Satan's Pride, Man's Folly

“How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, You who weakened the nations! For you have said in your heart: ‘I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation On the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.’ Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol, To the lowest depths of the Pit.

Isaiah 14:12‭-‬15 NKJV

This passage does not refer to Satan. Lucifer is hêylêl, a Hebrew word which translates directly to "Morning Star". The entire Chap 13 and 14 talks about fall of Assyria, typified as the "Kings of Babylon", likely because of the influence of the Babylonian culture of the day, Assyrian Kings (Sargon II and Sennacherib) likened themselves like "Kings of Babylon". Pretty much like the Roman empire who adopts Greek culture and religion due to its deep infiltration into popular culture of that time. So Babylon really referred to the Assyrian Kings who dominates the world during Isaiah's time.

Although this verses does not refer to Satan, its principals actually applies. The lesson to be abstracted here is that the King of Babylon, just like Satan (Luke 10:18, Rev 12:8-9), has fallen because of pride. Just like Satan, human leaders can fall into the very same temptation of thinking he has control over his destiny, thus resulting in rebellion and turmoil. Ultimately, it is this same characteristic in both wicked men and demons which will lead them to destruction by the one Holy God.

The Great Day of the Lord

The bible talks about the "Great and Terrible day of the Lord". Many believers look forward to this event, whereby we are often taught that it will be a day of redemption, where we finally meet our maker face to face.

True as it is, Salvation is not free for all as one might have been taught. Many have a misconception of using Jesus as a talisman, or perhaps a passport for eternal security; thus percieve to be evading judgement. However, if the truth is the truth, such teaching can put false believers at risk of thinking that they are believers.

Well, I am not trying to put any additional criteria for eternal life. Ephesians 2:8 says Salvation comes by Grace through Faith in Jesus Christ. But further in v10 it also says that we are saved FOR GOOD WORKS. Which means that if the faith of a self professing believer does not result in good works, it will defeat the very purpose which we are saved for. Then we will have to exercise what John said in his 1st Epistle regarding what exactly is a true believer (1 John 2:3-6). If one continues to live in disobedience, he is not a true believer as he does not walk in the light (1 John 1:5-9)

Hence the Day of the Lord, which we can safely say refers to his 2nd coming, or the great white throne judgement after his 1000 year rule, is not good news to everyone. Isaiah gave an account of it :

Behold, the day of the Lord comes, Cruel, with both wrath and fierce anger, To lay the land desolate; And He will destroy its sinners from it. For the stars of heaven and their constellations Will not give their light; The sun will be darkened in its going forth, And the moon will not cause its light to shine.

Isaiah 13:9‭-‬10 NKJV

The word for Constellation is "kesîyl".

http://biblehub.com/hebrew/3685.htm

"kesîyl" to the Jews refers specifically to Orion who arrogantly challenged God with his human pride. The expression of V10 indicates how Orion, being a great hunter, had spiritually missed the target by refuse submission to God.

Though Orion is a myth, the Jewish rendition of it still speaks. On the Day of the Lord, sinners will be exterminated (V9) for refusal to submit to God and his instructions. There will be great darkness whereby the Sun, moon and Stars will not give it's light (V10). Light is a characteristic of God, hence Darkness is of Sinful men (John 3:19-21). It is evident that on that day, God will come in darkness to judge all unbelievers, including unbelievers who thinks they are believers just by going to church.

(The darkening of the Sun, Mòon and Stars was also mentioned in Joel, repeates by Peter in his sermon in Acts 2. This was also related to the opening of the 6th Seal in Revelation 6:12-17.

Do you call evil and evil good?

Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, And prudent in their own sight!

Isaiah 5:20‭-‬21 NKJV

Is this relevant to the church today? You bet. What Isaiah foresaw was a time when Israelites challenged God's authority. They think they have better definition of what is right or wrong, better than God. And therefore they even challenged God for him to hasten his work of judgement (Isa 5:19). So what exactly is the church today doing that is calling evil good and good evil, and calling darkness light and light darkness?

1. LGBT - Bible is clear, homosexuality is Sin, just like any other sins. In the name of love, many has accepted the concept. Thinking that it is out of love that they accept them for who they are. Just like how the church ought to deal with anyone in the congregation who steals, are vulgar or even abusive, sexual sinners alike are ought to be dealt with, LGBTs are no exception. This is not a statement to drive all sinners away, for God is Love and does not delight in judgement . But if they reject counsel, then they reject God, and he will have to judge. It's simple as that. It is not for us to justify their nature. There is simply no such thing as a Christian butch or a Christian Gay.

2. Biblical truths - Do you hear Christians today telling you, "Everyone has different ways of intepreting the bible, so who is anyone to judge who is correct or not?". While it is true that there are some degrees of differences from person to person, some "differences" are simply heretic. Many of the idealogies that are taught in church today are more or less influenced by Antinomianism, Legalism, Dominian Theology, New Apostolic Reformation, Prosperity gospel, Christian Science or even Psycho Analysis, etc. Are Pastors today teaching according to sound biblical context or man's opinions? Are Christian idealogies today based on sound biblical principals or human idealogies? One good example is to accredit Sickness to Sin, and poor believers are made to confess all their sins in order to recieve healing, this is worse than Legalism.

3. Worldliness - Does your church teaching allow you to pursue your own life without having to serve God? While we cannot judge if any individual is actually pursuing Godliness in their lives, we can certainly say that the teachings of the Prophets and Apostles are too compelling to be ignored. Apostle Paul teaches that Coveteousness is idolatry (Col 3:5). This is exactly what Isaiah meant in Isaiah 5:22. Wine in his prophecies is a picture of luxuries and worldliness. There is absolutely nothing wrong for one to aim to upgrade his home, car or even enjoy a fine meal or holiday. But the idea of getting drunk with wine (Isaiah 5:11) is also a picture of one who indulges himself with pleasures of life. Do you often tell yourself that "Maybe I will consider serving God when my career is established and my kids are grown up, I'm sure God understands."? Or perhaps some don't even consider that because all they think about is getting a bigger house, nicer car, higher pay check, and God is simply confined to Sunday Service? That is exactly what Isaiah had in mind when he foresaw God's judgement, and we know his is coming back with a winnowing fork to seperate the tares from the wheat.

