the other hand, there appears to be viable alternatives to this "face value" concept. Which is right? I'll leave that up to you. One thing that is inescapable here. Jesus called for radical disciples who would cling to nothing here on Earth and who would follow Him at all costs. This isn't the vision of the American Christian. We tend to be comfortable, accumulating wealth if possible, certainly not giving to charity as we could and should. Indeed, we worship comfort. Perhaps Jesus didn't mean a literal "sell everything", but He unavoidably commanded that we should not be materialists ... and for the most part, we are."

Read the whole post!

Which Bible Translations?

2006-10-11T07:03:00.000-07:00

Reading through the various English Bible translations fascinates me. I know there are many who are dogmatic about a certain translation, but for the most part I am not. Personally, I enjoy reading several translations during study to gain additional perspective. Although my favorite Bible for study is the NASB Open Bible (pictured), I usually also read the NIV Life Application Bible and the NET Bible (beta NeXt Bible - see note below) as I contemplate the text. For me, as long as we understand the purpose of any translation - it has value for us as Christians.

So you ask, "what about The Message, Scott?". I like it! Don't get me wrong, it's not for me. Rarely do I seek the text of the Message (or any other "thought for thought" translation) on my own for any reason. However, I have studied with people who use it as their primary Bible (gasp!) - and I've heard their witness and seen the life change their faith has caused, so who am I to question the Bible that spoke to them and brought them to Christ? Also, I've seen a few of those folks migrate to more literal translations over time, as they recognize that while The Message provides a contemporary picture of the Bible, it isn't anywhere close to "word for word." Most, as they mature, seek a more mature translation. Rather than questioning that, I think we should praise God for it!

I've learned something else over time too. Word for word isn't always better. In some cases the NASB, my favorite, doesn't convey the message of the text as well as the NIV - because in staying true to the word-for-word phrasing the sentences often become "jumbled", whereas the dynamic equivalent translations change the sentence structure for a truer understanding.

Lately, I've been spending a lot of my study time with the NeXt Bible. I generally like this translation, and I love the online accessibility, comprehensive translation notes, and study tools that go along with it. Another positive element is that this translation can be updated quickly as the committee recognizes problems with their decisions. I have run into several instances where they went "gender neutral" (not a big fan) in instances where it made absolutely no sense to do so - even if you agree with gender neutrality in translations. There is no reason to be gender neutral when the gender is plainly stated only a few passages later!

"Hey Scott, what about the King James??" Never use it. Blasphemy you say? I'm not against it - it's fine for some. But I'm sorry, I just see no reason to force myself to read the "Old English" when I don't enjoy it (except for Psalms and Proverbs), and there are so many fantastic contemporary versions - many of which are demonstrably more accurate than the KJV. I haven't yet spent any time with the New King James - but there's little chance it will displace the NASB as my primary study Bible, nor my NIV for reading pleasure and dynamic equivalency.

So what are your thoughts? Favorite translations for study, reading, Scripture memory? Any that you just can't stomach? Why?

Also, for those interested, here are some resources that explain or critique translations (but remember, just like translators - these folks have their biases too!):

NOTE: The NeXt Bible is a beta product. It is simply the NET Bible made available with additional study tools, including article commentaries, dictionaries, maps and more.

Follow-up Post: Disciple Resources

2006-10-10T09:03:00.000-07:00

I previously wrote a post about Disciple Resources, including my preliminary take on the book, Jews & Christians, A Troubled Family (by Walter Harrelson and Randall M. Falk). A quick glance at my post will show that I had some initial concerns about where this book was heading - and after finishing I can only say... this book is Hogwash!

It saddens me that the United Methodist Church includes a book like this in any teachings, but particularly in a class that is designed to "make Disciples for Jesus Christ!" I'm not going to give a full report on this book because, frankly, it's not worth my time or yours. But I will share some of the assertions and conclusions from the "Christian" contributor, followed by my one-line responses:

Christianity, as a religion, is to blame for Jewish persecution and oppression

These actions were a perversion of Christianity, not Christianity as a religion

Christians blame Jews for Jesus’ death

This may have been true in the past, I don't see much of this today

Christians should let “Jews be Jews”, and not proselytize to them

The Gospel is not for Jews, did Paul know this?

Jesus was a liberal Pharisee

His explanation is much softer than this, but this is his conclusion

Christians have forced Messianic prophecy into the OT

I thought God put the prophecy in there!

The Deity of Christ is not an issue to be dogmatic about

I think we should be dogmatic about essentials to the faith.

“Little is to be gained by the flat assertion of the divinity of Jesus by Christians…”

I would argue that all is to be lost by denying it

“Jesus is a representative of God”

And his implication here was just a represenative (small "r")

He is the “one through whom God is bringing the New Age”

Not the "One", but the one (small "o")

He is the “announcer of the New Age”

Ditto

and the “bringer of what He announced”

And again

Jesus is not necessarily the only way to God

I was surprised he admitted to this sentiment. So there is no truth? Direct quotes from the book:

“…we do not need to insist that our way to God is the only permissible way”

“I am unable to say to the adherents of other religions, or to the non-religious, my truth is also yours”

Sad, very sad. Worse yet, 14 other people in my class will read this book over the next 7 months. Thankfully, we will be discussing it in depth - giving me and others an opportunity to point out the errors.

UPDATE 10/10: I feel the need to point out that there were positive elements to this book. In fact, much of what the Jewish co-author wrote was well worth reading - if only to gain a Jewish perspective on Judeo-Christian relations. Also, the above bullets of course lack context - making them in some instances seem worse than they actually are. All that said, one cannot get past the fact that the Christian author claims that not only is it unimportant to defend the Deity of Christ - but it is also unnecessary to claim Christianity as truth. As Christians, we cannot tolerate this.

AUTHOR BIO's

Dr. Walter Harrelson — Professor Emeritus of Hebrew Bible, Vanderbilt Divinity School, and Adjunct University Professor of Wake Forest University Divinity School. Dr. Harrelson is an ordained American Baptist and Disciples of Christ minister and has served other professorships at Andover Newton Theological School and the University of Chicago Divinity School. He is author of Interpreting the Old Testament, The Ten Commandments & Human Rights, Jews & Christians: A Troubled Family (with Rabbi Randall M. Falk), Jews & Christians in Pursuit of Social Justice (also with Rabbi Falk), and The Making of the Revised Standard Version of the Bible (with Bruce M. Metzger and Robert C. Dentan). He is the General Editor of The New Interpreter’s Study Bible, published by Abingdon. He was a member (now chair) of the translation committee that produced the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible and continues to work and speak on issues of biblical translation. Dr. Bernhard W. anderson—Professor of Old Testament Theology, emeritus, Princeton Theological Seminary. His teaching career also included professorships at Drew University, where he was dean of the Theological School; Colgate Rochester Divinity School; the University of North Carolina; and Colgate University. An ordained minister of The United Methodist Church, Dr. Anderson is author of Understanding the Old Testament, now in its fifth edition and, most recently, Contours of Old Testament Theology.

Rabbi Randall M. Falk — Rabbi, Emeritus, of the Temple, Nashville, TN, adjunct faculty of The Divinity School, Vanderbilt University, and member of the Board of Directors of Meharry Medical College. He is co-author with Walter Harrelson of Jews and Christians: A Troubled Family and Jews and Christians: In Pursuit of Social Justice. Rabbi Falk is on the Board of Directors of Shepherd Centers of America and of the World Union of Progressive Judaism.

Abraham's Travels

2006-10-09T16:45:00.000-07:00

The following images are key Biblical cities that Abraham traveled through or settled near. They are from my Google Earth file, which includes nearly 400 Biblical cities. Just click on the pictures for a zoomed in view. Links are to the NETBible's Dictionary sources:

Ur: 30°57'42.66"N, 46° 6'16.24"E

Shechem: 32°12'49.14"N, 35°16'54.76"E

Bethel: 31°57'2.12"N, 35°12'59.97"E

Hebron (Cave of Machpelah): 31°31'28.74"N, 35° 6'38.65"E

Mt Moriah (Salem): 31°46'39.56"N, 35°14'6.87"E

Beersheba: 31°14'42.71"N, 34°50'26.99"E

If you are interested in the file (just under 5mb) just let me know in "Comments" and I'll find a way to get it to you (free). Also, if you believe any of these locations are incorrect, please provide a corrected location so I can update my file.

Disciple Lesson 5 - Conflict Within the Family

2006-10-09T12:31:00.000-07:00

Key Word – Alienation

Key Verse – Genesis 25:28 “Now Isaac loved Esau, because he had a taste for game, but Rebekah loved Jacob.”

Day 1 – Genesis 25:19-34, 27

25:19-34 – See Lesson 4 notes
27:1-46 – We always assume Issac was soon dead, but he lived another 40 years (Stigers, after a consideration of Genesis 47:9; 45:11; 41:26-27; 41:46; 30:22ff.; and 29:18,27 calculates that Jacob would have been 77 years old when he left for Padan-Aram. If this is correct, Isaac would be 137 years old here, since we know he was 60 years old when the twins were born (25:26); Issac, by plotting to bestow his blessing to Esau, is attempting to thwart the will of God – who had told Rebekah that the older will serve the younger (certainly she told Isaac, such a revelation of God would have been shared – and it also would have been an excuse for the favoritism she showed Jacob; notice too his doubts that it is his son Esau, he asks repeatedly if it is so); Esau was an impossible candidate as heir in God’s plan, because he had already intermarried with Canaanite women in Gen 26:34; so while we often look at Rebekah and Jacob as the conspirators, it is important to note that Isaac and Esau were conspirators in their own right – and fighting against God’s will whereas they were fighting for it; this does not excuse Rebekah’s own wrongdoings, for she should have convinced Isaac that he was wrong, rather than join him in deceitful practices; although the end result of Rebekah’s deceit was God’s will, the means by which it was accomplished was not Godly – and the result was immediate and final separation from her beloved favorite son; Jacob was separated not only from his Rebekah, but from Isaac, and feared of death by Esau – additionally, the material wealth that the blessing promised was not realized, for he was forced to flee; sin, as always, separates – it separated man from God, and it separates man from man

Day 2 – Genesis 28; Psalm 52

28:1-22 – Rebekah expects Jacob to be gone a few days, it turns out to be 20 years – apparently after her death; Isaac blesses Jacob (as Jacob this time, illustrating that he recognizes this as God’s will); the significance of Jacob’s “ladder” is to remind him that despite a long sojourn into Paddan-Aram, he is expected to return to the land of promise; Jacob finally becomes a believer (notice that up until now, Jacob had always referred to God as “your God” when speaking with Isaac, and most of his actions prior to this have shown his disbelief
Lesson – first, God chooses who he wants, not on the basis of foreknowledge or works – He chose Jacob over Esau because He is sovereign (Jacob never did anything to merit being chosen); also, a profession of faith doesn’t mean there will be no hurdles – Jacob had many yet to overcome
Psalm 52 – in light of the Genesis reading, one can’t help but think about Rebekah and Jacob’s deceit – and the lack of repentance or sorrow for they had done; although they did not outwardly boast, surely they felt satisfaction when Rebekah’s plan worked

Day 3 – Genesis 29; Psalm 53

29:1-30 – Leah’s eyes: translations vary widely in the description of Leah’s eyes (Tender, pretty, nice, lovely, delicate NET, NLT, MSG, NKJV, KJV), (Weak, clouded: NIV, NASB); also it is possible that the term “eyes” is indicative not of a physical trait, but to her character; whatever the case, Jacob is attracted not to Leah, but to Rachel – and it appears this selection is based on physical traits alone; notice that Laban’s response to Jacob’s response is positive, but vague – and leaves room for the deception that follows; Jacob’s reckless passion surely made the deception easier, he is so eager to consummate that he has no idea it is Leah – the deceiver has been deceived
Lessons

The Consequences of Sin – Jacob, because of his deception, was forced to leave Canaan with no wealth; so unlike Issac, he had no wealth with which to purchase a dowry

The Grace of God – although to us this chapter seems to be justice served, it is really about the Grace of God – including not only life instruction for Jacob the deceiver, but also providing for his protection from Esau for a period of 14 years, allowing time to heal old wounds; but most important was his marriage to Leah, the mother of Judah in the line of Messiah, and the birth of Leah’s son Levi who would provide the priestly line; we should take note that Leah was buried with Jacob at the Cave of Machpelah (49:31), while Rachel was buried on the road to Bethlehem (35:19)

Guidance – where Isaac prayed and sought the counsel of God, Jacob relied on his own desires and hormones apart from God’s counsel; where we find ourselves cheering for Rachel and booing Leah, God appears to have a different view

Beauty – Jacob investigated only Rachel’s exterior, without regard to her person; he placed an undue emphasis on beauty at a time when it was not customary to do so – but humankind today holds it in very high regard (much too high)

Genesis 29:31-35 – Notice that Leah grows in faith, moving slowly with each birth from seeking Jacob’s love to growing in her love of God instead; Reuben means: “see, a son”; Simeon means “he hears”; Levi means “attached”; and Judah means “praise the Lord”
Psalm 53 – Compare to Psalm 14 (substitution of “God” for instances of “Lord”; v 5 is different); the bias to sin is universal among humankind; salvation is through the actions of God alone – man cannot find God on his own; see Romans 3:10

Day 4 – Genesis 30; Proverbs 15:17, 18:19; Psalm 36

Genesis 30:1-37 – notice Jacob’s reaction, he does no comfort Rachel, but instead is matter of fact with her, his words may be technically correct – but the delivery is not mature; notice too that he doesn’t pray for her as Isaac had for Rebekah, and Rachel seems to lack assurance of Jacob’s love; nearly all of Rachel’s actions are centered on self: she claims to have “wrestled” with her sister and won, as if 2 adopted children somehow trumped Leah’s 4 natural children with Jacob – and notice she neither mentions nor praises God; Leah stoops to the level of Rachel; many of us have the same problem as Jacob: he lived with 4 wives simultaneously, while people in our culture do the same consecutively
Proverbs 15:17 – a relationship without love is meaningless
Proverbs 18:19 – it is harder to mend than to have loved
Psalm 36 – the only hope that we have for safety and security in a world that is in the clutches of evil people is the loyal love of the Lord. And this is indeed what the apostle reminds us in the New Testament, that nothing can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus. This psalm gives us the opportunity to think through as David did the nature of this love and what it brings to us in this life and in the life to come. And like David we can only pray that God will continue to extend the benefits of His love to us, because that is our life, and in that life we can have the spiritual understanding so necessary to live the faith in this world.

1-4 – human wickedness

5-10 – contrast the character of God – loving, faithful, good

11-12 – personal prayer and answer

Day 5 – 2 Samuel 15:1-19:18

Absalom undermines David; this is not punishment of David’s sin with Bathsheba (see 2 Samuel 12:13), but it can still be a result of it; “their hearts are with Absalom”: this is obviously no surprise to David, certainly he was aware of Absalom’s lies already; David also realizes that this message means an attack is imminent, even if it has not been stated explicitly; the man who killed Goliath flees his own son! By running, David is not intending to abandon the throne – instead, he wishes to save his people a fight, and also to spare his son if possible; fleeing gives David the time he will need to seek God’s counsel without putting lives at risk; David sends the ark back to Jerusalem where it belongs, he recognizes from Israel’s past experiences that it is not a “good luck charm” to be carried about in time of battle – if God intends for David to return to Jerusalem, it will be done, whether they carry the ark or not (this also allowed Zadok to stay in Jerusalem, and send reports to David in the field); Ahithophel, who joins the revolt, is Bathsheba’s grandfather; Absalom’s taking of David’s wives is a symbol of his taking the throne – it is also fulfillment of Nathan’s prophecy in 2 Samuel 12:9-12: 9 'Why have you despised the word of the LORD by doing evil in His sight? You have struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword, have taken his wife to be your wife, and have killed him with the sword of the sons of Ammon. 10 'Now therefore, the sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised Me and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife.' 11 “Thus says the LORD, 'Behold, I will raise up evil against you from your own household; I will even take your wives before your eyes and give them to your companion, and he will lie with your wives in broad daylight. 12 'Indeed you did it secretly, but I will do this thing before all Israel, and under the sun”; Hushai’s plan initially trumps that of Ahithophel (David’s prayer is answered), giving David and his followers time to cross the river; his plan defeated (and thus knowing Absalom would be too), Ahithophel kills himself; Absalom is defeated, murdered by Joab against the wishes of David (pictured), then rebukes David for mourning his traitor son rather than celebrating victory (for loving his enemy and hating his friends); David fires Joab no for disloyalty (at least not directly), but as an olive branch to those who supported Abasolom – making his return to Jerusalem easier.

Telegram - Trial Layout

2006-10-06T11:09:00.000-07:00

OK - Samantha at Carry Your Candle got a cool new layout - so I just had to try a similar one on for size. I realize I need to re-format some posts, pictures, etc, and add links back into the sidebar. Just curious what some of you think about the new layout before I go to all that work. I saved my old template just in case I want to revert back.

If you are interested in checking out other layouts they are here, but I strongly advise you back up your current template before making any permanent changes.

I appreciate any input!

UPDATE: I'm keeping it a week or two, but will be switching back and forth for comparison purposes and to capture some of the sidebar items (please bear with me).

UPDATE 2: Germaine helped me find the font code in my template, so the post fonts are whiter now - comments? (And thanks much Germaine!); oh, and how do you like the cool expandable link lists at the bottom of the sidebar? If you like them, they are free at this website.

A New Perspective on Leah

2006-10-05T20:31:00.000-07:00

OK - I admit it. I've missed it all along.

I have always read Genesis 29 rooting for Rachel. Maybe it's our culture. We want the hero to get the girl - right? And by "girl," we don't mean the homely girl with the "weak" eyes. No way. We want our hero to get his girl, the beautiful girl that captivates him from afar. Yeah, that girl. I'm guilty.

Reading through this chapter using Bob Deffinbaugh's commentary from Bible.org helped to give me a new, and I'm hoping healthier, perspective. How is Moses really depicting Leah here? And what is her importance in Patriarchal history and beyond? Read on, selected Scripture from Genesis 29 with Deffinbaugh's commentary:

Now Laban had two daughters; the name of the oldest was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel. And Leah’s eyes were weak, but Rachel was beautiful of form and face (Genesis 29:16-17).

Few women have been so misunderstood as Leah. Even her name does her a great disservice, for it means “wild cow.” The statement that she had “weak eyes” (verse 17) seems to many to portray Leah as a homely girl with pop-bottle glasses, who cannot see three feet in front of her. This kind of thinking is completely unjustified.

First, the word rendered “weak” (rak) is never used in a demeaning way, as is here suggested. Never is the term used with reference to any defect. For example, in Genesis 18:7 Moses used this word, and there it is translated “tender”: “Abraham also ran to the herd, and took a tender and choice calf, and gave it to the servant; and he hurried to prepare it".

Moses used the word again in chapter 33 with reference to the young children, who were too frail to be hurried: “But he said to him, ‘My lord knows that the children are frail and that the flocks and herds which are nursing are a care to me. And if they are driven hard one day, all the flocks will die’” (Genesis 33:13).

If we are to take the word rak, which is rendered “weak” in 29:17, in its normal sense, then, we cannot think in terms of defect but in terms of delicacy. In contrast with Rachel, who may have had fire or a sparkle in her eyes, Leah had gentle eyes.

If you aren't convinced already, some of Deffinbaugh's conclusions might help:

The Consequences of Sin: The tragedy of this chapter is that all that took place was unnecessary. All we need to do is to contrast the acquisition of Rachel with that of Rebekah. The resources of Abraham made it possible for Isaac to have a wife in a very short period of time (cf. 24:54ff.). One reason for this was the fact that the servant had the dowry from the riches of Abraham, Isaac’s father. One of the consequences of Jacob’s sin was that he had to leave Canaan—to flee empty-handed. Since Jacob sinned, he was separated from the wealth of his father and had only the work of his own hands. The fourteen years of Jacob’s labor would have been unnecessary, I believe, had it not been for his deception of Isaac. Perhaps Isaac sent Jacob away without any of his wealth to teach him the value of hard work. Or perhaps it was to force Jacob to stay away a long time by working for a wife. This we do not know, but it does seem that this 14-year delay was unnecessary and purely the result of sin. What a price to pay!

The Grace of God: Some may view the events of this chapter as God’s getting even with Jacob. Others would merely interpret them as a kind of poetic justice. I prefer to understand them as an evidence of the marvelous grace of God at work in the life of Jacob. God did not bring these events to pass to punish Jacob but to instruct him. Punishment has been born by our Savior on the cross, but discipline is the corrective training which furthers us on the path leading to godliness (cf. Hebrews 12).

Jacob learned the value of convention. The agreement which regulated the use of the well (verses 2-3, 7-8) seemed to mean little to Jacob. In the excitement of meeting Rachel he decided to use the well regardless of the rules for its use. He may also have disregarded some conventions in the way that he greeted Rachel (verses 10-12). He certainly chose to disregard the convention of marrying the first-born first. I do not believe that Laban was telling Jacob anything new but reminding him of something that could not, and should not, be taken lightly or disregarded.

In addition to all this, Jacob experienced the grace of God in the delay of 14 plus years. It was this delay which contributed to the preservation of Jacob’s life by keeping him away from the anger of Esau, who had purposed to kill him.

Amazingly, the grace of God was manifested in this event by the gift of Leah as a wife to Jacob. This is probably the last thought to cross our minds, but I believe that it is a defensible position. First, we must acknowledge that, in the providence of God (and in spite of the deceptiveness of Laban), Leah was Jacob’s wife. Furthermore, it was Leah, not Rachel, who became the mother of Judah, who was to be the heir through whom the Messiah would come (cf. 49:8-12). Also it was Levi, a son of Leah, who provided the priestly line in later years. It seems noteworthy that both Leah and her handmaid had at least twice the number of children as compared to Rachel and her maid (cf. 29:31-30:24; 46:15,18,22,25). The firstborn was always to have a double portion; and so it would seem Leah did, so far as children are concerned.

One final factor remains which evidences the superiority of Leah to Rachel. Rachel dies at an early age, yet she was the younger sister. When she died, she was buried on the way to Bethlehem (35:19). Yet when Leah died later, she was buried with Jacob in the cave at Machpelah (pictured; 49:31). Leah was not a blight to Jacob but a blessing.

Guidance: How different was the process by which Isaac obtained Rebekah as a wife from that means through which Jacob acquired Rachel. Isaac was subject to his father, and it was through the wisdom of his father and his servant, through the financial means of Abraham, and through prayer that she was obtained. Jacob went off on his own with none of his father’s resources. He chose the woman with the greatest beauty and bargained with Laban for her.

To me there is no doubt but what Jacob was guided more by his hormones than any other factor. He did not pray about this matter, so far as we are told. He did not give any consideration to matters of character. He did not seek counsel. In fact, he sought to overturn the customs of the day and the preferences of Laban.

We live in a very romantically-oriented day. We find ourselves cheering for Rachel and booing Leah. God seems to have been on the other side. What is romantic is not always right—often it is wrong. Romanticism caused Jacob to use the well when and how he saw fit, regardless of the rules set by the owner. Romanticism led Jacob to chose Rachel, not Leah. Romanticism so controlled Jacob that under its spell he spent an entire night with the wrong woman. We must beware of those decisions which are determined by romantic impressions or feelings.

Wow! I read this and am embarrased to have missed it before. I have to agree with Deffinbaugh that indeed, God seemed to be rooting for Leah.

The Question of Isaac's Return

2006-10-05T20:04:00.000-07:00

In my Disciple class Wednesday night, the video covered mainly Genesis 22. The Disciple videos very frequently present a very academic, liberal view of Scripture – and even on occasion will present something as fact when it seems to be contradictory to Scripture itself. This was one of those times.

Interestingly, the presenter shared an important truth of Genesis 22 that I have noticed many commentators miss – the fact that although Abraham persistently intervened in the case of Lot, he doesn’t ever question God on the command to sacrifice his only son. Not a word in protest. This fact, along with his confidence in Genesis 22:5 that they would both return...

