Over the years Bob Deffinbaugh has answered many email questions about the Bible and life that Bible.org users have sent to us or to him directly after having read some of his studies. Some of them may prove to be quite helpful beyond the original questioner, thus this series will be added to from time to time for the edification of the church. Any articles in this particular series are authored by Bob Deffinbaugh and thus reflect his specific viewpoints and understanding of Scripture.
Hi Bible.org,
How should we understand 2 Samuel 12:7-12 and 2 Samuel 16:20-23
1) Do these verses show that God gave these 10 concubines of David to Absalom to rape? If so, how can we justify this? i.e. to punish David for what he did to Uriah and Bathsheba he caused these 10 concubines of David to be raped? What about the rights of these women (10 concubines)?
2) In 2 Samuel 16:23 we read ‘Now in those days the advice Ahithophel gave was like that of one who inquires of God. That was how both David and Absalom regarded all of Ahithophel’s advice.’ But Ahithophel is the one who said ‘Sleep with your father’s concubines whom he left to take care of the palace. Then all Israel will hear that you have made yourself obnoxious to your father, and the hands of everyone with you will be more resolute’ (2 Samuel 16:21) Did Ahithophel really speak for God? If so, how can we justify this advice?
3) Also, in Leviticus 18:8 we read ‘Do not have sexual relations with your father’s wife; that would dishonor your father.’ So even if the above the verses in 2 Samuel are not talking about rape of the 10 concubines but that it was consensual, how can the verses in 2 Samuel be reconciled with Leviticus 18:8?
Dear “Anonymous,”
I’ve opted in this instance not to answer your questions. To be perfectly honest, your effort to preserve your anonymity is troubling, and prompts me not to answer your questions. Your questions are posed in a way that protects your identity. My response, on the other hand, has the potential of becoming very public. To ask honest questions is a good thing, but to hide your identity is neither necessary or commendable.
Your questions could be read so as to imply that a reasonable explanation cannot be given. If this were the case, such questions remind me of the questions Jesus was asked -- namely, that they were not sincere, but asked only to make Jesus look bad. Their questions assumed that there was no answer possible or that, if given, the answer would be incriminating or detrimental to Jesus in some way. (Notice how Jesus turned the tables on His questioners in Matthew 21:23-27.) We should note that our Lord’s answers were based on the fact that Jesus knew who His questioners were, and what the motives of His questioners were as well (see Mark 12:15).
There is another reason why I am not able to answer your questions as posed. The Book of Proverbs instructs us to respond to others on the basis of their character:
7 Whoever corrects a mocker is asking for insult; whoever reproves a wicked person receives abuse. 8 Do not reprove a mocker or he will hate you; reprove a wise person and he will love you. (Proverbs 9:7-8, NET).
1 A wise son accepts his father’s discipline, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke (Proverbs 13:1).
A rebuke makes a greater impression on a discerning person than a hundred blows on a fool (Proverbs 17:10).
7 Whoever corrects a mocker is asking for insult; whoever reproves a wicked person receives abuse. 8 Do not reprove a mocker or he will hate you; reprove a wise person and he will love you (Proverbs 9:7-8).
4 Do not answer a fool according to his folly, lest you yourself also be like him. 5 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own estimation (Proverbs 26:4-5).
Please understand me. I have no way of discerning your character or motives, and therefore I am not able to properly respond. But I go out of my way to deal with honest questions, which are prompted by a sincere desire to better understand God’s Word.
And, by the way, there are answers to your questions, which I would be glad to offer, to a known questioner.
Blessings,
Bob Deffinbaugh
Dear ******,
Let’s begin with Paul’s own words regarding how broadly his instructions should be applied:
16 I encourage you, then, be imitators of me. 17 For this reason, I have sent Timothy to you, who is my dear and faithful son in the Lord. He will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach them everywhere in every church. (1 Corinthians 4:16-17 NET)
Nevertheless, as the Lord has assigned to each one, as God has called each person, so must he live. I give this sort of direction in all the churches. (1 Corinthians 7:17 NET)
13 Judge for yourselves: Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered? 14 Does not nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace for him, 15 but if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For her hair is given to her for a covering. 16 If anyone intends to quarrel about this, we have no other practice, nor do the churches of God. (1 Corinthians 11:13-16 NET)
As in all the churches of the saints, 34 the women should be silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak. Rather, let them be in submission, as in fact the law says. 35 If they want to find out about something, they should ask their husbands at home, because it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in church. 36 Did the word of God begin with you, or did it come to you alone? 37 If anyone considers himself a prophet or spiritual person, he should acknowledge that what I write to you is the Lord’s command. 38 If someone does not recognize this, he is not recognized. (1 Corinthians 14:33-38 NET)
I believe God’s Word is fully true, reliable, authoritative and applicable at any point in time, in any culture (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
I find no hint that Paul expects his teaching in church to differ from that which he gives another church. I see no suggestion that what is taught by Paul in his day can somehow be set aside as irrelevant or inapplicable today. If indeed it can be set aside, who determines what should be disregarded? On what basis could this be done? Why can’t any part of God’s Word (including John 3:16) be set aside as not for us today?
The second thing to take into account is that this world (our culture) is opposed to God’s Word and God’s ways. We should expect unbelievers in our day to reject much of what God’s Word teaches and instructs us to do:
14 The unbeliever does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him. And he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 The one who is spiritual discerns all things, yet he himself is understood by no one. 16 For who has known the mind of the Lord, so as to advise him? But we have the mind of Christ. (1 Corinthians 2:14-16 NET)
1 Therefore I exhort you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a sacrifice– alive, holy, and pleasing to God– which is your reasonable service. 2 Do not be conformed to this present world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may test and approve what is the will of God– what is good and well-pleasing and perfect. (Romans 12:1-2 NET)
17 So I say this, and insist in the Lord, that you no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18 They are darkened in their understanding, being alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardness of their hearts. 19 Because they are callous, they have given themselves over to indecency for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness. 20 But you did not learn about Christ like this, 21 if indeed you heard about him and were taught in him, just as the truth is in Jesus. (Ephesians 4:17-21 NET)
God’s Word and His instructions to Christians will be unacceptable to those outside faith in Jesus.
I would encourage you to consider why Paul gives these instructions regarding women leading men in the church.
To the woman he said, “I will greatly increase your labor pains; with pain you will give birth to children. You will want to control your husband, but he will dominate you.” (Genesis 3:16 NET)
3 But I want you to know that Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of a woman, and God is the head of Christ. 4 Any man who prays or prophesies with his head covered disgraces his head. 5 But any woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered disgraces her head, for it is one and the same thing as having a shaved head. 6 For if a woman will not cover her head, she should cut off her hair. But if it is disgraceful for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, she should cover her head. 7 For a man should not have his head covered, since he is the image and glory of God. But the woman is the glory of the man. 8 For man did not come from woman, but woman from man. 9 Neither was man created for the sake of woman, but woman for man. 10 For this reason a woman should have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels. (1 Corinthians 11:3-10 NET)
But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man. She must remain quiet. 13 For Adam was formed first and then Eve. 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman, because she was fully deceived, fell into transgression. 15 But she will be delivered through childbearing, if she continues in faith and love and holiness with self-control. (1 Tim. 2:12-15 NET; emphasis mine)
I believe that Paul says his teaching is the command of Christ (1 Corinthians 14:37) and he bases his teaching (which he says the law also teaches – 1 Corinthians 14:34) on the fall of man in Genesis 3, and its consequences. In short, at the fall, Adam let his wife lead, and he followed. As a consequence, a man must lead his (perhaps reluctant) wife, and the wife is to submit to her husband (Ephesians 5:22ff.). The woman has pain in child-bearing (still does today) and the man must earn a living by the sweat of his brow. When a woman wears a symbol of her submission on her head, and when she follows her husband’s leadership (especially in the church gathering) she gives testimony to the fall of man in the garden of Eden and its aftermath. What a lead into the gospel!
I would emphasize that Paul does not call upon women to be silent (not to exercise authority and leadership over men in the church) because they are less capable than men. A wife may well be a better teacher or leader than her husband. But her giftedness, while inappropriate in church leadership (over men), can still be used in the context of children and other women.
One last thing. Some men abuse Paul’s teaching, as a pretext and excuse for domineering their wives, and some women rebel against Paul’s teaching because they refuse to submit, not only to their husband, but to God’s Word (sort of like the way the fall of man happened). The abuse of God’s instructions does not justify casting them aside.
I hope this helps,
Bob Deffinbaugh
Dear Friend,
I think the answer to your question comes from more than one text:
27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY’; 28 but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:27-28, NAU).
13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. 15 Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death (James 1:13-15).
The legalistic Jews of Jesus’ day interpreted the Old Testament Law in such a way as to find themselves guiltless – holy, if you would. Thus, you could look at a woman with lust, and not be guilty of adultery (when the law was viewed as they interpreted it). But Jesus took sin much deeper, so that the Old Testament commandments condemn all of us
19 Now we know that whatever the Law says, it speaks to those who are under the Law, so that every mouth may be closed and all the world may become accountable to God; 20 because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin (Romans 3:19-20).
I think there is a difference between “committing a sin in our heart” (Matthew 5:28) and actually carrying out the sin by our actions. It seems to me that James recognizes this difference, so that he can speak of lust, but then go on to call it sin when that lust is “conceived” (James 1:15).
I think that James and Jesus agree on the fact that sin is the outcome of a sequence of events, not unlike the description of the foolish young man in Proverbs chapter 7. And while the legalistic Jews felt they were guiltless so long as they did not carry out the final act (adultery, murder) they were guilty. Jesus took them back to the roots of sin: lust (Matthew 5:27-30), and anger (Matthew 5:21-26).
This question often comes our way in various forms, but the essence of the matter is this: Are there second chances after death to correct failures we made in life?
The short answer is “No!”
27 And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment (Hebrews 9:27).
8 Then that lawless one will be revealed whom the Lord will slay with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming; 9 that is, the one whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders, 10 and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved. 11 For this reason God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false, 12 in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness. 13 But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth. 14 It was for this He called you through our gospel, that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Thessalonians 2:8-14, emphasis mine).
The most terrifying truth in the world for an unbeliever is that Jesus Christ rose from the dead, and because of this all who die in unbelief will be raised from the dead to spend eternity banned from the presence of God (2 Thessalonians 1:6-10; Revelation 20:11-15; 22:12-15).
The important thing is to settle the issue of our eternal salvation and destination now, while we have the opportunity:
6 Therefore, since it remains for some to enter it, and those who formerly had good news preached to them failed to enter because of disobedience, 7 He again fixes a certain day, “Today,” saying through David after so long a time just as has been said before, “TODAY IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE, DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS” (Hebrews 4:6-7; see also 2 Corinthians 6:1-2).
In asking this question, some may be basing their concerns on a false assumption -- namely that a wayward or backslidden Christian has lost their salvation and needs to somehow renew it. This is wrong for a number of reasons. The first is this: If it were possible for a Christian to lose their salvation (which is it not!) then it would be impossible to renew them to salvation:
4 For in the case of those who have once been enlightened and have tasted of the heavenly gift and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5 and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6 and then have fallen away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God and put Him to open shame (Hebrews 6:4-6, emphasis mine).
I would ask three questions of anyone who thinks that a second chance is needed for the wayward/backslidden Christian to renew/reestablish their relationship with Christ after death:
The teaching of the Bible is clear on this point:
19 Now we know that whatever the Law says, it speaks to those who are under the Law, so that every mouth may be closed and all the world may become accountable to God; 20 because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin. 21 But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22 even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction; 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; 25 whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed; 26 for the demonstration, I say, of His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus (Romans 3:19-26).
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. Ephesians 2:8-10
5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8 This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men (Titus 3:5-8).
To ask this question another way, “Who gets the credit when you are saved? Is it both you and Christ, or is it Christ alone?” In the texts above it is clearly stated that our good works do not contribute toward our salvation, because it is only based on the work of Christ. It is by His doing that we are saved. It is likewise stated in the texts above that good, God-glorifying works are the fruit of a saving faith. The faith that saves is a faith that changes lives.
40 And with many other words he solemnly testified and kept on exhorting them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation!” 41 So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls. 42 They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. 4 And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; 45 and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. 46 Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved (Acts 2:40-47).
9 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, 10 nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
27 “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; 28 and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. 29 “My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. 30 “I and the Father are one” (John 10:27-30).
31 “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; 32 but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers” (Luke 22:31-32).
30 But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, 31 so that, just as it is written, “LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD” (1 Corinthians 1:30-31).
17 “Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth. 18 “As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. 19 “For their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth (John 17:17-19).
25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, 26 so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless. 28 So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself (Ephesians 5:25-28).
Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him (Colossians 2:6).
23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:23).
18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not. 19 For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want. 20 But if I am doing the very thing I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me. 21 I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wants to do good. 22 For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man, 23 but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members. 24 Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, on the one hand I myself with my mind am serving the law of God, but on the other, with my flesh the law of sin. 1 Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. 3 For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, 4 so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit (Romans 7:18-8:4).
1 You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified? 2 This is the only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith? 3 Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? 4 Did you suffer so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain? 5 So then, does He who provides you with the Spirit and works miracles among you, do it by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith? (Galatians 3:1-5)
12 Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people through His own blood, suffered outside the gate (Hebrews 13:12).
Strange as it may seem, there is a certain amount of comfort in knowing that wayward or misdirected saints are assured of heaven, assuming that they knew Christ in the first place:
1 And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual men, but as to men of flesh, as to infants in Christ. 2 I gave you milk to drink, not solid food; for you were not yet able to receive it. Indeed, even now you are not yet able, 3 for you are still fleshly. For since there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly, and are you not walking like mere men? . . . 10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each man must be careful how he builds on it. 11 For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if any man builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 each man’s work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man’s work. 14 If any man’s work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward. 15 If any man’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire (1 Corinthians 3:1-3, 10-15).
1 It is actually reported that there is immorality among you, and immorality of such a kind as does not exist even among the Gentiles, that someone has his father’s wife. 2 You have become arrogant and have not mourned instead, so that the one who had done this deed would be removed from your midst. 3 For I, on my part, though absent in body but present in spirit, have already judged him who has so committed this, as though I were present. 4 In the name of our Lord Jesus, when you are assembled, and I with you in spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus, 5 I have decided to deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of his flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus (1 Corinthians 5:1-5).
Should the assurance of sins forgiven forever and the certainty of heaven be twisted into a pretext for sin? Not at all:
18 So then as through one transgression there resulted condemnation to all men, even so through one act of righteousness there resulted justification of life to all men. 19 For as through the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous. 20 The Law came in so that the transgression would increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, 21 so that, as sin reigned in death, even so grace would reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. 6:1 What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase? 2 May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it? 3 Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection, 6 knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin; 7 for he who has died is freed from sin. 8 Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, 9 knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, is never to die again; death no longer is master over Him. 10 For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. 11 Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus. 12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts, 13 and do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. 14 For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace. 15 What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? May it never be! 16 Do you not know that when you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness? 17 But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed, 18 and having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. 19 I am speaking in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness, resulting in further lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness, resulting in sanctification. 20 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. 21 Therefore what benefit were you then deriving from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the outcome of those things is death. 22 But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 5:18-6:23).
Are we suggesting that the Christian is to be passive, letting go of all initiative and activity, and waiting for God to work, without our participation? No! We are saying that the basis for our salvation, security, and sanctification is the work of Christ. We are to live by faith, trusting in Christ’s work for salvation, security, and sanctification. Our involvement and activity is a requirement, but not as the basis for these things, but rather as the fruit of faith in Christ alone for the entire work of salvation in our lives, past, present, and future. When we fail, as we surely will, we must always look to Christ, and to His finished work, knowing that what He begins, He will finish.
