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).
Saturday, 11 March 2017
Monday, 6 March 2017
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.
“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.
Saturday, 4 March 2017
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.
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.
Tuesday, 28 February 2017
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
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
Sunday, 19 February 2017
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
“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
Wednesday, 8 February 2017
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
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
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
Isaiah 1:16-20 NKJV
Wednesday, 1 February 2017
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.
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.
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