Gen 22:5 Abraham said to his young men, "Stay here with the donkey, and I and the lad will go over there; and we will worship and return to you."

is convincing evidence that Abraham showed complete faith in God from the moment the command was given. Indeed, already in Genesis 22:8 he tells Isaac that “God will provide”:

Gen 22:8 Abraham said, "God will provide for Himself the lamb for the burnt offering, my son." So the two of them walked on together.

Great stuff. Abraham proved his faith well before attempting to carry out the sacrifice, many people miss that important detail.

So, what’s my beef? Well, the presenter then shared with us that Jewish tradition holds that after the aborted sacrifice Isaac was transported by Angels to paradise for a period of three years! Why? Because the text doesn’t say Abraham and Isaac returned, it just says Abraham returned. Evidently this omission allows enough room to create a story where there isn’t one (well, you can create it as long as you ignore Abraham’s statement in v5 that both will return!). Here’s an explanation from BethImmanuel.org:

In the same stark, simple language with which it began, the Torah concludes the story of Akeidah by stating that Abraham returned to his servants and they went together to Beersheba. Conspicuously absent is Isaac. Why does the Torah not say, "Abraham and Isaac returned..." Twice previously the Torah emphatically stated that Abraham and Isaac went together. But here, at the conclusion of the passage, Abraham returns alone. Isaac is not seen in the Torah again until he meets his bride, Rebekah.

Two contradicting traditions explain Isaac's absence. The most widely accepted and well-known explanation is that Isaac remained in Salem to study under Melchizedek. However, there is another tradition that explains his absence as follows:
And Isaac, Where was he? The Holy One, blessed be He, brought him into the Garden of Eden, and there he stayed three years.

After the sacrifice on Mount Moriah, Abraham returned to Beer-Sheba, the scene of so many of his joys. Isaac was carried to Paradise by angels, and there he sojourned for three years. Thus Abraham returned home alone. In this version of the story, Isaac ascends into heaven following the Akeidah. Absurd and preposterous as this parable may sound, we are again reminded of another Biblical character who met a similar appointment in Salem. He was bound, sacrificed and resurrected, and then ascended to heaven.

My question is this, why must we assume that because the text omits the name of Isaac in the return, that he did not accompany his father back to the young men as Abraham had so clearly stated? Is it possible that I am reading too much into v5, assuming Abraham was speaking truth when it may only have been his opinion – and Isaac actually didn’t return with his father?

A question for you Bible Scholars, I guess.

Psalm 53

2006-10-04T08:27:00.000-07:00

This was assigned reading for my Disciple study this week:

Psa 53:1-6 For the choir director; according to Mahalath. A Maskil of David.

The fool has said in his heart, "There is no God," They are corrupt, and have committed abominable injustice; There is no one who does good. (2) God has looked down from heaven upon the sons of men To see if there is anyone who understands, Who seeks after God. (3) Every one of them has turned aside; together they have become corrupt; There is no one who does good, not even one. (4) Have the workers of wickedness no knowledge, Who eat up My people as though they ate bread And have not called upon God? (5) There they were in great fear where no fear had been; For God scattered the bones of him who encamped against you; You put them to shame, because God had rejected them. (6) Oh, that the salvation of Israel would come out of Zion! When God restores His captive people, Let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad.

Recall that Psalm 14 is nearly identical:

Psa 14:1-7 For the choir director. A Psalm of David.

The fool has said in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, they have committed abominable deeds; There is no one who does good. (2) The LORD has looked down from heaven upon the sons of men To see if there are any who understand, Who seek after God. (3) They have all turned aside, together they have become corrupt; There is no one who does good, not even one. (4) Do all the workers of wickedness not know, Who eat up my people as they eat bread, And do not call upon the Lord? (5) There they are in great dread, For God is with the righteous generation. (6) You would put to shame the counsel of the afflicted, But the LORD is his refuge. (7) Oh, that the salvation of Israel would come out of Zion! When the LORD restores His captive people, Jacob will rejoice, Israel will be glad.

And, of course, Paul quoted these among other Psalms in his letter to the church at Rome:

Rom 3:9-18 What then? Are we better than they? Not at all; for we have already charged that both Jews and Greeks are all under sin; (10) as it is written,

"THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE; (11) THERE IS NONE WHO UNDERSTANDS, THERE IS NONE WHO SEEKS FOR GOD; (12) ALL HAVE TURNED ASIDE, TOGETHER THEY HAVE BECOME USELESS; THERE IS NONE WHO DOES GOOD, THERE IS NOT EVEN ONE." (13) "THEIR THROAT IS AN OPEN GRAVE, WITH THEIR TONGUES THEY KEEP DECEIVING," "THE POISON OF ASPS IS UNDER THEIR LIPS"; (14) "WHOSE MOUTH IS FULL OF CURSING AND BITTERNESS"; (15) "THEIR FEET ARE SWIFT TO SHED BLOOD, (16) DESTRUCTION AND MISERY ARE IN THEIR PATHS, (17) AND THE PATH OF PEACE THEY HAVE NOT KNOWN." (18) "THERE IS NO FEAR OF GOD BEFORE THEIR EYES."

I'm wondering where these passages leave room for man to find God on his own:

"all under sin"
"none righteous, not even one"
"all have turned aside"
"there is none who does good, there is not even one"

For me, these leave no doubt that man is dead in his transgressions and is unable to seek God without His help. I don't see any "loopholes," do you?

Christian Music

2006-10-03T10:40:00.000-07:00

I am a huge fan of contemporary Christian music, and my wife and both my girls (8th and 4th grade) are too. It really is amazing how there is so much great music out there today that teens and pre-teens can enjoy that provides messages of love, forgiveness, hope, faith, etc. When I was growing up, Christian music wasn't a sufficient alternative because it didn't sound anything like the most popular secular songs. But today, Christian music is all my kids listen to!

You may notice in my sidebar I have several links to online Christian music stations. ZRadio is my favorite. It has fast streaming, isn't overly repetitive with the most popular songs, and the quality is excellent. I'll occasionally switch over to K-Love if I'm looking for something different, OneJesus Radio if I want to slow it down a little, and WCIC for my local station. HisKids is great for Elementary kids, and has Bible Stories in addition to music.

My favorite song right now is "The Change," by Steven Curtis Chapman. It includes a voiceover of one of my favorite verses, 2 Corinthians 5:17 (currently featured in my Blog header):

Therefore, if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. (NASB)

The lyrics really speak to me, it's convicting for those of us who profess to be Christians yet may not be bearing fruit:

Well I got myself a t shirt, that says what I believe
I got letters on my bracelet, to serve as my id
I got the necklace and the key chain,
And almost everything a good christian needs - yeah

I got the little Bible magnets, on my refrigerator door
And a welcome mat to bless you, before you walk across my floor
I got a jesus bumper sticker,
And the outline of a fish stuck on my car,
And even though this stuffs all well and good - yeah
I cannot help but ask myself:

What about the change
What about the difference
What about the grace
What about forgiveness
What about a life thats showing
Im undergoing the change - yeah
Im undergoing the change

Well Ive got this way of thinking, that comes so naturally
Where I believe the whole world, is revolving around me
And I got this way of living, that I have to die to every single day
cause if gods spirit lives inside of me - yeah
Im gonna live life differently

Im gonna have the change
Im gonna have the difference
Im gonna have the grace
Im gonna have forgiveness
Im gonna live a life thats showing
Im undergoing the change

What about the change
What about the difference
What about the grace
What about forgiveness
I want to live a life thats showing
Im undergoing the change

If you haven't heard the song, I highly recommend checking it out at MSN Music or on your iTunes. If you like Steven Curtis Chapman you will absolutely love this song.

Disciple II - "Resource Library"

2006-10-02T13:17:00.000-07:00

The following books are assigned reading for my Disciple II Bible study course. In addition to our weekly Scripture and study manual assignments, each of us is to take turns with several resources designed to enhance our study:

Harper's Bible Dictionary
Oxford Bible Atlas
Genesis and Exodus - by Everett Fox
Jews & Christians, A Troubled Family - by Walter Harrelson and Randall Falk

The dictionary and atlas are fairly self-explanatory. Genesis and Exodus is actually a Bible translation designed to give the reader a better flavor for what the Hebrews would have understood the Bible to say. In the words of the author:

Purpose: “To echo the style of the original Hebrew text (rather than the way the English versions translate that text). Translation is guided by the principle that the Hebrew Bible was meant to be read aloud. Attention should be paid to the original words, rhythm and sound”

Genesis 32:20b-21 example:

NIV
For he thought,
"I will pacify him
with these gifts I am sending on ahead;
later, when I see him
perhaps he will receive me."
So Jacob's gifts went on ahead of him...

HEBREW
For he said to himself:
I will wipe his face
with the gift that goes ahead of my face;
afterward, when I see his face
perhaps he will lift up my face!
The gift crossed over ahead of his face...

“The NIV (and all other contemporary versions), while accurately presenting the text in a clear and modern English, necessarily translate out the sound by discarding the word “face” (which is a second possible translation of each of the bolded words in the NIV). This is an unfortunate loss not only for understanding the current Scripture, but also for that which follows and is related in Gen 32:1 and 33:10, which recall the use of “face” in this passage – it all ties in when considering the Hebrew text.”

I know nothing of Hebrew, but it is interesting to have the emphasis of "face" in the passage here - and easy to see how the original conveyed additional meaning that would have been understood and appreciated by the listeners.

The last resource, Jews & Christians, I am undecided on. At first blush, it appears to be a little liberal for my taste - as they authors seem to be moving toward a conclusion that Christians on the whole need not only to apologize to Jews for centuries of oppression, stereotyping and indifference to genocide - but we should also "let Jews be Jews" by not attempting to convert them or defend Christ as Messiah. If that's the end game for this book, I would disagree on all counts. While I believe it is important to understand and recognize the role that elements of Christianity have played in Jewish oppression throughout history - these things were a perversion of Christianity, not Christianity as a religion. And on the second point, I can't find anything in Scripture telling me to share the Gospel with everyone but Jews - so to otherwise instruct us is not Biblical in my view. This doesn't mean I think there is nothing to be gained from interfaith dialogue, but certainly not by foresaking the very foundations of Christian doctrine. I know it doesn't sound like I'm "undecided," but it's really hard given the direction the initial few chapters seem to be heading. As I read through more I'll provide updates.

Has anyone read this book, or have any experience with the Everett Fox translation above?

Today's Scripture

2006-09-29T06:50:00.000-07:00

I can't let "God's Word for Today", John 3:20, pass by without commenting on it. There is so much reformed content when looking at the entire context:

John 3:16-21 (NASB) "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. (17) "For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. (18) "He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (19) "This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil. (20) "For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. (21) "But he who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God."

3:16

Faith Alone (or Grace through Faith) - "that whoever believes in Him should not perish"
Eternal Security - "but have eternal life"

3:18

Faith Alone - "He who believes in Him is not judged;"
Sovereign Election (or Unconditional Election) - "he who does not believe has been judged already
Faith Alone - "because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God

3:19

Total Inability - "And this is the judgment, that the light is come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light; for their deeds were evil.

3:20

Effectual Calling - "For everyone who does evil hates the light, and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed."

3:21

All Points - "But he who practices the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God."

The NIV translates the last three words in 3:21 as "done through God." For those of us that are not intellectuals, this gives clarity. We can take no credit. All Glory goes to God. Praise Him!

Islam and the "Child of Promise"

2006-09-28T10:22:00.000-07:00

Before I begin, I know very little about Islam. I'm hoping if I have any details wrong here some of you Bible scholars that don't wear suits will set me straight.

Don't get me wrong, I've read a little here and there, and I try hard not to allow extreme elements to define the entire religion (much like I don't allow extreme elements to define Christianity for me). That said, we had an interesting discussion in my Disciple Bible study last night - about Isaac and Ishmael and the birth of two great nations destined for conflict. We had a lot to cover, so didn't get too far in conversation on the subject, and I decided to do a little research when I got home.

Of course, like most Christians, I knew that Ishmael was prophesied to be "against everyone," a "wild donkey," etc, but what I learned last night really fascinated me. What I was unaware of, is that Islam believes that Ishmael was actually the "child of promise," that it was Ishmael that was true heir and thus to be recipient of the land promise. And as a result, the clash between Judaism and Islam isn't simply two nations destined for conflict, but two nations attempting to claim the very land they believe God has promised them. Sure, I knew they were fighting over land, but I thought it was more ideological than theological - so for me, this was a real eye opener.

The question for Christians is, how could Ishmael be the child of promise given the Biblical accounts even our children know in Genesis? We know that the text itself tells us even before Ishmael's birth that he will be estranged from family:

Gen 16:11-12 The angel of the LORD said to her further, "Behold, you are with child, And you will bear a son; And you shall call his name Ishmael, Because the LORD has given heed to your affliction. (12) "He will be a wild donkey of a man, His hand will be against everyone, And everyone's hand will be against him; And he will live to the east of all his brothers."

Of course, the above doesn't necessarily discredit Ishmael's claim as the child of promise, but it certainly doesn't help. One can argue that the Patriarchs strayed as they grew in their faith, but this passage seems to say more than just that - it seems to say, "this is not a Patriarch in the making." So we read on:

Gen 17:19-22 But God said, "No, but Sarah your wife will bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac; and I will establish My covenant with him for an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him. (20) "As for Ishmael, I have heard you; behold, I will bless him, and will make him fruitful and will multiply him exceedingly. He shall become the father of twelve princes, and I will make him a great nation. (21) "But My covenant I will establish with Isaac, whom Sarah will bear to you at this season next year." (22) When He finished talking with him, God went up from Abraham.

So this is the clincher right? The everlasting covenant is to be established with the child not yet born, Isaac. Ishmael will become a great nation - nothing more. Finally, Isaac is born:

Gen 21:1-3 Then the LORD took note of Sarah as He had said, and the LORD did for Sarah as He had promised. (2) So Sarah conceived and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the appointed time of which God had spoken to him. (3) Abraham called the name of his son who was born to him, whom Sarah bore to him, Isaac.
Gen 21:12-13 But God said to Abraham, "Do not be distressed because of the lad and your maid; whatever Sarah tells you, listen to her, for through Isaac your descendants shall be named. (13) "And of the son of the maid I will make a nation also, because he is your descendant."

OK, open and shut case. Not only was this prophesied, but God throws into the text again here, to remove all doubt for all of the participants both then and now - right? But still, there's more:

Gen 22:2 He said, "Take now your son, your only son, whom you love, Isaac, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I will tell you."
Gen 22:6-7 Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son, and he took in his hand the fire and the knife. So the two of them walked on together. (7) Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, "My father!" And he said, "Here I am, my son." And he said, "Behold, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?"
Gen 22:9 Then they came to the place of which God had told him; and Abraham built the altar there and arranged the wood, and bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood.
Gen 22:12 He said, "Do not stretch out your hand against the lad, and do nothing to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me."

At this point, we would think "the defense rests," but guess what? Islam still believes that Ishmael, not Isaac, was the child of promise. They believe it was Ishmael that was sacrificed, not Isaac, and that Ishmael and thus Islam is heir of the Holy Land.

How is this possible?

Here's how. They believe that someone corrupted the Biblical account, placing Isaac's name into the text rather than Ishmael's! They also point out, correctly, that when Abraham is told to sacrifice his "only son", that logic (and a plain reading of the text) would dictate that should not be Isaac - since he had a brother. Ishmael, on the other hand, could lay claim at one point to being the "only son." Of course, this interpretation discounts what Jews and Christians would argue, that the phrase "only son" was stated in the context of the promise, and not meant to be a mathematical commentary on how many brothers existed when God called for the sacrifice. Anyway, this site argues that this is all settled in the Quran:

Isaac is mentioned more than Ishmael. His descendants received many gifts from God. Very often, the Qur’an lists him in the line of descent: Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. We are told nothing of Ishmael’s descendants. He is a prophet, but he does not take precedence over Isaac. In fact, according to the Qur’an Isaac is the “child of promise.” (See below:)
Surah 37:100-113² - “Oh my Lord! Grant me a righteous (son)!” So We gave him the good news of a boy ready to suffer and forbear. Then, when (the son) reached (the age of)(serious) work with him, he said, “O my son! I see in vision that I offer you in sacrifice: now see what is your view!” (The son) said: “O my father! Do as you are commanded: you will find me, if Allah so wills, one practising patience and constancy!” So when they had both submitted their wills (to Allah), and he had laid him prostrate on his forehead (for sacrifice), We called out to him “O Abraham! You have already fulfilled the vision!” - thus do We reward those who do right. For this was obviously a trial - And We left (this blessing) for him among generations (to come) in later times: “Peace and salvation to Abraham!” Thus indeed do We reward those who do right. For he was one of Our believing servants. And We gave him good news of Isaac a prophet, - one of the Righteous. We blessed him and Isaac: but of their progeny are (some) that do right, and (some) that obviously do wrong, to their own souls.
Not once in this passage about the sacrifice does Ishmael’s name appear. (If it does appear, it has to be placed in brackets, indicating that it does not appear in the original Arabic text.) The Qur’an confirms the record in Genesis 17:15-21 and 21:1-7. And from all the verses above, it is the children of Isaac who receive many blessings, spiritual and physical. The blessings for Ishmael are hardly mentioned. Isaac was Abraham’s chief heir. The Muslim belief that Ishmael was Abraham’s chief heir is not supported in the Qur’an.
The Qur’an actually makes more sense this way. If Ishmael was the true heir, why did God neglect his children for approximately 2600 years? How could God possibly be faithful to Abraham if this was the case? Why did all the prophets (except for Muhammad) come from the line of Isaac?

Enough testimony, this judge throws the case out of court. Isaac is the child of promise. Interesting stuff - and I understand the conflict has deeper roots than I previously thought. That unsanctioned trip Abraham took to Egypt sure was costly.

"The Guy in the Suit"

2006-09-28T09:32:00.000-07:00

Pastor Darin is having a little fun at my expense over at Interactive Sermon, evidently unaware that Methodists still feel obliged to wear suits to church on Sunday!

Just so you, the reader (whoever you may be) has a chance to see the "other side," the profile picture in the Sidebar is "at work" Scott - and this is "at play" Scott. You'll notice that I'm not actually void of any color, as the black and white photo suggests.

And no, I can't prove to you that I didn't take off my suit jacket and dress shirt and put on a cap and sunglasses as a ruse. But at least I don't have a microphone jammed in front of my face!

Warning Passages

2006-09-27T07:04:00.000-07:00

For a short break from my Disciple study, I would like to address the many passages that others use to argue against the idea of Eternal Security.

Remember, Eternal Security is simply an alternate title for Perseverance of the Saints (at least for our purposes here - definitions vary), and it simply means that a believer can never completely fall away from the state of grace. While this is true, and easily supported Biblically, I have had lively discussions with those that disagree with me. They are able to find lots of Scripture that seems to say to them that they can actually lose their salvation. "Calvinists" must admit that there is plenty of Scripture that must be reconciled with that which we know speaks to Eternal Security and Assurance. There is no question, that Scripture tells us:

We must bear fruit
We are called to "do", to "work", to "persevere"
We are warned not to "fall away"

I want to point out that all of these things focus on the believer, not a single one of them on God - in other words, they are works-based. Those who argue that salvation can be lost invariably, and usually unintentionally, argue that we must "work" in order to maintain that state of grace that holds us secure. So while they hold that we don't work to obtain our salvation - we must work to maintain it. Logically, this is impossible. As I wrote in my post on Eternal Security, we cannot lose what has been given as a gift and promised as secure - it would have to be revoked. There are simply too many Eternal Security passages that prove that this revocation would never occur.

All that said, the many warning passages are very real. To avoid them is dishonest. I hold them as dear as the passages on security and assurance, because they are so very convicting. In fact, all of the highlighting in my Bible is pink - except the Warning Passages, which are highlighted in blue. It helps me stay balanced and convicted. But it is important to remember that works are the fruit of change in a person's heart toward God, not the basis for sustaining it. When James, for instance, says in James 2:14:

"What use is it, my brethren, if a man says he has faith, but he has no works? Can that faith save him?"

and then says in 2:17:

"Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself."

and finally in 2:24 he says:

"You see that a man is justified by works, and not by faith alone."

What is James saying? What he is not saying, is that salvation is obtained or sustained by works. A sound exegesis makes it abundantly clear that James is saying in essence, "a faith that produces no works is not a saving faith." Should this surprise us? Are there some who profess to be believers but in actuality are not? The Bible says there are:

Mat 7:21-23 "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. (22) "Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?' (23) "And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.'

Luk 8:4-15 When a large crowd was coming together, and those from the various cities were journeying to Him, He spoke by way of a parable: (5) "The sower went out to sow his seed; and as he sowed, some fell beside the road, and it was trampled under foot and the birds of the air ate it up. (6) "Other seed fell on rocky soil, and as soon as it grew up, it withered away, because it had no moisture. (7) "Other seed fell among the thorns; and the thorns grew up with it and choked it out. (8) "Other seed fell into the good soil, and grew up, and produced a crop a hundred times as great." As He said these things, He would call out, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear." (9) His disciples began questioning Him as to what this parable meant. (10) And He said, "To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God, but to the rest it is in parables, so that SEEING THEY MAY NOT SEE, AND HEARING THEY MAY NOT UNDERSTAND. (11) "Now the parable is this: the seed is the word of God. (12) "Those beside the road are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their heart, so that they will not believe and be saved. (13) "Those on the rocky soil are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no firm root; they believe for a while, and in time of temptation fall away. (14) "The seed which fell among the thorns, these are the ones who have heard, and as they go on their way they are choked with worries and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to maturity. (15) "But the seed in the good soil, these are the ones who have heard the word in an honest and good heart, and hold it fast, and bear fruit with perseverance.

1Jo 2:19 They went out from us, but they were not really of us; for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us; but they went out, so that it would be shown that they all are not of us.

It is in the context of the above that we should read the following passages; they are as important as those we point to in defense of our own Eternal Security and Assurance:

Deu 13:1-3 "If a prophet or a dreamer of dreams arises among you and gives you a sign or a wonder, (2) and the sign or the wonder comes true, concerning which he spoke to you, saying, 'Let us go after other gods (whom you have not known) and let us serve them,' (3) you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams; for the LORD your God is testing you to find out if you love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.

Mat 7:13-14 "Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. (14) "For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.

Mat 18:23-35 (23) "For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves. (24) "When he had begun to settle them, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him. (25) "But since he did not have the means to repay, his lord commanded him to be sold, along with his wife and children and all that he had, and repayment to be made. (26) "So the slave fell to the ground and prostrated himself before him, saying, 'Have patience with me and I will repay you everything.' (27) "And the lord of that slave felt compassion and released him and forgave him the debt. (28) "But that slave went out and found one of his fellow slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and he seized him and began to choke him, saying, 'Pay back what you owe.' (29) "So his fellow slave fell to the ground and began to plead with him, saying, 'Have patience with me and I will repay you.' (30) "But he was unwilling and went and threw him in prison until he should pay back what was owed. (31) "So when his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were deeply grieved and came and reported to their lord all that had happened. (32) "Then summoning him, his lord *said to him, 'You wicked slave, I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. (33) 'Should you not also have had mercy on your fellow slave, in the same way that I had mercy on you?' (34) "And his lord, moved with anger, handed him over to the torturers until he should repay all that was owed him. (35) "My heavenly Father will also do the same to you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart."

Mat 24:10-13 (10) "At that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another. (11) "Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many. (12) "Because lawlessness is increased, most people's love will grow cold. (13) "But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved.

Mar 3:28-29 (28) "Truly I say to you, all sins shall be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they utter; (29) but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin"--

Mar 4:16-17 (16) "In a similar way these are the ones on whom seed was sown on the rocky places, who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy; (17) and they have no firm root in themselves, but are only temporary; then, when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately they fall away.

Luk 8:13 "Those on the rocky soil are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no firm root; they believe for a while, and in time of temptation fall away.

Luk 12:10 "And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him.

Luk 13:24 "Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.

Joh 8:34-35 Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin. (35) "The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son does remain forever.

Joh 10:26-27 (26) "But you do not believe because you are not of My sheep. (27) "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me;

Joh 15:2 "Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit.