1 Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, 2 keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross and despised the shame and has sat down at the right hand of God’s throne (Hebrews 12:1-2, HCSB).
28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. 29 For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; 30 and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified. 31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? 32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? 33 Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies; 34 who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. 35 Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 Just as it is written, “FOR YOUR SAKE WE ARE BEING PUT TO DEATH ALL DAY LONG; WE WERE CONSIDERED AS SHEEP TO BE SLAUGHTERED.” 37 But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:28-39).
12 For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day (2 Timothy 1:12).
So the question is, “In whom are you (or anyone else who claims to be a Christian) trusting? Are you trusting in Christ alone, or are you, at least in part, trusting in yourself?” If you are relying on your works to any degree, be assured that Satan, who “seeks to devour you” (1 Peter 5:8) and to “sift you like wheat” (Luke 22:31) will take advantage of your inward focus. He is a liar and a deceiver who is actively seeking to disrupt the work of God in us and in His church (2 Corinthians 11:2-3). He actively sets out to accuse believers, causing them to despair because of their weaknesses and sins (Revelation 12:10; Zechariah 3:1-5). We must not look to ourselves to find assurance of salvation, security, or sanctification, but only to Christ, the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). And when we sin, we come back to Christ and to His cross for our forgiveness:
5 This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; 7 but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us. 2:1 My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; 2 and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world. 1 John 1:5-2:2
I love this text because it strongly encourages us to “walk in the light” of God’s Word, but at the same time it strongly underscores the fact of our frailty, and inclination to sin. John does not allow us to conclude that because we have sinned our salvation, security, and sanctification have somehow been taken away. Rather, he encourages us to confess our sin and to look to Christ for the forgiveness He promises. I close then with these words for fainthearted saints:
8 The LORD is compassionate and gracious,
Slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness.
9 He will not always strive with us,
Nor will He keep His anger forever.
10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins,
Nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
So great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him.
12 As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
13 Just as a father has compassion on his children,
So the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.
14 For He Himself knows our frame;
He is mindful that we are but dust.
15 As for man, his days are like grass;
As a flower of the field, so he flourishes.
16 When the wind has passed over it, it is no more,
And its place acknowledges it no longer.
17 But the lovingkindness of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him,
And His righteousness to children’s children (Psalm 103:8-17).
Let us therefore find our rest and comfort and assurance in Him, and not in ourselves. To Him be the glory!
Dear Friend,
Your question is an important one, and many Christians have faced and will face the issue of attending a same-sex union. Let’s try to think through this issue from s biblical perspective.
In all these interactions with “sinners” Jesus never participated in their sin, He never approved of their sin (“Go, and sin no more” – John 8:11), and His goal was to save these sinners. Sinners were drawn to Jesus, not because they felt He approved of their sin, but because they saw Him as a Savior, even for them.
9 I wrote you in my letter not to associate with immoral people; 10 I did not at all mean with the immoral people of this world, or with the covetous and swindlers, or with idolaters, for then you would have to go out of the world. 11 But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler—not even to eat with such a one. 12 For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Do you not judge those who are within the church? 13 But those who are outside, God judges. REMOVE THE WICKED MAN FROM AMONG YOURSELVES (1 Corinthians 5:9-13).
Paul is not nearly as much a separatist when it comes to the unsaved as he is toward those who profess to know and follow Christ.
14 Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? 15 Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever? 16 Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said,
“I WILL DWELL IN THEM AND WALK AMONG THEM;
AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE.
17 “Therefore, COME OUT FROM THEIR MIDST AND BE SEPARATE,” says the Lord.
“AND DO NOT TOUCH WHAT IS UNCLEAN
And I will welcome you.
18 “And I will be a father to you,
And you shall be sons and daughters to Me,”
Says the Lord Almighty (2 Corinthians 6:14-18).
Attendance of a same-sex union ceremony is almost universally understood as an acceptance and endorsement of that union. It indicates your approval of the union. It also, in some way associates you with the church and/or individual performing the ceremony. You as a Christian are, in some manner, partnering with a person or persons performing the ceremony and participating in a ceremony that is plainly unbiblical.
Here is an apparently unrelated text that may have some measure of application to the question at hand:
13 Therefore let one who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret. 14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. 15 What is the outcome then? I will pray with the spirit and I will pray with the mind also; I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also. 16 Otherwise if you bless in the spirit only, how will the one who fills the place of the ungifted say the “Amen” at your giving of thanks, since he does not know what you are saying? (1 Corinthians 14:13-16, emphasis mine)
Paul is arguing that it would be improper for someone in church to say “Amen” to words spoken in tongues but not interpreted, and thus not understood. You can only say “Amen” to what you understand and agree with. In effect, attending a same-sex union is your way of saying “Amen” to all that is taking place, and you do know what it means.
9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good (Romans 12:9).
This text is huge in terms of its implications. First, real love does not give approval to what is evil, but it clings to what is good. Appearing to approve of evil, when you really don’t approve, is hypocrisy, and this text tells us that true love cannot be hypocritical. Those who know you are a Christian, and disapprove of same-sex marriage, will very quickly conclude that your presence at a same-sex union ceremony is hypocritical. Your actions don’t conform to your profession. Jesus had very strong words of rebuke for the scribes and Pharisees because they were hypocrites.
Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; Who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! (Isaiah 5:20)
12 Are You not from everlasting, O LORD, my God, my Holy One? We will not die. You, O LORD, have appointed them to judge; And You, O Rock, have established them to correct. 13 Your eyes are too pure to approve evil, And You can not look on wickedness with favor. Why do You look with favor On those who deal treacherously? Why are You silent when the wicked swallow up Those more righteous than they? (Habakkuk 1:12-13, emphasis mine).
42 Nevertheless many even of the rulers believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they were not confessing Him, for fear that they would be put out of the synagogue; 43 for they loved the approval of men rather than the approval of God (John 12:42-43).
24 Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them. 25 For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. 26 For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, 27 and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error. 28 And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper, 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they aregossips, 30 slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, 31 without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful; 32 and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them (Romans 1:24-32).
22 The faith which you have, have as your own conviction before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. 23 But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and whatever is not from faith is sin (Romans 14:22-23).
It may be theoretically possible for a Christian to make his or her disapproval known, and attend as one who disapproves of what is taking place, but I doubt very much that the two same-sex persons will be delighted to see them.
My inclination (and for this I have no direct biblical command) is to speak to these folks personally, or write a note, explaining that you love them and thus you cannot give approval to what you know is going to be detrimental for them. Explain that while you will not be attending the ceremony, you do love them and will happily associate with them in another context.
I hope this proves helpful.
Blessings,
Bob Deffinbaugh
Sir am pastor here in Nigeria, I have two sisters in USA, and they want to help me to relocate to USA. Sir is that decision right for me? And is it possible to do the work of God over there?
Thanks sir, I will be expecting your reply
Dear Pastor,
The first thing that comes to my mind is this text in 1 Corinthians 7:
17 But as God has distributed to each one, as the Lord has called each one, so let him walk. And so I ordain in all the churches. 18 Was anyone called while circumcised? Let him not become uncircumcised. Was anyone called while uncircumcised? Let him not be circumcised. 19 Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing, but keeping the commandments of God is what matters. 20 Let each one remain in the same calling in which he was called. 21 Were you called while a slave? Do not be concerned about it; but if you can be made free, rather use it. 22 For he who is called in the Lord while a slave is the Lord’s freedman. Likewise he who is called while free is Christ’s slave. 23 You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men. 24 Brethren, let each one remain with God in that state in which he was called. 1 Corinthians 7:17-24 (NKJV)
In this text Paul encourages Christians to be content with the circumstances they were in at the time of their conversion to trusting in Christ alone. This becomes the context from which you may live out Christ to those you know. This is the context in which the change Christ is producing in you will be most evident to others, who have known you before. There are exceptions, of course, such as slaves having the opportunity to obtain their freedom (and thus a broader context for ministry). And then there are lifestyles which should be left behind. For example, a criminal who comes to trust in Christ is going to have to find a new form of employment.
Serving as an elder for many years, I have observed many students who have come to Dallas from abroad to obtain further training. At the beginning, they plan to return to their home country, but in the end, the vast majority will choose to stay in the USA if the opportunity presents itself. Instead of sending folks back home to minister among their own people, we have to send foreign missionaries.
Because of this, it is very important for you to consider the real reasons why you would wish to come to the USA. For example, many are encouraged to come to the USA by family members who have come here before them. In such cases, I would encourage those urged to come by family members to consider the words of our Lord:
25 Now large crowds were going along with Him; and He turned and said to them, 26 “If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple. 27 “Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. Luke 14:25-27 (NASB)
One of the great attractions of our country (which are really temptations) is to have the opportunity to pursue the prosperity and ease of the good life which so many have here. Our Lord has words to consider here as well:
3 If anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness, 4 he is conceited and understands nothing; but he has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, out of which arise envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions, 5and constant friction between men of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. 6 But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. 7 For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. 8 If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. 9 But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. 11 But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness. 1 Timothy 6:3-11 (NASB)
18 “And others are the ones on whom seed was sown among the thorns; these are the ones who have heard the word, 19 but the worries of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. Mark 4:18-19 (NASB)
Paul says the same things:
10 for Demas, having loved this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica; Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. 2 Timothy 4:10 (NASB)
1 I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, 4 and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths. 5 But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. 2 Timothy 4:1-5 (NASB)
And so the writer to the Hebrews:
13 All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. 14 For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own. 15 And indeed if they had been thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them. Hebrews 11:13-16 (NASB)
24 By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, 25 choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, 26 considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking to the reward. Hebrews 11:24-26 (NASB)
Strive faithfully, and persevere, so that you can say these words:
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; 8 in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7-8 (NASB)
And so that you may hear these words from our Lord:
19 ”Now after a long time the master of those slaves *came and *settled accounts with them. 20 “The one who had received the five talents came up and brought five more talents, saying, ‘Master, you entrusted five talents to me. See, I have gained five more talents.’ 21 ”His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ Matthew 25:19-21 (NASB)
One final observation. God has uniquely made you (Psalm 139:13-16) and gifted you with a unique combination of spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4-7) to minister to the body of Christ. He has also brought you up in a certain culture, and knowing a particular language. Given all these unique equippings, where would it seem that you could most effectively serve our Lord and His church?
Blessings,
Bob Deffinbaugh
ps. This series on the Work of the Ministry might also have some helpful thoughts related to these issues.
Based on Genesis 16:6 are we to blame Sarah for Hagar’s running away? If Sarah acted like a loving Christian could there have been a good solution?
Dear Brother,
Your question is a good one, because it should help us greatly as we read the Old Testament. To put it plainly, the Old Testament saints – men and women – were not “saintly,” they were rascals. All too often we read the Old Testament in such a way as to paint these saints as pious saints, thereby overlooking their flaws, even their sins. What you have asked about Sarah, also applies to Abraham, who as a matter of policy, presented his wife, the future mother of the Messianic seed, as his sister, a woman eligible for marriage (see Genesis 12:10-20; chapter 20, especially verse 13). David acquired Bathsheba as his wife through horribly sinful means, and yet she, too, would produce the Messianic seed (Matthew 1:6). Jonah preached the most successful revival in his ministry, but with all the wrong motives. Even Moses lost his temper and thereby showed irreverence toward God, and thus was not allowed to enter the land (Numbers 20:1-12).
All of this is entirely consistent with the message of the Bible, Old Testament and New, and that is that God has chosen to deal with us (particularly believers) in grace, not as a result of our good works, but as a manifestation of His mercy and grace. This theme is highlighted in Exodus 32-34, and especially in 34:6-7:
Then the LORD passed by in front of him and proclaimed, “The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth; 7 who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin; yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, visiting the iniquity of fathers on the children and on the grandchildren to the third and fourth generations” (Exodus 34:6-7, NAU).
The grace of God is the consistent basis for man’s appeal for mercy and grace throughout the Old Testament (see, for example, Numbers 14, see especially verses 10-24).
The fact is that God’s gracious acts are always the overflow of His mercy and grace. God does not need our good deeds in order to bless. Indeed, God’s gracious purposes often are the result of His grace in spite of our sins. Joseph’s betrayal by his brothers is but one example:
When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph bears a grudge against us and pays us back in full for all the wrong which we did to him!” 16 So they sent a message to Joseph, saying, “Your father charged before he died, saying, 17 ‘Thus you shall say to Joseph, “Please forgive, I beg you, the transgression of your brothers and their sin, for they did you wrong.”’ And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” And Joseph wept when they spoke to him. 18 Then his brothers also came and fell down before him and said, “Behold, we are your servants.” 19 But Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in God’s place? 20 As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive. 21 So therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” So he comforted them and spoke kindly to them (Genesis 50:15-21).
So, now, back to Sarah. Sarah was wrong to seek an offspring through Hagar, for God was going to produce the Messianic seed through Abraham and Sarah, not Abraham and Hagar. Both Abraham and Sarah were wrong in this matter (see Genesis 15:1-6; 16:1-2; 17:10-22). We should note that while Hagar fled, this first time, from Sarah, God instructed her to return to Sarah’s abuse, promising to bless her son, Ishmael. In the end, God used Sarah’s hatred of Hagar and her son, Ishmael, to get them away, so that Isaac, yet to be born, would be the sole heir of Abraham. Sarah’s hatred toward Hagar and her son was used of God to overcome Abraham’s affection for Ishmael, and his reluctance to send him away.
Now Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom she had borne to Abraham, mocking. 10 Therefore she said to Abraham, “Drive out this maid and her son, for the son of this maid shall not be an heir with my son Isaac.” 11 The matter distressed Abraham greatly because of his son. 12 But God said to Abraham, “Do not be distressed because of the lad and your maid; whatever Sarah tells you, listen to her, for through Isaac your descendants shall be named. 13 “And of the son of the maid I will make a nation also, because he is your descendant.” 14 So Abraham rose early in the morning and took bread and a skin of water and gave them to Hagar, putting them on her shoulder, and gave her the boy, and sent her away. And she departed and wandered about in the wilderness of Beersheba (Genesis 21:9-14).
Now, Abraham had no “backup son,” who would become the father of the promised Messianic seed when God instructed him to go up on the mountain and sacrifice his son (Genesis 22).
The underlying truths which make this possible are that God is both gracious, and sovereign, and thus man’s sin cannot prevent Him from fulfilling His purposes. Because God’s mercy is bestowed out of His grace, our good performance is not the essential element which is the basis for His blessings. In the end, it is God who rightly gets the glory.
Bob
Dear *****,
I would say this. I believe it is clear that homosexuals, like other kinds of sinners, can be saved and sanctified:
9 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, 10 nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God (1 Corinthians 6:9-11, NASB).
Paul is saying that any sinner can be saved because of the greatness of the saving work of Jesus. No one is too big a sinner to be saved. Indeed, Jesus said that the greater the sinner, the greater the gratitude and love they have for the Lord Jesus:
40 And Jesus answered him, "Simon, I have something to say to you." And he replied, "Say it, Teacher." 41 "A moneylender had two debtors: one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 "When they were unable to repay, he graciously forgave them both. So which of them will love him more?" 43 Simon answered and said, "I suppose the one whom he forgave more." And He said to him, "You have judged correctly." 44 Turning toward the woman, He said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has wet My feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 "You gave Me no kiss; but she, since the time I came in, has not ceased to kiss My feet. 46 "You did not anoint My head with oil, but she anointed My feet with perfume. 47 "For this reason I say to you, her sins, which are many, have been forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little." 48 Then He said to her, "Your sins have been forgiven." 49 Those who were reclining at the table with Him began to say to themselves, "Who is this man who even forgives sins?" 50 And He said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace" (Luke 7:40-50).