Romans 3:20-22 clearly says that we are not jusified by the deeds of the Law, but by Jesus Christ alone. But Romans 6 clearly states that those who are saved under Grace will be slaves to righteousness. Those who are truly saved will reflect the true nature of Christ who lives us. It needn't be an immediate transformation, but it will be a sincere progression to reflect his Christlikeness. At the end of the day, we have to question ourselves if we are truly Christians or we are actually rejecting God's Laws without realizing it.

Therefore, as the fire devours the stubble, And the flame consumes the chaff, So their root will be as rottenness, And their blossom will ascend like dust; Because they have rejected the law of the Lord of hosts, And despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.

Isaiah 5:24 NKJV

Are we ostracizing believers who impede us from the pursuit of Worldliness? Are we persecuting those who promote the pursuit of Godliness? Are we calling evil good and good evil?

The 11th Hour Worker

The Parable of the Eleventh Hour Worker

In Matt 19:16-22, Jesus tells us of a story of a rich young ruler who wanted Jesus to tell him "what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?". Jesus went on to described how he should keep the commandments and he claimed that he had done it all. Jesus finally told him to sell all his possessions, in which he responded with sorrow and went away. In Matt 19:23-27, the disciples were astonished at Jesus's conclusion of the rich young ruler by saying in verse 24, "it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a RICH MAN to enter the kingdom of God". Peter responded in verse 27, “See, we have left all and followed You. Therefore what shall we have?”. He wants to know what can he get by his sacrifice for following Jesus.

Matt 19:28-30 is interesting. Jesus went on to explain how the 12 places will be given to the 12 who followed him, obviously referring to the 12 Apostles who will judge the 12 tribes of Israel when Jesus comes back. And everyone who left their houses and family for the sake of the gospel will receive a hundredfold and inherit eternal life. From which he gave a quote at verse 30, " But many who are first will be last, and the last first"

He then went on in Matt 20:1-16 to tell a story of an owner of the Vineyard (usually referring to God the Father [CF Isaiah 5] ), who hired laborers for his vineyard early in the morning, third hour, sixth hour, ninth hour and eleventh hour. At the end of the day, the earlier workers who worked more received the same 1 denarius as the eleventh hour workers, they complained. The owner of the vineyard responded by saying, in verse 13,"‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius?" And again, this passage again ended with an inclusio with Matt 19:30, "So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen."

Firstly, the reward of 1 denarius refers to eternal life (CF Matt 19:29). I believe the workers who came in at the earlier hours refers to Israel under the Law of Moses and 11th hours refers to believers after the Cross. Jesus was giving an illustration to his disciples on how those who are born again under the Grace of Jesus finished work receives the same eternal life as those who persevered by Faith while under the Law of Moses. There is nothing we can do to earn eternal life, any more than those who serve more or less. Hence the principal of equality lies in the phase "the last will be first, and the first last.".

Yet the author of Matthew did not stop there, but to further illustrate the greatness of serving in Matt 20:20-28.

"Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”" - Matt 20:26-28

Eternal life cannot be earned by working more. It is about God's Grace towards imperfect people who are willing to walk in faith and serve him. Eternal rewards (1 Cor 3:5-16) however, is a different topic altogether.

Parellelism in Hebrew Poetry

Parellelism in Hebrew Poetry

Psalms 100:1‭-‬5 NKJV

[Synomymous Parellelism, Tri-Colon. All three lines shows that it is biblical to Sing and Shout before the Lord with Gladness]

Make a JOYFUL SHOUT to the Lord , all you lands!
Serve the Lord with GLADNESS;
Come before His presence with SINGING.

[Synthetic Parallelism, Tri-Colon. Know the Lord (Exhortation), because he made us (Causation) we are not of ourselves. We are the sheep that belong to him (Substantiation)

Know that the Lord , He is God;
It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;
We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.

[Synonymous Parallelism, Tri-Colon. 3 lines supporting the idea of giving praise and thanks giving. Seemed to be a substantiation of previous statement; We Thank and Praise God for who he is and we belong to him.

ENTER into His gates with THANKSGIVING,
And into His courts with PRAISE.
Be THANKFUL to Him, and BLESS His name.

[Synonymous Parallelism, Tri-Colon. Causation for previous trio, God is good because his mercies are everlasting and truth endure to all generations.

For the Lord  is GOOD;
His MERCY is EVERLASTING,
And His TRUTH ENDURES to ALL GENERATIONS.

Conclusion : Praise him with thanksgiving, make joyful shout to the Lord for he is God, his is good because his mercy and truth is everlasting.

How is Love Perfected in us?

For this is the love of God, that we KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS. And His commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God OVERCOMES THE WORLD. And this is the victory that has OVERCOME THE WORLD—our faith.

I John 5:3‭-‬4 NKJV

What victory did God gave to those who are born again? Is John referring to overcoming demon spirits, sickness and poverty curse? Sounds good, unfortunately, none of these themes appear in John's train of thought here. The only thing mentioned in John's train of thought is KEEPING HIS COMMANDMENTS.

In fact, in chapter 2, the only reference to "the world" is when John tells his recipients NOT to love the things of the world. THAT is how we overcome the world, by forsaking our love for earthly material wants.

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.

I John 2:15‭-‬17 NKJV

In fact the theme of "Walking in the Light", beckons the fact that he who is born again, who walks in the light "Abides in him", and he who KEEPS HIS COMMANDMENTS" abides in him, and will not love thing things of this world.

If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

I John 1:6‭-‬7 NKJV

If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him.

I John 2:29 NKJV

Whoever abides in Him does not sin. Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him.

I John 3:6 NKJV

Now he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us.

I John 3:24 NKJV

No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us. By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit.

I John 4:12‭-‬13 NKJV

And this is how love perfect love drives out all fear. When our Faith is proven by our love for one another by actual works.

Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us.

I John 4:17‭-‬19 NKJV

Are Sins negligible under Grace?

There is great emphasis being placed on Justification by Faith in churches today which tells us to "focus on God's love for us, and not our love for God". Abeit it is true that the bible teaches about man's totality to Sin, our need for a Saviour, and God's love for sending his Son to redeem us from our iniquities; it also convicts us of Sin and the need for repentance.