Joh 15:5-6 (5) "I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. (6) "If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned.

Rom 6:16 Do you not know that when you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness?

Rom 11:19-23 (19) You will say then, "Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in." (20) Quite right, they were broken off for their unbelief, but you stand by your faith. Do not be conceited, but fear; (21) for if God did not spare the natural branches, He will not spare you, either. (22) Behold then the kindness and severity of God; to those who fell, severity, but to you, God's kindness, if you continue in His kindness; otherwise you also will be cut off. (23) And they also, if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again.

1Co 3:13-15 each man's work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man's work. (14) If any man's work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward. (15) If any man's work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.

1Co 8:9 But take care that this liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.

1Co 8:11 For through your knowledge he who is weak is ruined, the brother for whose sake Christ died.

1Co 9:27 but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.

1Co 10:12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall.

2Co 13:5 Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you--unless indeed you fail the test?

Gal 4:8-11 However at that time, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those which by nature are no gods. (9) But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how is it that you turn back again to the weak and worthless elemental things, to which you desire to be enslaved all over again? (10) You observe days and months and seasons and years. (11) I fear for you, that perhaps I have labored over you in vain.

Gal 5:1-4 (1) It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. (2) Behold I, Paul, say to you that if you receive circumcision, Christ will be of no benefit to you. (3) And I testify again to every man who receives circumcision, that he is under obligation to keep the whole Law. (4) You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.

Gal 5:13 For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

Col 1:21-23 (21) And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds, (22) yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach-- (23) if indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, was made a minister.

1Ti 1:18-19 (18) This command I entrust to you, Timothy, my son, in accordance with the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you fight the good fight, (19) keeping faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and suffered shipwreck in regard to their faith.

1Ti 4:1 But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons,

1Ti 6:20-21 (20) O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you, avoiding worldly and empty chatter and the opposing arguments of what is falsely called "knowledge"-- (21) which some have professed and thus gone astray from the faith. Grace be with you.

2Ti 2:16-18 (16) But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness, (17) and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, (18) men who have gone astray from the truth saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and they upset the faith of some.

2Ti 4:10 for Demas, having loved this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica; Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia.

Heb 2:1-4 For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it. (2) For if the word spoken through angels proved unalterable, and every transgression and disobedience received a just penalty, (3) how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? After it was at the first spoken through the Lord, it was confirmed to us by those who heard, (4) God also testifying with them, both by signs and wonders and by various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit according to His own will.

Heb 3:6-4:12 but Christ was faithful as a Son over His house--whose house we are, if we hold fast our confidence and the boast of our hope firm until the end. (7) Therefore, just as the Holy Spirit says, "TODAY IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE, (8) DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS AS WHEN THEY PROVOKED ME, AS IN THE DAY OF TRIAL IN THE WILDERNESS, (9) WHERE YOUR FATHERS TRIED Me BY TESTING Me, AND SAW MY WORKS FOR FORTY YEARS. (10) "THEREFORE I WAS ANGRY WITH THIS GENERATION, AND SAID, 'THEY ALWAYS GO ASTRAY IN THEIR HEART, AND THEY DID NOT KNOW MY WAYS'; (11) AS I SWORE IN MY WRATH, 'THEY SHALL NOT ENTER MY REST.'" (12) Take care, brethren, that there not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God. (13) But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called "Today," so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. (14) For we have become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our assurance firm until the end, (15) while it is said, "TODAY IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE, DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS, AS WHEN THEY PROVOKED ME." (16) For who provoked Him when they had heard? Indeed, did not all those who came out of Egypt led by Moses? (17) And with whom was He angry for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the wilderness? (18) And to whom did He swear that they would not enter His rest, but to those who were disobedient? (19) So we see that they were not able to enter because of unbelief. Heb 4:1 Therefore, let us fear if, while a promise remains of entering His rest, any one of you may seem to have come short of it. (2) For indeed we have had good news preached to us, just as they also; but the word they heard did not profit them, because it was not united by faith in those who heard. (3) For we who have believed enter that rest, just as He has said, "AS I SWORE IN MY WRATH, THEY SHALL NOT ENTER MY REST," although His works were finished from the foundation of the world. (4) For He has said somewhere concerning the seventh day: "AND GOD RESTED ON THE SEVENTH DAY FROM ALL HIS WORKS"; (5) and again in this passage, "THEY SHALL NOT ENTER MY REST." (6) Therefore, since it remains for some to enter it, and those who formerly had good news preached to them failed to enter because of disobedience, (7) He again fixes a certain day, "Today," saying through David after so long a time just as has been said before, "TODAY IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE, DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS." (8) For if Joshua had given them rest, He would not have spoken of another day after that. (9) So there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God. (10) For the one who has entered His rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from His. (11) Therefore let us be diligent to enter that rest, so that no one will fall, through following the same example of disobedience. (12) For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Heb 5:11-6:12 Concerning him we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. (12) For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. (13) For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant. (14) But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil. Heb 6:1 Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, (2) of instruction about washings and laying on of hands, and the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment. (3) And this we will do, if God permits. (4) For in the case of those who have once been enlightened and have tasted of the heavenly gift and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, (5) and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, (6) and then have fallen away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God and put Him to open shame. (7) For ground that drinks the rain which often falls on it and brings forth vegetation useful to those for whose sake it is also tilled, receives a blessing from God; (8) but if it yields thorns and thistles, it is worthless and close to being cursed, and it ends up being burned. (9) But, beloved, we are convinced of better things concerning you, and things that accompany salvation, though we are speaking in this way. (10) For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name, in having ministered and in still ministering to the saints. (11) And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end, (12) so that you will not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

Heb 10:19-39 Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, (20) by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, (21) and since we have a great priest over the house of God, (22) let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. (23) Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; (24) and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, (25) not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. (26) For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, (27) but a terrifying expectation of judgment and THE FURY OF A FIRE WHICH WILL CONSUME THE ADVERSARIES. (28) Anyone who has set aside the Law of Moses dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. (29) How much severer punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled under foot the Son of God, and has regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace? (30) For we know Him who said, "VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY." And again, "THE LORD WILL JUDGE HIS PEOPLE." (31) It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God. (32) But remember the former days, when, after being enlightened, you endured a great conflict of sufferings, (33) partly by being made a public spectacle through reproaches and tribulations, and partly by becoming sharers with those who were so treated. (34) For you showed sympathy to the prisoners and accepted joyfully the seizure of your property, knowing that you have for yourselves a better possession and a lasting one. (35) Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. (36) For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised. (37) FOR YET IN A VERY LITTLE WHILE, HE WHO IS COMING WILL COME, AND WILL NOT DELAY. (38) BUT MY RIGHTEOUS ONE SHALL LIVE BY FAITH; AND IF HE SHRINKS BACK, MY SOUL HAS NO PLEASURE IN HIM. (39) But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul.

Heb 12:1-29 Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, (2) fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (3) For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (4) You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in your striving against sin; (5) and you have forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons, "MY SON, DO NOT REGARD LIGHTLY THE DISCIPLINE OF THE LORD, NOR FAINT WHEN YOU ARE REPROVED BY HIM; (6) FOR THOSE WHOM THE LORD LOVES HE DISCIPLINES, AND HE SCOURGES EVERY SON WHOM HE RECEIVES." (7) It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline? (8) But if you are without discipline, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. (9) Furthermore, we had earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them; shall we not much rather be subject to the Father of spirits, and live? (10) For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness. (11) All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness. (12) Therefore, strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble, (13) and make straight paths for your feet, so that the limb which is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed. (14) Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord. (15) See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled; (16) that there be no immoral or godless person like Esau, who sold his own birthright for a single meal. (17) For you know that even afterwards, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought for it with tears. (18) For you have not come to a mountain that can be touched and to a blazing fire, and to darkness and gloom and whirlwind, (19) and to the blast of a trumpet and the sound of words which sound was such that those who heard begged that no further word be spoken to them. (20) For they could not bear the command, "IF EVEN A BEAST TOUCHES THE MOUNTAIN, IT WILL BE STONED." (21) And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, "I AM FULL OF FEAR and trembling." (22) But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, (23) to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the Judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, (24) and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks better than the blood of Abel. (25) See to it that you do not refuse Him who is speaking. For if those did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape who turn away from Him who warns from heaven. (26) And His voice shook the earth then, but now He has promised, saying, "YET ONCE MORE I WILL SHAKE NOT ONLY THE EARTH, BUT ALSO THE HEAVEN." (27) This expression, "Yet once more," denotes the removing of those things which can be shaken, as of created things, so that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. (28) Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; (29) for our God is a consuming fire.

Jam 5:12 But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath; but your yes is to be yes, and your no, no, so that you may not fall under judgment.

Jam 5:19-20 (19) My brethren, if any among you strays from the truth and one turns him back, (20) let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.

2Pe 1:10 Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble;

2Pe 2:1 But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves.

2Pe 2:19-20 (19) promising them freedom while they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by what a man is overcome, by this he is enslaved. (20) For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world by the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and are overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first.

2Pe 3:14 Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless,

2Pe 3:17 You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from your own steadfastness,

1Jo 2:3 By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments.

1Jo 3:24 The one who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. We know by this that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us.

1Jo 5:16 If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask and God will for him give life to those who commit sin not leading to death. There is a sin leading to death; I do not say that he should make request for this.

2Jo 1:8-9 (8) Watch yourselves, that you do not lose what we have accomplished, but that you may receive a full reward. (9) Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God; the one who abides in the teaching, he has both the Father and the Son.

Rev 2:1-29 "To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: The One who holds the seven stars in His right hand, the One who walks among the seven golden lampstands, says this: (2) 'I know your deeds and your toil and perseverance, and that you cannot tolerate evil men, and you put to the test those who call themselves apostles, and they are not, and you found them to be false; (3) and you have perseverance and have endured for My name's sake, and have not grown weary. (4) 'But I have this against you, that you have left your first love. (5) 'Therefore remember from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first; or else I am coming to you and will remove your lampstand out of its place--unless you repent. (6) 'Yet this you do have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. (7) 'He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will grant to eat of the tree of life which is in the Paradise of God.' (8) "And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life, says this: (9) 'I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy by those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. (10) 'Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. (11) 'He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death.' (12) "And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: The One who has the sharp two-edged sword says this: (13) 'I know where you dwell, where Satan's throne is; and you hold fast My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days of Antipas, My witness, My faithful one, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. (14) 'But I have a few things against you, because you have there some who hold the teaching of Balaam, who kept teaching Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols and to commit acts of immorality. (15) 'So you also have some who in the same way hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans. (16) 'Therefore repent; or else I am coming to you quickly, and I will make war against them with the sword of My mouth. (17) 'He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, to him I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and a new name written on the stone which no one knows but he who receives it.' (18) "And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write: The Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet are like burnished bronze, says this: (19) 'I know your deeds, and your love and faith and service and perseverance, and that your deeds of late are greater than at first. (20) 'But I have this against you, that you tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, and she teaches and leads My bond-servants astray so that they commit acts of immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols. (21) 'I gave her time to repent, and she does not want to repent of her immorality. (22) 'Behold, I will throw her on a bed of sickness, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of her deeds. (23) 'And I will kill her children with pestilence, and all the churches will know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts; and I will give to each one of you according to your deeds. (24) 'But I say to you, the rest who are in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, who have not known the deep things of Satan, as they call them--I place no other burden on you. (25) 'Nevertheless what you have, hold fast until I come. (26) 'He who overcomes, and he who keeps My deeds until the end, TO HIM I WILL GIVE AUTHORITY OVER THE NATIONS; (27) AND HE SHALL RULE THEM WITH A ROD OF IRON, AS THE VESSELS OF THE POTTER ARE BROKEN TO PIECES, as I also have received authority from My Father; (28) and I will give him the morning star. (29) 'He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.'

Rev 3:1-22 "To the angel of the church in Sardis write: He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars, says this: 'I know your deeds, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. (2) 'Wake up, and strengthen the things that remain, which were about to die; for I have not found your deeds completed in the sight of My God. (3) 'So remember what you have received and heard; and keep it, and repent. Therefore if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come to you. (4) 'But you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their garments; and they will walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. (5) 'He who overcomes will thus be clothed in white garments; and I will not erase his name from the book of life, and I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. (6) 'He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.' (7) "And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: He who is holy, who is true, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, and who shuts and no one opens, says this: (8) 'I know your deeds. Behold, I have put before you an open door which no one can shut, because you have a little power, and have kept My word, and have not denied My name. (9) 'Behold, I will cause those of the synagogue of Satan, who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie--I will make them come and bow down at your feet, and make them know that I have loved you. (10) 'Because you have kept the word of My perseverance, I also will keep you from the hour of testing, that hour which is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. (11) 'I am coming quickly; hold fast what you have, so that no one will take your crown. (12) 'He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will not go out from it anymore; and I will write on him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God, and My new name. (13) 'He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.' (14) "To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God, says this: (15) 'I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. (16) 'So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth. (17) 'Because you say, "I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing," and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked, (18) I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see. (19) 'Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent. (20) 'Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me. (21) 'He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. (22) 'He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.'"

ALL SCRIPTURE IS FROM THE UPDATED NASB

Disciple Lesson 4 - Carrying the Covenant

2006-09-25T14:49:00.000-07:00

Key Word - Continuity

Key Verse - Genesis 26:24 The LORD appeared to him the same night and said, "I am the God of your father Abraham; Do not fear, for I am with you. I will bless you, and multiply your descendants, For the sake of My servant Abraham."

Day 1 – Genesis 22

Genesis 22:1-2 – most are surprised that Abraham followed the command, I am initially more surprised that God gave it – it certainly seems to condone bodily sacrifice; it appears God is saying, “it’s OK to sacrifice your own son as long as it is for My purposes” – and indeed, God will do the same with Christ! We know that God would not command Abraham to do something evil as a test, so it was unquestionably sanctioned as holy, just and pure; it seems surprising too, that there is no account of intercession, despite the fact that Abraham interceded strongly for Lot – we must remember that just because something isn’t in the Bible doesn’t’ mean it didn’t’ happen – Moses may have left out an account of intercession because it would take away from the larger message (we can’t assume, either way)
Genesis 22:3-19 – v5 shows that Abraham is trusting God in this matter, as he tells them that they will worship and return – God has promised Abraham a blessing of seed and nation, if Isaac is taken away they would have to have another child; in verse 8 Abraham renews his trust by telling Isaac that God will provide the lamb; Abraham proves his willingness, and God intervenes

Day 2 – Genesis 23

Genesis 23:1-20 – it is likely that the Hittites initially thought Abraham intended to borrow the land, rather than buy it – Abraham then states his intentions, to buy the Cave at Machpelah at full value, more clearly; then he is offered the cave and the field, as a package; Ephron was a master negotiator, he offers the package as a gift (which he knows will be denied), and places a value on the sale – this makes it impossible for Abraham to negotiate a lower price without looking greedy; the acquisition of the land is significant, anyone can buy a burial plot – but not own the property – Abraham, for the first time, legally owns real estate in the land of Canaan

Day 3 – Genesis 24

Genesis 24:1-67 – Abraham’s plan shows complete faith: faith that God was in charge, would prepare the way and make it clear, and even that this journey might not be in God’s plans; rather than announcing that he is looking for a wife for a wealthy foreigner, the servant prays; Rebekah is the daughter of Bethuel, Abraham’s nephew

Day 4 – Genesis 25-26

25:1-34 – this wife was likely taken during Sarah’s lifetime, not after – she is called a concubine (1Ch 1:32) – and would not have been called that if Abraham didn’t already have a wife; any children would have been after Isaac, so that he would have claim as heir; Ishmael was not a prodigal, and Abraham loved him and wanted a blessing for him; Ishmael is not buried at the cave of Machpelah, showing that the seed and blessing were indeed through Isaac; God elects Jacob over Esau, before either of them are born (this is true election, and has nothing to do with foreknowledge (Rom 9:10-12); notice, that Jacob is a crook – no two ways about it, Christians can be underhanded, just like anyone else
26:1-20 – the son repeats the sins of the father (with a different Abimelech – which may actually be a title of office, or a son or grandson of the original); this Abimelech notices that she must be his wife, and does not need God to intervene – he has a higher regard for marital purity than Isaac; Isaac migrates towards Beersheba, prodded by harassment by the herdsman of Gerar; this is very similar to Abraham, who had conflict with Lot (as Issac with the herdsman), and Abraham gave preference to Lot (as Issac with the herdsman)

Day 5 – Deuteronomy 6; Psalm 105

Deuteronomy 6:1-25 – the purpose of hearing the word is to know, and obey, the Lord – the nature of that obedience is love for God (6:5); this verse, along with Leviticus 19:18, sums up the whole Law (Mat 22:37-40); God warns us not to be like the world; see Open Bible pg 175 (bottom of page) for more
Psalm 105 – the first 15 verses are from 1Ch 16:8-22, journey of the Ark to Jerusalem; God chose Israel and gave them the land: the Patriarchs, Joseph, deliverance from Egypt, God’s provision in the desert, possession of Canaan, God’s covenant

Disciple Lesson 3 - God Welcomes

2006-09-24T21:25:00.000-07:00

Key Word - Hospitality

Key Verse - Gen 18:19 "For I have chosen him, so that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing righteousness and justice, so that the LORD may bring upon Abraham what He has spoken about him."

Day 1 – Genesis 12-13

12:1-13 – although Abraham is not expressly forbidden to go to Egypt, he does not consult (pray to) God in order to make this decision; also, he then makes another mistake, believing that God will be unwilling or unable to assure the keeping of their marriage – so he asks Sarah to be his “sister”; all of this shows that he does not yet trust God to provide the very land, seed and blessing already promised – and none of this is even in reaction to anything that has happened, only hypothetical problems in the mind of Abraham (situational ethics)
12:14-16 – Abraham’s fears are realized not due to being prophetical, he is the cause – by taking matters into his own hands, he has made Sarah “available”
12:17-19 – notice that Abraham has not consulted God, neither before or during any of this episode – yet now God intervenes suddenly, He is keeping His side of the convenant and protecting the line to Messiah; Pharaoh rebukes Abraham (pagan to Prophet)
12:20-3:4 – Abraham leaves Egypt a rich man, and under the protection of Pharaoh – not because of faith, but because of Divine grace
Lessons

When God promises the ends, He also provides the means

Our faith fails because our God is too small (in our mind)

Situational ethics is wrong, because it rejects the sovereignty of God

There are no short-cuts to godliness

When our faith fails – God doesn’t

13:5-7 – Abraham was told to leave his family behind when he left Ur, but he brought Lot with him – now, finally, God’s will be done, the two separate not because of God’s command, but because it isn’t working out, the will of God is always accomplished in the end
13:8-9 – here Abraham shows that he is learning to trust in God; he leaves it up to Lot, seemingly understanding that God will provide
13:10-13 – Lot, of course, chooses the richer land – without any real hesitation or apology; the result is, he is no longer under the blessing of Abraham (as God will “bless those who bless you”, and “curse those who curse you”)
13:14-18 – Lot has taken land for himself, but now God shows Abraham all of the land that will be given to him and his descendants – and it includes that of Lot (to be fulfilled under Joshua)
Lessons

Trust in the sovereignty of God

Resist immediate pleasures for future Godly reward

Day 2 – Genesis 14-16; Malachi 3:1-10

14:1-12 – It is the irony of ironies (or is it irony?) that Lot chose the region around Sodom for economic reasons, and he has lost it for the very same reasons; he is carried off “because he was in Sodom”, the home of his own choosing
14:13-16 – Abraham immediately takes off to rescue Lot; we are not told that it is an act of faith, nor whether he prays to God about it – nevertheless, he is unselfish and brave, unlike when he entered Egypt
14:17-24 – Melchizedek’s words remind Abraham that this is God’s victory; this is a reminder of the covenant in 12:1-3; Abraham did not give a tithe of his own possessions, he gave a tenth of the possessions of victory (Heb 7:4 says he gave a tenth of the choicest spoils); what really has happened is this: Sodom has been sacked and looted, Abraham has retrieved the loot, and he has given a tenth of it to Melchizedek – and right in front of the King of Sodom!; the King of Sodom realizes that Abraham is due the spoils of victory, and only asks for his people back; Abraham uses the words of Melchizedek “God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth” when he refuses to keep the possessions lost to Sodom, instead returning them
15:1-6 – this is not to say that Abraham did not “believe” before, for he certainly did (Hebrews 11:8 tells us “by faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed…”); it is reiterated here because of the promise of a son, through him the blessing will continue; Abraham was saved by faith in the One who would come, we are saved by faith in the One who has come and will come again
15:7-21 – this is not necessarily disbelief, but a request for confirmation – we do this in prayer, and should not fault Abraham – notice that God does not rebuke this request, but instead, enters into a covenant
16:1-6 – Sarah fails to trust God to bring them a son, or is at least not willing to wait; of course, had Abraham not gone to Egypt, Hagar wouldn’t have been part of the household – so he is at fault for creating the circumstances as well; and here too, Abraham is weak and not looking to God – perhaps anxious to have Hagar; Hagar, too, bears responsibility for the attitude she displayed after the birth of Ishmael; so Sarah’s plan has backfired, as the child she has born is loved by Abraham – yet at the same time drives a wedge between them, neither of whom are willing to admit that they have sinned
16:7-16 – nowhere is God found in the first 6 verses; yet He inserts Himself when Hagar flees – reminding her of her duty and promising that she will have many descendants
Malachi 3:1-10 – John the Baptist will pave the way for Messiah (also prophesied in Isa 40; confirmed in Mat 11); 3:1 is a clear Deity of Christ and Trinity Scripture: Deity in the use of the pronoun I (in context of John the Baptist as paving the way), Trinity in that there is One sending and One being sent; “who can survive…” means non-believers will not survive Divine judgment; He will purify Israel of her sins (they are the elect of nations); those whose faith is not real are among the judged – very convicting; God does not change (any change we perceive is from a human perspective and is not accurate); regarding the tithe passages (from Bible.org):

The people had not been paying their tithes, and so the whole land was under a curse, an actual dry spell where nothing was growing. First, we need to consider what their tithing was all about. Many people today claim to be tithers, and by that they mean they give 10% to the Lord. I suppose churches would be delighted to get at least that. But in the Old Testament the system of tithes and offerings was far more complex. The Israelite under the Law had to bring first the priest’s due (either 2% or 10%). Then he brought the basic tithe, 10%. But he was also required to pay a second tithe (another 10%) that was to go to Jerusalem and its needs--it could be spent in Jerusalem on the three annual pilgrimages, somewhat of a pilgrimage budget. If they could not go to the holy city, they had to send the money. And then, every other year there was a third tithe, which went to the poor. So the basic tithing was probably over 22% any given year, possibly 27%.

Now this did not count the offerings, the animals that were to be brought to the three festivals. It did not include the extra money to be paid for sin and trespass offerings, which could be high, based on the sin. The tithing system also called for the people to have a Sabbath year, one seventh of their income over a seven year period would be given up, as well as a forty-ninth of it over a forty-nine year period if they kept the Jubilee. Then they were to leave the corners of their fields for the poor to glean; they were to give to charity; and they were to take care of the widow, orphan, poor and the stranger. On top of all that, they could at any time offer a free will thank offering--more animals and gifts. So then, if someone today wants to live under the Law of Israel in this respect, the amount would exceed 40% a year.

In the New Testament the outlook is totally different. Everything belongs to God, and we give proportionately as a token of our acknowledgment of this truth as the Lord prospers. It is not how much we should give, but how much we should keep and what we should do with it. Our time, our possessions, our abilities--all part of the stewardship--are gifts from God. We live in the light of the spirit of the Law, not the letter. And yet we still try to get by with the simple interpretation of a tithe, something that was not even allowed in Israel.

But the principle found in this passage applies today. If we refuse to show our loyalty and faithfulness to God in even such a simple thing as giving a token of our time, talents, and treasures in gratitude to him, then he may very well hinder his greatest blessings from being given to us.