Having said this, it is clear that there will always be those who apparently/seemingly embrace Jesus, and who later walk away when they more fully grasp what the gospel entails. We see this with the second and third soils in the parable of the soils.
16 "In a similar way these are the ones on whom seed was sown on the rocky places, who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy; 17 and they have no firm root in themselves, but are only temporary; then, when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately they fall away. 18 "And others are the ones on whom seed was sown among the thorns; these are the ones who have heard the word, 19 but the worries of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful (Mark 4:16-19).
60 Therefore many of His disciples, when they heard this said, "This is a difficult statement; who can listen to it?” . . . 66 As a result of this many of His disciples withdrew and were not walking with Him anymore (John 6:66).
We also have the warning of Hebrews 10:
26 For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins (Hebrews 10:26).
Christians must never take their salvation and cleansing from sin lightly, as though trusting Jesus is a license to keep on sinning. Jesus died and rose again to forgive us our sins and to make us holy. He did not die so that we could keep on living in sin. He died and rose again so that we could live a new life which reveals the work of the Holy Spirit and the Person and Work of Christ.
3 seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. 4 For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust (2 Peter 1:3-4).
20 The Law came in so that the transgression would increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, 21 so that, as sin reigned in death, even so grace would reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. 6:1 What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase? 2 May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it? . . . 4 Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection, 6 knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin (Romans 5:20-6:2, 4-6).
1 Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. 3 For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory. 5 Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry. 6 For it is because of these things that the wrath of God will come upon the sons of disobedience, 7 and in them you also once walked, when you were living in them. 8 But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, 10 and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him— 11 a renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, but Christ is all, and in all (Colossians 3:1-11).
I believe that there are those who might possibly be Christians, yet who will persist in unrepented sin. If this is the case, their choice is a dangerous one:
20 For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world by the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and are overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. 21 For it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn away from the holy commandment handed on to them (2 Peter 2:20-21).
At the very least, they should be rebuked and urged to cease from their sinful lifestyle, and if they refuse they are to be disciplined and treated as one would an unbeliever:
15 "If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother. 16 "But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that BY THE MOUTH OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES EVERY FACT MAY BE CONFIRMED. 17 "If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector” (Matthew 18:15-17).
1 It is actually reported that there is immorality among you, and immorality of such a kind as does not exist even among the Gentiles, that someone has his father's wife. 2 You have become arrogant and have not mourned instead, so that the one who had done this deed would be removed from your midst. 3 For I, on my part, though absent in body but present in spirit, have already judged him who has so committed this, as though I were present. 4 In the name of our Lord Jesus, when you are assembled, and I with you in spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus, 5 I have decided to deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of his flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. 6 Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough? 7 Clean out the old leaven so that you may be a new lump, just as you are in fact unleavened. For Christ our Passover also has been sacrificed. 8 Therefore let us celebrate the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. 1 Corinthians 5:1-8 (NASB)
Notice that the rebellious, persistent, unrepentant Christian is not only to be dealt with as an unbeliever, he or she is to be “handed over to Satan” and his destructive purposes, all this with the hope of restoration to fellowship (1 Corinthians 5:5; see also 1 Timothy 1:19-20).
While there may be those Christians who persist in sin, and thus set themselves up for divine discipline, there are also those who may have identified with Christianity in some ways, but have never really came to faith. And this is why the Bible speaks as it does about such sinners going to hell:
21 "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. 22 "Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?' 23 "And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS' (Matthew 7:21-23).
14 Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter by the gates into the city. 15 Outside are the dogs and the sorcerers and the immoral persons and the murderers and the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices lying (Revelation 22:14-15).
Will some of those in hell be homosexuals? Yes, but every other kind of sinner will be there as well if they have not trusted in the Lord Jesus, in His death for our sins, and in His resurrection to make us righteous.
A homosexual who has confessed his sins (a homosexual lifestyle being one of these) and trusted in Jesus for salvation will go to heaven. His homosexual desires may or may not go away, but his lifestyle of homosexuality should. This is not to say that the homosexual may not fall, just as any other believer may fall back into sin (like alcoholism, or addiction to pornography, or pride, or uncontrolled anger). But when such sin is confessed, the believer is forgiven, to continue on the path of righteousness.
8 If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us. 2:1 My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; 2 and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world (1 John 1:8-2:2).
I hope this helps,
Bob Deffinbaugh
Hello, this happens to me a lot where I get a sort of panic attack. And I am scared that death is like sleeping where you don't know that you are there, and I want to know if it's like living on earth. Can I see things? Can I control my self? Please let me know soon. By the way, I am a sophomore in highschool.
Dear *****,
Your struggles and your question are very important. It is good that you have reached out to find answers.
It is possible that I have not understood your situation and your question, but as I read what you have written it seems to me that you are dealing with a fear of death. This is not unusual. Notice what the writer to the Hebrews has written:
14 Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives. 16 For assuredly He does not give help to angels, but He gives help to the descendant of Abraham. 17 Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted (Hebrews 2:14-18).
There is a healthy fear of death, and it comes because sin entered the world with Adam and Eve. God said that disobedience to His command (not to eat of the forbidden fruit – Genesis 2/3) would result in death:
15 Then the LORD God took the man and put him into the garden of Eden to cultivate it and keep it. 16 The LORD God commanded the man, saying, "From any tree of the garden you may eat freely; 17 but from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat from it you will surely die." Genesis 2:15-17
Adam and Eve’s disobedience resulted in death for the whole human race, and this is a sentence we all deserve because of our own sin:
23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).
23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23
The bad news is that when we die it is not all over for us. We will all be raised from the dead by the Lord Jesus Christ and all will stand in judgment before Him:
27 And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment (Hebrews 9:27).
11 Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat upon it, from whose presence earth and heaven fled away, and no place was found for them. 12 And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged from the things which were written in the books, according to their deeds. 13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead which were in them; and they were judged, every one of them according to their deeds (Revelation 20:11-13).
Overall, this is pretty grim news, especially for those who choose suicide as an escape from their sufferings, because death is followed by judgment.
Here’s the good news: God took the death sentence, the curse, and made it the cure through the work of His Son, Jesus Christ. The Lord Jesus came to earth as a man (fully God and fully human -- see Philippians 2:5-11). He lived a sinless life (John 8:46) and though personally sinless, took our sins upon himself, and died on the cross of Calvary, in our place. All who believe in Him have the forgiveness of sins. Those who accept Christ’s sacrifice for them no longer need to fear death, but are assured of eternal life. Indeed, they look forward to fellowship with God for all eternity:
21 He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5:21).
10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. 11 He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth (John 1:9-14).
51 Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53 For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, “DEATH IS SWALLOWED UP in victory. 55 “O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY? O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING?” 56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; 57 but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:51-58).
1 For we know that if the earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For indeed in this house we groan, longing to be clothed with our dwelling from heaven, 3 inasmuch as we, having put it on, will not be found naked. 4 For indeed while we are in this tent, we groan, being burdened, because we do not want to be unclothed but to be clothed, so that what is mortal will be swallowed up by life. 5 Now He who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave to us the Spirit as a pledge. 6 Therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord— 7 for we walk by faith, not by sight— 8 we are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:1-8).
21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. 23 But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; 24 yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake (Philippians 1:21-24).
My sense from reading your email, Ryan, is that death (or perhaps more accurately your fear of death) is at the root of your fear of falling asleep. I don’t think you can “control” this fear, it must be taken away by faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus on your behalf. Once this issue – the greatest issue of your life – is settled, the fear and panic will be gone.
8 In peace I will both lie down and sleep,
For You alone, O LORD, make me to dwell in safety (Psalm 4:8).
I hope this helps.
Bob Deffinbaugh
God created mankind male and female (see Genesis 1:27; Matthew 19:4). It is clear in Scripture that God has distinct roles for each to play, and this is particularly true in marriage (Ephesians 5) and in the church (1 Timothy 2:8-15; 1 Corinthians 14:33-40). I believe God wants men to embrace His distinctions between male and female, and thus men should look like men, and women should look like women. More importantly, I believe God wants men to act like men, and women to act like women. We live at a time when these distinctions are being challenged, so that men are dressing and acting more feminine, while women are dressing and behaving in a more masculine manner. I don’t think that pants vs. a dress is the primary concern (though we should not disregard Scripture here), but rather maleness and femaleness. The more we blur the lines of distinction between male and female the more we blur the lines God has declared regarding the role each should play, especially in marriage and the church.
I would encourage you to consider lessons 8-12 in this series:
Blessings,
Bob Deffinbaugh
Dear Mr Deffinbaugh,
I hope you are well.
Currently [in school] we are studying sacred texts of Christianity and are required to construct… a[n] essay on a chosen scripture, and I have chosen the infancy narratives (Matthew 1:18-25 and Luke 2:1-20). The task requires me to create a hypothesis, use research to assist this hypothesis, as well as talking about the “worlds of the text”: world behind the text (what time was like in the story-basically what life was like when Jesus was born), world of the text (literary devices used in the text- i.e. metaphors, etc), and world in front of the text (how the text relates to Christians and in what ways do we receive the message today?).
When conducting research, I came across your article (https://bible.org/seriespage/4-birth-messiah-luke-21-20 ) and found it extremely useful, however I did not fully understand some parts of the story. I was wondering if you could please read through my hypothesis and give me a quick summary on what the world would have been like in Jesus’s time (as well as King Herod because I am sort of confused on his input), and the prophecy of the messiah, as well as your thoughts on the infancy narratives and the message and how it is “modernised” in todays society.
I was also wondering if there is any chapter in the bible the specifically states God’s prophecy about the messiah as I am having difficulty finding the actual prophecy.
This is my hypothesis:
The stories of Matthew 1:18-25 and Luke 2:1-20 have had major significance for Christians as it set up the foundation for Christianity and fulfils God’s prophecy. However, despite having had major significance, overtime the stories of the birth of the Messiah have decreased in significance as they are romanticized and overshadowed by Christmas and the consumerism that comes with it.
Thank you for your time…
Kind Regards,
********
Dear ******,
Let me first talk about the matter of historical settings. I have a strong conviction that the Bible supplies all the historical setting that we need in order to understand its teaching. It is a sort of “stand alone” book, that can be read and understood on its own. In this way, people throughout all time, living in all times and places, can understand the Bible, based upon what it says, and the background it reveals. The alternative is that all those people with only their Bibles can never really understand what it teaches. I’ll attempt to show how this works with the birth of Jesus accounts in a moment.
External historical information can prove helpful, but this information will only illustrate what the Bible has already revealed, and this is all that we must know in order to understand it. The Bible is infallible and entirely reliable, and thus we can completely trust its account of historical background. Sadly, other external data may be flawed. Some authors, like Josephus fox example, have been accused of exaggeration. Other sources have also been used to dispute or distort what the Bible actually teaches. In a number of instances we are told something like this: “The commands or teaching of Scripture must be understood to be given to a certain people, at a certain time, and these have no relevance to our own times and culture.” Thus, we need to be somewhat cautious about our use of external sources.
Even when the teaching may not be directly applicable, it can be very applicable in principle. Let me give you an example from the writings of the apostle Paul. The Old Testament taught, “Don’t muzzle the ox when it treads the corn” (Deuteronomy 25:4). We don’t have oxen which tread corn (Most of us, that is. But there are some places where this may still take place.). But look at the way Paul applies this command to his readers, and to us:
3 My defense to those who examine me is this: 4 Do we not have a right to eat and drink? 5 Do we not have a right to take along a believing wife, even as the rest of the apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas? 6 Or do only Barnabas and I not have a right to refrain from working? 7 Who at any time serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat the fruit of it? Or who tends a flock and does not use the milk of the flock? 8 I am not speaking these things according to human judgment, am I? Or does not the Law also say these things? 9 For it is written in the Law of Moses, “YOU SHALL NOT MUZZLE THE OX WHILE HE IS THRESHING.” God is not concerned about oxen, is He? 10 Or is He speaking altogether for our sake? Yes, for our sake it was written, because the plowman ought to plow in hope, and the thresher to thresh in hope of sharing the crops. 11 If we sowed spiritual things in you, is it too much if we reap material things from you? 12 If others share the right over you, do we not more? Nevertheless, we did not use this right, but we endure all things so that we will cause no hindrance to the gospel of Christ (1 Corinthians 9:3-12, NAU).
Jesus taught the same thing:
3 “Go; behold, I send you out as lambs in the midst of wolves. 4 “Carry no money belt, no bag, no shoes; and greet no one on the way. 5 “Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house.’ 6 “If a man of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you. 7 “Stay in that house, eating and drinking what they give you; for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Do not keep moving from house to house” (Luke 10:3-7; see also Paul in 1 Timothy 5:18).
This use of the Old Testament Scriptures could be illustrated many times in the Bible. This is why Paul could write:
14 You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:14-17).
Now, let’s go to the account of our Lord’s birth. First, let’s consider how the Old Testament set the scene by foretelling that a Savior would be born to a woman.
God said to Eve:
“And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her seed; He shall bruise you on the head, And you shall bruise him on the heel” (Genesis 3:15).
And God made this promise to David, that his kingdom would be eternal, through his descendants:
12 “When your days are complete and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your descendant after you, who will come forth from you, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 “He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 14 “I will be a father to him and he will be a son to Me; when he commits iniquity, I will correct him with the rod of men and the strokes of the sons of men,1 15 but My lovingkindness shall not depart from him, as I took it away from Saul, whom I removed from before you. 16 “Your house and your kingdom shall endure before Me forever; your throne shall be established forever”‘“ (2 Samuel 7:12-16).
Then, later, we find these prophecies in Isaiah and Micah:
“Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14).
“For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. 7 There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, On the throne of David and over his kingdom, To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness From then on and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will accomplish this” (Isaiah 9:6-7).
2 “But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Too little to be among the clans of Judah, From you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, From the days of eternity” (Micah 5:2).
Because the people of Israel refused to believe in God, and the coming of Messiah, God brought about a 400-year period of silence, which ended with the birth of Jesus:
1 Woe, O Ariel, Ariel the city where David once camped! Add year to year, observe your feasts on schedule. 2 I will bring distress to Ariel, And she will be a city of lamenting and mourning; And she will be like an Ariel to me. 3 I will camp against you encircling you, And I will set siegeworks against you, And I will raise up battle towers against you. 4 Then you will be brought low; From the earth you will speak, And from the dust where you are prostrate Your words will come. Your voice will also be like that of a spirit from the ground, And your speech will whisper from the dust. 5 But the multitude of your enemies will become like fine dust, And the multitude of the ruthless ones like the chaff which blows away; And it will happen instantly, suddenly. 6 From the LORD of hosts you will be punished with thunder and earthquake and loud noise, With whirlwind and tempest and the flame of a consuming fire. 7 And the multitude of all the nations who wage war against Ariel, Even all who wage war against her and her stronghold, and who distress her, Will be like a dream, a vision of the night. 8 It will be as when a hungry man dreams-- And behold, he is eating; But when he awakens, his hunger is not satisfied, Or as when a thirsty man dreams-- And behold, he is drinking, But when he awakens, behold, he is faint And his thirst is not quenched. Thus the multitude of all the nations will be Who wage war against Mount Zion. 9 Be delayed and wait, Blind yourselves and be blind; They become drunk, but not with wine, They stagger, but not with strong drink. 10 For the LORD has poured over you a spirit of deep sleep, He has shut your eyes, the prophets; And He has covered your heads, the seers. 11 The entire vision will be to you like the words of a sealed book, which when they give it to the one who is literate, saying, “Please read this,” he will say, “I cannot, for it is sealed.” 12 Then the book will be given to the one who is illiterate, saying, “Please read this.” And he will say, “I cannot read.” 13 Then the Lord said, “Because this people draw near with their words And honor Me with their lip service, But they remove their hearts far from Me, And their reverence for Me consists of tradition learned by rote, 14 Therefore behold, I will once again deal marvelously with this people, wondrously marvelous; And the wisdom of their wise men will perish, And the discernment of their discerning men will be concealed” (Isaiah 29:1-14).