The bible never teaches us to paraphase that, "Since we cannot fulfill God Law's, let's don't even try to do it!". In fact it often reminds us to turn from our former ways as "Sons of disobedience" (Eph 2:1-3) and to suffer for doing good (1 Pet 3:13-17).

God's word through Jeremiah 5 is clear. God did not judge Israel because they are serial killers and rapists. The description of their Sins are actually what everyday people do... covet over material wants, lusting after a neighbor, backstabbing a colleague, shortchanging a vendor, overselling to customers, turning a blind eye on the naked and hungry.

The bible teaches that those whose Faith is in God will live Godly lives. We can never be perfectly Sinless, but if the truth is really in you, you will desire to live righteously and not teaching others that God's Laws no longer matters.

Prosperity and Covetousness

They were like well-fed lusty stallions; Every one neighed after his neighbor’s wife.

Jeremiah 5:8 NKJV

Soothsaying and False prophecy

They have lied about the Lord , And said, “ It is not He. Neither will evil come upon us, Nor shall we see sword or famine. And the prophets become wind, For the word is not in them. Thus shall it be done to them.”

Jeremiah 5:12‭-‬13 NKJV

Complacency and loveless

They have grown fat, they are sleek; Yes, they surpass the deeds of the wicked; They do not plead the cause, The cause of the fatherless; Yet they prosper, And the right of the needy they do not defend.

Jeremiah 5:28 NKJV

Jesus final exortation before the passion.

“Then they also will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?’ Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’ And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

Matthew 25:44‭-‬46 NKJV

Do you worship God? Or an aspect of him?

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

John 1:1‭-‬5 NKJV

The Greek word for "Word" used in John 1 is the Greek word Logos (Strong's Greek 3056, λόγος). The meaning is chiefly, reason.

The idea of the word Logos, to Chrisitans, is personified as the one who was from the beginning, who was with God, who was God. The word who became flesh, dwelt among men, and ultimately sacrificed for our Sins.

The Stoics (Greek Philisophy founded by Zeno) too, has a concept of Logos. In fact, they worshipped Logos and believed that Logos, a form of reason, is the power and presence of a universal, omniscient god, the driving force of human virtues. They worshipped god not as a person (like the Jews did), but as a concept or the logical aspect of it's virtues.

Paul's address to the Stoics with the Areopagus in Act 17 seeks to identify with them, and yet attempts to teach them what is lacking in their pantheon.

While the Stoics worshipped only an aspect of God, are we doing the same today? Are we worshipping a partial aspect of God and not a full revelation of him through his word? Are we worshipping his Grace without his Mercy? His Love without fear for his impending judgement? His words of comfort without the warnings? His Freedom without his Instructions.

True Faith results in obedience

By Faith through faith in Jesus Christ is not just merely a concept of believing in Jesus. James 2:14-26, faith without works is dead, can faith save you when its void of obedience? Even demons believe and tremble.

How were the heroes of the OT saved? By their works? No. they are saved on the same basis as we do.. by faith through grace in Jesus Christ. How so? The Mosiac covenant was a preview of Jesus Christ, fully revealed in the New Covenant (Heb 10:1-10). The annual sacrifices in itself does not save, but it is required for those who faithfully follow it to be included in the New Covenant (Heb 10:11-18).

Did God required the OT heroes to be perfect? No. He only required them to be obedient, turn from their wicked ways (immorality, idolatry, etc), their Sins are covered in Jesus Christ through the admission of the Old Covenant (Isaiah 1:16-20). When Jesus died on the cross, all those who walked by faith (Hab 2:4) like prophet Daniel, Isaiah, King David, are eternally saved (Heb 11).

On the same token under the new covenant, Salvation is meant for those who DESIRE to keep the Law (Rom 7:22) but KNOWS that he cannot fulfill it (Rom 7:23, 24), and thank God for Jesus Christ who saves us from our shortfall (Rom 7:25). Hence faith includes obedience (1 John 1:5-10, 2:3-6) , and it does not require you to be perfect as no one can be perfect (Rom 2, 3).

Hence it is important to know that while we CANNOT fulfill the Law (perfection), God requires Faith of those who are obedient for Salvation. This is not Salvation by works, but Salvation is meant to saved those who desire to obey him but knows he cannot fully fulfill the Law.

Jesus taught the 10 Commandments

Jesus taught the 10 Commandments:

Commandment 1 :
“You shall have no other gods before Me." Exodus 20:3 “You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve” (Matthew 4:10).“You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve” (Luke 4:8).“You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and the great commandment” (Matthew 22:37). “And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the first commandment” (Mark 12:30). “You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve” (Luke 4:8).

Commandment 2 :
“You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of  anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth;" Exodus 20:4   “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24). “But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam…to eat things sacrificed to idols” (Revelation 2:14). “Nevertheless, I have a few things against you, because you allow…My servants to…eat things sacrificed to idols” (Revelation 2:20).

Commandment 3 :
“You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord  will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain." Exodus 20:7 NKJV “Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men” (Matthew 12:31). “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts,…blasphemies. These are the things which defile a man” (Matthew 15:19-20).

Commandment 4 :
“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy." Exodus 20:8. "is there among you who has one sheep, and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will not lay hold of it and lift it out? Of how much more value then is a man than a sheep? Therefore, it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath” (Matthew 12:11-12). “And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath” (Matthew 24:20); there would be no reason to pray this if the Sabbath was not going to be in existence. “And He said to them, ‘The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. Therefore the Son of Man is also Lord of the Sabbath‘” (Mark 2:27); this verse tells all who will see which day is the Lord’s Day. “And when the Sabbath had come, He began to teach in the synagogue” (Mark 6:2). “And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read” (Luke 4:16). “Then He went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and was teaching them on the Sabbaths” (Luke 4:31). “The Son of Man is also Lord of the Sabbath…Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy?“ (Luke 6:5,9). “But the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath…The Lord then answered him and said, ‘Hypocrite…So ought not this woman…be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath?‘” (Luke 13:14-16). “‘Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?‘…And they could not answer Him regarding these things” (Luke 14:3,6). “are you angry with Me because I made a man completely well on the Sabbath?” (John 7:23).