Day 3 – Genesis 17-19; Psalm 16

17:1-27 – finally, God will fulfill the promise of seed; Abraham and his descendants will be circumcised as a symbol of their faith; this is a conditional covenant – one which Abraham and Sarah must keep in order for it to remain effective; he did not say this to God, this was an inner feeling – and one that any person might feel; spiritual blessings will be for Isaac, but God will not forget His promise to Hagar
18:1-33 – this is God’s first appearance as an “ordinary man”, no doubt one of many examples of the pre-incarnate Christ in Scripture; it is unclear exactly when Abraham realized he was talking to the Lord God – but it is doubtful it was early in the encounter (the word “lord” also denotes one of authority, and Adonai is used here instead of Yehovah); it is probably the Abraham suspected it was the Lord God sometime during the conversation concerning Sarah (since it was a confirmation of the promise of Gen 17) – probably by Gen 18:13, since Sarah did not say anything, but thought something, and the Lord God asked about that thought; the question asked by God is rhetorical, and the episode an opportunity for Abraham to intercede on behalf of the righteous; God does not “change His mind”; in the end, only 3 were found righteous in Sodom (Lot and his 2 daughters)
19:1-38 – Lot offers up his daughters rather than his guests – they refuse, and Lot is rescued by the very strangers he is attempting to protect; Lot attempts some quick evangelization, but to no avail – Lot must never have shared his faith with them, for they thought he was joking; Lot tries hard not to be saved, and continues to argue about leaving, and about his destination; more so, Lot’s wife’s heart was in Sodom – and she paid for it with her life, while Lot, apparently, is spared (for now) by the intercessory prayers of Abraham; nowhere do we find that Lot approaches Abraham about living with him – this speaks volumes about where his heart is, instead, he spirals down into the depths of sin; Lot was out of Sodom, but Sodom was not out of Lot – or his daughters; the nations of Moab and Ammon are born of these relationships
Psalm 16 – David places all his trust in God, and finds everything he needs

Day 4 – Genesis 20-21

Genesis 20:1-18 – Abraham repeats the sins of the past, and once again – God intervenes; Abimelech is innocent, but only because God physically restrained him – still, it is evident that a pagan stands above Abraham in this episode (this can happen today, too) – and once again the prophet is rebuked by a pagan; Abraham’s excuses are pitiful, 1) he assumes that God is only sovereign over those willing to obey, 2) his statement about her being his sister was technically true, but was actually conveying a falsehood, and 3) that this is simply customary (company policy, please don’t take offense) – there is no acceptance of responsibility for sin, nor sorrow or repentance – he’s just sorry, once again, that he’s been caught
Genesis 21:1-7 – while Sarah is ecstatic about Issac’s birth, Abraham seems matter of fact – almost dutiful; Sarah shows that she too, does not completely trust God – she wants Ishmael out of the way for Issac; but this is what God wants too, only for different reasons (to eliminate any claim as heir) – so it will be done; as promised, God sees to the safety of Ishmael (and thus, Hagar); Abimelech recognizes Abraham’s favored status and seeks a treaty

Day 5 – Jonah

Jonah 1:1-17 – Jonah goes the opposite direction than the Lord instructed; the sailors rebuke him for disobeying his own God; some see Jonah’s request to be thrown over as repentance, which simply is not the case – turning to God would mean doing what was commanded, and getting thrown into the sea to certain death is in no way what God asked of him; the sailors do turn to God, in prayer – something Jonah himself has not even done, then they throw him in the sea; the pagans become saints, while the prophet remains a prodigal, notice:

Sailors prayed, Jonah did not (that we know of)
Sailors active to save ship, Jonah deep in sleep
Sailors have compassion on Jonah, Jonah is indifferent to sailors (initially)
Sailors tried to save Jonah, Jonah has no concern to save sailors (initially)
Sailors wanted to live, Jonah wanted to die
Sailors wanted to find sin, Jonah wanted to persist in sin
Sailors worshipped God, Jonah did not worship God
Sailors surprised by Jonah's sin, Jonah seemingly ambivolent to his own sin
Sailors growing fear of God, Jonah no evidence of real fear (yet)

Jonah 2:1-10 – Jonah’s Psalm; the great fish is not only the means of deliverance, but the setting for composition of the Psalm itself; still, Jonah does not repent, he is asking for physical deliverance – it is centered on him; there is no repentance, and no confession of sin – the only promise is one of a sacrifice to God at the temple; Jonah is once again commanded to go to Nineveh, and goes grudgingly; the entire city repents, immediately, even though they have 40 days – and Jonah’s response? Anger at God, for 1) being consistent with His character, 2) for doing exactly what Jonah expected He would do, and 3) because He showed grace to the Ninevites; Jonah becomes angry again over the “plant and the worm”; God points out the similarities between Jonah’s compassion toward the plant (for which he has no investment) and God’s compassion on the Ninevites (for which He has a tremendous investment)

Disciple Lesson 2 - God Scatters the Proud

2006-09-24T14:38:00.000-07:00

Key Word - Pride

Key Verse - Genesis 11:4 They said, "Come, let us build for ourselves a city, and a tower whose top will reach into heaven, and let us make for ourselves a name, otherwise we will be scattered abroad over the face of the whole earth."

Day 1 – Genesis 11

11:1 – a common language, in and of itself is not evil – man’s use of it, however, to further his earthly desires was evil, God intervenes
11:2-4 – the disobedience starts well before the building of a tower, God had commanded them to be fruitful and multiply, and to fill the earth (not to congregate in cities or settle in the plain of Shinar) – this is man’s intention, disobedience to God; God wants them scattered, they don’t want to be scattered – they place their faith in bricks and tar rather than God
11:5-8 – without divine intervention, man will believe that the commands of God are unimportant – not to be followed; not punishment, but preventive measures to assure that man does not become too arrogant
11:9 – God’s original intent is assured, it is a deliverance of man from his own errors in judgment
Lessons

Man’s plans will never thwart God’s purposes
Unity is not the highest good, but obedience to God
Only Christ can bridge the communication gap (Zep 3:9-11, Acts 2)
The Word of God, not the works of man, should be the object of our faith

Day 2 – Genesis 3

3:1 – an actual snake, being used by Satan; this is an indirect challenge, not a direct one – which Eve likely would have rebuffed (notice Satan just calls Him “God”, not the more formal and subordinate “Lord God” used prior to Chapter 3): Satan acts as if he may be mistaken or misinformed, inviting a correction from Eve (luring her into a conversation that shouldn’t be taking place); he has also craftily place Eve’s attention on the one prohibition, rather than the many generous gifts, of the Garden
3:2-3 – Eve takes the bait, and demonstrates a misunderstanding and/or mischaracterization of God’s command; God said that they may eat of “any” tree of the Garden except…; Eve says “from the fruit trees of the Garden we may eat”, then “but from the fruit of the tree in the middle of the Garden God has said, “you shall not eat from it or touch it, lest you die”; not only does she incorrectly state God’s intent, but she directly attributes incorrect words to God – actually misquoting the very words of God (again, either purposely mischaracterizing – or Adam has done a poor job of conveying the command)
3:4-5 – Eve should have recognized this direct attack on the Word of God; this was bold and daring, perhaps so much so that she couldn’t believe that the serpent could say it if it were not true; notice there is some truth in Satan’s words, they will have knowledge of good and evil, become like God – but there will be direct and eternal consequences for this disobedience; Eve has not yet eaten, but she is on her way – even questioning the character of God; sin is not instantaneous, but sequential, and she is on her way
3:6 – what surprises us the most is that Adam ate without hesitation, why? The words here leave the possibility that Adam has been observing this entire conversation, “and she gave also to her husband with her.” While this is not our traditional understanding, it certainly is possible – and would help to explain why Adam went along so willingly; of course, it is also possible that Adam went along with her mistake because she didn’t appear to “die” – or that it was an act of unity in “one flesh”
3:7-8 – the consequences are realized before any judgment, Adam and Eve experience immediate shame – and separation from God; the death to occur that day is, of course, not physical (although physical death will be part of the judgment), it is instead a spiritual death – separation from God – not imposed by God as part of judgment, initiated wholly by man!
3:8-12 – God questions in the order of authority (Adam, Eve, serpent), then sentences in the order of the fall (serpent, Eve, Adam); the fall was due, in part to a reversal of God’s order
3:13 – Adam blames God and Eve “the woman whom thou gavest to be with me”; Eve blames the serpent “who deceived me”
3:14-15 – the enmity will be between the people of God and the people of Satan, but also between Christ and Satan – where Satan will be mortally wounded and Messiah will receive a painful but not fatal wound
3:16 – God will bring about man’s salvation and Satan’s destruction through Eve (“seed of the woman”)
3:17-20 – important and often overlooked point, there is a curse on the serpent and the ground, but not on Adam and/or Eve; God purposes to save mankind, this is clear; Spiritual death has already occurred, but now physical death will also follow
3:22-24 – the truth of Satan’s deceit is evident, Adam and Eve had become like God in knowing good and evil – but it is an immature understanding; they are expelled from the Garden; it was an act of mercy, keeping them from eternal punishment and providing an avenue of eventual redemption
Lessons

Sin, Judgment, Grace
Be aware of Satan and his devices
Explains the world we live in today, the good attributable to God, the bad attributable to man’s sinfulness
Redemption and Restoration has been accomplished through Christ

Day 3 – Genesis 4-5

4:1-7 – one occupation is not superior to the next; while it could be that it was simply the heart behind the offering that was insufficient, it is more likely it fell short of the blood offering required by law (and while we are not told in Genesis that Cain and Abel were made aware of this revelation – we know from later Scripture that only blood is sufficient to cover sins, so they must have been made aware; we also know that God essentially told Cain, “you should know better”); so Cain did not approach God through shed blood, but through the fruits of his own labor instead (through works); notice too that God never compares Cain’s offering with that of Abel’s, He does not pit them against one another but instead makes it clear that Cain’s simply doesn’t meet the standard; and God graciously warns Cain from what he is contemplating
4:8-15 – “am I my brother’s keeper?” – an insolent reply; unlike Adam and Eve, the time for repentance has passed, Cain is cursed, the ground is not (it is simply the vehicle); still Cain is not sorry, nor does he promise repentance, only regret – he is sorry he was caught
4:16-26 – the genealogy illustrates the spread of sin from Cain, and also that despite the fact these people are sinful, they can “do good” (illustrating once again that it is not the good we do that saves, but Christ); the birth of Seth provides the glimmer of hope for mankind, a people who began to “call upon the name of the Lord)
5:1-32 – the line of Seth, originating in Adam, the history of the line through whom the Savior will come (compare to the ungodly line of Cain in Chapter 4); Cain’s line accomplished many great, but wordly things – where Seth’s line showed faith in God and produced Godly offspring that would lead to Noah

Day 4 – Genesis 6-10

6:1-4 - “sons of God”, “daughters of men”, and “Nephilim”

View 1 – Merge of Sethites and Cainites produces Nephilim

Support – meets context of chapters 4 & 5
Problems – poor exegesis (“sons of God” is defined in Scripture as Angels); Sethites are not, on the whole, Godly

View 2 – Merge of “Despots” (“sons” of pagan gods) in a polygamous relationship with all womankind produces Nephilim

Support – meets context of chapters 4 & 5; Cain did establish a city, which could have established Dynasties of Kings (Despots)
Problems – no Israelite King was ever called a “son of God”; ignores the Scriptural definition of “sons of God”

View 3 – Fallen Angels take on human form and marry womankind, producing Nephilim

Support – fits the context of 4 & 5; meets the Biblical definition of “sons of God”; Angels do appear to be in human form, and their sex has always been masculine; Jude 6 indicates some Angels “abandoned their proper abode” and that they are now “kept in eternal bonds” for judgment; Nephilim are obviously super-human, as evidenced in Num 13:33 “we were like grasshoppers” in their sight
Problems – for us, it seems to defy reason; some Scholars believe Mat 22:29-30 is indicative that Angels could not marry

6:5-7 – God has not “changed His mind”, He is immutable – humanity has made their own bed; it is necessary , too, to do something to get rid of the Nephilim (for the continued “merge” would have destroyed the possibility of a clean line from Seth to Messiah)
6:9-7:5 – the flood is designed to destroy mankind; the ark is designed to save Noah and his family, and to ensure the fulfillment of the divine purpose for the creation and of salvation (Gen 3:15); Noah is found to be righteous, like all humankind, by faith
7:6-8:19 – the ark is entered at the command of God, and He shuts the door – could Noah have done it? He didn’t have to
8:20-22 – God resolves (not to Noah, but to Himself) to never again curse the ground or destroy every living thing; He will deal differently with sin in the future, permanently (Messiah)
9:1-7 – like in Gen 1:28, God blesses them, tells them to “be fruitful and multiply”, and prescribes the food man can eat; animals will now fear man; mankind moves from vegetarian to meat-eater; man is instructed to revere life, and that an accounting will be taken if he doesn’t’
9:8-17 – Noahic Covenant

Initiated and dictated by God
For Noah and all successive generations
A universal and unconditional covenant
Never again to destroy the earth by flood
Sign of the covenant is the rainbow

9:18-29 – important that the sin of Noah is not emphasized here, but the sin of Ham; Canaan (the father of those who would live in Palestine and threaten the Israelites) is cursed – this may not be only a curse, but a prophecy (which would explain why Canaan – both the individual and the nation – are cursed for the sins of Ham)
10:1-32 – IMPORTANT: the confusion of Babel chronologically precedes this chapter

From Japheth come the Indo-Europeans (Greeks, etc, including most Americans)
From Ham come the Babylonians, Assyrians, Ninevahans, Egyptians
From Canaan come the Caananites
From Shem come the Shemites (not Semites, which also include peoples of Ham)

Day 5 – 1 Kings 6:37-7:12; 10:14-11:40

1 Kings

Author – probably Jeremiah (except for perhaps the last 2 chapters)
Isaiah was likely used as a source
United Kingdom v. Divided Kingdom
Kingdom (singular) in tranquility v. Kingdoms (plural) in turmoil

6:37-7:12 – it took Solomon twice as long to build his palace than the Temple; it was built more lavishly than even the Temple…
10:14-11:40 – we must remember, that Solomon was promised riches above all earthly Kings (1Ki 3:13); great wisdom does not make one inerrant, and Solomon succumbed to sin as we all do – specifically the sin of idolatry; first, he tolerates syncretism, then he accepts it for himself; he never rejects the Lord, but he did not devote his heart entirely to him either; Solomon would likely argue that his polygamy and forbidden marriages to Canaanite women were for the sake of alliances and to add to the treasury, yet God had told him he would be richer than any King – it was not necessary to try and take matters into his own hands, God would have provided (and He had warned of these evils in Deu 7); God raises up 3 adversaries to Solomon in his later reign, the greatest of them being Jeroboam

Disciple Lesson 1 - God Speaks

2006-09-22T19:11:00.000-07:00

Before I get started with this lesson I should share my resources. My primary study Bible is the NAS Open Bible (77 version). In addition to that I am using the NeXt Bible from Bible.org, e-Sword including the NASB 95 Update, the ESV and KJV - and also my old NIV Life Application Study Bible which is falling apart both physically and theologically. Whenever I quote Scripture it will be from the NASB Update. The primary commentaries I am using are from Bible.org, and I have a Holman Bible Atlas and nearly 400 Bible locations in my Google Earth file.

LESSON 1 - GOD SPEAKS

Key Word: RESPECT

Key Verse: Genesis 1:3-4 Then God said, "Let there be light"; and there was light. God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness.

Day 1 - Intros to OT, Pentateuch, Genesis, Exodus

Old Testament – the OT in it’s 4 divisions lays the foundation for the coming of the Messiah Savior, anticipating him as Prophet, Priest, and King, and as the suffering Savior who must die for man’s sin before He reigns. Originally written in Hebrew, later translated to Greek (Septuagint). The Jewish people call it the Tannakh [acronym for Torah (law), Nebi’im (prophets), and Kethubim (writings)]

Law – Foundation for Christ
History – Preparation for Christ
Poetry – Aspiration for Christ
Prophecy – Expectation of Christ

Pentateuch - Pentateuch means “five books” or “five scrolls”; Also known as books of the law, or five fifths of Moses; Written by Moses (except last part of Deuteronomy, which tells about his death); God Chooses and brings into creation the nation of Israel; Israel becomes custodians of the OT, the recipients of the covenants of promise, and the channel of Messiah

Important truths of the Pentateuch:

The world came into existence through the will of God
Humanity was made in the image of God
Sin entered the world through man’s moral disobedience
The whole human race is caught up in the consequences of sin (directly and indirectly)
God’s response to sin is a blend of judgment and mercy
Abraham is the father of all who depend on faith in God rather than works or law

Genesis

Greek word meaning “origin”, “source”, “generation”, or “beginning”. The original Hebrew title “Bereshith” literally means “in the beginning”.

Author – anonymous, but Scripture and tradition are unified that Moses was author of Genesis and the remainder of the Pentateuch (except the last part of Deuteronomy, which includes the account of his death)

Settings – Fertile Crescent (2,000 years and 1500 miles), Israel (200 years in Canaan), Egypt (100 years in Egypt); Genesis covers more time than all of the other books of the Bible combined (not considering the “things to come”)

Christ – Seed of the Woman (3:15), Line of Seth (4:25), Son of Shem (9:27), Descendant of Abraham (12:3), of Isaac (12:12), of Jacob (25:23), of the Tribe of Judah (49:10), Adam a type of (Rom 5:14), Melchizidek a type of (Heb 7:3)

Key Word – Beginnings - Literally the beginning of all things: universe, life, man, Sabbath, death, marriage, sin, redemption, family, literature, cities, art, language, sacrifice

Key Verses – 3:15 & 12:3

Key Chapter – 15 (the ratification of the Abrahamic Covenant)

Key Fact – the whole truth of the Bible stands on Genesis 1:1. If it is true, the rest of the Bible is true; if it is false, the Bible is false.

Survey – Genesis is the first chapter in the redemption of man. The first part focuses on the beginning and spread of sin in the world and culminates in the devastating flood. The second part focuses on God’s dealings with one man, Abraham, through whom God promises to bring salvation and blessing to the world. Almost all important doctrines and Biblical teachings have foundations in Genesis, including sin, redemption, justification, Jesus Christ (Messiah), the personality and personhood of God, the Kingdom of God, The Fall, Israel, the promise of Messiah, and more.

4 Great Events – Creation, Fall, Flood, Nations
4 Great People – Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph

Exodus

A continuation of Genesis. The Hebrew title, “We-elleh Shemoth” means “Now These Are the Names”. The Greek title is “Exodus”, word meaning “exit”, “departure”, or “going out”.

Author – Moses

Setting – composed during the 44 year wilderness journey, between 1445 BC and 1405 BC. It covers the period from the arrival of Jacob in Egypt to the erection of the of the tabernacle 431 years later in the wilderness.

Key Word – Redemption: From the redemption of Moses in the Nile to the presence of God in the Tabernacle, Exodus records God’s overwhelming acts of deliverance. Israel was redeemed from bondage in Egypt into a covenant relationship with God.

Key Verses – 6:6 and 19:5-6

Key Chapters – Exodus 12-4: Salvation of Israel through blood. The exodus is the central event of the OT, analogous to the cross in the NT

Survey – Exodus begins with the pain of the Israelites, their turning to God, and God’s immediate response. It falls into two parts

Redemption from Egypt – commission of Moses, hardening of Pharaoh, 10 plagues, Passover, national redemption, exodus, crossing of the Red Sea, journeys in the wilderness
Revelation from God – 10 commandments, judgment of idolatry, tabernacle

Day 2 – Genesis 1:1 – 2:3

Genesis begins authoritatively, it does not argue God’s existence or explain him – it instead assumes His existence and His authority.

The 6 Days of Creation – The first 3 days remedy the formlessness of 1:2, the second 3 days remedy the emptiness of 1:2, there seems to be a correlation between 1 and 4, 2 and 5, 3 and 6. This is a definite sequence and process (God could have made it “all at once”, but chose not to and to reveal His workings to us):

God speaks all into existence, except man. Man He makes in His own image, blesses them, gives them authority – this will be a unique relationship between God and one of His creatures
Not “let there be,” but instead “let Us make”

Not “according to their kind”, but instead “in Our image”
Specifically noted as “male and female”, unlike the animal creations
Dominion over the rest of creation (authority and responsibility)
Let “Us” make man in “Our” image – we know that He is one God, so this obviously points to the Trinity (later revealed)

Day 3 – Genesis 2:4-25

There is no contradiction between Genesis 1 and 2. Genesis 1 is a detailed explanation of the six days of creation, day by day. Genesis two is a recap and a more detailed explanation of the sixth day, the day that Adam and Eve were made. The recap is stated in Gen. 2:4, "This is the account of the heavens and the earth when they were created, in the day that the Lord God made earth and heaven." Then, Moses goes on to detail the creation of Adam and Eve as is seen in verses 7 thru 24 of Gen. 2. Proof that it is not a creative account is found in the fact that animals aren't even mentioned until after the creation of Adam. Why? Probably because their purpose was designated by Adam. They didn't need to be mentioned until after Adam was created.

Again, where God spoke all else into existence, He “formed” man of dust from the ground, and “breathed” into his nostrils the breath of life – much different than the rest of creation. More will be expected of man.

Man is to “cultivate” the garden. We often think of Adam before the fall as being some guy who flitted around the Garden with Eve without a care, this is not the case – God had work for him to do – work existed before the fall, it was not a result of it.

Edenic Covenant – Adam is to:

Populate the Earth
Subdue the Earth
Exercise dominion over the Earth
Care for the Garden of Eden and enjoy it’s fruit
Refrain from eating fruit from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil (under penalty of death)

Of course, God knows that none of the animals will be suitable as Adam’s helper. The exercise is for Adam’s benefit.

Without woman, man is incomplete – “it is not good for man to be alone”. This is the definition of marriage, “a man shall leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and they shall become one flesh.”

Day 4 – Psalm 104; 145

Psalm 104

Gives “life” to the creation story
In Genesis creation is “spoken” into existence, this account illustrates painstaking detail that went into all of creation. It was easy for God, but almost incomprehensible to us

Psalm 145

An acrostic, or alphabet, poem
Wow, the praise!
“Slow to anger” – as evidenced by his mercy after the fall, and continued mercy
“The Lord sustains all who fall” – Adam and Eve; perseverance of the Saints

Day 5 – Psalm 147; Isaiah 40:12-31

Psalm 147

The Lord builds, gathers, heals, counts, names, understands, supports, covers, provides, makes, gives, favors, strengthens, blesses, satisfies, sends forth, scatters, casts forth, causes, declares
He has not dealt thus with any nation, “they have not known Him”

Isaiah 40:12-31

Chapters 40-55 also known as the “Book of the Consolation of Israel”
Written during the time of Babylonian exile, to dispirited exiles; also written so that we may know God will deliver us from the bondage of sin, that there is new life for all who come to Him
Attributes and Character of God
40:12 – Omnipotence
40:13-14 – Omniscience
40:15-17 – Sovereign
40:18-26 – Omnipresent (infinite)

Disciple II

2006-09-22T18:29:00.000-07:00

Last year I took a 36 week class at my church called Disciple I. It was actually put together by the United Methodist Church, and I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised - not too much liberal theology weaved in. Oh, sure, in some of the videos there were liberal scholars questioning whether or not some events were literal, etc, but all in all it was tolerable - and easy to defend the truth with other classmates once the video was over.

We studied Genesis through Revelation - just a quick run through most of the Bible - covering about 70% of the total text. It was a great experience for me. I've never read the Bible front to back, or all the way through in a year, so a structured study with other church members was a great experience. Once the class was over and we "graduated," I found that I missed the time we had studying together and gaining new perspectives from other class members.

Luckily, the Disciple series I am taking has 4 total classes. Once you've "passed" the first one, you can take the other three in any order. I chose to take Disciple II, which just started two Wednesdays ago. Disciple II covers Genesis, Exodus, Luke and Acts - primarily. We'll be in and out of many other books, especially Psalms and Proverbs.

Since I've already started, I'm going to do some "catch-up" posts with what I've already studied, and once I have it all on here I'll try to post for each daily study. If you happen to be reading along as I study and have a question, disagree, or have something to add - please feel free to comment.