Imagine that! The four-hundred years preceding the birth of Jesus were years when God, through His prophets, was silent.
That said, there were a few who did wait eagerly for the coming of Messiah. We are told that the magi from far away, the Jewish leaders, and faithful believers who awaited God’s salvation, understood that a Messiah would be born, and this would take place in Bethlehem:
1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, 2 “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for this is what has been written by the prophet: 6 ‘AND YOU, BETHLEHEM, LAND OF JUDAH, ARE BY NO MEANS LEAST AMONG THE LEADERS OF JUDAH; FOR OUT OF YOU SHALL COME FORTH A RULER WHO WILL SHEPHERD MY PEOPLE ISRAEL.’” 7 Then Herod secretly called the magi and determined from them the exact time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the Child; and when you have found Him, report to me, so that I too may come and worship Him” (Matthew 2:1-8).
And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to carry out for Him the custom of the Law, 28 then he took Him into his arms, and blessed God, and said, 29 “Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace, According to Your word; 30 For my eyes have seen Your salvation, 31 Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32 A LIGHT OF REVELATION TO THE GENTILES, And the glory of Your people Israel” (Luke 2:25-32).
And then, suddenly, our Lord’s coming is announced. John the Baptist appears on the scene, proclaiming that Israel’s promised Messiah was coming, and the people flock to hear what John had to say:
6 There came a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness, to testify about the Light, so that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light. 9 There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. 11 He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 John testified about Him and cried out, saying, “This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me.’” 16 For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace. 17 For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten God who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him (John 1:6-18).
7 As these men were going away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John, “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 8 “But what did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ palaces! 9 “But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and one who is more than a prophet. 10 “This is the one about whom it is written, ‘BEHOLD, I SEND MY MESSENGER AHEAD OF YOU, WHO WILL PREPARE YOUR WAY BEFORE YOU.’ 11 “Truly I say to you, among those born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptist! Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 “From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and violent men take it by force. 13 “For all the prophets and the Law prophesied until John. 14 “And if you are willing to accept it, John himself is Elijah who was to come. 15 “He who has ears to hear, let him hear (Matthew 11:7-15).
Now let’s turn back to the birth accounts of Jesus. We are told all that we need to know about Herod. From the Gospel accounts we know that he was extremely jealous, and fearful of losing his throne. (This, by the way, fits what secular historical sources tell us about him.) When the magi arrived in Jerusalem, he was deceitful, pretending to desire to worship Jesus. Shrewdly, he discerned how old Jesus was (from learning the time that the star first appeared to the magi), and he knew the town where the birth took place (learning this from the Jewish teachers of the law, who pointed to Micah 5:2). Thus, he asked the magi to come back and tell him where Jesus could be found, so that he would know exactly where he could find Him and kill Him. When this failed, he killed all the boy babies in the region around Bethlehem (Matthew 2:1-12).
The Gospel of Matthew also informs us how the people of Jerusalem felt about Jesus:
When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him (Matthew 2:3).
The coming of Messiah was not only a threat to Herod, it was a threat to the Jewish religious establishment, who might very well lose their positions and power.
45 Therefore many of the Jews who came to Mary, and saw what He had done, believed in Him. 46 But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them the things which Jesus had done. 47 Therefore the chief priests and the Pharisees convened a council, and were saying, “What are we doing? For this man is performing many signs. 48 “If we let Him go on like this, all men will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation” (John 11:45-48).
While the magi came from far away to worship Jesus (the “King of the Jews”), they learned that Jesus was to be found in nearby Bethlehem. And yet the people of Jerusalem could not trouble themselves to travel the very few miles (5-7) it would take to worship Him. It was only a handful of people who rejoiced at seeing Israel’s Messiah, including the wise men and the shepherds mentioned in Matthew and Luke.
It is important to notice the number of times in the birth accounts of Jesus that the events described are said to fulfill the Old Testament Scriptures:
Matthew 1:22; 2:15, 17, 23; 4:14
See also Luke 24:27 (which refers to all the Scripture prophecies that Jesus fulfilled in His life, death, and resurrection).
I find the account of Jesus in Jerusalem, at the age of 12, fascinating:
46 Then, after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers. 48 When they saw Him, they were astonished; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You treated us this way? Behold, Your father and I have been anxiously looking for You.” 49 And He said to them, “Why is it that you were looking for Me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s house?” 50 But they did not understand the statement which He had made to them (Luke 2:46-50).
It is my opinion that one of the passages which Jesus was discussing with these Jewish teachers of the law was this text in Isaiah:
13 “Behold, My servant will prosper, He will be high and lifted up and greatly exalted. 14 Just as many were astonished at you, My people, So His appearance was marred more than any man And His form more than the sons of men. 15 Thus He will sprinkle many nations, Kings will shut their mouths on account of Him; For what had not been told them they will see, And what they had not heard they will understand.
1 Who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed? 2 For He grew up before Him like a tender shoot, And like a root out of parched ground; He has no stately form or majesty That we should look upon Him, Nor appearance that we should be attracted to Him. 3 He was despised and forsaken of men, A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; And like one from whom men hide their face He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. 4 Surely our griefs He Himself bore, And our sorrows He carried; Yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken, Smitten of God, and afflicted. 5 But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; The chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, And by His scourging we are healed. 6 All of us like sheep have gone astray, Each of us has turned to his own way; But the LORD has caused the iniquity of us all To fall on Him. 7 He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He did not open His mouth; Like a lamb that is led to slaughter, And like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, So He did not open His mouth. 8 By oppression and judgment He was taken away; And as for His generation, who considered That He was cut off out of the land of the living For the transgression of my people, to whom the stroke was due? 9 His grave was assigned with wicked men, Yet He was with a rich man in His death, Because He had done no violence, Nor was there any deceit in His mouth. 10 But the LORD was pleased To crush Him, putting Him to grief; If He would render Himself as a guilt offering, He will see His offspring, He will prolong His days, And the good pleasure of the LORD will prosper in His hand. 11 As a result of the anguish of His soul, He will see it and be satisfied; By His knowledge the Righteous One, My Servant, will justify the many, As He will bear their iniquities. 12 Therefore, I will allot Him a portion with the great, And He will divide the booty with the strong; Because He poured out Himself to death, And was numbered with the transgressors; Yet He Himself bore the sin of many, And interceded for the transgressors” (Isaiah 52:13--53:12).
How amazing it was to have it confirmed that He was the promised Messiah.
None of the events of our Lord’s birth, life, death, and resurrection were a coincidence. All of these events took place at exactly the right time, the time which God had long ago determined:
4 But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, 5 so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons (Galatians 4:4-5).
5 For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time (1 Timothy 2:5-6; see also Ephesians 1:3-14).
We dare not conclude without focusing on the nature and purpose of the incarnation. At the incarnation, perfect deity took on sinless humanity, so that Jesus could come to earth in human flesh, live a sinless life, and then take our punishment for sins upon Himself:
The next day he saw Jesus coming to him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! (John 1:29)
and he looked at Jesus as He walked, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” (John 1:36)
20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5:20-21).
14 Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives. 16 For assuredly He does not give help to angels, but He gives help to the descendant of Abraham. 17 Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted (Hebrews 2:14-18).
22 WHO COMMITTED NO SIN, NOR WAS ANY DECEIT FOUND IN HIS MOUTH; 23 and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; 24 and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed. 25 For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls (1 Peter 2:22-25).
Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8 Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:5-11).
Much more could be said about this (and is written in the New Testament), but perhaps this will demonstrate, to some degree, the way that the Bible has prepared us for the coming of Jesus Christ, and its meaning for us.
I hope this helps,
Bob Deffinbaugh
1 This is not saying that Jesus will sin, for He was without sin, a “lamb without blemish.” “(You know that He appeared in order to take away sins; and in Him there is no sin (1 John 3:5; see also see Exodus 29:1; John 8:46; Hebrews 9:14). This prophecy in 2 Samuel is referring both to Jesus, and to David’s descendants who will reign before Jesus comes, to establish His eternal throne.
I just want to ask you if you have any collections of teachings on biblical marriage dynamics - especially wife’s submitting to the husband and the husband submitting to the LORD.
Dear Friend,
Let me begin by saying several things about this subject.
First, there have been too many abuses of the teaching of Scripture by those (men/husbands) who would use God’s Word and its teachings wrongly to justify domineering and dictatorial leadership. This is wrong!
Second, our culture is vehemently opposed to what the Scriptures do teach (and they often refer to abuses of this teaching to justify their rejection of God’s Word). Many are “rethinking” their understanding of Scripture on this matter because they will be branded as radical or out of touch for holding to biblical teaching and practice.
Third, I am one of those who has been branded as harsh and out of touch on this matter because I do hold to what the Scriptures clearly teach.
Fourth, those who seek to set aside the teaching of the Bible must go to great efforts in an attempt to prove that what the Bible clearly teaches is not what it clearly means.
Fifth, there are boundaries or limits to what submission requires, as we can see in the story of Abigail, Nabal, and David in 1 Samuel 25: https://bible.org/seriespage/22-dear-abby-1-samuel-251-44
Sixth, I do not believe that a husband’s authority gives him the right to require his wife to violate her legitimate convictions (Romans 14).
Having said this, here are some resources that are found on bible.org for this subject:
An excellent series on Christian Marriage by Dr. Bill McRae:
Teaching by Steve Cole:
Teaching by Ken Boa:
Teaching I have done on Ephesians 5:
Hi! I’m a missionary in ****** and stumbled across your article (https://bible.org/seriespage/3-new-testament-church-its-meetings) while reading up on the biblical “gathering” and found your ideas interesting. I was wondering if you had some thoughts / reflections about the “One Church Meeting” (that all the necessary elements of the gathering should be done in one meeting, rather than split at different times and places through the week) and your experience with implementing it.
I also appreciate the description of the order of the “one meeting” you provide in the article.
Do you know any books / authors who take a similar line of thinking that I might read?
Thanks!
****** ********
Dear ******,
Good to hear from you, from far away. As the years have passed, I have become increasingly committed to the teaching of 1 Corinthians 14 as a primary text on the meeting of the church. Note that his text follows Paul’s teaching on conduct in the church gathering (chapter 11) and spiritual gifts (chapters 12-13).
Sadly, this chapter, along with much of the teaching and instruction of 1 Corinthians has been brushed aside, based upon the reasoning that Paul’s teaching here was addressed to a particular group of people, living at a particular time, and holding to a particular culture. This has been applied to the dress and activity of women in leadership roles in the church (1 Corinthians 11 and 14), to divorce (chapter 7), and even church discipline (chapter 5). Paul’s words at the end of chapter 14 should give one pause for thought:
37 If anyone thinks that he is a prophet, or spiritual, he should acknowledge that the things I am writing to you are a command of the Lord. 38 If anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized (1 Corinthians 14:37-38).
This logic, which sets aside biblical teaching on the basis of different times and recipients, and culture, if carried out consistently, would eventually lead to setting aside any Scripture that did not suit our culture or preferences. The Bible, and Jesus (not to exclude Paul and the other authors of Scripture) is counter-cultural, rather than culture affirming (see Ephesians 4:17ff.).
That said, I think we need not attempt to precisely duplicate everything we read, but seek to find the underlying principles, and to apply them, at any time, in any culture. Notice how Paul applies the Old Testament command to “not muzzle the ox” to the support of Gospel workers (1 Corinthians 9).
I think that several principles can be found in 1 Corinthians 14:
Well, these are some of the principles that I see set forth in 1 Corinthians chapter 14. Before our church (Community Bible Chapel, https://communitybible.org/) was birthed, we were part of a very fine church in Dallas – that encouraged and supported the founding of our new work (nearly 50 years ago). They, too, sought to worship in a way that followed the teaching of Paul in 1 Corinthians 14 (and the much more concise instruction of Acts 2:42).
But we chose to differ regarding the timing of the Lord’s Supper Meeting. At our previous church, Sunday morning was directed a bit more toward unbelievers and outreach (not entirely, but more than at the Lord’s Supper). Their Worship Meeting (patterned after 1 Corinthians 14), was held on Sunday nights. The problem we perceived was that only about 20-25% of those who attended Sunday mornings, ever attended the Worship Meeting on Sunday nights.
Thus, we linked the preaching service and the worship service together, on Sunday mornings. When we started Community Bible Chapel, preaching was a very high priority for people, and thus they were drawn to the Sunday Morning Service (which included preaching and the Lord’s Supper Meeting). But in time, the importance of the Lord’s Supper Meeting became a much stronger conviction, and the Lord’s Table became a priority. And thus, for nearly 50 years we have met for worship and for teaching.
[Editor’s note: See the current explanation and details of the services here on Community Bible Chapel’s website: https://communitybible.org/sunday]
I wish I could recommend some excellent material on 1 Corinthians 14, as we understand and apply it, but this is all too often set aside as culturally irrelevant (and thus unacceptable).
Bob Deffinbaugh
Dear *****,
Thanks for your question.
As you know, Paul speaks of the law in two ways. On the one hand, he (along with Old Testament writers) speaks of the Law of Moses as something wonderful and glorious:
5 “See, I have taught you statutes and judgments just as the LORD my God commanded me, that you should do thus in the land where you are entering to possess it. 6 “So keep and do them, for that is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples who will hear all these statutes and say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’ 7 “For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as is the LORD our God whenever we call on Him? 8 “Or what great nation is there that has statutes and judgments as righteous as this whole law which I am setting before you today? (Deuteronomy 4:5-8, NAU)
O how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day (Psalm 119:97, see also verses 113, 163).
So then, the Law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good (Romans 7:12).
He also speaks of the law as a system of keeping the Old Testament Law of Moses, in order to earn God’s blessings. (The expression, “the works of the Law” is often associated with this negative outlook on law-keeping.) The problem is that law-keeping cannot save, but will only condemn one as a guilty sinner:
19 Now we know that whatever the Law says, it speaks to those who are under the Law, so that every mouth may be closed and all the world may become accountable to God; 20 because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin (Romans 3:19-20 NAU).
1 Brethren, my heart’s desire and my prayer to God for them is for their salvation. 2 For I testify about them that they have a zeal for God, but not in accordance with knowledge. 3 For not knowing about God’s righteousness and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God. 4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. 5 For Moses writes that the man who practices the righteousness which is based on law shall live by that righteousness (Romans 10:1-5).
This “works of the law” salvation was certainly something which unbelieving Jews sought to accomplish, but seeking to do so only led to their rejection of God’s provision of salvation by faith in Jesus Christ:
30 What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, attained righteousness, even the righteousness which is by faith; 31 but Israel, pursuing a law of righteousness, did not arrive at that law. 32 Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as though it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone, 33 just as it is written, “BEHOLD, I LAY IN ZION A STONE OF STUMBLING AND A ROCK OF OFFENSE, AND HE WHO BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED” (Romans 9:30-33).
