“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.
Friday, 30 June 2017
Thursday, 29 June 2017
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.
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.
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.
Friday, 16 June 2017
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?
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?
Thursday, 11 May 2017
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.
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.
Tuesday, 11 April 2017
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.
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.
Saturday, 8 April 2017
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
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
Wednesday, 5 April 2017
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
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
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