Some history:

In March 1986 a group of eighteen gathered in Flower Mound, TX, committed to a dream of developing a Bible study for training Christian Disciples. Together they shaped the dream into a vision of what became DISCIPLE: BECOMING DISCIPLES THROUGH BIBLE STUDY.

In July of 1989, three years after the Flower Mound gathering that gave birth to DISCIPLE, word had come across the church that lives were being changed and churches renewed. A group gathered once again and took on the challenge of providing another life-changing study. The result was DISCIPLE: INTO THE WORD INTO THE WORLD with the challenge of going deeper into the Word and out into the world.

Another three years later in December of 1992 a third gathering took place and the third study took shape. Experience confirmed direction and congregations were ready to confront and be confronted by the hard words of the prophets. The message was simple: Recall your past and your roots - DISCIPLE: REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE was published.

Finally, in 2001, the fourth and final study of the four-phase DISCIPLE program was published. From Creation to the New Jerusalem – that was the promise and the vision. DISCIPLE: UNDER THE TREE OF LIFE was published. The journey was long and in-depth and would take congregations through the Bible twice.

What to expect:

The purpose of DISCIPLE Bible study is “to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” ~Ephesians 4:12

What you can expect from the DISCIPLE Bible Study program is biblically nourished persons committed to live as disciples. Persons taking part in this study will learn the meaning of servant leadership.

DISCIPLE aims at transformation, not just information.

Why study Disciple?

DISCIPLE is a program of disciplined Bible study aimed at developing strong Christian leaders. It focuses on the disciple as learner, believer, follower, proclaimer, and servant while providing the fellowship of a small group for study, prayer, preparation, support, and servanthood.

DISCIPLE assumes that the Bible is key to renewal in the church and affirms that the canon was formed as it is in order for God to speak to us. The study gives the Old and New Testaments equal time, emphasizing the wholeness of the Bible as a revelation of God and draws upon the work of scholars to aid understanding of the Bible.

The Disciple group:

DISCIPLE is based on the model of Jesus and the twelve disciples. This small group study works best with 8-14 members including the leader. Having fewer members can limit the discussion and if a member or two leave the group it becomes much harder to continue. Having more than 14 members can also limit discussion with too many people involved and make it easier for persons to be less prepared and committed to the study. Group members may come from all walks of life, may or may not be members of the church, or may be first time or experienced students of the Bible. Regardless of their background, groups covenant together in terms of commitment of time, daily and weekly preparation, and attendance at all weekly sessions.

Groups may be led by anyone, but it should be the same one or two people for the entire study. Training seminars are held nationwide and are highly recommended for those planning to lead a DISCIPLE group. Even those who have completed an entire DISCIPLE study may want to consider training for additional ideas and support. People generally lead as they were led. DISCIPLE graduates who lead other studies of DISCIPLE but have never been to training usually approach the DISCIPLE materials and group process in the same way they first experienced it. Training offers hands-on experience with the resources and the additional components used with each study and provides understanding and practice of small group leadership skills, the philosophy, the format of the material, and the weekly group schedule.

The greater the commitment of the group, the more fulfilling the experience.

DISCIPLE can reach its fullest potential when group members prepare, attend weekly sessions, and participate fully.

The leader’s commitment will include:
· Attending an optional training seminar - both highly recommended and educational!
· Inviting group members and forming the study group.
· Studying about forty minutes daily in preparation for the weekly study sessions.
· Guiding an orientation session and all the weekly study sessions of two and one-half hours each.

The group members’ commitment will include:
· Studying about thirty minutes daily in preparation for the weekly study session.
· Participating in an orientation session and all of the weekly study sessions.

The successful, productive group will covenant together for full commitment to study and prepare and to attend and participate. We recommend following the biblical pattern of Sabbath rest after six days of study.

And here's information specific to the Disciple II study:

INTO THE WORD INTO THE WORLD encourages persons to open themselves to hearing what God has to say to them through the Bible and to be guided into service in the world by Scripture and their study of it.

This thirty-two week study selects specific portions of Scripture and delves deeper into them. Depth study of Scripture will be the work both of individual members and of the group in its weekly meeting. Equal attention is given to Old and New Testaments with concentration on four books: Genesis, Exodus, Luke, and Acts (8 lessons on each book). Appropriate connections are made to other parts of Scripture both through reading and study assignments and through commentary in the study manual. Participants will read familiar passages, see them in fresh ways, and anticipate that God will speak through them.

INTO THE WORD INTO THE WORLD is prepared for those who have completed DISCIPLE: BECOMING DISCIPLES THROUGH BIBLE STUDY. This study proclaims the transforming power of Scripture while teaching Bible study skills that take participants deeper into the Scripture. The importance of keeping Bible study related to witness is reinforced while participants are encouraged to practice spiritual disciplines arising out of Scripture. The purpose is to change habits and transform lives. The study also emphasizes the rhythm of coming to God and going for God, of being in the Word and in the world individually and corporately. This study understands the growing Christian as under discipline in community and in ministry to the world. INTO THE WORD INTO THE WORLD approaches all experiences of life as opportunities for faithful witness and service.

The Basic Resource Library
DISCIPLE: INTO THE WORD INTO THE WORLD has a component unique to the study – the Basic Resource Library. This library consists of a set of books that will be used weekly by group members for reading, study, and research. Some of the books will provide historical, cultural, and geographical information; some will enhance Bible study skills; some will explore topics related to the Scripture being studied; and some will aid personal spiritual growth. Each week the books in the library will be circulated among group members, and specific assignments will be made. Not every person in the group will have a special assignment every week, but those who do will report on the assignment in the next weekly group meeting. Instructions and assignments related to the Basic Resource Library will appear in the teacher helps and the study manual.

The Basic Resource Library is a basic component for INTO THE WORD INTO THE WORLD; it is not optional. Each group will need its own Basic Resource Library for use throughout the thirty-two weeks.

Oh, and if you're interested, here is a link to the study.

Summing Up

2006-09-22T10:26:00.000-07:00

The previous 5 posts all come together into what some people label "Calvinism." I know for certain that while I hold to some Calvinist views, I am not a Calvinist. I study the Bible looking for theology - trying diligently not to force my current understanding of theology into any Scripture. A friend of mine once said, "I'm not a Calvinist - I'm a Biblicist." I agree. Although I believe my understanding of Scripture to be entirely Biblical and much of it lines up with the Calvinist view, I understand that there are those who disagree. I read somewhere once that "there are learned opinions on either side." That's how I feel about the ongoing debate between "Calvinism" and "Arminianism."

I have a good friend in my Bible study group who rejects all but one of the 5 points of Calvin (guess which one) - we each think the other person is wrong on the other points, yet we each also hold one another in communion with each other in Christ. Oh, and guess what, this friend that disagrees with me thinks he's a "Biblicist" too. Some things are important, but only a few are worthy of a dogmatic view (even if he is wrong!).

The 5 Points:

1. Total Inability - (Total Depravity) As I've written, I prefer this title to the traditional "Total Depravity." This simply means that man is dead in his transgressions, unable to raise himself to spiritual life because he is held captive to a love for sin. Again, it doesn't mean that he cannot do good, worldly, things - but that he cannot and will not choose God of his own volition.

2. Sovereign Election - (Unconditional Election) It is unavoidable that God chooses men for His own purposes. This is a difficult fact for some, but the Bible is clear from Genesis through the New Testament that God chooses some over others. God chose Abraham, He chose Israel, and He chose the younger Jacob over the older Esau - God chose Paul. None of these were chosen based on merit, and none were chosen based on foreknowledge. God chooses, who are we to question His choices?

3. Efficient Atonement - (Limited/Unlimited Atonement) - see my UPDATE at the bottom of the post) Scripture is clear that Jesus died, potentially, for the sins of all humankind - yet some will reject that offer. Therefore, although Jesus died for the sins of the whole world , He atoned only for the sins of the "elect." The atonement was sufficient for all (unlimited), and efficient for the elect (limited).

4. Effectual Calling - (Irresistable Grace) This simply means that when God calls us as individuals, that we will answer in the affirmative. God calls all people to Himself, but some will reject His "general call." His "effectual call" will always result in salvation.

5. Eternal Security - (Perseverance of the Saints) This is the comforting truth that God, by His power, will lose none of those whom He has predestined to save - because He faithfully keeps believers by giving them the grace to persevere to the end of their life. This does not mean that all Christians are perfect, nor that none will stray. What it does mean is that for any who are true believers, they can be assured of their eternal security.

Unfortunately, the above don't combine to form a nice acronym likt "TULIP." However, I would rather they do a good job of explaining the various doctrines than spelling out the name of flower. Any suggestions on an appropriate name for "Unlimited Atonement," since I've basically admitted that I believe it is actually limited, even if potentially unlimited?

That's it for my take on the "Reformed" view - from here on out I'll be posting about my Disciple class study and other random thoughts.

UPDATE (9/24): For now I will settle on Efficient Atonement rather than try to explain how my view differs from the classic Limited and Unlimited Atonement positions. If you happen to be reading and have an alternate suggestion - please feel free to share it.

Eternal Security

2006-09-20T08:07:00.000-07:00

aka Perseverance of the Saints

From the Calvinist perspective, Eternal Security means that a believer can never completely fall away from the state of grace. What it is not supposed to be, at least in the classic sense, is "Once Saved, Always Saved (OSAS)." What's the difference? The question often is, "Can I lose my salvation?" My reply would be, "Did you gain your salvation?" Salvation is not ours to lose or gain, it is a free gift only by the grace of God, and kept only through the grace of God. Any doctrine that over-emphasizes our part in the relationship we have with God cannot be accurate. Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on how you look at it), those who believe in OSAS and those who hold to Perseverance of the Saints will end up in the same place - although traveling vastly different routes to get there. You may notice that even the Perseverance view seems to emphasize the role of man rather than that of God. Ryrie puts it this way:

It seems to focus on the believer - it is the believer who perseveres (albeit through the decree and power of God). Security [or Preservation, an alternate term] focuses on God - it is God who secures our salvation. It does not deny there may be times of backsliding, but it stresses the need for demonstrable fruit throughout the Christian life.

Once again we find the difficulty is in the title. Because of this, often times people don't understand what they truly believe or what they are passionately defending. Irrespective of titles, the doctrine itself must be explained (like all things) using God's, rather than man's, perspective. If we keep that in mind the titles have less meaning and influence than they should.

Ryrie also points out another important fact, and something of which I was previously unaware. We often times use the term Assurance interchangeably with these others. To do so is to be in error:

Though eternal security, preservation, and perseverance in reality all teach the same bottom-line conclusion (namely, that the true believer will not lose his salvation), assurance is a different doctrine. It is the realization of the truth of eternal security or perseverance. A secure salvation is a true fact whether one realizes it or not. Thus a believer has security whether or not he has assurance.

Important too, is the realization that as believers we are called to "do," to "work," to "persevere." We have a role to play. But our failures as believers will not lead to a revocation of salvation (a phrase I prefer to our "losing it"), but instead it leads to a loss of rewards. There are plenty of warning passages throughout the Bible that we should pay close attention to and act on. There is no question that there should be evidence of change in a believer's life - if there isn't, one might question whether the faith they have is real (or a saving faith).

Following is an article on this subject from GotQuestions.org:

Can a believer, once saved, indwelled by the Holy Spirit of God, and cleansed by the blood of Christ, lose their placement in heaven? Does the Good Shepherd lose His sheep? Can a believer lose their salvation? The Perseverance of the Saints can also be referred to as “The Preservation of the Saints,” “The Perseverance of God,” “Eternal Security,” or “Once in Grace, Always in Grace.” The true reason why a person is eternally secure is that God, by His power, will lose none of those whom He has predestined to save because He faithfully keeps believers by giving them the grace to persevere to the end of their life. The true definition of eternal security is embedded in the doctrine of predestination! Also, Calvinistic eternal security keeps God in the whole of a person’s salvation. It is God who predestines, saves, keeps, and glorifies. Man is never in the picture. Furthermore, and possibly the most important, the atonement of Christ is powerful enough to cleanse a sinner to the uttermost (Hebrews 7:25). Now, let us look at some verses.

Ephesians 1:13-14 and 4:30, "In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation – having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of Promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance…And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." In 2 Corinthians 1:22 we have a similar statement, "“[God] who also sealed us and gave the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge…" The words “sealed” and “pledge” indicates that if a believer is indwelt by the Holy Spirit then the promise of salvation is irrevocable. The word “pledge” is the Greek word “arrhabon.” The word “arrhabon” literally means “an earnest” which denotes an amount of money which in a purchase is given as a pledge or down payment that the full amount will subsequently be paid. The Holy Spirit’s indwelling is a guarantee that those who are partakers will unquestionably go to heaven.

Romans 8:30 tells us, "and whom He predestined, these He also called; and whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified." We see from this verse that all who are predestined are guaranteed glorification. Also, notice that God is central in this process of salvation. If a person loses his or her salvation, then it is not the person who lost their salvation, but God. Jesus Christ said in John 6:37-39 that every one that the Father gives Him will indeed come to Him for salvation. Jesus says in verse 37 that those who come to Him will never be turned away from that request for salvation. Also, in verse 39 Jesus says that it is the command of the Father that everyone who is given to the Son will indeed be raised up on the last day. If a person is a genuine Christian then they can never be lost and will be preserved to the last day for salvation. A question arises concerning perseverance. What happens when a person pledges to believe yet at some subsequent point denies the faith and goes back to living an immoral life?

The answer is found in 1 John 2:19, "They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us; but they went out from us, in order that it might be made manifest that they all are not truly of us." Jesus tells a parable in Matthew 13, Mark 4, and Luke 8 of those who receive the word with joy but due to persecution, the worries of the world, and/or the deceitfulness of riches, they fall away. Hebrews 6:4-6 supports that a person can have a very detailed experience with God as a non-believer. I personally was on a prayer team with a guy for two years. A year later I watched him give his life to Christ for the first time. Eternal security is not for those who profess faith, but for those who actually have faith. Eternal security affirms that all who are truly regenerated will undoubtedly go to heaven.

Misconceptions:

Critics of Perseverance of the Saints believe that Perseverance of the Saints will cause the body of Christ to become filled with carnality because Perseverance of the Saints teaches “free grace.” Perseverance of the Saints does not teach free grace, that is, that a person can ask for forgiveness and then live however he or she wants! People think that Perseverance of the Saints doesn’t care about sanctification but only justification. This couldn’t be further from the truth! Perseverance of the Saints teaches that those who are saved will indeed be conformed to the holy image of Christ. When a person becomes a genuine Christian we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit of God who grieves within us at our sin.

The Holy Spirit gives the newly created Christian a new heart and a desire to seek holiness. Perseverance of the Saints affirms that a newly converted person will truly desire nothing more than obedience to Christ. Holiness and hatred of sin will be a natural desire. If a person “gets saved” and then remains in unrepentant carnality then this person was possibly never saved in the first place. True conversion means that the body of Christ will be filled with those who love holiness. Perseverance of the Saints teaches that works are necessary, not to save, but to prove your salvation. James 2 is the key teaching of this truth. James 2 is preceded by verses like James 1:22 that says, “But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.”

James 2:18 says, “But someone might well say, ‘You have faith, and I have works’; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” James 2 concludes by saying that faith without works is not a saving faith because it is dead! 1 John 1:6 says that if we claim to have fellowship with Him and remain in darkness, we are liars! 1 John 3:9 states the strongest, "No one who is born of God practices sin, because God’s seed abides in him; and he cannot practice sin because he is born of God."

Clearly, if a person is a false convert, soon or later they will be uncovered. If a person becomes a Christian then they will willingly submit to the Lord. Perseverance of the Saints does not in any form or fashion teach “free grace.” Perseverance of the Saints does teach that when a genuine believer sins, even critically, they still remain in the grace of God because of the imputed righteousness of Jesus Christ and the wonderful power of His precious blood. There is another important note: if a person, who claims to be a Christian, uses Christ’s perfect atonement to gain sin, then that person is probably not saved.

And following is Scripture I have compiled supporting this doctrine:

Neh 9:16-19 (16) "But they, our fathers, acted arrogantly; They became stubborn and would not listen to Your commandments. (17) "They refused to listen, And did not remember Your wondrous deeds which You had performed among them; So they became stubborn and appointed a leader to return to their slavery in Egypt. But You are a God of forgiveness, Gracious and compassionate, Slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness; And You did not forsake them. (18) "Even when they made for themselves A calf of molten metal And said, 'This is your God Who brought you up from Egypt,' And committed great blasphemies, (19) You, in Your great compassion, Did not forsake them in the wilderness; The pillar of cloud did not leave them by day, To guide them on their way, Nor the pillar of fire by night, to light for them the way in which they were to go.

Psa 16:10 For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol; Nor will You allow Your Holy One to undergo decay.

Psa 31:23 O love the LORD, all you His godly ones! The LORD preserves the faithful And fully recompenses the proud doer.

Psa 37:1-40 A Psalm of David. Do not fret because of evildoers, Be not envious toward wrongdoers. (2) For they will wither quickly like the grass And fade like the green herb. (3) Trust in the LORD and do good; Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. (4) Delight yourself in the LORD; And He will give you the desires of your heart. (5) Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, and He will do it. (6) He will bring forth your righteousness as the light And your judgment as the noonday. (7) Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who carries out wicked schemes. (8) Cease from anger and forsake wrath; Do not fret; it leads only to evildoing. (9) For evildoers will be cut off, But those who wait for the LORD, they will inherit the land. (10) Yet a little while and the wicked man will be no more; And you will look carefully for his place and he will not be there. (11) But the humble will inherit the land And will delight themselves in abundant prosperity. (12) The wicked plots against the righteous And gnashes at him with his teeth. (13) The Lord laughs at him, For He sees his day is coming. (14) The wicked have drawn the sword and bent their bow To cast down the afflicted and the needy, To slay those who are upright in conduct. (15) Their sword will enter their own heart, And their bows will be broken. (16) Better is the little of the righteous Than the abundance of many wicked. (17) For the arms of the wicked will be broken, But the LORD sustains the righteous. (18) The LORD knows the days of the blameless, And their inheritance will be forever. (19) They will not be ashamed in the time of evil, And in the days of famine they will have abundance. (20) But the wicked will perish; And the enemies of the LORD will be like the glory of the pastures, They vanish--like smoke they vanish away. (21) The wicked borrows and does not pay back, But the righteous is gracious and gives. (22) For those blessed by Him will inherit the land, But those cursed by Him will be cut off. (23) The steps of a man are established by the LORD, And He delights in his way. (24) When he falls, he will not be hurled headlong, Because the LORD is the One who holds his hand. (25) I have been young and now I am old, Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken Or his descendants begging bread. (26) All day long he is gracious and lends, And his descendants are a blessing. (27) Depart from evil and do good, So you will abide forever. (28) For the LORD loves justice And does not forsake His godly ones; They are preserved forever, But the descendants of the wicked will be cut off. (29) The righteous will inherit the land And dwell in it forever. (30) The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom, And his tongue speaks justice. (31) The law of his God is in his heart; His steps do not slip. (32) The wicked spies upon the righteous And seeks to kill him. (33) The LORD will not leave him in his hand Or let him be condemned when he is judged. (34) Wait for the LORD and keep His way, And He will exalt you to inherit the land; When the wicked are cut off, you will see it. (35) I have seen a wicked, violent man Spreading himself like a luxuriant tree in its native soil. (36) Then he passed away, and lo, he was no more; I sought for him, but he could not be found. (37) Mark the blameless man, and behold the upright; For the man of peace will have a posterity. (38) But transgressors will be altogether destroyed; The posterity of the wicked will be cut off. (39) But the salvation of the righteous is from the LORD; He is their strength in time of trouble. (40) The LORD helps them and delivers them; He delivers them from the wicked and saves them, Because they take refuge in Him.

Psa 94:14 For the LORD will not abandon His people, Nor will He forsake His inheritance.

Psa 97:10 Hate evil, you who love the LORD, Who preserves the souls of His godly ones; He delivers them from the hand of the wicked.

Psa 121:7 The LORD will protect you from all evil; He will keep your soul.

Psa 125:1 Those who trust in the LORD Are as Mount Zion, which cannot be moved but abides forever.

Pro 2:8 Guarding the paths of justice, And He preserves the way of His godly ones.

Isa 54:4-10 (4) "Fear not, for you will not be put to shame; And do not feel humiliated, for you will not be disgraced; But you will forget the shame of your youth, And the reproach of your widowhood you will remember no more. (5) "For your husband is your Maker, Whose name is the LORD of hosts; And your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel, Who is called the God of all the earth. (6) "For the LORD has called you, Like a wife forsaken and grieved in spirit, Even like a wife of one's youth when she is rejected," Says your God. (7) "For a brief moment I forsook you, But with great compassion I will gather you. (8) "In an outburst of anger I hid My face from you for a moment, But with everlasting lovingkindness I will have compassion on you," Says the LORD your Redeemer. (9) "For this is like the days of Noah to Me, When I swore that the waters of Noah Would not flood the earth again; So I have sworn that I will not be angry with you Nor will I rebuke you. (10) "For the mountains may be removed and the hills may shake, But My lovingkindness will not be removed from you, And My covenant of peace will not be shaken," Says the LORD who has compassion on you.

Isa 61:10 I will rejoice greatly in the LORD, My soul will exult in my God; For He has clothed me with garments of salvation, He has wrapped me with a robe of righteousness, As a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

Jer 32:38-42 (38) "They shall be My people, and I will be their God; (39) and I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear Me always, for their own good and for the good of their children after them. (40) "I will make an everlasting covenant with them that I will not turn away from them, to do them good; and I will put the fear of Me in their hearts so that they will not turn away from Me. (41) "I will rejoice over them to do them good and will faithfully plant them in this land with all My heart and with all My soul. (42) "For thus says the LORD, 'Just as I brought all this great disaster on this people, so I am going to bring on them all the good that I am promising them.

Mat 18:12-14 (12) "What do you think? If any man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go and search for the one that is straying? (13) "If it turns out that he finds it, truly I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine which have not gone astray. (14) "So it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones perish.

Luk 1:74 To grant us that we, being rescued from the hand of our enemies, Might serve Him without fear,

Joh 3:36 "He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him."

Joh 5:24 "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.

Joh 6:37-40 (37) "All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out.
(38) "For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. (39) "This is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day. (40) "For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day."

Joh 6:47 "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes has eternal life.

Joh 6:51 "I am the living bread that came down out of heaven; if anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread also which I will give for the life of the world is My flesh."

Joh 10:4 "When he puts forth all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice.

Joh 10:25-29 (25) Jesus answered them, "I told you, and you do not believe; the works that I do in My Father's name, these testify of Me. (26) "But you do not believe because you are not of My sheep. (27) "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; (28) and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. (29) "My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand.

Rom 5:9-10 (9) Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. (10) For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.

Rom 6:22 But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life.

Rom 8:1 Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Rom 8:29-39 (29) For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; (30) and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified. (31) What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? (32) He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? (33) Who will bring a charge against God's elect? God is the one who justifies; (34) who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. (35) Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? (36) Just as it is written, "FOR YOUR SAKE WE ARE BEING PUT TO DEATH ALL DAY LONG; WE WERE CONSIDERED AS SHEEP TO BE SLAUGHTERED." (37) But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. (38) For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, (39) nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Rom 11:29 for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.

1Co 3:15 If any man's work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.

1Co 1:4-9 (4) I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus, (5) that in everything you were enriched in Him, in all speech and all knowledge, (6) even as the testimony concerning Christ was confirmed in you, (7) so that you are not lacking in any gift, awaiting eagerly the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, (8) who will also confirm you to the end, blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. (9) God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

1Co 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.

2Co 1:22 who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge.

2Co 5:5-8 (5) Now He who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave to us the Spirit as a pledge. (6) Therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord-- (7) for we walk by faith, not by sight-- (8) we are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord.

2Co 13:5 Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you--unless indeed you fail the test?

Eph 1:13-14 (13) In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation--having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, (14) who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God's own possession, to the praise of His glory.