A major problem, frequently addressed in the New Testament, was that “law-works” Jews sought to compel Gentile believers to keep the Old Testament law, just as they sought to keep it themselves. We see this very clearly in Acts chapter 15:
Some men came down from Judea and began teaching the brethren, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” 2 And when Paul and Barnabas had great dissension and debate with them, the brethren determined that Paul and Barnabas and some others of them should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders concerning this issue . . . . 4 When they arrived at Jerusalem, they were received by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they reported all that God had done with them. 5 But some of the sect of the Pharisees who had believed stood up, saying, “It is necessary to circumcise them and to direct them to observe the Law of Moses” (Acts 15:4-5).
At the Jerusalem Council the apostles made it very clear that it was folly for these Jews to require law-keeping of the Gentiles when they could not keep the law themselves:
“Now therefore why do you put God to the test by placing upon the neck of the disciples a yoke which neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? 11 “But we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same way as they also are” (Acts 15:10-11).
As I understand the Scriptures, the Jewish legalists first insisted that Gentiles must become Jewish proselytes (be circumcised and submit to the Old Testament law) in order to be saved (Acts 15:1-4ff.), but then, having been disapproved by the apostles at the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15), they proceeded to insist that law-keeping was essential for sanctification. I believe this is apparent in the Book of Galatians.
The Judaizers infiltrated the churches with their distorted emphasis on keeping the Old Testament Law as a means of earning God’s favor. We see this error frequently addressed in the epistles (see Philippians 3:2ff.; Colossians 2; 1 Timothy 1:3-11; Titus 1:14; 3:9).
Thus, when Paul condemns and forbids law-keeping as a means of salvation and sanctification, he is condemning this for both Jews and Gentiles. That this applies equally to Gentiles is clear in Galatians chapter 5:
It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. 2 Behold I, Paul, say to you that if you receive circumcision, Christ will be of no benefit to you. 3 And I testify again to every man who receives circumcision, that he is under obligation to keep the whole Law. 4 You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace. 5 For we through the Spirit, by faith, are waiting for the hope of righteousness. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love (Galatians 5:1-6).
I believe it is clear that in the New Testament “the works of the Law” referrs to man’s efforts at keeping the Old Testament law in order to attain righteousness and salvation, whether this be by Jews or Gentiles.
Having said this, we should also note that Paul applied the Scriptures beyond their immediate, direct, application. An example of this is found in 1 Corinthians 9:
I am not speaking these things according to human judgment, am I? Or does not the Law also say these things? 9 For it is written in the Law of Moses, “YOU SHALL NOT MUZZLE THE OX WHILE HE IS THRESHING.” God is not concerned about oxen, is He? 10 Or is He speaking altogether for our sake? Yes, for our sake it was written, because the plowman ought to plow in hope, and the thresher to thresh in hope of sharing the crops. 11 If we sowed spiritual things in you, is it too much if we reap material things from you? 12 If others share the right over you, do we not more? Nevertheless, we did not use this right, but we endure all things so that we will cause no hindrance to the gospel of Christ (1 Corinthians 9:8-12).
The law which instructed ox owners to allow their animals to partake of the fruits of their labors taught the principle that the laborer was worthy of his wages. Thus Paul had no difficulty applying the law beyond the specific applications spelled out by the law.
In doing so, Paul applied the Old Testament Law in the same way that Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount:
27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY’; 28 but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 “If your right eye makes you stumble, tear it out and throw it from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. 30 “If your right hand makes you stumble, cut it off and throw it from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to go into hell” (Matthew 5:27-30).
Jewish legalism (well, really any brand of legalism) seeks to narrow the focus and application of a particular principle, law, or rule, so that it wouldn’t really apply generally, and thus it could be avoided (disobeyed) or disregarded. For example,
16 “Woe to you, blind guides, who say, ‘Whoever swears by the temple, that is nothing; but whoever swears by the gold of the temple is obligated.’ 17 “You fools and blind men! Which is more important, the gold or the temple that sanctified the gold? 18 “And, ‘Whoever swears by the altar, that is nothing, but whoever swears by the offering on it, he is obligated.’ 19 “You blind men, which is more important, the offering, or the altar that sanctifies the offering? 20 “Therefore, whoever swears by the altar, swears both by the altar and by everything on it. 21 “And whoever swears by the temple, swears both by the temple and by Him who dwells within it. 22 “And whoever swears by heaven, swears both by the throne of God and by Him who sits upon it. 23 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected the weightier provisions of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others. 24 “You blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel! (Matthew 23:16-24)
Legalism strives to appear to be zealous about keeping the law, but in reality, it works hard at narrowing the application of the law (“straining the gnat”?) to the point where it no longer applies. So, when one swears by the temple, he or she is not obligated to keep their vow. They are only bound to keep their oath when they swear by the gold of the temple.
Legalistic Jews also found ways to use their traditions to overrule the clear commands of the Law:
8 “Neglecting the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men.” 9 He was also saying to them, “You are experts at setting aside the commandment of God in order to keep your tradition. 10 “For Moses said, ‘HONOR YOUR FATHER AND YOUR MOTHER’; and, ‘HE WHO SPEAKS EVIL OF FATHER OR MOTHER, IS TO BE PUT TO DEATH’; 11 but you say, ‘If a man says to his father or his mother, whatever I have that would help you is Corban (that is to say, given to God),’ 12 you no longer permit him to do anything for his father or his mother; 13 thus invalidating the word of God by your tradition which you have handed down; and you do many things such as that” (Mark 7:8-13).
So, when interpreted and applied legalistically, the command, “You shall not commit adultery” (Exodus 20:14; Matthew 5:27), was understood to forbid a literal act of adultery. So, one kept this law so long as they did not literally commit adultery. While legalistic Jews narrowed the law to the point where they could pride themselves for keeping (or, in some cases, avoiding) it, Jesus extended the application of this law: Since it is wrong to commit adultery, lusting after a woman (which leads to adultery) is also wrong. If murder is wrong, then so is hatred, and thus one should pursue forgiveness and reconciliation.
So, let’s apply this way of interpreting and applying Scripture to “the works of the law.” If it is wrong to pursue law-keeping as the means by which a person can earn righteousness and God’s favor, then it is also wrong to seek to earn God’s favor by keeping any set of rules and regulations. This is not to cast aside rules and regulations (including speed limits, etc.), but rather to avoid seeking to keep the rules (whichever they might be) in order to earn God’s favor and blessing.
Thus, I believe that preachers who use Paul’s teaching on “the works of the law” to condemn any legalistic system of rule-making and rule-keeping are right in doing so. They are extending the application of the literal teaching of Paul to other, yet related, evils.
Blessings
Bob
I was reading one of your posts on bible.org, and you mentioned funeral services. I'm curious if you have your funeral service messages available? I'm planning my funeral and I would like to have a gospel message, which would include a warning to unbelievers about where they will spend eternity. Thank you for your ministry!
Dear Friend,
This link will take you to a number of funerals on bible.org, a number of which I did. https://bible.org/gsearch?search=funerals
I might also suggest (as I have to a few) that you video tape a segment to be shown at your funeral.
The great danger that causes me much grief is that too much attention is paid to the goodness of the deceased, to the point that one might wonder if the speaker is talking about someone else. One of our church members would say to this: "Too much man; too little God." While loved ones want to give a tribute to one that they love, and to call attention to God's work in their lives, the unbeliever in the audience may, sadly, come to this conclusion: "Of course that person is going to heaven, because they were so good."
I usually split the funeral into two segments. The first is a biographical segment. People who attend a funeral usually familiar with a portion or segment of the deceased person's life (work, entertainment, sports, family, etc.). I try to give a broader picture of the person's whole life. And, as a part of that, I seek to give the person's testimony for them, seeking to show how God brought them to faith.
But in the second segment (usually after a hymn or song), I focus on the audience, and I speak to them about death, and what follows. (I like to use Ecclesiastes 7:2-4 to set the stage.) In this segment, the focus is on the person in the audience, and their impending death and eternal future. The gospel is central.
I will sometimes say something like this at the beginning of this segment, "We have talked about _____ and have said many good things about him/her. We are confident that ______ is now in heaven, in the presence of God. But this is not because of the good works he/she has done; it is because of the work that God has done in the person of Jesus Christ. I know _________ would want me to make this clear to you, because someday you, too, will experience death and what comes after." Anyway, warn whoever does your service not to make so much of you that they leave the wrong impression about why you are going to heaven.
Blessings,
Bob Deffinbaugh
Dear Brother,
Thanks for your note and the spirit with which it was written. My understanding is that Jesus bore our punishment, which was due to our sin. Every unbeliever must bear the wrath of God for their sin, because they reject the payment Jesus has made. They are, as is often said, separated from God eternally. I believe you can rightly say that God turns His back on guilty sinners. When Jesus took our place, He bore the penalty that was due us. Thus, God turned His back on Jesus (in our place). That is what I understand is being said not only in Psalm 22:2, but as it is quoted by our Lord on the cross:
46 About the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “ELI, ELI, LAMA SABACHTHANI?” that is, “MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?” Matthew 27:46
If you can say that God rejected Christ, who became sin on our behalf (2 Corinthians 5:21), we must also say that by means of the resurrection God showed His satisfaction with the sacrifice of Christ and thus His approval. God may have turned His back on Jesus on the cross, but His face (so to speak) is shining on Him in the resurrection and ever after.
I hope this is helpful,
Bob
Dear ******,
Thanks for your note and question.
To be honest, I’ve written quite a bit, and don’t recall the specific article that you are referring to. So, some of what I say will probably be a repetition.
The belief that all people who commit suicide go to hell is held by the Roman Catholic Church, among others, but it is completely without biblical support. There are those saints who wished they had never been born (like Job – Job 3:1, 11; 10:18-19), and there are those who asked God to let them die (like Elijah – 1 Kings 19:4). Jonah did his best to bring about his death (Jonah 1:12; 4:8-9). God never told a suicidal person that they would lose their salvation if they killed themselves. NOWHERE IN THE SCRIPTURES IS IT EVER SAID THAT THOSE WHO COMMIT SUICIDE GO TO HELL. Yes, Judas committed suicide, and he went to hell, but it was because he did not believe in Jesus, but instead betrayed Him, resulting in His death.
We need to start by considering several verses of Scripture:
Your eyes saw me when I was formless; all my days were written in Your book and planned before a single one of them began (Psalm 139:16).
28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. 29 For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; 30 and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified. 31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? 32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? 33 Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies; 34 who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. 35 Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 Just as it is written, “FOR YOUR SAKE WE ARE BEING PUT TO DEATH ALL DAY LONG; WE WERE CONSIDERED AS SHEEP TO BE SLAUGHTERED.” But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:28-39).
For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6).
“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; 28 and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. 29 “My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. 30 “I and the Father are one” (John 10:27-30).
Some might reason that anyone who commits suicide does so because they have lost their faith. It would certainly be true that a Christian who commits suicide has failed to trust God’s hand in suffering, and in His good purposes for suffering:
For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake (Philippians 1:29).
1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; 4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; 5 and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. 6 For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life (Romans 5:1-10).
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, 7 so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 8 and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls (1 Peter 1:3-9).
12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; 13 but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. 14 If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you (1 Peter 4:12-14).
In my experience, I have performed at least one funeral for a person who was reading Revelation 21 and 22, and then he put the gun to his head and killed himself. For the believer, there is an added temptation, especially when their life is going badly (at least in their mind). Assured of heaven and that they will enter into the presence of their God, they may choose to “escape” the trials of this life. That would be sin, but it is never identified as the unpardonable sin (see Mark 3:22-30).
And so, suicide is actually a greater temptation for the Christian than it is for the unbeliever, who must deal with this truth:
And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment (Hebrews 9:27).
There is no “second chance” for the unbeliever. Suicide seals their fate, and they will go to hell, not because they took their own life, but because they did not believe in Jesus for their salvation.
What I tell folks who are contemplating suicide is that if they do so, they will have to explain to Jesus why they did not trust Him to be with them in the midst of their troubles.
You might also reflect on Psalm 73, and note that the ultimate “good” is experiencing the nearness of God, which often occurs in times of trouble.
Blessings,
Bob Deffinbaugh
Dear ***********,
What a heartbreaking thing you have gone through.
In the end, it doesn’t matter what I, or anyone else, has to say about this, but only what God says in His Word. So let’s begin with what it does not say, and then consider what His Word does say.
To my knowledge, there is no text of Scripture which states that suicide condemns one to hell.
Indeed, we know that Jonah (see Jonah 1:12; 4:3), and Elijah (1 Kings 19:4) asked to die. Job wished he had never been born (see Job 3:1-2). None of these men were right to wish their death, and God revealed this to them.
Now, take note of these texts, and what they tell us about God:
22 Then the men turned away from there and went toward Sodom, while Abraham was still standing before the LORD. 23 Abraham came near and said, “Will You indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked? 24 “Suppose there are fifty righteous within the city; will You indeed sweep it away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous who are in it? 25 “Far be it from You to do such a thing, to slay the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous and the wicked are treated alike. Far be it from You! Shall not the Judge of all the earth deal justly?” (Genesis 18:22-25).
23 Thus says the LORD, “Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches; 24 but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD (Jeremiah 9:23-24).
“Do I have any pleasure in the death of the wicked,” declares the Lord GOD, “rather than that he should turn from his ways and live? (Ezekiel 18:23)
“For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone who dies,” declares the Lord GOD. “Therefore, repent and live” (Ezekiel 18:32).
18 Who is a God like You, who pardons iniquity And passes over the rebellious act of the remnant of His possession? He does not retain His anger forever, Because He delights in unchanging love. 19 He will again have compassion on us; He will tread our iniquities under foot. Yes, You will cast all their sins Into the depths of the sea. 20 You will give truth to Jacob And unchanging love to Abraham, Which You swore to our forefathers From the days of old (Micah 7:18-20).
6 The LORD performs righteous deeds And judgments for all who are oppressed. 7 He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the sons of Israel. 8 The LORD is compassionate and gracious, Slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness. 9 He will not always strive with us, Nor will He keep His anger forever. 10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins, Nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. 11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, So great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him. 12 As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. 13 Just as a father has compassion on his children, So the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him. 14 For He Himself knows our frame; He is mindful that we are but dust (Psalm 103:6-14).
27 “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; 28 and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. 29 “My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand (John 10:27-29).
For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6).
6 For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life (Romans 5:6-10).
31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? 32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? 33 Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies; 34 who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. 35 Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 Just as it is written, “FOR YOUR SAKE WE ARE BEING PUT TO DEATH ALL DAY LONG; WE WERE CONSIDERED AS SHEEP TO BE SLAUGHTERED.” 37 But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:31-39).
The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).
All of these verses are meant to give us comfort as believers, and to comfort us regarding the eternal security of those believers who have died, whether by natural causes, at the hand of another, or even by their own hand. But even when an unbeliever dies, or takes his own life, we must acknowledge the sovereign control of God, and of His goodness, truth, mercy, and justice. Thus, even in the most painful of cases, we must, like Abraham, say, “Shall not the Judge of all the earth deal justly?” (Genesis 18:25). He does, and He will. If God gave up His own Son as the sacrifice for our sins, will He not always do what is best, even at great cost to Himself?