Commandment 5 :
“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you." Exodus 20:12 NKJV “For God commanded saying, ‘Honor your father and your mother’ and ‘He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death‘” (Matthew 15:4). “Honor your father and your mother” (Matthew 19:19). “Honor your father and your mother” (Mark 7:10). “Honor your father and your mother” (Mark 10:19). “You know the commandments:…Honor your father and your mother” (Luke 18:20).

Commandment 6:
“You shall not murder." Exodus 20:13 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder’, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment. But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment” (Matthew 5:21-22). “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders…These are the things which defile a man” (Matthew 15:19-20). “You shall not murder” (Matthew 19:18). “…murders…All these evil things come from within and defile a man” (Mark 7:21,23). “Do not murder” (Mark 10:19). “You know the commandments:…Do not murder” (Luke 18:20).

Commandment 7
“You shall not commit adultery." Exodus 20:14
“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery’. But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:27-28). “But I say to you that whoever divorces his wife for any reason except sexual immorality causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery” (Matthew 5:32). “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts…adulteries, fornications…These are the things which defile a man” (Matthew 15:19-20). “And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery, and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery” (Matthew 19:9). “You shall not commit adultery” (Matthew 19:18). “…adulteries, fornications…All these evil things come from within and defile a man” (Mark 7:21,23). “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her. And if a woman divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery” (Mark 10:11-12). “Do not commit adultery” (Mark 10:19). “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced from her husband commits adultery” (Luke 16:18). “You know the commandments: Do not commit adultery” (Luke 18:20). “‘Teacher, this woman was caught in adultery’…And Jesus said to her…’sin no more‘” (John 8:4,11). “Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation” (Revelation 2:22).

Commandment 8:
“You shall not steal." Exodus 20:15 “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts…thefts…These are the things which defile a man” (Matthew 15:19-20). “You shall not steal” (Matthew 19:18). “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer’, but you have made it a den of thieves” (Matthew 21:13). “…thefts…All these evil things come from within and defile a man” (Mark 7:22-23). “Do not steal” (Mark 10:19). “You know the commandments:… Do not steal” (Luke 18:20).

Commandment 9:
“You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor." Exodus 20:16 “Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord. But I say to you, do not swear at all” (Matthew 5:33-34). “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts…false witness…These are the things which defile a man” (Matthew 15:19-20). “You shall not bear false witness” (Matthew 19:18). “Do not bear false witness” (Mark 10:19). “You know the commandments:…Do not bear false witness” (Luke 18:20). “And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars” (Revelation 2:2).

Commandment 10:
“You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s.” Exodus 20:17  “Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on” (Matthew 6:25). “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts…These are the things which defile a man” (Matthew 15:19-20). “…covetousness…All these evil things come from within and defile a man” (Mark 7:22-23).

Whose voice are you hearing today?

John 10:1-30. Is Jesus talking about literally hearing an audible voice or even an "inner voice" from the Holy Spirit?

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the DOOR, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.  But he who enters by the DOOR is the shepherd of the sheep.  To him the DOORKEEPER OPENS, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.
John 10:1‭-‬3 NKJV

What is the Door? Who is the Shepherd?

Then Jesus said to them again, “Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the DOOR of the sheep.
John 10:7 NKJV

“I am the good SHEPHERD. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.
John 10:11 NKJV

Who was Jesus talking to? Referring to Chap 9, the Pharisees did not believe that Jesus is the Messiah even when he healed a blind man. John 10 was a response to the Pharisees after they excommunicated the blind man who was healed.

Then some of the Pharisees who were with Him heard these words, and said to Him, “Are we blind also?” Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you say, ‘We see.’ Therefore your sin remains.
John 9:40‭-‬41 NKJV

So it is obvious that the Allegory was referring to them. They are the thief and robber, a hireling who does not care for the sheep. Therefore the DOORKEEPER in verse 3, refers to the one called to guard his sheep.

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.  But a HIRELING, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them.  The HIRELING flees because he is a HIRELING and does not care about the sheep.
John 10:11‭-‬13 NKJV

Jesus is talking about false teachers. This is consistent with the OT, when the analogy of false sheperds was used against false feachers

“Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture!” says the Lord . Therefore thus says the Lord God of Israel against the shepherds who feed My people: “You have scattered My flock, driven them away, and not attended to them. Behold, I will attend to you for the evil of your doings,” says the Lord . “But I will gather the remnant of My flock out of all countries where I have driven them, and bring them back to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase. I will set up shepherds over them who will feed them; and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, nor shall they be lacking,” says the Lord .
Jeremiah 23:1‭-‬4 NKJV

And the word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy and say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God to the shepherds: “Woe to the shepherds of Israel who feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the flocks? You eat the fat and clothe yourselves with the wool; you slaughter the fatlings, but you do not feed the flock. The weak you have not strengthened, nor have you healed those who were sick, nor bound up the broken, nor brought back what was driven away, nor sought what was lost; but with force and cruelty you have ruled them. So they were scattered because there  was no shepherd; and they became food for all the beasts of the field when they were scattered. My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and on every high hill; yes, My flock was scattered over the whole face of the earth, and no one was seeking or searching for  them. ”
Ezekiel 34:1‭-‬6 NKJV

He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm, And carry them in His bosom, And gently lead those who are with young.
Isaiah 40:11 NKJV

Yes, they  are  greedy dogs Which  never have enough. And they are shepherds Who cannot understand; They all look to their own way, Every one for his own gain, From his own territory.
Isaiah 56:11 NKJV

The Shepherd's VOICE refers to sound doctrine of one who is called by God to teach the word. False shepherd refers to False teachers who leads the flock astray from the Word (his VOICE).

This has nothing to do with an audible or "inner voice" promoted by the New Apostolic Reformation.

Was Peter talking about Healing?

1 Peter 2:24 is not talking about "by his stripes you are healed". Apostle Peter was talking about slaves submitting to their masters as a good testimony, just as how Christ suffered for our sake.

Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, NOT ONLY TO THE GOOD AND GENTLE, BUT ALSO TO THE HARSH. For this is COMMENDABLE, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you DO GOOD AND SUFFER, if you take it patiently, this is COMMENDABLE BEFORE GOD. FOR TO THIS YOU WERE CALLED, BECAUSE CHRIST ALSO SUFFERED FOR US, LEAVING US AN EXAMPLE, THAT YOU SHOULD FOLLOW HIS STEPS: “Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth”; who, WHEN HE WAS REVILED, DID NOT REVILE IN RETURN; WHEN HE SUFFERED, HE DID NOT THREATENED, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness— BY THOSE STRIPS YOU WERE HEALED. For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

I Peter 2:18‭-‬25 NKJV

Hence if you use this verse to claim healing from God, you have totally defeated the purpose of Peter writing these very words.

The Mind of Christ

The Holy Spirit teaches us all things pertaining to the word.

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 things that I said to you.
John 14:26 NKJV

Then He said to them, “These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.”  And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures.
Luke 24:44‭-‬45 NKJV

The Spirit teaches us the word, so that we might have the mind of Christ.

These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. For “who has known the MIND OF THE LORD  that he may instruct Him?” But we have the MIND OF CHRIST.
I Corinthians 2:13‭-‬16 NKJV

What does the Mind of Christ do? It teaches us obedience to his commandments.

LET THIS MIND BE IN YOU WHICH WAS ALSO IN CHRIST JESUS, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and  coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became OBEDIENT TO THE POINT OF DEATH, even the death of the cross.
Philippians 2:5‭-‬8 NKJV

I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, WITH THE MIND I myself SERVE THE LAW OF GOD, but with the flesh the law of sin.
Romans 7:25 NKJV

For those who live according to the flesh set their MINDS on the things of the FLESH, but those who  live according to the SPIRIT, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be SPIRITUALLY MINDED is LIFE AND PEACE. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the LAW OF GOD, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
Romans 8:5‭-‬8 NKJV

So how else should the believer worship God and renew his mind? None other than allowing the Holy Spirit to teach us his words of truth and show us the mind of Christ.

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the RENEWING OF YOUR MIND, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Romans 12:2 NKJV

The Mind of Christ is always Lowliness (servanthood) and void of self exaltation and self gratification. CF Phil 2:5-8.

Be of the SAME MIND toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.
Romans 12:16 NKJV

Therefore if there  is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being LIKE-MINDED, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be  done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in LOWLINESS OF MIND let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
Philippians 2:1‭-‬4 NKJV

The Mind of Christ makes one abstain from sin and godlessness.

But you have not so LEARNED CHRIST, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your FORMER CONDUCT, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the SPIRIT OF YOUR MIND, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.
Ephesians 4:20‭-‬24 NKJV

The Mind of Christ sets us on heavenly (Spiritual) values, and not earthly (Carnal) values. CF Rom 8:5-8.

If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. SET YOUR MIND on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who  is  our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.
Colossians 3:1‭-‬4 NKJV

The Mind of Christ appreciates the Mercy of God upon former Sons of disobedience.

For God has committed them all to DISOBEDIENCE, that He might have MERCY ON ALL. Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! “For who has known the MIND OF THE LORD ? Or who has become His counselor?” “Or who has first given to Him And it shall be repaid to him?” For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.
Romans 11:32‭-‬36 NKJV

Right doing vs Right Standing

When God asks Israel to repent, he cannot be asking them to be perfect in all their ways, which is impossible. He is asking them to turn to righteousness (repent from wrong by RIGHT DOING), THEN he will justify them (RIGHT STANDING) by washing them white as snow.

“Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes. Cease to do evil, Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow. “Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the Lord , “Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool. If you are willing and obedient, You shall eat the good of the land; But if you refuse and rebel, You shall be devoured by the sword”; For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.
Isaiah 1:16‭-‬20 NKJV

Same God, Same basis for Salvation

Compare Isaiah's preaching a call to repentance, to Paul's teaching in Eph and Col.

And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.
Ephesians 2:1‭-‬3 NKJV

Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them.
Colossians 3:5‭-‬7 NKJV

This is how God, through Isaiah, promised a Messiah who will cleanse us from our Sins IF we are willing to obey (repentance).

“Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes. Cease to do evil, Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow. “Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the Lord , “Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool. If you are willing and obedient, You shall eat the good of the land; But if you refuse and rebel, You shall be devoured by the sword”; For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.
Isaiah 1:16‭-‬20 NKJV

Gospel of Grace?

In a recent article, Joseph Prince has further expound on his Gospel of Grace message, which I believe is a follow up on his recent meeting with Michael Brown, author of the book called, HyperGrace : http://blog.josephprince.com/beware-counterfeit-grace

Below is a link to a summary of the Grace Message, some excerpts and my comments:

1. From the Article : "Beyond being unshackled by the heavy yoke of guilt and condemnation"

My Comment : [If you are set free from man-made regulations created by legalistic churches, good for you. But if you are living in Sin and see God's commandments as "heavy yoke of guilt and condemnation", then you are clearly not been set free. Repentance does include remorse and guilt for the sinner, how can we be set free from it? (Read 1 Corinthians Chapter 5 to see how Apostle Paul deals with an extreme sinner) ]

2. From the Article : "John 1:17 tell us, “For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” The law was given through a servant; grace and truth came through the Son. The law talks about what man ought to be; grace reveals who God is. The letter kills, but the Spirit gives life (see 2 Cor. 3:6). Under the law, God demands righteousness from sinfully bankrupt man. But under grace, God provides righteousness as a gift. All who believe in Jesus and acknowledge Him as their Lord and Savior are under the new covenant of grace."

My Comment : [Under the old covenant, what happens when an Israelite sins against God? He sacrifice an animal according to the Mosaic Covenant and gets Justification by works. Similarly under the New Covenant, what happens when a Christian sins against God? He has Jesus Christ as an advocate, as a perfect atonement for his sins. So does God provide righteousness under the old covenant? Does God demand righteousness under the New Covenant? ]

[Yes and yes.... under BOTH the old and new covenant, God DEMANDS Righteousness! And under BOTH the old and new covenant, God SUPPLIES Righteousness; the former by animal sacrifice, the latter by Jesus Christ! By this statement, Joseph Prince is downplaying the Old Covenant. ]

[Therefore, the expression in 2 Cor 3:6 does not refer to obeying the Moral Laws, it refers to the system of Justification by Works which depended on a human high priest in comparison to Justification by Faith which depends on a perfect heavenly High Priest.]