Eph 4:30 Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

2Ti 1:12 For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.

Heb 3:6 but Christ was faithful as a Son over His house--whose house we are, if we hold fast our confidence and the boast of our hope firm until the end.

Heb 7:25 Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.

Heb 10:14 For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified.

Heb 13:5 Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, "I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU,"

1Pe 1:4-5 (4) to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, (5) who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

2Pe 1:10 Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble;

1Jo 2:18-19 (18) Children, it is the last hour; and just as you heard that antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have appeared; from this we know that it is the last hour. (19) They went out from us, but they were not really of us; for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us; but they went out, so that it would be shown that they all are not of us.

1Jo 3:2 Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is.

1Jo 3:9 No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

1Jo 5:4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith.

1Jo 5:18 We know that no one who is born of God sins; but He who was born of God keeps him, and the evil one does not touch him.

Jud 1:1 Jude, a bond-servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, To those who are the called, beloved in God the Father, and kept for Jesus Christ:

Jud 1:24 Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy,

ASSURANCE

Joh 10:27-30 (27) "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; (28) and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. (29) "My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. (30) "I and the Father are one."

Rom 8:28-39 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. (29) For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; (30) and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified. (31) What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? (32) He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? (33) Who will bring a charge against God's elect? God is the one who justifies; (34) who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. (35) Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? (36) Just as it is written, "FOR YOUR SAKE WE ARE BEING PUT TO DEATH ALL DAY LONG; WE WERE CONSIDERED AS SHEEP TO BE SLAUGHTERED." (37) But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. (38) For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, (39) nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

2Co 5:6-8 (6) Therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord-- (7) for we walk by faith, not by sight-- (8) we are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord.

Eph 1:11-14 (11) also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, (12) to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory. (13) In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation--having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, (14) who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God's own possession, to the praise of His glory.

Eph 4:30 Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

Phi 1:6 For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.

1Jo 5:11-13 (11) And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. (12) He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life. (13) These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.

Tit 1:2 in the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised long ages ago,

Heb 6:11-12 And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end, (12) so that you will not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

Heb 7:25 Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.

SOME NOT "OF US"

Mat 7:21-23 (21) "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. (22) "Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?' (23) "And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.'

Mat 13:3-23 (3) And He spoke many things to them in parables, saying, "Behold, the sower went out to sow; (4) and as he sowed, some seeds fell beside the road, and the birds came and ate them up. (5) "Others fell on the rocky places, where they did not have much soil; and immediately they sprang up, because they had no depth of soil. (6) "But when the sun had risen, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. (7) "Others fell among the thorns, and the thorns came up and choked them out. (8) "And others fell on the good soil and *yielded a crop, some a hundredfold, some sixty, and some thirty. (9) "He who has ears, let him hear." (10) And the disciples came and said to Him, "Why do You speak to them in parables?" (11) Jesus answered them, "To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been granted. (12) "For whoever has, to him more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has shall be taken away from him. (13) "Therefore I speak to them in parables; because while seeing they do not see, and while hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. (14) "In their case the prophecy of Isaiah is being fulfilled, which says, 'YOU WILL KEEP ON HEARING, BUT WILL NOT UNDERSTAND; YOU WILL KEEP ON SEEING, BUT WILL NOT PERCEIVE; (15) FOR THE HEART OF THIS PEOPLE HAS BECOME DULL, WITH THEIR EARS THEY SCARCELY HEAR, AND THEY HAVE CLOSED THEIR EYES, OTHERWISE THEY WOULD SEE WITH THEIR EYES, HEAR WITH THEIR EARS, AND UNDERSTAND WITH THEIR HEART AND RETURN, AND I WOULD HEAL THEM.' (16) "But blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear. (17) "For truly I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it. (18) "Hear then the parable of the sower. (19) "When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is the one on whom seed was sown beside the road. (20) "The one on whom seed was sown on the rocky places, this is the man who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; (21) yet he has no firm root in himself, but is only temporary, and when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he falls away. (22) "And the one on whom seed was sown among the thorns, this is the man who hears the word, and the worry of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. (23) "And the one on whom seed was sown on the good soil, this is the man who hears the word and understands it; who indeed bears fruit and brings forth, some a hundredfold, some sixty, and some thirty."

Mar 4:2-20 (2) And He was teaching them many things in parables, and was saying to them in His teaching, (3) "Listen to this! Behold, the sower went out to sow; (4) as he was sowing, some seed fell beside the road, and the birds came and ate it up. (5) "Other seed fell on the rocky ground where it did not have much soil; and immediately it sprang up because it had no depth of soil. (6) "And after the sun had risen, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away. (7) "Other seed fell among the thorns, and the thorns came up and choked it, and it yielded no crop. (8) "Other seeds fell into the good soil, and as they grew up and increased, they yielded a crop and produced thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold." (9) And He was saying, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear." (10) As soon as He was alone, His followers, along with the twelve, began asking Him about the parables. (11) And He was saying to them, "To you has been given the mystery of the kingdom of God, but those who are outside get everything in parables, (12) so that WHILE SEEING, THEY MAY SEE AND NOT PERCEIVE, AND WHILE HEARING, THEY MAY HEAR AND NOT UNDERSTAND, OTHERWISE THEY MIGHT RETURN AND BE FORGIVEN." (13) And He *said to them, "Do you not understand this parable? How will you understand all the parables? (14) "The sower sows the word. (15) "These are the ones who are beside the road where the word is sown; and when they hear, immediately Satan comes and takes away the word which has been sown in them. (16) "In a similar way these are the ones on whom seed was sown on the rocky places, who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy; (17) and they have no firm root in themselves, but are only temporary; then, when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately they fall away. (18) "And others are the ones on whom seed was sown among the thorns; these are the ones who have heard the word, (19) but the worries of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. (20) "And those are the ones on whom seed was sown on the good soil; and they hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold."

Luk 8:4-15 (4) When a large crowd was coming together, and those from the various cities were journeying to Him, He spoke by way of a parable: (5) "The sower went out to sow his seed; and as he sowed, some fell beside the road, and it was trampled under foot and the birds of the air ate it up. (6) "Other seed fell on rocky soil, and as soon as it grew up, it withered away, because it had no moisture. (7) "Other seed fell among the thorns; and the thorns grew up with it and choked it out. (8) "Other seed fell into the good soil, and grew up, and produced a crop a hundred times as great." As He said these things, He would call out, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear." (9) His disciples began questioning Him as to what this parable meant. (10) And He said, "To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God, but to the rest it is in parables, so that SEEING THEY MAY NOT SEE, AND HEARING THEY MAY NOT UNDERSTAND. (11) "Now the parable is this: the seed is the word of God. (12) "Those beside the road are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their heart, so that they will not believe and be saved. (13) "Those on the rocky soil are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no firm root; they believe for a while, and in time of temptation fall away. (14) "The seed which fell among the thorns, these are the ones who have heard, and as they go on their way they are choked with worries and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to maturity. (15) "But the seed in the good soil, these are the ones who have heard the word in an honest and good heart, and hold it fast, and bear fruit with perseverance.

1Jo 2:19 They went out from us, but they were not really of us; for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us; but they went out, so that it would be shown that they all are not of us.

Rev 3:20 'Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.

Effectual Calling

2006-09-19T16:04:00.000-07:00

aka Irresistible Grace

This is one I struggled with initially; I'm not sure why. Today it seems as simple and clear to me as Total Depravity, the first doctrine covered here and the one that is accepted by many who would not even consider themselves "Calvinists." In actuality, they've all become rather clear to me, with the possible exception of the issue of the Atonement, which I argued as being "unlimited" in my previous post (although unlimited is perhaps not the best word, since we know that the reality is that it is limited).

Effectual calling is, in my view, widely mischaracterized and thus largely misunderstood - leaving it open to attacks that are not valid and straw man arguments. Let me start with what Effectual Callling is not. Effectual Calling, like a lot of these terms, does not mean what it may seem to imply: that man is unable to make choices. This is not the case. All humankind will either choose or reject God during their lifetime. Plenty of people will resist choosing God. There are other misconceptions that are covered under "Misconceptions" in the GotQuestions.org article below.

So, we know, generally, what Effectual Calling isn't - but what is it? Put simply, it means that when God effectually calls a person, that they will answer that call affirmatively. The term "effectually" here is important, because there are two types of calls. The other, the General Call, is offered to all mankind - and some will certainly resist this call.

Following are definitions and Scripture pertaining to these two types of Divine calling, from Basic Theology, by Charles Ryrie:

The General Call - Only one or two references in the New Testament use the word "call" to convey the idea of a general call to elect and non-elect alike. Matthew 22:14 clearly supports the concept, while Matthew 9:13 may also. However the idea is clearly expressed in passages like Luke 14:16-24 and John 7:37. This is God's general invitation to men to come to him.
The Effective (or Effectual) Call - This is the call that only the elect respond to through faith and that results in their salvation (Romans 8:30, 1 Corinthians 1:2). This is God's work, though He uses the proclamation of the Word of God (Romans 10:17). The call is unto fellowship (1 Corinthians 1:9), light (1 Peter 2:9), liberty (Galatians 5:13, holiness (1 Thessalonians 4:7), and His kingdom (1 Thessalonians 2:12).

Following is a treatment of this subject from GotQuestions.org:

Irresistible Grace can also be referred to in many ways. “The Effectual Calling,” “Efficacious Grace,” “The Call,” “Regeneration,” “The Inward Call,” or “Rebirth” are the different ways to refer to the doctrine of Irresistible Grace. Irresistible Grace can often be misunderstood due to the word “irresistible.” The correct way to see “irresistible” in its true light is to consider the creation of the universe. When God said, “Let there be light,” light irresistibly came into being. When Lazarus was raised from the dead, he came to life irresistibly. When God wants to accomplish something He merely calls it into being and it obeys with no resistance.

So, when Calvinists say, “Irresistible Grace,” they mean that when God chooses to save a man He does so easily and certainly. More specifically, salvation takes place when God, by His own gracious choice, vivifies or regenerates a man from spiritual death and calls into existence a new nature that will cause a man to willingly respond the Gospel message and be saved. Here you see the logical connection between Total Depravity and Irresistible Grace. Since Total Depravity teaches that man is incapable of submitting to God, and man will never come to Christ on his own, God must change a person’s nature the moment of salvation. Rebirth is not the fruit of faith, but faith is the fruit of rebirth.

Rebirth is all or none and it always results in conversion. The outward call of God, which is given to all, can be rejected. But, the inward call of God always results in salvation. If a man “almost” comes to Christ but doesn’t, then he wasn’t regenerated. If a person was right on the edge of faith but decided to wait, they were not regenerated. A man must be inwardly called by the grace of God to be saved. This is what Jesus means in John 6:44 and 65 when He says, “No one can come to Me, unless the Father who sent Me draws him,” or “unless it is granted him from the Father.” Another verse that clearly discloses this truth is 2 Corinthians 4:6, "For God who said, ‘Let light [irresistibly] shine out of darkness,’ is the One who has shone in our hearts to [irresistibly] give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ."

More evidence of this truth is found in Acts 16:14 in reference to Lydia the seller of purple fabrics. The Scripture says that the Lord “opened her heart to respond to the things spoken by Paul,” or it can be read, “the Lord opened her heart for response to the things spoken by Paul.” Also, Jesus tells Nicodemus that no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again. Seeing the kingdom of God doesn’t necessarily mean to actually see heaven itself, but to see that the kingdom of God is near through the message of Christ (“Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” – Matthew 4:17). Jesus also tells Peter in Matthew 16:17 that his confession of the Christ was not revealed from man but from the Father. Men are born again by God alone and not from anything within themselves (John 1:13). 1 Peter 1:3 speaks of God “causing us to be born again.” James 1:18 reveals that it is God who has “brought us forth.”

Rebirth is given to whomever the Son wills and is the equivalent to a dead man’s need to receive life in order to live (John 5:21). The verse that contributes the most to the doctrine of “The Inward Call” is found in Romans 8:30. Those “whom He predestined, He also called; and whom He called He also justified…” It is quite clear that not all are justified and saved. It is only logical to conclude that those who have not been saved have not been called because the calling always results in justification. This is why Christians are referred to as “the called” (Romans 8:28; 1 Thessalonians 2:12; Galatians 1:15). This is what Christ meant when He said, “My sheep will hear my voice” (John 10:16). Belief is granted (Philippians 1:29); Repentance is granted (2 Timothy 2:25); Understanding is granted (1 John 5:20). The most important thing to realize is that a person in reborn ONLY through the Gospel message (Romans 10:17; 1 Peter 1:23, 25; Ephesians 1:13)!! No one will ever be reborn randomly.

Misconceptions:

There are numerous misconceptions concerning Irresistible Grace. Irresistible Grace does not teach that men are forced to Christ, but those men, when given a new nature and freed from their sinful bondage, will willingly come to Christ. There will be no one in heaven who is frustrated because God forced them to believe much like there will be no one in hell who is angry with God because He didn’t regenerate them. Unbelievers reject Christ just as willingly as the regenerated accept Him. Also, I’ve read critics who reject and slander Irresistible Grace because they say that a person is saved before they have faith. This is the mistake of making regeneration synonymous with salvation. Regeneration is not the same as salvation! Regeneration is unto salvation just as Acts 16:14 reveals. A person is not saved until the heart, as a result of regeneration, genuinely and accurately believes on Christ. A final and crucial thing to remember: Irresistible Grace cannot exist without the Gospel! Some would assert, “Well, why do we share the Gospel? The elect will believe regardless of what we do.” This is a false assumption and is contrary to Calvinism and Scripture. The elect believe only through the message of Christ that we have been commanded to proclaim – there is no other way!

And following is Scripture supporting the doctrine of Irresistable Grace:

Jer 31:3 The LORD appeared to him from afar, saying, "I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness.

Hos 11:3-4 Yet it is I who taught Ephraim to walk, I took them in My arms; But they did not know that I healed them. (4) I led them with cords of a man, with bonds of love, And I became to them as one who lifts the yoke from their jaws; And I bent down and fed them.

Mat 16:17 And Jesus said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.

Joh 1:13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

Joh 6:37-39 (37) "All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out.
(38) "For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. (39) "This is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day.

Joh 6:44 "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day.

Joh 6:65 And He was saying, "For this reason I have said to you, that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted him from the Father."

Joh 10:16 "I have other sheep, which are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will hear My voice; and they will become one flock with one shepherd.

Joh 10:27 "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me;

Joh 11:25-26
(25) Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies,
(26) and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?"

Act 16:14 A woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple fabrics, a worshiper of God, was listening; and the Lord opened her heart to respond to the things spoken by Paul.

Rom 8:28-30 (28) And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. (29) For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; (30) and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.

2Co 4:6 For God, who said, "Light shall shine out of darkness," is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

Gal 1:15 But when God, who had set me apart even from my mother's womb and called me through His grace, was pleased

Col 2:13 When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions,

Phi 1:29 For to you it has been granted for Christ's sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,

2Ti 2:25 with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth,

Jam 1:18 In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures.

1Pe 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

1Jo 5:13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.

GOSPEL CALL (“General Call”, Outward Call”)

Psa 19:1-6 (1) For the choir director. A Psalm of David. The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands. (2) Day to day pours forth speech, And night to night reveals knowledge.
(3) There is no speech, nor are there words; Their voice is not heard. (4) Their line has gone out through all the earth, And their utterances to the end of the world. In them He has placed a tent for the sun, (5) Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber; It rejoices as a strong man to run his course. (6) Its rising is from one end of the heavens, And its circuit to the other end of them; And there is nothing hidden from its heat.

Isa 45:22 "Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth; For I am God, and there is no other.

Mat 22:14 "For many are called, but few are chosen."

Joh 7:37 Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink.

Rom 1:18-20 (18) For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, (19) because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. (20) For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.

Efficient Atonement

2006-09-18T16:55:00.000-07:00

What? You thought it was "TULIP", didn't you? This is where I fess up to not being a true "Calvinist" (whatever that means). No, I don't agree with Limited Atonement. Oh sure, I agree that the natural result necessarily limits the atonement - but I firmly believe that Christ died for all, and yet some will reject that gift. In other words, it is my view that His work on the cross was sufficient for all, but efficient only for the Elect. This is a fairly common position, but there are people I have the utmost respect for that hold the opposite view. It is not a subject, in my view, to be dogmatic about.

So my position is, in essence, that Jesus died for the sins of the whole world, not just for the sins of the elect. I am still looking for a good write-up on this subject, but in the interim will offer Scripture that I believe defends that Christ died for all men, even if all were not meant to be saved:

Luk 19:10 "For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost."

Joh 1:29 The next day he saw Jesus coming to him and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!

Joh 3:14-18 (14) "As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; (15) so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life. (16) "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. (17) "For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. (18) "He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

Joh 4:42 and they were saying to the woman, "It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves and know that this One is indeed the Savior of the world."

Act 17:30 "Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent,

2Co 5:14-18 (14) For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; (15) and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf. (16) Therefore from now on we recognize no one according to the flesh; even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him in this way no longer. (17) Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. (18) Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation,

1Ti 2:3-6 (3) This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, (4) who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (5) For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, (6) who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time.

1Ti 4:10 For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers.

Tit 2:11-12 (11) For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, (12) instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age,

Heb 2:9 But we do see Him who was made for a little while lower than the angels, namely, Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone.

1Pe 3:18 For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit;

2Pe 2:1 But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves.

1Jo 2:2 and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world.

Sovereign Election

2006-09-16T21:56:00.000-07:00

Naturally following from my last post on Total Inability comes Sovereign Election. It seems clear from Scripture that God chooses people, and God chose Israel. This idea of God choosing, without taking into consideration foreknowledge and thus soley on the basis of His sovereign purposes, can be traced all the way back to creation, when God created man in His image. If you are a believer, he has chosen you as well.

First, the "Logical Translation" from the previous post to this one:

Since Scripture explicitly teaches men are incapable of coming to Christ on their own, how then does a man become a Christian? Total Depravity asserts that men love darkness rather than light and do not come to the light lest their evil deeds be exposed, and also that men cannot submit to the things of God. How then does a man believe in Christ for salvation? Does God file down someone’s depravity until they come to a point where they can choose or accept? Does God, in drawing men to Him, mean that He brings them to a condition where they then have the ability to choose or reject?

And those excellent questions lead us directly into the argument for Sovereign Election, from GotQuestions:

Unconditional Election is also known as “Unmerited Favor” or “Sovereign Election.” The New Testament alone (depending on translation) uses the word “elect” [“eklektos” – “chosen ones”] fifteen times. “Election” is used three times. “Chosen” is used twenty three times, and out of those twenty three, eleven are referring to Christians. The word “chose,” as in John 15:16, appears around fifteen times. Out of those fifteen times, eight refer to God’s choice of believers. Finally, “predestined” appears five or six times (depending on translation), and four of those usages refer to people being predestined to salvation!

Unconditional Election teaches that before the foundation of the world only a limited number of people were chosen to be recipients of God’s saving grace, while the remaining population were destined to be left in their depravity (Ephesians 1:4; Romans 9:11-13; 1 Peter 2:8; Revelation 13:8). Also, only a select number of people were foreordained or predestined to salvation (Ephesians 1:5; Acts 13:48) to be conformed to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29) and to be adopted as sons (Ephesians 1:5). All those who are predestined will unquestionably and certainly be saved (Romans 8:30; John 6:39). The “elect” are described by Christ as those who are “given to Him by the Father” (John 6:37-39; 17:2). “Given” is referring to God giving an elect people to Christ for Him to come and redeem.

The salvation of some is determined from the beginning (1 Corinthians 2:7; 2 Thessalonians 2:13). Predestination is a result of God setting His affection on certain individuals. This is called “foreknowledge” (Jeremiah 1:5; Romans 8:29; 1 Peter 1:2). God knows of all individuals because He is omniscient, but He only personally knows relationally the elect. Notice in Matthew 7:23 the Lord tells false prophets that He never knew them. This special knowledge is based only on God’s sovereign choice to know whom He wants (Exodus 33:19). The most important thing to understand about election is that it is for the glory of God’s grace (Ephesians 1:6, 12). If God is going to be glorified in His grace, under the true definition of grace (Romans 11:6), then the only way that man can be saved is by unconditional, unmerited, and sovereign election.

If man contributes anything to his salvation then he has grounds for taking credit (1 Corinthians 1:29; Ephesians 2:9). God alone will be glorified in the end; therefore, predestination is the only means by which God can save. Although 1 Timothy 2:4 teaches that God “desires all men to be saved,” we must not forget that God desires to be glorified just as much. 1 Timothy 2:4 in no way undermines Ephesians 1:4-5. God chooses to be just as glorified in His justice and wrath as He is in His grace and mercy. Although election might seem unfair and unjust, God has the right to do to anyone whatever He pleases (Daniel 4:35; Romans 9:19-21). Men are sinful and deserve nothing less than eternal hell. Therefore, the question should not revolve around why God chooses only some, but rather why God chooses any. A final thing to remember is that election only refers to salvation, never condemnation! God never elects people for hell, only heaven. Although God predestines all things, including every man’s destiny, He only elects unto salvation. Predestination and election is not the same thing. Unconditional election is the basis for regeneration and answers the question of why some come to Christ while others remain in unbelief.

Misconceptions:

Unconditional Election does not negate evangelism, but confirms it! An amazing text is found in Acts 18:9-10: “For the Lord said to Paul in the night by a vision, ‘Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent; for I am with you, and no man will attack you in order to harm you, for I have many people in this city.’” This is why Paul said in 2 Timothy 2:10, “I endure all things for the sake of those who are chosen, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ…” Election encourages and guarantees the success of evangelism. This is what Christ means when He says, “I have sheep not of this fold” (John 10:16). Unconditional Election is not based on foreseen works. Some will assert the age old objection that says God elects because He foresaw who chose Him and elected based on foreseen faith. In this sense, faith dictates election rather than election dictating faith. This is impossible because Scripture does not support it.

Also, according to Total Depravity and Irresistible Grace, foreseen faith is impossible. Some say that they believe that election is unconditional, not according to foreseen faith, and that Unconditional Election was established before the foundation of the world, but they will say that the election was of all men in the purpose of salvation. To put it another way, all were chosen and predestined to be saved, yet they have the ability to spoil that election by their own choice. This argument falls quickly in the face of Romans 8:30. If predestination means all men are chosen for salvation, then this means that all will be saved, because all who were “predestined were called…justified…and…glorified.” Unconditional Election does not teach that God sends men to hell. Yes, God has predestined all things, but this does not mean that He is making men sin. This is where you find the paradox of the sovereignty of God and human will. God predestined that Christ would die on the cross (Acts 2:23, 4:28; Isaiah 53), yet men willingly nailed Him to the cross. Men willingly hated Christ, and that hatred fulfilled the predestined plan of God. The way men’s willful actions carry out the sovereign plan of God is a paradox.

Unconditional Election does not imply that there will be men in heaven who do not want to be there but had to be because they were elect. There will also not be anyone in hell angry with God because He didn’t elect them. As mysterious as it may sound, the Bible explicitly teaches that all will willingly choose to believe or reject according to where God has predestined them to choose. Unconditional Election does not negate praying but confirms it. This truth is seen along the lines of evangelism. God uses prayers for the lost, accompanied by the Gospel message, to gather His lost sheep. Finally, no one can ever label anyone as non-elect until they die in unbelief, and no one can label anyone as elect until they truly believe! Election is a mystery. Therefore, we preach the Gospel message to all people (Mark 16:15).

Following is Scripture I have compiled that further support Unconditional Election:

Exo 33:19 And He said, "I Myself will make all My goodness pass before you, and will proclaim the name of the LORD before you; and I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show compassion on whom I will show compassion."

Deu 7:6-10 (6) "For you are a holy people to the LORD your God; the LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for His own possession out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth. (7) "The LORD did not set His love on you nor choose you because you were more in number than any of the peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples, (8) but because the LORD loved you and kept the oath which He swore to your forefathers, the LORD brought you out by a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. (9) "Know therefore that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His lovingkindness to a thousandth generation with those who love Him and keep His commandments; (10) but repays those who hate Him to their faces, to destroy them; He will not delay with him who hates Him, He will repay him to his face.