Take comfort in God, and in His mercy, love, and grace. My wife and I lost our first child, Timmy, at three and a half months. He died suddenly and unexpectedly of crib death, or sudden instant death syndrome. We found great comfort in God, because we knew His character, and we trusted Him completely. We did not have to have all of our questions answered, because we knew all of this was in the hands of our loving God.
There is another factor in all of this, Satan:
“You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44).
Surely Satan takes great pleasure in the death of a man, woman, or child. But let us never lose sight of the fact that Satan never wins, and that God’s purposes will prevail.
Perhaps I should add that we may not see or understand at this point in time what God’s purposes are for our suffering. We may be like Jacob, who said in his darkest hour,
Now it came about as they were emptying their sacks, that behold, every man’s bundle of money was in his sack; and when they and their father saw their bundles of money, they were dismayed. 36 Their father Jacob said to them, “You have bereaved me of my children: Joseph is no more, and Simeon is no more, and you would take Benjamin; all these things are against me” (Genesis 42:35-36).
It was only later on that Jacob could see that all of this was really God’s good hand at work. As Joseph said to his brothers (overcome by their guilt),
“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive” (Genesis 50:20).
Blessings,
Bob Deffinbaugh
Thanks for the question. It is a good one, and one that is raised more and more frequently. The primary biblical text, in my opinion, would be found in 2 Corinthians 5:
So then from now on we acknowledge no one from an outward human point of view. Even though we have known Christ from such a human point of view, now we do not know him in that way any longer. 17 So then, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; what is old has passed away– look, what is new has come! (2 Corinthians 5:16-17, NET)
When we trust in Christ’s saving work we become a new creation. The sins of one’s past are covered by the blood of Christ. In Christ, our sins are both forgiven and forgotten.
“People will no longer need to teach their neighbors and relatives to know me. For all of them, from the least important to the most important, will know me,” says the LORD. “For I will forgive their sin and will no longer call to mind the wrong they have done” (Jeremiah 31:34; see also Hebrews 8:12; 10:17).
This was Paul’s experience:
This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”– and I am the worst of them! 16 But here is why I was treated with mercy: so that in me as the worst, Christ Jesus could demonstrate his utmost patience, as an example for those who are going to believe in him for eternal life (1 Timothy 1:15-16).
God’s saving grace should humble us, and motivate us to serve Him, knowing that whatever He achieves though us is to His glory and praise. It should also encourage others by giving them hope of being useful in God’s service (whether that be in a leadership role or not).
Thus Paul reminds the Corinthian saints that they, too, were given a new life in Christ:
Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived! The sexually immoral, idolaters, adulterers, passive homosexual partners, practicing homosexuals, 10 thieves, the greedy, drunkards, the verbally abusive, and swindlers will not inherit the kingdom of God. 11 Some of you once lived this way. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God (1 Corinthians 6:9-11).
This is the message Paul has for every Christian. Our identification with Christ by faith means that we died with Him. Our sins and their punishment have been fully and finally dealt with in Christ. And when we rose to life in Him we rose to a new kind of life, empowered by His Holy Spirit. Thus, we must no longer live as we did in the past. We must live out the life of Christ:
Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9 We know that since Christ has been raised from the dead, he is never going to die again; death no longer has mastery over him. 10 For the death he died, he died to sin once for all, but the life he lives, he lives to God. 11 So you too consider yourselves dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus (Romans 6:8-11).
As I understand it, the qualifications for elders (and deacons) found in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 are character qualifications based upon a reasonable period of time lived as a Christian (“not a new convert,” 1 Timothy 3:6). As such, they don’t focus on one’s sins prior to salvation.
So, in general, it would seem that the sins of one’s past as an unbeliever cannot disqualify a “new creation” from leading in the church.
Having said this, there are a number of qualifications set forth in 1 Timothy and Titus. Among them is the qualification that an elder or deacon must be a “one-woman man,” the “husband of one wife.” But an elder must also be “above reproach” (1 Timothy 3:2) and “have a good reputation with those outside the church” (1 Timothy 3:7). If for some reason this individual’s past casts a shadow on his reputation (inside or outside the church, rightly or wrongly) then it would seem best not to appoint him to a leadership role in the church.
In the case of a church leader’s past immorality or divorce, be aware that some may use the grace of God as an excuse for their sin. I don’t know how many times I’ve heard it reasoned, “Well, David sinned, and God allowed him to continue to live and to lead.” True repentance on the part of the potential leader should serve to squelch such efforts.
I believe one’s past sins should be taken into account in certain instances, for the protection of the forgiven sinner and the reputation of the church. For example, if a man was a convicted child molester before he was saved, it would seem wise and best for all (including that individual) that he not be appointed as a Sunday school superintendent or youth pastor. A convicted embezzler (in the past) would best not be made the church treasurer. This may only serve to tempt that individual, or to make him vulnerable to suspicions and accusations.
I hope this helps,
Bob Deffinbaugh
First of all, it is often helpful to consult several different translations, to see how they render a perplexing verse:
9 No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. 1 John 3:9 (NASB)
9 No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him, and he cannot keep on sinning because he has been born of God. 1 John 3:9 (ESV)
9 No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God. (1 Jn. 3:9 NIV)
9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. 1 John 3:9 (KJV)
It is fairly obvious that some translations render the verse in such a way that one could conclude that the Christian can never sin, while other translations indicate that the Christian must not persist in sin habitually.
It is worthy of note that this same verse (1 John 3:9) says that the reason one cannot persist in habitual sin is that “God’s seed abides in him.” Both “practices/makes a practice of” and “abides” are in the present tense. God’s seed remains in the believer, and this is why sin must not be one’s habitual practice. If a person could sin and loses their salvation, how can it be said that God’s seed remains in that person?
So which of these seemingly contradictory views is correct? We must now turn to other texts of Scripture to confirm or clarify the meaning of 1 John 3:9. We will begin with what John himself says earlier in this very epistle:
8 If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us. 2:1 My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous (1 John 1:8-2:1, NASB).
The one who is wrong is the one who denies that sin is an ongoing problem. Just as we need God’s initial forgiveness to be saved, we likewise need his ongoing cleansing and forgiveness, because sin is still an ongoing problem (as we see, for example, in Romans 7). Following up on this, I would suggest that you give thought to our Lord’s words to Peter:
5 Then He poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. 6 So He came to Simon Peter. He said to Him, “Lord, do You wash my feet?” 7 Jesus answered and said to him, “What I do you do not realize now, but you will understand hereafter.” 8 Peter said to Him, “Never shall You wash my feet!” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.” 9 Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, then wash not only my feet, but also my hands and my head.” 10 Jesus said to him, “He who has bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you” (John 13:5-10, NASB).
Here, Jesus distinguishes between the one-time washing of salvation from the need for ongoing cleansing from sin.
When we look at other passages we see that God clearly prescribes how we should deal with Christians who sin, and when rebuked, keep on sinning. It is not assumed that such sinning results in a loss of salvation, but it may very well lead to severe discipline:
15 “If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother. 16 “But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that BY THE MOUTH OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES EVERY FACT MAY BE CONFIRMED. 17 “If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. 18 “Truly I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven. 19 “Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven. 20 “For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst” (Matthew 18:15-20, NASB).
1 It is actually reported that there is immorality among you, and immorality of such a kind as does not exist even among the Gentiles, that someone has his father’s wife. 2 You have become arrogant and have not mourned instead, so that the one who had done this deed would be removed from your midst. 3 For I, on my part, though absent in body but present in spirit, have already judged him who has so committed this, as though I were present. 4 In the name of our Lord Jesus, when you are assembled, and I with you in spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus, 5 I have decided to deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of his flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus (1 Corinthians 5:1-5, NASB).
19 Do not receive an accusation against an elder except on the basis of two or three witnesses. 20 Those who continue in sin, rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest also will be fearful of sinning (1 Timothy 5:19-20, NASB).
Matthew 18 says that we are to treat the persistent and unrepentant sinner as though they were an unbeliever, but this does not mean that every such sinner is an unbeliever (though some could be). In 1 Corinthians 5 Paul speaks of a professing believer who will not cease his sin. He is turned over to Satan for discipline, but this is so that “his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus” (5:20).
In the light of these texts, it is clear to me that 1 John 3:9 is saying that a genuine Christian must not live as he or she once did as an unbeliever (see Romans 6 here). Thus, the ESV says “makes a practice of sinning,” avoiding the inference that it is just one sin. In the case of ongoing and persistent sin, even after admonition, we have the necessity of exercising discipline, as prescribed by the texts above. My understanding is that sinning saints will not lose their salvation, but may very well experience God’s discipline, perhaps at the severe hand of Satan. But the end goal is their salvation, not their damnation.
In the end, salvation provides the forgiveness of sin, but it is not a license to sin. We will all sin, and for this we have the finished work of Christ on the cross and His ongoing advocacy/mediation for us in heaven. If we persist in our sin then our loving Father will discipline us as His children (see, for example, Hebrews 12).
One final comment. In truth, every Christian is sinless in God’s eyes, because He sees us in Christ, the only sinless One, who died and was raised from the dead so that we could be accepted as righteous in God’s sight (See John 8:46; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:17-23).
I hope this helps,
Bob Deffinbaugh
Dear *****,
Thanks for your note and question. The first thing I should probably say is that I am not an amillennialist, though I have good friends who are. That said, there are a good number of very sound “Reformed/Covenant” believers who hold to an amillennialist position.
Here is my problem with this point of view. They have to go through a lengthy process of reasoning in order to conclude that while Revelation 20:2-3 speaks of a 1,000 year period during which Satan is bound, a broader understanding of Scripture proves this not to be the case. I’m not confident in a view that requires a very lengthy logical string of arguments and then concludes that what the Bible plainly says, it doesn’t really mean.
Many, if not all, amillennialists would say that the church replaces Israel, but I find too many texts that speak of Israel’s future as not yet fully realized (such as Romans 11).
As a rule, the Covenant/Amillennial view of prophecy tends to emphasize the unity of Scripture, and the unity of the Old Testament with the New. Dispensationalists tend to emphasize the differences. Neither side seems overly eager to admit that the arguments of their opponent has some validity. As I see it, there are both similarities and differences between the Old Testament and the New. We need not embrace one aspect and reject the other, but we should embrace all truth, regardless of whether that makes perfect sense to us (See how the Old Testament prophets struggled with seemingly contradictory aspects in their own writings in1 Peter 1:10-12. How could Messiah be a triumphant King and also a Suffering Servant? How could Messiah be both man, and God? Now we know.).
The pre-millennial, dispensational, pre-tribulational understanding of prophecy is not without its own difficulties.
When it came to our Lord’s first coming to earth, no one really got it right ahead of time, and simply checked off their list of things that had to happen. Why do we think we shall do better with the Second Coming? I’m a believer in Deuteronomy 29:29:
29 Secret things belong to the LORD our God, but those that are revealed belong to us and our descendants forever, so that we might obey all the words of this law. Deuteronomy 29:29
I desire to accept and obey what God’s Word plainly states and commands, and to hold my less dogmatic interpretive views more lightly.
Blessings,
Bob Deffinbaugh
The problem with using Luke 16 is that the barrier that cannot be crossed in that parable is that which exists between the lost who are dead and suffering torment (i.e. the rich man) and the dead (i.e. Lazarus) who are enjoying the bliss of Abraham’s bosom. The barrier you seek to find in Scripture is that between the abode of the dead and those living on earth.
In Luke 16:27-31 Abraham is telling the rich man that sending someone to warn his living relatives is not more likely to be received than the message contained in Moses and the Prophets. He does not say in this place that it is impossible for someone from heaven to return to earth and warn the living (even if this is true), only that it would be unprofitable.
All this to say that Luke 16 may not be the most powerful text to use with your friend. In addition, we have that puzzling text about Saul consulting Samuel through the witch at Endor (1 Samuel 28:5-25), which raises some interesting questions of its own.
I think it best to simply focus on those passages which forbid consulting psychics and the like:
10 “There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, one who uses divination, one who practices witchcraft, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer (Deuteronomy 18:10; see also Deuteronomy 18:14; 2 Kings 21:1-6; Leviticus 19:26, 31; 20:6).
I find it difficult not to trust in a God who is all-knowing (omniscient), merciful and compassionate, and sovereign (in complete control of the past, present, and future). What is it that one needs to know beyond what He has revealed? Job never knew the reasons for his suffering, but in the process his faith in God grew, and we are privileged to grow by reading of his experience with God. Often, our faith is tested by our obedience to God without knowing how it will end:
8 By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going (Hebrews 11:8).
Perhaps this text in Deuteronomy also applies here:
29 “The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our sons forever, that we may observe all the words of this law (Deuteronomy 29:29).
Blessings,
Bob Deffinbaugh
On 3/11/2018 3:04 PM, Christina Sawle wrote:
I have used this passage to explain how the dead (or spirits of the dead) cannot return to earth to interact with the living. Especially when people share that they are going to psychics to interact with deceased love ones. When reading this portion of passage, it explains that there is a chasm between heaven and hell. I then surmise that a chasm may also exist between heaven/hell and earth (or the living). I haven't discovered a passage that directly states this but my spirit senses that it is true.
I have a friend that is a Christian believer that is returning to visit a psychic because the psychic has given her true facts about deceased loved ones. I believe that since the psychic has been accurate, she hopes to learn her future outcomes.
I attempted to explain to her That spirits and servants of the devil have existed throughout man's history. They too can give account of private activities of deceased loved ones . I explained that in the spiritual realm these servants of evil surround us and witness our daily lives. Couldn't the same spirits give account of the activities of loved ones when they were living? The Bible warns us not to interact with such individuals and things that may be associated with the devil.
My question is , am I accurate in my belief concerning evil spirits interacting through a psychic? Also , am I accurate to use this Bible passage to explain the chasm between heaven , hell and the living? I appreciate your attention in regard to my questions and hope to learn your beliefs on this issue.
Thank you and may the Lord bless,
Christina Irland-Sawle
Dear *****,
Thanks for your question.
The first thing I would say is that social media is probably not the best place for a Christian to go for help in the Christian life. There are far too many folks with their own agenda (and heresies). Without having any way to know them personally, or to get a sense of their own Christian walk (if they have one), it is far too risky. I’m thinking about texts like these:
Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith (Hebrews 13:7).
3 For our exhortation does not come from error or impurity or by way of deceit; 4 but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who examines our hearts. 5 For we never came with flattering speech, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed-- God is witness-- 6 nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, even though as apostles of Christ we might have asserted our authority. 7 But we proved to be gentle among you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children. 8 Having so fond an affection for you, we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us. 9 For you recall, brethren, our labor and hardship, how working night and day so as not to be a burden to any of you, we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. 10 You are witnesses, and so is God, how devoutly and uprightly and blamelessly we behaved toward you believers; 11 just as you know how we were exhorting and encouraging and imploring each one of you as a father would his own children, 12 so that you would walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory. 13 For this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe (1 Thessalonians 2:3-13; see also 2 Thessalonians 3:6-9).
16 Therefore I exhort you, be imitators of me. 17 For this reason I have sent to you Timothy, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, and he will remind you of my ways which are in Christ, just as I teach everywhere in every church (1 Corinthians 4:16-17).
I believe that it is vitally important to be an active participant in a solid, Bible believing, Bible teaching church, with godly leaders. It is such persons to whom we should listen when it comes to Bible doctrine (such as salvation).
Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you (Hebrews 13:17).
Having said that, it sounds pretty clear to me that the person that you have recently been talking with is seeking to add works to faith as a requirement for salvation. We are saved to good works, not by good works:
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them (Ephesians 2:8-10).