3. From the Article : "Yet, many believers today are still living in confusion. They get law and grace all mixed up by holding to some aspects of the law and some aspects of grace in their Christian walk. As such, they continue in defeat, rather than reign over the power of sin through the abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness."

My Comment : [Make this distinction right, the Law DOES NOT cause men to Sin. Romans 7:7-20 is very clear that God gave the Law to show us what is Sin, and it is our Sinful nature that cause us to fall short of his perfect standards. No Prophets nor Apostles in their right mind will blame the Law (or so called mixture of Law and Grace) for our Sins. It is clear in Romans 7:21-25, that Paul DELIGHTS in God's Laws, and THANK GOD for Jesus Christ, so that by his justification, he is able to walk in it! If the Law causes Sin, and Paul delights in the Law after thanking God for Jesus Christ, does Paul delights in Sin?? This is the second time in this article that Joseph Prince has downplayed on the Law of God.]

4. From the Article : "Genuine grace teaches that believers in Christ are called to live holy, blameless, and above reproach. It teaches that sin always produces destructive consequences and that it is only through the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ that one can be set free from the dominion of sin."

My Comment : ["Sin always produces destructive consequences". While it is true that sin always produces destructive consequences, did he mean just natural consequences? How about eternal consequences? Will he clarify on Heb 6:4-8? The seed that fell among thorns and remained fruitless (Matt 13:22)? The branch that produced no fruit and is cast into fire (John 15:6)? His statement does not qualify whether a Christian who continues to live in sin is merely "not under Grace", or will lose his Salvation]

5. From the Article : "Romans 6:14 states, “For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.” If this person were truly living under grace, he would not be dominated by such a sin. And no one living in sin can legitimately use grace as an excuse to sin, because it is antithetical to God’s holy Scriptures."

My Comment : [Judging from point 2 and point 3, when he says, "If this person were truly living under grace, he would not be dominated by such a sin", is he trying to say that the person who sins is living "Under the Law"? So only "Law-abiding Christians" will live ungodly lives? Rom 6:14 is not talking about obedience to the moral Laws of God; similar to 2 Cor 3:6, it is comparing Justification by works (animal sacrifice) vs Justification by Faith (Jesus Christ).

6. From the Article : "The Ten Commandments are so perfect in its standard and so unbending in its holy requirements that Galatians 3:11 states that no man can be justified by the law in the sight of God. Justification before God can only come by faith in Christ. The Ten Commandments are glorious. The problem has never been the Ten Commandments or God’s perfect law."

My Comment : [Firstly, Gal 3:11 refers to the ornamental laws like Circumcision and Judaic practices. Again, Paul is comparing between JUSTIFICATION of the old and new covenants, not telling the Galatians to stop loving thy neighbor and honor their father and mother. In fact Paul ENFORCES the moral Law of God (Gal 5:13-15). The 10 Commandments was NOT given for our justification, it was given for our Obedience! And if one makes a mistake while following him, he is cleansed by the blood of Jesus as long as he repents (1 John 1:9).]

7. From the Article : "True grace teaching esteems the moral excellencies of the law, but it will also make clear to us that no man can be justified by keeping the Ten Commandments so that we see our need for Christ."

My Comment : [This statement makes the 10 Commandments some thing that is made for display only. Deut 6:1-9 clearly states that the 10 Commandments are meant for obedience, and our imperfections are covered by the atonement.]

8. From the Article : "In the 1,500 years that God’s people lived under the law, not a single man (apart from our Lord Jesus) could obey the Ten Commandments perfectly and be justified."

My Comment : [Israel was not judged because the 10 Commandments were too hard to follow; they had the Mosiac Covenant! Israel fell because they were rebellious, stiff necked and went into idolatry (2 Kings 17:7-23). Who says no man was Justified? How about men like David, Hezekiah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel, Ezekiel? Are they not justified by Faith (Hab 2:4, Heb 11) ? Did God not called them Righteous and gave the Justification by Faith even though they were born before Christ? ]

9. From the Article : "Under grace, when we experience the love of our Lord Jesus, we will end up fulfilling the law! Under true grace, we will end up being holy. Grace produces true holiness!"

My Comment : [So under Grace, we end up fulfilling the Law? He also said,]

["They get law and grace all mixed up by holding to some aspects of the law and some aspects of grace in their Christian walk. As such, they continue in defeat, rather than reign over the power of sin through the abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness.". ]

[So if under Grace, we end up fulfilling the Law, then wouldn't that be mixing Law and Grace, does that not makes us continue in defeat rather than reign over the power of sin? Does that makes any sense at all? So under Grace, got Law or no Law?]

10. "So be wary of any counterfeit grace teaching that says behavior, discipline, correction, and right living are not important. The revelation of forgiveness does not detract from, nor is it at the expense of, right living. Instead, it is the fuel that makes right living happen."

My Comment : [So he agrees that "discipline, correction, and right living" are important? Doesn't it take effort and endurance to continue in these things (2 Tim 2:3-7)? So is sanctification God's effort or there is an element of human responsibility to it? Is Godly Living a breeze like taking a stroll in the garden? Or is it painful as God chastise those whom he called sons (Heb 12:11) ]

Please take time to fully digest before shooting your comments. Thanks.

The purpose of faith

But without faith it  is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
Hebrews 11:6 NKJV

On face value, it does seemed that this verse is talking about having faith in God such that one believes in God for healing and blessings. Firstly, is faith merely believing? And is biblical faith (in this case) referring to believing God for blessings?

If you were to read further down Hebrews chapter 11, you realized that firstly, none of the bible heros listed below we exercising their faith for their own well being. It was all for the Kingdom of God. In fact, all died without recieving the promise.

These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
Hebrews 11:13 NKJV

Thier lived for the Kingdom of God, not Kingdom on Earth.

But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.
Hebrews 11:16 NKJV

Moses also forsook the riches and comfort in Egypt and chose to wander in the wilderness and suffer affliction.

choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward.
Hebrews 11:25‭-‬26 NKJV

By faith David (man after God'a heart) did many valiant deeds for God. And David, above anyone else, delighted in the Law of God, wrote Psalms 119.

who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again....
Hebrews 11:33‭-‬35a NKJV

Ans many others like Jeremiah, Isaiah, Daniel, was thrown in prison, sawn in half, fed to lions for the sake of their faith in God.

... Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented— of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth.
Hebrews 11:35b‭-‬38 NKJV

Shouldn't all the more, those who are under a better and perfect covenant, be even more living by faith, instead of living for blessings after blessings, and eyes kept on worldly values?

And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us.
Hebrews 11:39‭-‬40 NKJV

What are Filthy Rags?

The problem with Israel (and hence the Pharisees), were NOT because they tried to follow the Law of God, they were judged because they FORSAKEN the Law of God by going into idolatry and lawlessness.

During the exile, Ezra revived the book of the Law and institutionalized the Scribes (since there was no more temple for them to worship in). That was when the Sanhedrin was formed, for a good reason so that God's word was preserved.

However, after the return to the 2nd temple, another problem came. The Scribes begun to inculcate their own interpretation of the Law called the Mishnah (Oral Law). This was later recorded in written form called the Tulmud.

Corban is one of the evil man made regulation from the Mishnah that the Pharisees used to bypass the 6th commandment of God. And Jesus rebuked them, not because they upheld the law, but they forsook it again by placing Corban above God's Law. Read Mark 7:5-13.

Hence the reference to Filthy Rags (Isa 64:6) commonly referred as "our efforts to live righteously" is inaccurate. That does not refer to us trying to earn Salvation (that is a separate issue). God is saying, Israel has imposed their own self righteousness against his Holy commandments.

The context of "Trying to earn Salvation" only exists in the NT, when Jews tried to add additional criteria to Salvation by Grace in Jesus Christ.

Do we need to prove our salvation to get saved?

While we don't wish to sound too legalistic, and we do not want to end up teaching about Salvation by works, I believe one of the fundamental question is, Who are truly saved?

Can a professing musician not practice his instrument? Can a person who claims he is an athlete not train up to break his record? Similarly, can one claim he is a Christian not obey God? I believe motivation behind good works is not so much on meeting conditions and criteria, but rather correct understanding of the gospel.

We all come from different walks of life, and there are also variety of reasons why one decides to say the sinner's prayer. Some have experienced the love of God through the good news, some might have even been healed of sickness, or got convicted of a serious crime and decided to repent. I for one, got saved for the most shallow reason.... I was afraid I might go to hell... :D

Silly as I was, my very shallow reason also implied that firstly, I believe in Hell (that's one step forward), and secondly, believed that I deserve to go to hell, and I believe that Jesus Christ has died so that I can be saved. It was that Simple.

Was I justified at the point when I decided to give my life to Jesus? Well, my life was a far cry from living a life dedicated to Christ. Just like many evangelical Christians, I had my fair share of worries, worldly values and materialism. I served in church, but I never truly understood the gospel, but constantly seeking for spiritual experiences that gave me temporal spiritual highs. Eventually, I backslide, and subsequently went back to church listening to Joseph Prince.

Was I saved at that point? Well, I wish I can say a resounding yes. But for the fact that my heart was in and out of fellowship with God, I never truly understood the gospel, and I wished someone had taught me the right things from scripture...

I never understood until few years back when I decided to massively read the bible for myself. I understood what are the marks of a true Christian. Jesus also illustrated how one can profess to be a Christian and yet not living the life that he ought to be. I that's when I realized, I haven't really been a Christian all my life, until then.

That sets one to wonder, if I were to die some years ago, will I make it to heaven? A volcano can be filled with an ice cap and yet have lava flowing within. A lake can appear calm when there is a rushing underwater current beneath it. Hence can one be saved without having the evidence of good works and fruits of the spirit manifested? Do we need to be proven perfect before one is saved? Who are we trying to justify?

I guess I have quoted enough bible verses (especially from the book of 1 John) to tell that the only way we can be sure we are saved, is when we start to be serious about obeying his commandments and abstaining from Sin. But that does not mean that a believe MUST obey a set of rules or fully abstain from Sin IN ORDER to be saved. But rather, a true believer WILL turn from his worldly values, WANT to abstain from Sin (even though not perfectly) and DESIRE to study and spread the word of God.

One example would be the Thief who was crucified with the Lord. He understood his plight and acknowledged his need for a Savior. While this is NOT a prove that we are saved by mere confession, Jesus was sure that he will be with him in Paradise. That thief did not have the opportunity to prove his Salvation is genuine through good works. But based on the Apostle's doctrine and description of true believers, I am sure that if he wasn't executed, the thief will be a faithful believer in Christ and not a merely professing one.

What is Justification?

Perhaps some might ask, "Once I say the sinner's prayer, am I once saved always saved?". After all, the bible says in Rom 10:13 that everyone who calls upon the Lord will be Saved, isn't it?

And if we probe deeper, some might even ask, "How much obedience is required in order to be called faithful?" Or rather, "How Carnal can a Christian be before he loses his Salvation?"

While these are frequently asked questions, there are hardly any direct answers to them. 

If we base our benchmark on the amount of good works we perform, we assume that we can earn Salvation by our good works, which is wrong. But on the flip side of the coin, if we think that we are once saved always saved, are we suggesting that a Christian can carry on killing children, raping women and stealing money from old widows without any eternal consequences?

The fundamental problem is, the questions above are sincere, but unfortunately, wrong. No amount of good works can save us, as under the New Covenant, Salvation is given by Grace, and not by debt (Romans 4:5-8). Neither will a true believer continue to live in his former ways. The bible says that once we are saved, we no longer behave like our former selves as sons of disobedience (Eph 2:1-10, Col 3:1-9). 

Hence the right question that one should ask is, 

1. What is the purpose of Justification

2. To whom is Justification given to? 

Once this is established, we will no longer be in confusion. Let's take a look at the basis of Salvation:

1. Salvation was first offered to Israel at Mount Sinai. In Exodus 19:3-9, after witnessing all the miracles in the Red sea and the wilderness, God offered Israel to be HIS Kingdom of priest and holy nation. You have to understand that at this point, Israel MUST accept that offer. 