Deu 7:15 "The LORD will remove from you all sickness; and He will not put on you any of the harmful diseases of Egypt which you have known, but He will lay them on all who hate you.

Deu 9:5 "It is not for your righteousness or for the uprightness of your heart that you are going to possess their land, but it is because of the wickedness of these nations that the LORD your God is driving them out before you, in order to confirm the oath which the LORD swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

Psa 37:23 The steps of a man are established by the LORD, And He delights in his way.

Psa 65:4 How blessed is the one whom You choose and bring near to You To dwell in Your courts. We will be satisfied with the goodness of Your house, Your holy temple.

Isa 45:4 "For the sake of Jacob My servant, And Israel My chosen one, I have also called you by your name; I have given you a title of honor Though you have not known Me.

Jer 1:5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, And before you were born I consecrated you; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations."

Dan 4:35 "All the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, But He does according to His will in the host of heaven And among the inhabitants of earth; And no one can ward off His hand Or say to Him, 'What have You done?'

Mat 7:23 "And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.'

Mar 13:20 "Unless the Lord had shortened those days, no life would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect, whom He chose, He shortened the days.

Joh 1:13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

Joh 6:37-39 (37) "All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out. (38) "For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. (39) "This is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day.

Joh 6:44 "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day.

Joh 6:63-65 (63) "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life. (64) "But there are some of you who do not believe." For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who it was that would betray Him. (65) And He was saying, "For this reason I have said to you, that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted him from the Father."

Joh 10:26 "But you do not believe because you are not of My sheep.

Joh 15:9 "Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love.

Joh 15:16 "You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you.

Joh 17:2 even as You gave Him authority over all flesh, that to all whom You have given Him, He may give eternal life.

Joh 17:22 "The glory which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one, just as We are one;

Act 2:39 "For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself."

Act 9:1-8 (1) Now Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest, (2) and asked for letters from him to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, both men and women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. (3) As he was traveling, it happened that he was approaching Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him; (4) and he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?" (5) And he said, "Who are You, Lord?" And He said, "I am Jesus whom you are persecuting, (6) but get up and enter the city, and it will be told you what you must do." (7) The men who traveled with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. (8) Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing; and leading him by the hand, they brought him into Damascus.

Act 9:15 But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel;

Act 13:48 When the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord; and as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.

Rom 8:29-30 (29) For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; (30) and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.

Rom 9:10-13 (10) And not only this, but there was Rebekah also, when she had conceived twins by one man, our father Isaac; (11) for though the twins were not yet born and had not done anything good or bad, so that God's purpose according to His choice would stand, not because of works but because of Him who calls, (12) it was said to her, "THE OLDER WILL SERVE THE YOUNGER." (13) Just as it is written, "JACOB I LOVED, BUT ESAU I HATED."

Rom 9:19-21 (19) You will say to me then, "Why does He still find fault? For who resists His will?" (20) On the contrary, who are you, O man, who answers back to God? The thing molded will not say to the molder, "Why did you make me like this," will it? (21) Or does not the potter have a right over the clay, to make from the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for common use?

1Co 1:27-28 but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, (28) and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are,

1Co 2:7 but we speak God's wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God predestined before the ages to our glory;

1Co 2:14 But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised.

Gal 1:15 But when God, who had set me apart even from my mother's womb and called me through His grace, was pleased

Eph 1:3-5 (3) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, (4) just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love (5) He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will,

Col 2:13 When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions,

Col 3:12 So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience;

2Th 2:13 But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth.

2Ti 1:9 who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity,

Jam 1:18 In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures.

Jam 2:5 Listen, my beloved brethren: did not God choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?

1Pe 1:2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood: May grace and peace be yours in the fullest measure.

1Pe 2:8 and, "A STONE OF STUMBLING AND A ROCK OF OFFENSE"; for they stumble because they are disobedient to the word, and to this doom they were also appointed.

2Pe 1:10 Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble;

Rev 13:8 All who dwell on the earth will worship him, everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been slain.

Rev 17:8 "The beast that you saw was, and is not, and is about to come up out of the abyss and go to destruction. And those who dwell on the earth, whose name has not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, will wonder when they see the beast, that he was and is not and will come.

Total Inability

2006-09-15T14:20:00.000-07:00

aka Total Depravity

I'm always astounded when people argue against the idea that man is born sinful, born guilty of Adamic sin. Those who argue against it typically make the argument that a baby "can't sin" - after all, how could they?

I can't - or won't - argue or not whether babies sin, but it seems clear that every thought they have and demand they make is continually for themselves, much like natural man. I believe that Scripture is clear that not only do we inherit a nature to sin, but also that the sins of Adam are imputed to us - that we (humankind) are guilty of the sin of Adam - and that we individually are held to account for that sin.

Following is a further explanation from GotQuestions, followed by Scripture I have compiled that speaks to the depravity of natural man:

The doctrine of Total Depravity teaches that man is inherently evil (Jeremiah 17:9; Genesis 6:5) and is born dead in transgression (Psalm 51:5; Ephesians 2:1, 5). Men’s hearts will inevitably sin from birth (Psalm 58:3).

Being described as “dead in transgression” implies that man, before Christ, is incapable of raising himself to spiritual life much like a literal dead man is incapable of literally raising himself to physical life. What is more, the reason why man is incapable of raising himself to life is because he is held captive by a love for sin (John 3:19; 8:34). Men will not seek God (Romans 3:10-11) because they love darkness rather than light (John 3:19). Also, a man apart from Christ does not even understand the things of God (1 Corinthians 2:14), much less his need for Christ. A man apart from Christ will not come to Christ, because if he does then his love for sin will be exposed (John 3:20) and will have to be abandoned.

Therefore, men suppress the truth of God in unrighteousness (Romans 1:18) and continue to willfully live in sin. The sinful lifestyle seems right to men (Proverbs 14:12), so coming to Christ is a foolish idea (1 Corinthians 1:18). A further look at this truth reveals that God is allowing Satan to take away the seed of the Gospel (Mark 4:15) and blind the minds of the unbelieving so men will not believe (2 Corinthians 4:4). Those men apart from belief are held captive by Satan to do his will (2 Timothy 2:26). The verse that speaks the loudest in favor of total depravity is Romans 8:7, “Because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so.”

Misconceptions:

Total depravity does not assert that man cannot do nice things, be friendly, desire the benefits of God (peace, joy, love, comfort, etc.), appear to be good according to a human standard, or even desire to have a god to be devoted and obedient to. Total Depravity does not teach that every unsaved man is as wicked as he could be. Total Depravity does not teach that unsaved men desire to do every form of evil there is. Total Depravity does not teach that God is making men sin internally, but that men sin willfully by decisions to do so (James 1:13). Total Depravity simply affirms that, in terms of belief in the Gospel and obedience to the things of God, no man will ever come to Christ or submit to God on his own, because he is spiritually dead and is incapable of seeing his spiritual need to do so. Salvation is virtually impossible for those apart from Christ (Mark 10:26-27). Therefore, every “good” thing that an unsaved man does is displeasing to God (Hebrews 11:6) because God’s wrath abides on Him.

And following is Scripture I believe speaks to the natural and total inability or depravity of man:

Gen 6:5 Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

Gen 8:21 The LORD smelled the soothing aroma; and the LORD said to Himself, "I will never again curse the ground on account of man, for the intent of man's heart is evil from his youth; and I will never again destroy every living thing, as I have done.

Exo 34:7-9 (7) who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin; yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, visiting the iniquity of fathers on the children and on the grandchildren to the third and fourth generations." (8) Moses made haste to bow low toward the earth and worship. (9) He said, "If now I have found favor in Your sight, O Lord, I pray, let the Lord go along in our midst, even though the people are so obstinate, and pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us as Your own possession."

Psa 51:5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, And in sin my mother conceived me.

Psa 58:3 The wicked are estranged from the womb; These who speak lies go astray from birth.

Pro 14:12 There is a way which seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.

Ecc 9:3 This is an evil in all that is done under the sun, that there is one fate for all men. Furthermore, the hearts of the sons of men are full of evil and insanity is in their hearts throughout their lives. Afterwards they go to the dead.

Jer 2:22 "Although you wash yourself with lye And use much soap, The stain of your iniquity is before Me," declares the Lord GOD.

Jer 13:23 "Can the Ethiopian change his skin Or the leopard his spots? Then you also can do good Who are accustomed to doing evil.

Jer 17:9 "The heart is more deceitful than all else And is desperately sick; Who can understand it?

Luk 11:13 "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?"

Joh 3:19-20 (19) "This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil. (20) "For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.

Joh 6:44 "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day.

Joh 8:34 Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin.

Joh 8:44 "You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

Joh 9:39 And Jesus said, "For judgment I came into this world, so that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may become blind."

Rom 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,

Rom 1:28 And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper,

Rom 3:10-18 (10) as it is written, "THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE; (11) THERE IS NONE WHO UNDERSTANDS, THERE IS NONE WHO SEEKS FOR GOD; (12) ALL HAVE TURNED ASIDE, TOGETHER THEY HAVE BECOME USELESS; THERE IS NONE WHO DOES GOOD, THERE IS NOT EVEN ONE." (13) "THEIR THROAT IS AN OPEN GRAVE, WITH THEIR TONGUES THEY KEEP DECEIVING," "THE POISON OF ASPS IS UNDER THEIR LIPS"; (14) "WHOSE MOUTH IS FULL OF CURSING AND BITTERNESS"; (15) "THEIR FEET ARE SWIFT TO SHED BLOOD, (16) DESTRUCTION AND MISERY ARE IN THEIR PATHS, (17) AND THE PATH OF PEACE THEY HAVE NOT KNOWN." (18) "THERE IS NO FEAR OF GOD BEFORE THEIR EYES."

Rom 7:14 For we know that the Law is spiritual, but I am of flesh, sold into bondage to sin.

Rom 7:18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not.

Rom 8:7 because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so,

1Co 1:18 For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

1Co 2:14 But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised.

1Co 15:22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive.

2Co 4:4 in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

2Co 5:17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.

Eph 2:1-5 (1) And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, (2) in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. (3) Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. (4) But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, (5) even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),

Eph 2:12 remember that you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.

Eph 4:17-19 (17) So this I say, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind, (18) being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart; (19) and they, having become callous, have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness.

Col 1:21 And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds,

Col 2:13 When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions,

Tit 1:15 To the pure, all things are pure; but to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure, but both their mind and their conscience are defiled.

Tit 3:3 For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another.

ORIGINAL SIN (“Sin Nature, “Inherited Sin”)

Gen 2:17 but from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat from it you will surely die."

Psa 51:5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, And in sin my mother conceived me.

Jer 17:9 "The heart is more deceitful than all else And is desperately sick; Who can understand it?

Joh 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God."

Rom 5:12-14 (12) Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned-- (13) for until the Law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law. (14) Nevertheless death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those who had not sinned in the likeness of the offense of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come.

1Co 15:21-22 (21) For since by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead. (22) For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive.

Eph 2:1-3 (1) And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, (2) in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. (3) Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.

Heb 9:27 And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment,

IMPUTED SIN

Gen 6:5 Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

Rom 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Rom 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Rom 5:17-21 (17) For if by the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ. (18) So then as through one transgression there resulted condemnation to all men, even so through one act of righteousness there resulted justification of life to all men. (19) For as through the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous. (20) The Law came in so that the transgression would increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, (21) so that, as sin reigned in death, even so grace would reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Eph 2:3 Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.

Deity of Christ

2006-07-03T19:13:00.000-07:00

Although Jesus never makes an outright claim to Deity, the words He spoke, the reactions of those who both revered and denied Him, and echoes of the Old Testament combine to show that there is no question that Jesus Christ (Yeshua), the Son of God, our Lord and Savior, is indeed Yahweh (YHWH).

Following is a listing of Scripture based on a topical study I have just completed on the Deity of Christ. It is by no means a complete list, but neither does it take a complete list to show tha He is indeed both fully man and fully God.

----------All Scripture is from the NASB Translation----------

JESUS CLEARLY CLAIMED TO BE GOD (and they thought so, for they attempted to stone Him 3 verses later)

Joh 10:30 "I and the Father are one."

THE OLD TESTAMENT AND NEW TESTAMENT COMBINE TO SHOW JESUS IS GOD

Gen 1:1, 26 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth……… (26) Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth."

Joh 1:1-3, 14 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (2) He was in the beginning with God. (3) All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being……… (14) And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.

JESUS AND THE FATHER ARE IN UNITY

Mat 11:27 "All things have been handed over to Me by My Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father; nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.

Mat 28:19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,

Joh 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Joh 10:30 "I and the Father are one."

Joh 13:20 "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who receives whomever I send receives Me; and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me."

Joh 14:9 Jesus *said to him, "Have I been so long with you, and yet you have not come to know Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; how can you say, 'Show us the Father'?

Joh 16:15 "All things that the Father has are Mine; therefore I said that He takes of Mine and will disclose it to you.

Joh 16:28 "I came forth from the Father and have come into the world; I am leaving the world again and going to the Father."

Joh 17:5 "Now, Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.

Joh 17:11 "I am no longer in the world; and yet they themselves are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep them in Your name, the name which You have given Me, that they may be one even as We are.

Joh 20:21 So Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you; as the Father has sent Me, I also send you."

1Co 8:6 yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things and we exist for Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we exist through Him.

2Co 13:14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.

Phi 2:5-8 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, (6) who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, (7) but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. (8) Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Heb 1:3 And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,

JESUS IS CREATOR AND SUSTAINER

Gen 1:26 Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth."

Joh 1:2-3 He was in the beginning with God. (3) All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being.

Joh 1:10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him.

Col 1:16-17 For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things have been created through Him and for Him. (17) He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.

Heb 1:2-3 in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world. (3) And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,

JESUS IS OMNIPOTENT

Mat 8:25-26 And they came to Him and woke Him, saying, "Save us, Lord; we are perishing!" (26) He *said to them, "Why are you afraid, you men of little faith?" Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and it became perfectly calm.

Mat 28:18 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.

Mar 5:11-15 Now there was a large herd of swine feeding nearby on the mountain. (12) The demons implored Him, saying, "Send us into the swine so that we may enter them." (13) Jesus gave them permission. And coming out, the unclean spirits entered the swine; and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea, about two thousand of them; and they were drowned in the sea. (14) Their herdsmen ran away and reported it in the city and in the country. And the people came to see what it was that had happened. (15) They *came to Jesus and *observed the man who had been demon-possessed sitting down, clothed and in his right mind, the very man who had had the "legion"; and they became frightened.

Joh 10:18 "No one has taken it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own initiative. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This commandment I received from My Father."

Joh 11:38-44 So Jesus, again being deeply moved within, *came to the tomb. Now it was a cave, and a stone was lying against it. (39) Jesus *said, "Remove the stone." Martha, the sister of the deceased, *said to Him, "Lord, by this time there will be a stench, for he has been dead four days." (40) Jesus *said to her, "Did I not say to you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?" (41) So they removed the stone. Then Jesus raised His eyes, and said, "Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. (42) "I knew that You always hear Me; but because of the people standing around I said it, so that they may believe that You sent Me." (43) When He had said these things, He cried out with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come forth." (44) The man who had died came forth, bound hand and foot with wrappings, and his face was wrapped around with a cloth. Jesus *said to them, "Unbind him, and let him go."

Phi 3:21 who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself.

2Ti 1:12 For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.

Heb 7:25 Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.

Jud 1:24 Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy,

Rev 1:8 "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty."

JESUS IS OMNIPRESENT

Mat 18:20 "For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst."

Mat 28:20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

Joh 3:13 "No one has ascended into heaven, but He who descended from heaven: the Son of Man.

JESUS IS OMNISCIENT

Mat 9:4 And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, "Why are you thinking evil in your hearts?

Mat 16:21 From that time Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised up on the third day.

Mat 26:34 Jesus said to him, "Truly I say to you that this very night, before a rooster crows, you will deny Me three times."

Joh 2:24-25 But Jesus, on His part, was not entrusting Himself to them, for He knew all men, (25) and because He did not need anyone to testify concerning man, for He Himself knew what was in man.

Joh 16:30 "Now we know that You know all things, and have no need for anyone to question You; by this we believe that You came from God."

Joh 6:64 "But there are some of you who do not believe." For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who it was that would betray Him.

Joh 13:11 For He knew the one who was betraying Him; for this reason He said, "Not all of you are clean."

1Co 4:5 Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men's hearts; and then each man's praise will come to him from God.

Rev 2:23 'And I will kill her children with pestilence, and all the churches will know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts; and I will give to each one of you according to your deeds.

JESUS IS SOVEREIGN

Mat 28:18 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.

Rom 9:5 whose are the fathers, and from whom is the Christ according to the flesh, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen.

Phi 2:9-10 For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, (10) so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

Col 1:18 He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything.

1Pe 3:22 who is at the right hand of God, having gone into heaven, after angels and authorities and powers had been subjected to Him.

Rev 1:5-6 and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and released us from our sins by His blood-- (6) and He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father--to Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Rev 17:14 "These will wage war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, because He is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those who are with Him are the called and chosen and faithful."

Rev 19:16 And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, "KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS."

JESUS PERFORMED TRUE MIRACLES, A FUNCTION ONLY OF GOD

Mat 8:16 When evening came, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed; and He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were ill.

Mat 8:26 He *said to them, "Why are you afraid, you men of little faith?" Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and it became perfectly calm.

Mat 9:35 Jesus was going through all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness.

Mat 14:25-26 And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea. (26) When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out in fear.

Mar 1:40-42 And a leper *came to Jesus, beseeching Him and falling on his knees before Him, and saying, "If You are willing, You can make me clean." (41) Moved with compassion, Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, and *said to him, "I am willing; be cleansed." (42) Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cleansed.

Mar 2:3-5 And they *came, bringing to Him a paralytic, carried by four men. (4) Being unable to get to Him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above Him; and when they had dug an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic was lying. (5) And Jesus seeing their faith *said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven."

Mar 5:35-39 While He was still speaking, they *came from the house of the synagogue official, saying, "Your daughter has died; why trouble the Teacher anymore?" (36) But Jesus, overhearing what was being spoken, *said to the synagogue official, "Do not be afraid any longer, only believe." (37) And He allowed no one to accompany Him, except Peter and James and John the brother of James. (38) They *came to the house of the synagogue official; and He *saw a commotion, and people loudly weeping and wailing. (39) And entering in, He *said to them, "Why make a commotion and weep? The child has not died, but is asleep."

Luk 7:11-15 Soon afterwards He went to a city called Nain; and His disciples were going along with Him, accompanied by a large crowd. (12) Now as He approached the gate of the city, a dead man was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow; and a sizeable crowd from the city was with her. (13) When the Lord saw her, He felt compassion for her, and said to her, "Do not weep." (14) And He came up and touched the coffin; and the bearers came to a halt. And He said, "Young man, I say to you, arise!" (15) The dead man sat up and began to speak. And Jesus gave him back to his mother.

Joh 2:7-10 Jesus *said to them, "Fill the waterpots with water." So they filled them up to the brim. (8) And He *said to them, "Draw some out now and take it to the headwaiter." So they took it to him. (9) When the headwaiter tasted the water which had become wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the headwaiter *called the bridegroom, (10) and *said to him, "Every man serves the good wine first, and when the people have drunk freely, then he serves the poorer wine; but you have kept the good wine until now."

Joh 6:11-13 Jesus then took the loaves, and having given thanks, He distributed to those who were seated; likewise also of the fish as much as they wanted. (12) When they were filled, He *said to His disciples, "Gather up the leftover fragments so that nothing will be lost." (13) So they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves which were left over by those who had eaten.

Joh 9:7 and said to him, "Go, wash in the pool of Siloam" (which is translated, Sent). So he went away and washed, and came back seeing.

Joh 11:43-44 When He had said these things, He cried out with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come forth." (44) The man who had died came forth, bound hand and foot with wrappings, and his face was wrapped around with a cloth. Jesus *said to them, "Unbind him, and let him go."

Joh 12:9 The large crowd of the Jews then learned that He was there; and they came, not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might also see Lazarus, whom He raised from the dead.

THE FATHER SAYS JESUS IS GOD

Heb 1:8 But of the Son He says, "YOUR THRONE, O GOD, IS FOREVER AND EVER, AND THE RIGHTEOUS SCEPTER IS THE SCEPTER OF HIS KINGDOM.

APOSTLES, BIBLICAL AUTHORS AND PHARISEES SAID JESUS IS GOD

Joh 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Joh 20:28 Thomas answered and said to Him, "My Lord and my God!"

Rom 9:5 whose are the fathers, and from whom is the Christ according to the flesh, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen.

Heb 1:8 But of the Son He says, "YOUR THRONE, O GOD, IS FOREVER AND EVER, AND THE RIGHTEOUS SCEPTER IS THE SCEPTER OF HIS KINGDOM.

THE PHARISEES BELIEVED JESUS CLAIMED TO BE GOD

Joh 8:59 Therefore they picked up stones to throw at Him, but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple.

Joh 10:33 The Jews answered Him, "For a good work we do not stone You, but for blasphemy; and because You, being a man, make Yourself out to be God."

THERE ARE EXPLICIT REFERENCES TO JESUS AS GOD

Joh 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Joh 20:28 Thomas answered and said to Him, "My Lord and my God!"

Rom 9:5 whose are the fathers, and from whom is the Christ according to the flesh, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen.

Phi 2:6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped,

Col 2:9 For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form,

Tit 2:13 looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus,

Heb 1:8 But of the Son He says, "YOUR THRONE, O GOD, IS FOREVER AND EVER, AND THE RIGHTEOUS SCEPTER IS THE SCEPTER OF HIS KINGDOM.

1Jo 5:20 And we know that the Son of God has come, and has given us understanding so that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.

JESUS BUILDS HIS CHURCH

Mat 16:18 "I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.

JESUS IS THE SENDER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Joh 14:26 "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.

Joh 15:26 "When the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, that is the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify about Me,

JESUS SENDS AN ANGEL (COMPARE VERSES)

Rev 22:6 And he said to me, "These words are faithful and true"; and the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, sent His angel to show to His bond-servants the things which must soon take place.

Rev 22:16 "I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star."

JESUS IS WORSHIPED AS GOD BY BOTH MEN AND ANGELS

Mat 2:11 After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Mat 14:33 And those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, "You are certainly God's Son!"

Mat 28:9 And behold, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they came up and took hold of His feet and worshiped Him.

Mat 28:17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful.

Luk 24:52 And they, after worshiping Him, returned to Jerusalem with great joy,

Joh 9:38 And he said, "Lord, I believe." And he worshiped Him.

Joh 20:28 Thomas answered and said to Him, "My Lord and my God!"

Heb 1:6 And when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says, "AND LET ALL THE ANGELS OF GOD WORSHIP HIM."

Rev 13:8 All who dwell on the earth will worship him, everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been slain.

Rev 5:12-14 saying with a loud voice, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing." (13) And every created thing which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all things in them, I heard saying, "To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever." (14) And the four living creatures kept saying, "Amen." And the elders fell down and worshiped.

JESUS RAISES THE DEAD, A FUNCTION ONLY OF DEITY

Joh 5:21 "For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son also gives life to whom He wishes.

Joh 11:38-44 So Jesus, again being deeply moved within, *came to the tomb. Now it was a cave, and a stone was lying against it. (39) Jesus *said, "Remove the stone." Martha, the sister of the deceased, *said to Him, "Lord, by this time there will be a stench, for he has been dead four days." (40) Jesus *said to her, "Did I not say to you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?" (41) So they removed the stone. Then Jesus raised His eyes, and said, "Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. (42) "I knew that You always hear Me; but because of the people standing around I said it, so that they may believe that You sent Me." (43) When He had said these things, He cried out with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come forth." (44) The man who had died came forth, bound hand and foot with wrappings, and his face was wrapped around with a cloth. Jesus *said to them, "Unbind him, and let him go."