4 But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, 5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life (Titus 3:4-7).
I would suggest that you read the book of Galatians several times. We are saved by trusting in what Jesus did for us when He took our place, paying the penalty for our sins. He saved us, not by what He has done plus our works, but by His work alone. When Paul and Barnabas came back from their first missionary journey, there were Judaizers who insisted that Gentiles must become Jewish converts and keep the law (symbolized by being circumcised):
Some men came down from Judea and began teaching the brethren, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved” (Acts 15:1).
The Jerusalem Council clearly rejected this claim, with the reminder that even the Jews could not keep the law:
6 The apostles and the elders came together to look into this matter. 7 After there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “Brethren, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles would hear the word of the gospel and believe. 8 “And God, who knows the heart, testified to them giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He also did to us; 9 and He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith. 10 “Now therefore why do you put God to the test by placing upon the neck of the disciples a yoke which neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? 11 “But we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same way as they also are” (Acts 15:6-11; see also verses 19-29).
The Jerusalem Council concluded that men – Jew or Gentile – are saved by faith in the work of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary, and not by works. As I read the Book of Galatians, it seems to me that what these legalists are now saying is something like this:
“O.K., a person is saved by faith in Christ, but when it comes to sanctification and living the Christian life, one must follow the law.”
This, too, is strongly rejected by Paul, because we are sanctified the same way we are saved, by grace, not by our works. Notice how Paul handles this new effort to put Gentiles under the Law in order to be sanctified:
1 You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified? 2 This is the only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith? 3 Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? (Gal. 3:1-3)
Paul is insistent that we are sanctified the same way we are saved:
Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him (Colossians 2:6).
Just think about the way that God saved the Gentiles who came to hear Peter preach the gospel in the home of Cornelius:
34 Opening his mouth, Peter said: “I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality, 35 but in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right is welcome to Him. 36 “The word which He sent to the sons of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ (He is Lord of all)-- 37 you yourselves know the thing which took place throughout all Judea, starting from Galilee, after the baptism which John proclaimed. 38 “You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. 39 “We are witnesses of all the things He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They also put Him to death by hanging Him on a cross. 40 “God raised Him up on the third day and granted that He become visible, 41 not to all the people, but to witnesses who were chosen beforehand by God, that is, to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead. 42 “And He ordered us to preach to the people, and solemnly to testify that this is the One who has been appointed by God as Judge of the living and the dead. 43 “Of Him all the prophets bear witness that through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins.” 44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who were listening to the message. 45 All the circumcised believers who came with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. 46 For they were hearing them speaking with tongues and exalting God. Then Peter answered, 47 “Surely no one can refuse the water for these to be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we did, can he?” 48 And he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay on for a few days (Acts 10:34-48).
Peter didn’t even have the opportunity to give an invitation to come to faith. They believed, the Holy Spirit came upon them (just as He had at Pentecost in Acts 2), and then, finally, they were baptized. They did absolutely nothing to add to their salvation. It was all of God’s work.
And that is exactly what Peter said when some of his Jewish (law-oriented) colleagues challenged him for taking the gospel to Gentiles (Acts 11:1-3). Peter told of how God had convinced him to go to the Gentiles (Acts 11:4-14). And then he made a point of telling these folks how the Spirit came upon these new believers:
“And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them just as He did upon us at the beginning. 16 “And I remembered the word of the Lord, how He used to say, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ 17 “Therefore if God gave to them the same gift as He gave to us also after believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God’s way?” 18 When they heard this, they quieted down and glorified God, saying, “Well then, God has granted to the Gentiles also the repentance that leads to life” (Acts 11:15-18).
Peter’s words clearly declare the message of the gospel. It is all about Jesus, and the work HE DID on the cross, taking the sinner’s place, and suffering the punishment we deserve, and then rising from the dead. The moment those Gentile folks believed, the Holy Spirit came upon them, just like Pentecost, affirming that they were saved. Then, after the Holy Spirit confirmed their salvation, they were baptized, symbolizing their identification with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. Works, and even “discipleship” is not mentioned here, just simple faith.
I might add that in the book of Acts the term “disciple (s)” is found 28 times, and in virtually in every case the word is simply used to refer to a Christian. Acts assumes that every Christian is a disciple, rather than to teach that you must commence some rigorous discipleship process in order to become a Christian. By the way, the word “disciple” disappears after the Book of Acts. I believe this is because the church is now the context for edification and growth, as a part of the body of our Lord (see Ephesians 4:4-16). Discipleship (by some other name) is important in the sense that every believer should continue to grow in Christ, but it is not a “work” we do in order to become a Christian.
Paul very strongly rejects the addition of any requirement other than faith to what is necessary for salvation. I believe the same is true for sanctification. We do not produce good works in order to be holy; we manifest good works because of what Jesus Christ has done, and through the Holy Spirit, Whom He has given to every believer. Romans 6 explains why sanctification is necessary. Romans 7 shows us why we cannot do this in our own strength. Romans 8 tells us how God has provided for salvation and sanctification at the cross:
22 For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man, 23 but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members. 24 Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, on the one hand I myself with my mind am serving the law of God, but on the other, with my flesh the law of sin.
Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. 3 For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, 4 so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5 For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, 7 because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, 8 and those who are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him. 10 If Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you (Romans 7:22-8:11).
Thus, good works is the intended result of salvation, rather than its cause (Ephesians 2:10; Galatians 5:22-23). There is a world of difference between the “root” of salvation, and the “fruit.”
Let us take note that Paul uses the strongest of words to pronounce condemnation on those who would seek to convince others that good works (including baptism) are necessary additions to what God has done to achieve our salvation:
6 I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; 7 which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! 9 As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed! 10 For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ (Galatians 1:6-10).
Let me mention two other lines of evidence to underscore the fact that salvation is not by works, but by faith.
The annual Day of Atonement, described in Leviticus chapter 16, is a prototype, and anticipation of the coming of Christ, and His sacrificial death as the perfect “Lamb of God” to make a permanent atonement for our sins. The Book of Hebrews has much to say about this (see chapters 8-10). But what I want to call to your attention is the fact that the Day of Atonement was a Sabbath
27 "But the bull of the sin offering and the goat of the sin offering, whose blood was brought in to make atonement in the holy place, shall be taken outside the camp, and they shall burn their hides, their flesh, and their refuse in the fire. 28 "Then the one who burns them shall wash his clothes and bathe his body with water, then afterward he shall come into the camp. 29 "This shall be a permanent statute for you: in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, you shall humble your souls and not do any work, whether the native, or the alien who sojourns among you; 30 for it is on this day that atonement shall be made for you to cleanse you; you will be clean [2 person plural] from all your sins before the LORD. It is to be a sabbath of solemn rest for you, that you may humble your souls; it is a permanent statute” (Leviticus 16:27-31).
Atonement for the sins of the nation was the work of one person, the High Priest. He alone entered the Holy of Holies with the blood of the sacrificial animal. And what is most important to note is that this Day of Atonement was a Sabbath, when no work could be done. The Israelites did nothing to contribute to the atonement which would be accomplished for them by the High Priest.
This is exactly what happened when the Lord Jesus, our Great High Priest, made atonement through His blood, once for all. He did it all, for all time, and we add nothing to His work by adding our works. Indeed, our works would only serve to diminish our appreciation for His work.
Let me give one last line of evidence, which lays this whole matter to rest. Any work which we do, prior to salvation, must, by its very nature be a work of the flesh, since the Spirit has not yet possessed us. Look again at the latter part of Romans 7 and the first verses of chapter 8:
18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not. 19 For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want. 20 But if I am doing the very thing I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me. 21 I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wants to do good. 22 For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man, 23 but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members. 24 Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, on the one hand I myself with my mind am serving the law of God, but on the other, with my flesh the law of sin.
1 Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. 3 For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, 4 so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5 For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, 7 because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, 8 and those who are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him. 10 If Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you (Romans 7:18-8:11).
Without the Spirit of God dwelling in us, empowering us, sin dominates us, and we cannot please God. Any “work” which we do prior to salvation must be a work of the flesh, and not a work of the Spirit. Once we are saved through faith in the work of Christ, the Holy Spirit now indwells us, empowering us to do the things we could never do in the flesh. So our “good works” prior to salvation cannot contribute to salvation. It is Christ’s work alone that saves, and when His Spirit then indwells us, we are empowered to do the things that please God.
The evidence of these biblical texts is clear. No work of ours, prior to salvation, contributes to our salvation. Salvation is the work of God in us, through faith, which results in good works. Faith in Christ’s saving work is the “root” of our salvation; good works is the “fruit” of our salvation.
It is only this kind of salvation that gives the believer assurance of their salvation. If my salvation is contingent to some degree on my works, then I must always wonder if my works are good enough (and rightly so!). If my salvation is based solely on the work of Christ on my behalf, then I can be as confident in my salvation as I am in Christ, and His work. Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine.
I hope this helps,
Bob Deffinbaugh
Dear ******,
There are a number of things to say, in response to your questions regarding this woman and her desire to be healed.
The first is that one needs to be very careful to understand the context of a particular verse or verses, rather than to make application to a very different situation. For example, I might use John 13:27 and the words, “What you do, do quickly” to encourage employees to speed up their work. But the context of these words is Jesus telling Judas to get on with his horrible mission of betrayal. In other words, Jesus is instructing Judas to leave the room, rather than linger, so that He may now speak only to His disciples. The context of Psalm 50 is not physical healing, and in fact physical healing is not even mentioned. To better understand this psalm one would do well to consider a message like this one by Steve Cole on Psalm 50:
https://bible.org/seriespage/psalm-50-ritual-or-reality
Second, it is interesting to note that a number of biblical texts speak of paying your vows:
Deuteronomy 23:21
1 Samuel 1:21
2 Samuel 15:7
Job 22:27
Psalm 22:25; 50:14; 61:8; 66:13; 116:14, 18
Ecclesiastes 5:4-5
Jonah 2:9
Nahum 1:15
The “payment” of a vow in many, perhaps most, of these texts was the offering of a sacrifice to God. Notice that in Jonah (as well as other places) the promise (vow) to pay a sacrifice was when God answered a prayer or request, namely (here) to save him from death. The vow was paid after God had answered the prayer. The gift offered is in response to what God has done. This woman is seeking to do something first, so that God will answer her prayer, and thus she seems to think that her healing will be the result of her offering a gift.
While Psalm 50 does not speak of paying a vow to receive physical healing, the New Testament does speak very clearly to the matter of being healed:
Is anyone among you suffering? Then he must pray. Is anyone cheerful? He is to sing praises. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; 15 and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him. 16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. (Jas. 5:13-16 NAU)
The obvious biblical response to a serious sickness is that one call for the elders (leaders) of the church, explore whether there is sin involved, and their prayer for healing (as well as your own).
The reason for several of your questions is that using Psalm 50 as one’s primary text requires that you obey in an Old Testament way that was clearly indicated: you go to the temple and you offer a sacrifice. New Testament sacrifices are not the same:
Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. (Heb. 13:15 NAU)
you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. (1 Pet. 2:5 NAU)
I fear that the use of Psalm 50 to support making a vow is a desperate attempt to obtain a healing from God, but not one that really conforms to Scripture.
One final word of caution here. I do believe that God can, and sometimes does, heal people today. I don’t believe that He heals everyone who is sick (Jesus did not do that when He was on the earth – see Mark 1:32-38). The problem with those who attempt to “claim” a healing is that they require God to heal them, based upon their faith. But in the Old Testament you see Daniel’s three friends leaving the final judgment to God as to whether or not He would deliver them from death in the burning furnace (Daniel 3:16-18). And in the New, we see Paul ambivalent about dying or living (Philippians 1; 2 Corinthians 5).
Faith is an important factor in one’s receiving an answer to our prayers, but one must leave room for God’s sovereign will (as Paul did in Philippians 1:19-26). The problem is that when one makes their healing solely dependent on their faith, they begin to doubt their faith if God chooses not to heal them, and rather to take them home (which, as Paul says, is far better). They could reason, “If my faith was not sufficient to bring about my healing, then is my faith sufficient for salvation?”
I think it would be far better to do as Paul did, and that is to pray that God would be glorified in your life, and that the gospel would be proclaimed, whether that be by life, or by death (Philippians 1, etc.).
Here are a couple of texts to consider regarding death:
It is better to go to a house of mourning Than to go to a house of feasting, Because that is the end of every man, And the living takes it to heart. 3 Sorrow is better than laughter, For when a face is sad a heart may be happy. 4 The mind of the wise is in the house of mourning, While the mind of fools is in the house of pleasure. (Eccl. 7:2-4 NAU)
Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives. (Heb. 2:14-15 NAU)
Blessings,
Bob Deffinbaugh
So let’s begin with a word about presuppositions, and how we approach apparent contradictions in the Bible. Then we will turn to the actual texts of Scripture in question.
I come to the Bible with the assumption (firm conviction) that it is the Word of God, and thus apparent contradictions are just that, apparent. With this in mind, I look at the pertinent texts in order to find the solution or explanation for the apparent problem. In other words, I assume the Bible is right, and that my perception or understanding of the text is what is flawed. I look more carefully to see what I’ve missed.
With this assumption in mind, let’s take a look at the actual texts of Scripture:
Then Samuel said to Saul, “I was the one the LORD sent to anoint you as king over his people Israel. Now listen to what the LORD says. 2 Here is what the LORD of hosts says: ‘I carefully observed how the Amalekites opposed Israel along the way when Israel came up from Egypt. 3 So go now and strike down the Amalekites. Destroy everything that they have. Don’t spare them. Put them to death– man, woman, child, infant, ox, sheep, camel, and donkey alike.’” So Saul assembled the army and mustered them at Telaim. There were 200,000 foot soldiers and 10,000 men of Judah. 5 Saul proceeded to the city of Amalek, where he set an ambush in the wadi. 6 Saul said to the Kenites, “Go on and leave! Go down from among the Amalekites! Otherwise I will sweep you away with them! After all, you were kind to all the Israelites when they came up from Egypt.” So the Kenites withdrew from among the Amalekites. 7 Then Saul struck down the Amalekites all the way from Havilah to Shur, which is next to Egypt (1 Samuel 15:1-7, NET).
David said to Achish, “If I have found favor with you, let me be given a place in one of the country towns so that I can live there. Why should your servant settle in the royal city with you?” 6 So Achish gave him Ziklag on that day. (For that reason Ziklag has belonged to the kings of Judah until this very day.) 7 The length of time that David lived in the Philistine countryside was a year and four months. 8 Then David and his men went up and raided the Geshurites, the Girzites, and the Amalekites. (They had been living in that land for a long time, from the approach to Shur as far as the land of Egypt.) 9 When David would attack a district, he would leave neither man nor woman alive. He would take sheep, cattle, donkeys, camels, and clothing and would then go back to Achish. 10 When Achish would ask, “Where did you raid today?” David would say, “The Negev of Judah” or “The Negev of Jeharmeel” or “The Negev of the Kenites.” 11 Neither man nor woman would David leave alive so as to bring them back to Gath. He was thinking, “This way they can’t tell on us, saying, ‘This is what David did.’” Such was his practice the entire time that he lived in the country of the Philistines. 12 So Achish trusted David, thinking to himself, “He is really hated among his own people in Israel! From now on he will be my servant” (1 Samuel 27:5-12).