IF Israel were to say, "Your Laws are too difficult, we are unable to accept!", Then they will NEVER be his chosen people. What then is the purpose of the 10 Commandments? Did God gave the Law JUST TO prove that men are unable to fulfill it? Paul is very clear in Romans 7:7-14 that it is through the Law that we understand the concept of Sin, and we understand our weakness through the Flesh. But the important thing is that, through the Law, we understand God's standard of Holiness. 

God did not set a standard that is unreasonably perfect, but rather it is mankind who is Sinful and thus unable to meet His Holy requirement. Thus the purpose of the Law is to show us how we ought to walk and fellowship with God. However, man can never fulfill His Holy requirement.

2. Since God knew that men can never perfectly obey the Law, so in Exodus 20:22-26, he gave him the Levitical Sacrifices. The alter of sacrifices, under the Old Covenant, is a system of JUSTIFICATION BY WORKS in which a high priest will have to perfectly perform all the rituals in a specific manner. Recipients of Justification will no longer face the spiritual penalty for their sins and thus receives blessings for that year. If the High Priest fails, it will result in curses or even death for that year.

So basically, Justification is an atonement of Sins for those who are unable to walk perfectly in his Laws. 

3. However, Israel fell on 2 accounts :

    a) Due to idolatry, they failed to continue in the Levitical sacrifices, hence they were not covered under the Old Covenant, which is Justification by Works. 1 Kings 11 tells us of the fall of Solomon which triggered Israel to spiral downwards through the succession of good and evil Kings. Prophets like Jeremiah also frequently mentioned how Israel "Played the Harlot" by worshiping other Gods and forsaking the Sacrifices.

    b) Even when they DID continue with the Levitical Sacrifices, they took Justification FOR GRANTED and lived in LAWLESSNESS. In Isaiah chapter 1, God condemned Israel for offering useless Sacrifices (V11-15). His call for Israel's repentance in V16-20 shows God's condition that if they repent from their wicked ways, they will be forgiven.

THIS is the purpose of Justification, repentance :

Isaiah 1:16-20

16 Wash and make yourselves clean.
    Take your evil deeds out of my sight;
    stop doing wrong.
17 Learn to do right; seek justice.
    Defend the oppressed.[a]
Take up the cause of the fatherless;
    plead the case of the widow.

18 “Come now, let us settle the matter,”
    says the Lord.
“Though your sins are like scarlet,
    they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red as crimson,
    they shall be like wool.
19 If you are willing and obedient,
    you will eat the good things of the land;
20 but if you resist and rebel,
    you will be devoured by the sword.”
For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.

Unfortunately, Israel did not heed the voice of God through the Prophets.

4. As a result, God destroyed Israel first by the Assyrians (2 Kings 17), and then by the Babylonians (2 Kings 24). The remnant of Israel was exiled to Babylon, which carried on to Media-Persia, Greece and subsequently the Roman empire.

5. Throughout this time, God sent prophets after prophets to WARN Israel of their apostasy, urging them to repent from their wicked ways so that they can be forgiven. And he promised a Messiah and a future of peace and security under the Millennium Rule on the condition that Israel "Repent and turn from their wicked ways" (2 Chro 7:14 cross reference to Acts 3:19). The last prophet was John the Baptist during Roman rule, which he too called for Israel's repentance (Matt 3:7-10).

6. After the last ministry of the prophets under John the Baptist, Jesus came to establish the New Covenant, which is Justification by Faith instead of works. Hebrews 10:1-18 describes the blood of Jesus as the PERFECT sacrifice as opposed to the blood of bulls and goats. This had replaced the alter of Sacrifices, such that Israel's Justification is no longer dependent on a human high priest, but a heavenly high priest who can never fail. 

Under the New Covenant, the Law is no longer written on STONES, but in the HEART of believers (Heb 10:16, 2 Cor 3:7-11 fulfillment of Jer 31:33). The Law is summarized as Love your God, and Love your Neighbors (Matt 22:37-40, Gal 5:14).

7. This offer for Salvation was rejected by the Jews and subsequently offered to the Gentiles as prophesied in the Old Testament (Acts 13:46-48, Acts 10:44-46, Isaiah 42:6, Isaiah 49:6).

8. So what is the purpose of Justification? It is so that sinful men can repent from their wicked ways, live Godly lives, so that we can be brought back to fellowship with God.


Romans 6:16 says, "when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness." V18 says, "You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness."

We are Justified SO THAT we can be SANCTIFIED.

Is this positional righteousness? No, it is ACTUAL Practical Righteousness. Rom 6:22, "But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life."

9. Who are recipients of Justification? It is for those who WANTS TO obey God and follow his commandments, but knows that they are inadequate and unable to perfectly fulfill his Holy Laws.

Romans 8:4-6 says, "the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5 Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace."

10. To whom is Justification NOT meant for? Justification is not meant for those who keep their eyes on the things of the Flesh (Worldly, Carnal, Material values) and willfully continue living in their own selfish agendas.

Romans 8:7 says, "7 The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. 8 Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God."

If one is not SANCTIFIED (transformed in Christlikeness, increase in good works of righteousness, obedient to his commandments, keeps his mind on heavenly values), then he is NOT JUSTIFIED.

After we define what is Justification, the answer is clear: True believers in the gospel WILL grow in obedience and good works (1 John 2:1-6). That is because true believers WANT to repent and obey God's commandments (Rom 7:22) but they KNOW that they are inherently evil by nature (Rom 7:23-24) and hence they NEED a Savior to take away the penalty of their Sins (Rom 7:25).

Whereas False believers merely WANTS to receive Salvation and material blessings (James 5:1-6), while they REJECT the commandments of God (Mark 7:9-13), REFUSE to deny oneself (Mortal material values, personal agendas and ambition) (Matt 16:24). They FAIL to understand that the purpose of Justification is to bring us back to fellowship with God (1 John 1:5-10), to live in Godliness (Col 3:12-17), to bring forth fruits of righteousness, 30, 60 and 100 folds (Matt 13:23).   

Based on this understanding, we no longer need to ask how much is needed in order to be called faithful. We no longer need to ask how much of our carnal self can we retain in order to remain saved. Those who are truly saved WILL obey and surrender their priorities to him, whereas those who are false will continue to live in carnality, worldliness and their selfish agendas.