JESUS TAKES ON THE SINS OF THE WHOLE WORLD, HE SAVES HIS PEOPLE FROM THEIR SINS

Mat 1:21 "She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins."

Rom 10:9 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;

2Co 5:21 He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Col 1:13-14 For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, (14) in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Heb 1:3 And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,

1Jo 2:2 and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world.

1Jo 4:10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

1Jo 4:14 We have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son to be the Savior of the world.

JESUS FORGAVE SINS DIRECTLY, HERE ON EARTH, JUST AS PROPHECIED

Jer 31:33-34 "But this is the covenant which I will make with the house of Israel after those days," declares the LORD, "I will put My law within them and on their heart I will write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. (34) "They will not teach again, each man his neighbor and each man his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,' for they will all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them," declares the LORD, "for I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more."

Mat 9:1-6 Getting into a boat, Jesus crossed over the sea and came to His own city. (2) And they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralytic, "Take courage, son; your sins are forgiven." (3) And some of the scribes said to themselves, "This fellow blasphemes." (4) And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, "Why are you thinking evil in your hearts? (5) "Which is easier, to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up, and walk'? (6) "But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins"--then He *said to the paralytic, "Get up, pick up your bed and go home."

Mat 9:27-30 As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed Him, crying out, "Have mercy on us, Son of David!" (28) When He entered the house, the blind men came up to Him, and Jesus *said to them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" They *said to Him, "Yes, Lord." (29) Then He touched their eyes, saying, "It shall be done to you according to your faith." (30) And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly warned them: "See that no one knows about this!"

Mar 2:5-10 And Jesus seeing their faith *said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven." (6) But some of the scribes were sitting there and reasoning in their hearts, (7) "Why does this man speak that way? He is blaspheming; who can forgive sins but God alone?" (8) Immediately Jesus, aware in His spirit that they were reasoning that way within themselves, *said to them, "Why are you reasoning about these things in your hearts? (9) "Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven'; or to say, 'Get up, and pick up your pallet and walk'? (10) "But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins"--He *said to the paralytic,

Act 5:31 "He is the one whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

Act 13:38 "Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through Him forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you,

Col 3:13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.

JESUS DESTROYS SATAN, A FUNCTION ONLY OF DEITY

1Jo 3:8 the one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning. The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil.

JESUS THREATENS WRATH, A FUNCTION OF DIETY

Psa 2:12 Do homage to the Son, that He not become angry, and you perish in the way, For His wrath may soon be kindled. How blessed are all who take refuge in Him!

JESUS OFFERS SPIRITUAL REFUGE, A FUNCTION OF DEITY

Psa 2:12 Do homage to the Son, that He not become angry, and you perish in the way, For His wrath may soon be kindled. How blessed are all who take refuge in Him!

JESUS IS JUDGE OF ALL, A FUNCTION OF DEITY

Mat 25:31-32 "But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne. (32) "All the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats;

Joh 5:21-29 "For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son also gives life to whom He wishes. (22) "For not even the Father judges anyone, but He has given all judgment to the Son, (23) so that all will honor the Son even as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him. (24) "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life. (25) "Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. (26) "For just as the Father has life in Himself, even so He gave to the Son also to have life in Himself; (27) and He gave Him authority to execute judgment, because He is the Son of Man. (28) "Do not marvel at this; for an hour is coming, in which all who are in the tombs will hear His voice, (29) and will come forth; those who did the good deeds to a resurrection of life, those who committed the evil deeds to a resurrection of judgment.

Act 10:42 "And He ordered us to preach to the people, and solemnly to testify that this is the One who has been appointed by God as Judge of the living and the dead.

Act 17:31 because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead."

Phi 3:21 who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself.

2Ti 4:1 I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom:

ALL WILL BOW TO JESUS

Rom 14:11 For it is written, "AS I LIVE, SAYS THE LORD, EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW TO ME, AND EVERY TONGUE SHALL GIVE PRAISE TO GOD."

Phi 2:10 so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

Isa 45:22-23 "Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth; For I am God, and there is no other. (23) "I have sworn by Myself, The word has gone forth from My mouth in righteousness And will not turn back, That to Me every knee will bow, every tongue will swear allegiance.

JESUS IS YAHWEH

Joe 2:32 "And it will come about that whoever calls on the name of the LORD Will be delivered; For on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem There will be those who escape, As the LORD has said, Even among the survivors whom the LORD calls.

Zec 12:10 "I will pour out on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the Spirit of grace and of supplication, so that they will look on Me whom they have pierced; and they will mourn for Him, as one mourns for an only son, and they will weep bitterly over Him like the bitter weeping over a firstborn.

Rom 10:9 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;

Rom 10:13 for "WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED."

JESUS IS “I AM”

Joh 8:58 Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am."

JESUS IS GOD BLESSED FOREVER

Rom 9:5 whose are the fathers, and from whom is the Christ according to the flesh, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen.

JESUS IS THE NAME ABOVE EVERY NAME

Phi 2:9-11 For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, (10) so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, (11) and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

JESUS IS THE ALPHA AND OMEGA, AND THE ALMIGHTY

Rev 1:8 "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty."

JESUS IS THE FIRST AND THE LAST, THE LIVING ONE, WITH THE KEYS TO DEATH AND HADES

Rev 1:17-18 When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. And He placed His right hand on me, saying, "Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, (18) and the living One; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades.

JESUS IS REDEEMER

Tit 2:13 looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus,

Rev 5:9 And they *sang a new song, saying, "Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation.

JESUS IS IMMANUEL

Mat 1:23 "BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD AND SHALL BEAR A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL," which translated means, "GOD WITH US."

JESUS IS THE LORD OUR GOD, THE ALMIGHTY, AND HE REIGNS

Rev 19:6 Then I heard something like the voice of a great multitude and like the sound of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, saying, "Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns.

JESUS IS GOD REVEALED IN THE FLESH

1Ti 3:16 By common confession, great is the mystery of godliness: He who was revealed in the flesh, Was vindicated in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Proclaimed among the nations, Believed on in the world, Taken up in glory.

JESUS IS WONDERFUL COUNSELOR, MIGHTY GOD, ETERNAL FATHER, PRINCE OF PEACE

Isa 9:6 For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.

JESUS IS LORD

Mat 22:43 He *said to them, "Then how does David in the Spirit call Him 'Lord,' saying,

Mat 22:45 "If David then calls Him 'Lord,' how is He his son?"

Luk 2:11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

Luk 5:8 But when Simon Peter saw that, he fell down at Jesus' feet, saying, "Go away from me Lord, for I am a sinful man!"

Joh 9:38 And he said, "Lord, I believe." And he worshiped Him.

Joh 11:27 She *said to Him, "Yes, Lord; I have believed that You are the Christ, the Son of God, even He who comes into the world."

Joh 20:28 Thomas answered and said to Him, "My Lord and my God!"

Act 2:36 "Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ--this Jesus whom you crucified."

Act 2:38 Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Act 10:36 "The word which He sent to the sons of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ (He is Lord of all)--

Rom 5:19 For as through the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous.

Rom 10:9 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;

Rom 14:9 For to this end Christ died and lived again, that He might be Lord both of the dead and of the living.

1Co 2:13 which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words.

1Co 8:6 yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things and we exist for Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we exist through Him.

1Co 11:27 Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner, shall be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord.

Phi 2:11 and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

JESUS IS CHRIST (MESSIAH)

Joh 11:27 She *said to Him, "Yes, Lord; I have believed that You are the Christ, the Son of God, even He who comes into the world."

Act 2:36 "Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ--this Jesus whom you crucified."

JESUS IS THE ANGEL OF YAHWEH

Gen 16:7-13 Now the angel of the LORD found her by a spring of water in the wilderness, by the spring on the way to Shur. (8) He said, "Hagar, Sarai's maid, where have you come from and where are you going?" And she said, "I am fleeing from the presence of my mistress Sarai." (9) Then the angel of the LORD said to her, "Return to your mistress, and submit yourself to her authority." (10) Moreover, the angel of the LORD said to her, "I will greatly multiply your descendants so that they will be too many to count." (11) The angel of the LORD said to her further, "Behold, you are with child, And you will bear a son; And you shall call his name Ishmael, Because the LORD has given heed to your affliction. (12) "He will be a wild donkey of a man, His hand will be against everyone, And everyone's hand will be against him; And he will live to the east of all his brothers." (13) Then she called the name of the LORD who spoke to her, "You are a God who sees"; for she said, "Have I even remained alive here after seeing Him?"

Gen 22:15-18 Then the angel of the LORD called to Abraham a second time from heaven, (16) and said, "By Myself I have sworn, declares the LORD, because you have done this thing and have not withheld your son, your only son, (17) indeed I will greatly bless you, and I will greatly multiply your seed as the stars of the heavens and as the sand which is on the seashore; and your seed shall possess the gate of their enemies. (18) "In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice."

Gen 31:11-13 "Then the angel of God said to me in the dream, 'Jacob,' and I said, 'Here I am.' (12) "He said, 'Lift up now your eyes and see that all the male goats which are mating are striped, speckled, and mottled; for I have seen all that Laban has been doing to you. (13) 'I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed a pillar, where you made a vow to Me; now arise, leave this land, and return to the land of your birth.'"

Gen 48:15-16 He blessed Joseph, and said, "The God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, The God who has been my shepherd all my life to this day, (16) The angel who has redeemed me from all evil, Bless the lads; And may my name live on in them, And the names of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; And may they grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth."

Exo 3:1-2 Now Moses was pasturing the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian; and he led the flock to the west side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. (2) The angel of the LORD appeared to him in a blazing fire from the midst of a bush; and he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, yet the bush was not consumed.

1Ch 21:15-18 And God sent an angel to Jerusalem to destroy it; but as he was about to destroy it, the LORD saw and was sorry over the calamity, and said to the destroying angel, "It is enough; now relax your hand." And the angel of the LORD was standing by the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite. (16) Then David lifted up his eyes and saw the angel of the LORD standing between earth and heaven, with his drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem. Then David and the elders, covered with sackcloth, fell on their faces. (17) David said to God, "Is it not I who commanded to count the people? Indeed, I am the one who has sinned and done very wickedly, but these sheep, what have they done? O LORD my God, please let Your hand be against me and my father's household, but not against Your people that they should be plagued." (18) Then the angel of the LORD commanded Gad to say to David, that David should go up and build an altar to the LORD on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite.

Isa 63:9 In all their affliction He was afflicted, And the angel of His presence saved them; In His love and in His mercy He redeemed them, And He lifted them and carried them all the days of old.

Dan 3:25-28 He said, "Look! I see four men loosed and walking about in the midst of the fire without harm, and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods!" (26) Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the door of the furnace of blazing fire; he responded and said, "Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego, come out, you servants of the Most High God, and come here!" Then Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego came out of the midst of the fire. (27) The satraps, the prefects, the governors and the king's high officials gathered around and saw in regard to these men that the fire had no effect on the bodies of these men nor was the hair of their head singed, nor were their trousers damaged, nor had the smell of fire even come upon them. (28) Nebuchadnezzar responded and said, "Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego, who has sent His angel and delivered His servants who put their trust in Him, violating the king's command, and yielded up their bodies so as not to serve or worship any god except their own God.

Zec 1:12-13 Then the angel of the LORD said, "O LORD of hosts, how long will You have no compassion for Jerusalem and the cities of Judah, with which You have been indignant these seventy years?" (13) The LORD answered the angel who was speaking with me with gracious words, comforting words.

JESUS IS GOD AND SAVIOR

Tit 2:13 looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus,

2Pe 1:1 Simon Peter, a bond-servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have received a faith of the same kind as ours, by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ:

JESUS IS THE SON OF GOD – “Son of God” does not mean “offspring of”, but rather “of the order of”, or equality and identity of nature (Ryrie, Basic Christian Theology) – it is a strong claim to Deity

Mat 14:33 And those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, "You are certainly God's Son!"

Mat 26:63-64 But Jesus kept silent. And the high priest said to Him, "I adjure You by the living God, that You tell us whether You are the Christ, the Son of God." (64) Jesus *said to him, "You have said it yourself; nevertheless I tell you, hereafter you will see THE SON OF MAN SITTING AT THE RIGHT HAND OF POWER, and COMING ON THE CLOUDS OF HEAVEN."

Luk 1:35 The angel answered and said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God.

Joh 5:17-18 But He answered them, "My Father is working until now, and I Myself am working." (18) For this reason therefore the Jews were seeking all the more to kill Him, because He not only was breaking the Sabbath, but also was calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God.

Joh 5:20 "For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself is doing; and the Father will show Him greater works than these, so that you will marvel.

Joh 10:36 do you say of Him, whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, 'You are blaspheming,' because I said, 'I am the Son of God'?

Joh 11:27 She *said to Him, "Yes, Lord; I have believed that You are the Christ, the Son of God, even He who comes into the world."

Gal 4:4 But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law,

1Jo 3:8 the one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning. The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil.

1Jo 5:20 And we know that the Son of God has come, and has given us understanding so that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.

JESUS IS RIGHTEOUS, JUST AND HOLY, FUNCTIONS ONLY OF GOD

Jer 23:5-6 "Behold, the days are coming," declares the LORD, "When I will raise up for David a righteous Branch; And He will reign as king and act wisely And do justice and righteousness in the land. (6) "In His days Judah will be saved, And Israel will dwell securely; And this is His name by which He will be called, 'The LORD our righteousness.'

Act 3:14 "But you disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked for a murderer to be granted to you,

Heb 7:26 For it was fitting for us to have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens;

Rev 3:7 "And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: He who is holy, who is true, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, and who shuts and no one opens, says this:

JESUS IS GIVEN ALL THINGS, HE IS THE HEIR OF ALL

Mat 11:27 "All things have been handed over to Me by My Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father; nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.

Mat 28:18 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.

Luk 10:22 "All things have been handed over to Me by My Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son wills to reveal Him."

Joh 3:35 "The Father loves the Son and has given all things into His hand.

Joh 16:15 "All things that the Father has are Mine; therefore I said that He takes of Mine and will disclose it to you.

Joh 17:2 even as You gave Him authority over all flesh, that to all whom You have given Him, He may give eternal life.

Col 1:17 He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.

Heb 1:2-3 in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world. (3) And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,

Rev 1:5 and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and released us from our sins by His blood--

JESUS IS THE VISIBLE GOD

Gen 18:1-3 Now the LORD appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, while he was sitting at the tent door in the heat of the day. (2) When he lifted up his eyes and looked, behold, three men were standing opposite him; and when he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them and bowed himself to the earth, (3) and said, "My Lord, if now I have found favor in Your sight, please do not pass Your servant by.

Gen 32:24-32 Then Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him until daybreak. (25) When he saw that he had not prevailed against him, he touched the socket of his thigh; so the socket of Jacob's thigh was dislocated while he wrestled with him. (26) Then he said, "Let me go, for the dawn is breaking." But he said, "I will not let you go unless you bless me." (27) So he said to him, "What is your name?" And he said, "Jacob." (28) He said, "Your name shall no longer be Jacob, but Israel; for you have striven with God and with men and have prevailed." (29) Then Jacob asked him and said, "Please tell me your name." But he said, "Why is it that you ask my name?" And he blessed him there. (30) So Jacob named the place Peniel, for he said, "I have seen God face to face, yet my life has been preserved." (31) Now the sun rose upon him just as he crossed over Penuel, and he was limping on his thigh. (32) Therefore, to this day the sons of Israel do not eat the sinew of the hip which is on the socket of the thigh, because he touched the socket of Jacob's thigh in the sinew of the hip.

Exo 3:2 The angel of the LORD appeared to him in a blazing fire from the midst of a bush; and he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, yet the bush was not consumed.

Exo 13:21 The LORD was going before them in a pillar of cloud by day to lead them on the way, and in a pillar of fire by night to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night.

Exo 23:20-23 "Behold, I am going to send an angel before you to guard you along the way and to bring you into the place which I have prepared. (21) "Be on your guard before him and obey his voice; do not be rebellious toward him, for he will not pardon your transgression, since My name is in him. (22) "But if you truly obey his voice and do all that I say, then I will be an enemy to your enemies and an adversary to your adversaries. (23) "For My angel will go before you and bring you in to the land of the Amorites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Canaanites, the Hivites and the Jebusites; and I will completely destroy them.

Exo 32:34 "But go now, lead the people where I told you. Behold, My angel shall go before you; nevertheless in the day when I punish, I will punish them for their sin."

Exo 33:2 "I will send an angel before you and I will drive out the Canaanite, the Amorite, the Hittite, the Perizzite, the Hivite and the Jebusite.

Num 20:16 'But when we cried out to the LORD, He heard our voice and sent an angel and brought us out from Egypt; now behold, we are at Kadesh, a town on the edge of your territory.

Isa 63:9 In all their affliction He was afflicted, And the angel of His presence saved them; In His love and in His mercy He redeemed them, And He lifted them and carried them all the days of old.

Joh 1:18 No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten God who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him.

Joh 14:9 Jesus *said to him, "Have I been so long with you, and yet you have not come to know Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; how can you say, 'Show us the Father'?

Col 1:15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.

Hos 12:4 Yes, he wrestled with the angel and prevailed; He wept and sought His favor. He found Him at Bethel And there He spoke with us,

JESUS IS GIVEN GLORY

Joh 16:14 "He will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you.

Joh 17:5 "Now, Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.

Joh 17:24 "Father, I desire that they also, whom You have given Me, be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory which You have given Me, for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.

Heb 1:3 And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,

2Th 1:12 so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

JESUS IS IMMUTABLE

Heb 1:10-12 And, "YOU, LORD, IN THE BEGINNING LAID THE FOUNDATION OF THE EARTH, AND THE HEAVENS ARE THE WORKS OF YOUR HANDS; (11) THEY WILL PERISH, BUT YOU REMAIN; AND THEY ALL WILL BECOME OLD LIKE A GARMENT, (12) AND LIKE A MANTLE YOU WILL ROLL THEM UP; LIKE A GARMENT THEY WILL ALSO BE CHANGED. BUT YOU ARE THE SAME, AND YOUR YEARS WILL NOT COME TO AN END."

Heb 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

1Jo 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

JESUS IS ETERNAL

Isa 9:6 For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.

Mic 5:2 "But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Too little to be among the clans of Judah, From you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, From the days of eternity."

Joh 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Joh 1:14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Joh 5:43-44 "I have come in My Father's name, and you do not receive Me; if another comes in his own name, you will receive him. (44) "How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and you do not seek the glory that is from the one and only God?

Joh 6:38 "For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.

Joh 8:58 Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am."

Joh 17:5 "Now, Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.

1Co 15:45 So also it is written, "The first MAN, Adam, BECAME A LIVING SOUL." The last Adam became a life-giving spirit.

Eph 1:4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love

Phi 2:6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped,

Col 1:17 He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.

Heb 1:8 But of the Son He says, "YOUR THRONE, O GOD, IS FOREVER AND EVER, AND THE RIGHTEOUS SCEPTER IS THE SCEPTER OF HIS KINGDOM.

Heb 7:3 Without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, he remains a priest perpetually.

Heb 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Jud 1:25 to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.

Rev 1:8 "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty."

Rev 22:13 "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end."

“GOD” PURCHASED THE CHURCH WITH HIS OWN BLOOD, A FUNCTION OF CHRIST

Act 20:28 "Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.

OT/NT COMPARISONS

Isa 40:3 A voice is calling, "Clear the way for the LORD in the wilderness; Make smooth in the desert a highway for our God.

Mat 3:3 For this is the one referred to by Isaiah the prophet when he said, "THE VOICE OF ONE CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS, 'MAKE READY THE WAY OF THE LORD, MAKE HIS PATHS STRAIGHT!'"

__________

Psa 24:7-10 (7) Lift up your heads, O gates, And be lifted up, O ancient doors, That the King of glory may come in! (8) Who is the King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, The LORD mighty in battle. (9) Lift up your heads, O gates, And lift them up, O ancient doors, That the King of glory may come in! (10) Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, He is the King of glory. Selah.

1Co 2:8 the wisdom which none of the rulers of this age has understood; for if they had understood it they would not have crucified the Lord of glory;

__________

Psa 97:9 For You are the LORD Most High over all the earth; You are exalted far above all gods.

Joh 3:31 "He who comes from above is above all, he who is of the earth is from the earth and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all.

__________

Isa 40:10-11 (10) Behold, the Lord GOD will come with might, With His arm ruling for Him. Behold, His reward is with Him And His recompense before Him. (11) Like a shepherd He will tend His flock, In His arm He will gather the lambs And carry them in His bosom; He will gently lead the nursing ewes.

Heb 13:20 Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord,

__________

Pro 16:4 The LORD has made everything for its own purpose, Even the wicked for the day of evil.

Col 1:16 For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things have been created through Him and for Him.

__________

Joe 2:32 "And it will come about that whoever calls on the name of the LORD Will be delivered; For on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem There will be those who escape, As the LORD has said, Even among the survivors whom the LORD calls.

1Co 1:2 To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, with all who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours:

__________

Isa 43:11 "I, even I, am the LORD, And there is no savior besides Me.

Act 13:23 "From the descendants of this man, according to promise, God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus,

__________

Jer 23:5-6 (5) "Behold, the days are coming," declares the LORD, "When I will raise up for David a righteous Branch; And He will reign as king and act wisely And do justice and righteousness in the land. (6) "In His days Judah will be saved, And Israel will dwell securely; And this is His name by which He will be called, 'The LORD our righteousness.'

1Co 1:30 But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption,

__________

Gen 2:3 Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made.

Mat 12:8 "For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath."

__________

Isa 6:1-3, 10 (1) In the year of King Uzziah's death I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, lofty and exalted, with the train of His robe filling the temple. (2) Seraphim stood above Him, each having six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. (3) And one called out to another and said, "Holy, Holy, Holy, is the LORD of hosts, The whole earth is full of His glory." (10) "Render the hearts of this people insensitive, Their ears dull, And their eyes dim, Otherwise they might see with their eyes, Hear with their ears, Understand with their hearts, And return and be healed."

Joh 12:40-41 (40) "HE HAS BLINDED THEIR EYES AND HE HARDENED THEIR HEART, SO THAT THEY WOULD NOT SEE WITH THEIR EYES AND PERCEIVE WITH THEIR HEART, AND BE CONVERTED AND I HEAL THEM." (41) These things Isaiah said because he saw His glory, and he spoke of Him.

__________

Isa 7:14 "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel.

Mat 1:22-23 Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: (23) "BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD AND SHALL BEAR A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL," which translated means, "GOD WITH US."

__________

Luk 1:76 "And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; For you will go on BEFORE THE LORD TO PREPARE HIS WAYS;

Mal 3:1 "Behold, I am going to send My messenger, and he will clear the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple; and the messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight, behold, He is coming," says the LORD of hosts.

__________

Joe 2:32 "And it will come about that whoever calls on the name of the LORD Will be delivered; For on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem There will be those who escape, As the LORD has said, Even among the survivors whom the LORD calls.

Rom 10:13 for "WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED."

__________

Isa 45:22-23 "Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth; For I am God, and there is no other. (23) "I have sworn by Myself, The word has gone forth from My mouth in righteousness And will not turn back, That to Me every knee will bow, every tongue will swear allegiance.

Rom 14:11 For it is written, "AS I LIVE, SAYS THE LORD, EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW TO ME, AND EVERY TONGUE SHALL GIVE PRAISE TO GOD."

Phi 2:10 so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

__________

Psa 45:6 Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; A scepter of uprightness is the scepter of Your kingdom.

Heb 1:8 But of the Son He says, "YOUR THRONE, O GOD, IS FOREVER AND EVER, AND THE RIGHTEOUS SCEPTER IS THE SCEPTER OF HIS KINGDOM.

Greetings!

2005-12-21T06:28:00.000-08:00

My plan is to use this blog to collect my thoughts, over time, on various issues related to my study of the Bible and other related topics. For now, it's just my window to many of my favorite Christian sites.

If I'm missing a link to a great site (including your own blog), or if I have included a site that is in your opinion not worthy - please let me know so I can evaluate its inclusion.

Thanks and God Bless, Scott.