First, note the size of the two battles. Saul’s battle involved 210,000 men of war (1 Samuel 15:4). His attack was against the “city of Amalek” (1 Samuel 15:5). We should keep in mind that Saul was not zealous to precisely fulfil the command of the Lord, and thus he left alive the finest animals (1 Samuel 15:9). Saul seems to have killed all the Amalekites he encountered in that city, but he was not zealous to fully carry out his mission. His focus was on the one city, where obviously a large number of Amalekites lived, but there is no indication that he sought to seek out and kill the Amalekites who lived elsewhere. (How could you completely kill of an entire population of Amalekites? There would always be a scattering of them in a number of places. So, when it says Saul “killed all the people” I believe it means that Saul killed all the Amalekites who were dwelling in “the city of Amalek,” but a number of others would be living in various location in the land.
David, on the other hand, is not living in or near Shur, but in Philistine territory, in the city of Ziklag. A number of Amalekites were living nearby. Apparently they had migrated there from Shur (1 Samuel 15:8). There were other peoples nearby as well – the Geshurites and the Girzites. Saul would not have gotten to these people, especially in Philistine territory, and so they survived. David killed all of these peoples in the places he raided.
Also, note the size of David’s army – 600 men (1 Samuel 27:2; 30:9). Obviously David’s army was a much smaller one, and the number of Amalekites killed were much fewer as well (only 400 escaped – 1 Samuel 30:17).
So in 1 Samuel 15 Saul waged a major campaign against the Amalekites, but in just that one city of the Amalekites. I take it he killed all of them, except Agag, their king (1 Samuel 15:9). Thus “all of them” does not mean “every Amalekite who was alive at that time,” but rather “every Amalekite in that city that was defeated by Saul.” So also in 1 Samuel 27, for those living in places David raided.
So the “all” who were killed by Saul was all of those in the “city of the Amalekites.” But it was not “all Amalekites.” Some of those Amalekites who remained alive were killed by David, who killed all that he encountered.
Thus, there is no contradiction.
Hope this helps,
Bob Deffinbaugh
Dear ******,
I think you and I are essentially on the same page.
With regard to your first question, the Scriptures (e.g. Leviticus 25) do not specifically address the matter of a Jewish slave/hired man and tithing. But if you stop and think about it, the goal is for him to pay off his master. I don’t think he has any personal assets of his own, which would be the basis for his tithing. His land will be returned to him on the year of Jubilee. Interestingly, if he borrows money from a fellow-Jew he cannot be charged interest (25:37). I would thus assume that one who has no assets would not be subject to the tithe.
In our world today, I would have to regretfully take note of the prosperity preachers, who seem to prey on the poor, promising them wealth if they “send in their check.” The gullible get even more deeply in debt because they think that giving (when they don’t have the money to spare) will pay them back all that they gave and more. If these prosperity preachers were correct, such giving would make sense, but sadly they only make the poor poorer.
I think we would do well to recall that God distinguished between those with means from those with limited means when it came to sacrifices:
6 “‘When the days of her purification are completed for a son or for a daughter, she must bring a one year old lamb for a burnt offering and a young pigeon or turtledove for a sin offering to the entrance of the Meeting Tent, to the priest. 7 The priest is to present it before the LORD and make atonement on her behalf, and she will be clean from her flow of blood. This is the law of the one who bears a child, for the male or the female child. 8 If she cannot afford a sheep, then she must take two turtledoves or two young pigeons, one for a burnt offering and one for a sin offering, and the priest is to make atonement on her behalf, and she will be clean’” (Leviticus 12:6-8).
In the New Testament, Paul makes it clear that even when one has purposed to give, he or she is not obligated to give what they do not have:
10 So here is my opinion on this matter: It is to your advantage, since you made a good start last year both in your giving and your desire to give, 11 to finish what you started, so that just as you wanted to do it eagerly, you can also complete it according to your means. 12 For if the eagerness is present, the gift itself is acceptable according to whatever one has, not according to what he does not have. 13 For I do not say this so there would be relief for others and suffering for you, but as a matter of equality. 14 At the present time, your abundance will meet their need, so that one day their abundance may also meet your need, and thus there may be equality, 15 as it is written: “The one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little” (2 Corinthians 8:10-15, NET).
I am not in favor of credit card giving. In addition, I fear that many Christians don’t look for opportunities to give because they are so deeply in debt. Once out of debt, a savings account for meeting needs will certainly prepare a person to give, and it will make him or her much more attentive to needs the needs of others.
It seems to me that Paul’s ideal is for saints to save up in order to have the means to give.
1 With regard to the collection for the saints, please follow the directions that I gave to the churches of Galatia: 2 On the first day of the week, each of you should set aside some income and save it to the extent that God has blessed you, so that a collection will not have to be made when I come. 3 Then, when I arrive, I will send those whom you approve with letters of explanation to carry your gift to Jerusalem (1 Corinthians 16:1-3).
I also take note of Paul’s words here:
20 We did this as a precaution so that no one should blame us in regard to this generous gift we are administering. 21 For we are concerned about what is right not only before the Lord but also before men (2 Corinthians 8:20-21).
I realize that here Paul is speaking in reference to the way collected monies will be delivered and distributed. Nevertheless, I believe the principle stated has a broader application. I believe that unbelieving men would hardly approve of debtors failing to meet their commitments, so that they can give to the Lord. The One who “owns the cattle on a thousand hills” is not running in the red, and thus desperately in need of our gifts.
I would add one last thing as an aside, based upon my early days as a seminary student. It was my experience that those with lesser means were more alert regarding the needs of others than were those who possessed greater assets. (There were a few exceptions, but very few.) As an elder in a generous church (regarding the needs of others) for many years, I have also observed that some of those who were generously ministered to later became generous givers for the needs of others.
I hope this helps,
Bob Deffinbaugh
Dear *****,
I know there are those who teach annihilation, and I think that it is a more “tolerable” view of hell than eternal torment. I am thinking of those in Revelation who want to die, thinking it will keep them from facing a holy God:
15 Then the kings of the earth and the great men and the commanders and the rich and the strong and every slave and free man hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains; 16 and they said to the mountains and to the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the presence of Him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb; 17 for the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to stand?” Revelation 6:15-17 (NASB)
However the wicked are not granted this escape from eternal torment:
9 Then another angel, a third one, followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, 10 he also will drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is mixed in full strength in the cup of His anger; and he will be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. 11 “And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever; they have no rest day and night, those who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.” Revelation 14:9-11 (NASB)
There is a sense in which the ungodly will be separated / alienated from the presence of God:
6 For after all it is only just for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you, 7 and to give relief to you who are afflicted and to us as well when the Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire, 8 dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9 These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, 10 when He comes to be glorified in His saints on that day, and to be marveled at among all who have believed—for our testimony to you was believed. 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10 (NASB)
The wicked are described as being on the outside, so to speak, looking on at the blessings of the saved, while they suffer the eternal torment of those who have rejected Christ and the salvation He purchased at Calvary:
14 Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter by the gates into the city. 15 Outside are the dogs and the sorcerers and the immoral persons and the murderers and the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices lying. Revelation 22:14-15 (NASB)
The Bible speaks of the fire of judgment as the “eternal fire” (Matthew 18:8; 25:41; see also Jude 1:7). In Matthew 25:26 “eternal life” is contrasted with “eternal punishment.” Both are eternal, ongoing. The same could be said for “eternal judgment” in Hebrews 6:2.
Annihilation is a teaching that is easier to believe, but it does not square with Scripture, nor with the seriousness of sin and its consequences.
Blessings,
Bob Deffinbaugh
Dear Friend,
I think we need to begin by considering the ultimate standard and example for husband/wife relationships:
21 and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ. 22 Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body. 24 But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything. 25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, 26 so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless. 28 So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself; 29 for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church, 30 because we are members of His body. 31 FOR THIS REASON A MAN SHALL LEAVE HIS FATHER AND MOTHER AND SHALL BE JOINED TO HIS WIFE, AND THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH. 32 This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless, each individual among you also is to love his own wife even as himself, and the wife must see to it that she respects her husband (Ephesians 5:21-33, NASB).
With this perspective, I can now look back at the relationship between a godly husband and a godly wife in Proverbs 31:10-31. This woman is given a great deal of freedom to function in many ways. Her husband trust in her, publicly blesses her and affirms her value, and
Finally, I believe that the best model for a leader is that of a shepherd. Over and over again leaders are called shepherds. And of course, Jesus was the “Good Shepherd.” This is the kind of leadership a husband should have in his marriage, or an elder in the church, or a king over his people.
Don’t let those who would ignore or distort the teaching of God’s Word keep you from seeing the beauty of godly leadership. Does this ignore or set aside the teaching about wives submitting to their husbands? It does not, but it always holds up the ideal, that of our Lord Jesus as the leader of the church.
Bob Deffinbaugh
Dear Friend,
You are absolutely right to conclude that I am critical regarding Jacob’s spiritual life, for almost all of his life. Virtually everything he does seems to be done out of self-interest. And when he seeks to gain, it is at the expense of others. By the way, the account of Jacob’s birth (Genesis 25:19-26) foreshadows what his life will be like. If you look at other lessons I have done in Genesis you will find more indications of his lack of spiritual vitality. For example, take note of my words regarding “Jacob’s Seven Laws of Leadership” as contained in this article:
https://bible.org/seriespage/8-joseph-genesis-371-5026
While few have objected to my assessment of Jacob’s lack of spirituality, I have received a considerable amount of push-back regarding my appraisal of both Jonah, and of Esther.[1] But the simple fact is that whether we are reading in the Old Testament or the New, all men are sinners, unworthy of the grace which God bestows on them. It is not man’s goodness, but God’s sovereign grace which prompts His salvation and blessing of men and women. How else could a New Testament apostle call Lot “righteous Lot” (2 Peter 2:7-8)?
The Bible is absolutely consistent in its declaration that men, all mankind, is desperately sinful, and worthy only of divine judgment:
9 What then? Are we better than they? Not at all; for we have already charged that both Jews and Greeks are all under sin; 10 as it is written, “THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE; 11 THERE IS NONE WHO UNDERSTANDS, THERE IS NONE WHO SEEKS FOR GOD; 12 ALL HAVE TURNED ASIDE, TOGETHER THEY HAVE BECOME USELESS; THERE IS NONE WHO DOES GOOD, THERE IS NOT EVEN ONE.” 13 “THEIR THROAT IS AN OPEN GRAVE, WITH THEIR TONGUES THEY KEEP DECEIVING,” “THE POISON OF ASPS IS UNDER THEIR LIPS”; 14 “WHOSE MOUTH IS FULL OF CURSING AND BITTERNESS”; 15 “THEIR FEET ARE SWIFT TO SHED BLOOD, 16 DESTRUCTION AND MISERY ARE IN THEIR PATHS, 17 AND THE PATH OF PEACE THEY HAVE NOT KNOWN.” 18 “THERE IS NO FEAR OF GOD BEFORE THEIR EYES” (Romans 3:9-18, NAU).
The greatness of God’s mercy and grace is evident by the fact that He chooses some of the worst, most unworthy, most unlikely people to become His children. In this way men can only boast in God, and not in themselves:
26 For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; 27 but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, 28 and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, 29 so that no man may boast before God. 30 But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, 31 so that, just as it is written, “LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD” (1 Corinthians 1:26-31).
12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service, 13 even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. Yet I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief; 14 and the grace of our Lord was more than abundant, with the faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus. 15 It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all. 16 Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life (1 Timothy 1:12-16).
Just look at some of those who (to our surprise) are included in the “hall of faith” in Hebrews:
30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days. 31 By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish along with those who were disobedient, after she had welcomed the spies in peace. 32 And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, 33 who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight (Hebrews 11:30-34).
Old Testament saints were not all that “saintly” when you look carefully at their lives. And even after they were called by God, their “sanctification” process in life was ongoing, and never complete, as Jacob himself confessed:
7 Then Joseph brought his father Jacob and presented him to Pharaoh; and Jacob blessed Pharaoh. 8 Pharaoh said to Jacob, “How many years have you lived?” 9 So Jacob said to Pharaoh, “The years of my sojourning are one hundred and thirty; few and unpleasant have been the years of my life, nor have they attained the years that my fathers lived during the days of their sojourning.” 10 And Jacob blessed Pharaoh, and went out from his presence (Genesis 47:7-10).
Both Abraham (Genesis 12:10-13; 20:1-18) and Isaac (Genesis 26:6-11) lied about their wives, claiming they were their sisters, putting their wives at risk in order to protect themselves. Isaac sought to give his blessing to Esau, rather than to Jacob (Genesis 27). Jacob employed all kinds of clever schemes in order to take advantage of Laban (see Genesis 30:31-43). David took a man’s life, and his wife (2 Samuel 11). He also foolishly numbered Israel (2 Samuel 24; 1 Chronicles 21). Solomon, in his last days, married many foreign wives (1 Kings 11). Elijah tried to resign his position (1 Kings 19). Great leaders of Israel, like Eli, Samuel, David, and Solomon, did not do well as parents.
I think we can agree with James that the Old Testament saints were very much like us. Elijah, for example, was described by James as “a man of like passions” (James 5:17). And this should actually give us hope:
For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope (Romans 15:4).
How do we gain hope through perseverance and encouragement from the Old Testament Scriptures? Through the realization that God did not necessarily pick “the winners,” but men and women like us, who were flawed and prone to failure. The end result is that God gets the glory, and we gain hope by realizing that God chooses to save and to use “losers” like us.
6 But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For they are not all Israel who are descended from Israel; 7 nor are they all children because they are Abraham’s descendants, but: “THROUGH ISAAC YOUR DESCENDANTS WILL BE NAMED.” 8 That is, it is not the children of the flesh who are children of God, but the children of the promise are regarded as descendants. 9 For this is the word of promise: “AT THIS TIME I WILL COME, AND SARAH SHALL HAVE A SON.” 10 And not only this, but there was Rebekah also, when she had conceived twins by one man, our father Isaac; 11 for though the twins were not yet born and had not done anything good or bad, so that God’s purpose according to His choice would stand, not because of works but because of Him who calls, 12 it was said to her, “THE OLDER WILL SERVE THE YOUNGER.” 13 Just as it is written, “JACOB I LOVED, BUT ESAU I HATED.” 14 What shall we say then? There is no injustice with God, is there? May it never be! 15 For He says to Moses, “I WILL HAVE MERCY ON WHOM I HAVE MERCY, AND I WILL HAVE COMPASSION ON WHOM I HAVE COMPASSION.” 16 So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy. 17 For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “FOR THIS VERY PURPOSE I RAISED YOU UP, TO DEMONSTRATE MY POWER IN YOU, AND THAT MY NAME MIGHT BE PROCLAIMED THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE EARTH.” 18 So then He has mercy on whom He desires, and He hardens whom He desires (Romans 9:6-18).
In His choice of disciples (who would become apostles) the men Jesus chose were not those who were deemed “most likely to succeed.” Praise God He manifests His grace and power by using flawed people like the saints of old, and like us.
[1] I must admit that as time has passed my indictment of Esther has softened, and my indictment of Mordecai has intensified.
Dear Friend,
The first thing I must ask is whether you have ever placed your trust in Jesus Christ for salvation? I don’t mean just believing that there is a God, or even that Jesus is God. Do you believe in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which I will attempt to summarize below:
You are a sinner, rightly deserving God’s eternal punishment:
23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, Romans 3:23
23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23
There is no way that you can overcome sin and become righteous in God’s sight by your own efforts:
6 For all of us have become like one who is unclean,
And all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment;
And all of us wither like a leaf,
And our iniquities, like the wind, take us away. Isaiah 64:6
1 And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, 2 in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. 3 Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:1-9
4 But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, 5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. Titus 3:4-7
Jesus Christ came to the earth and lived a sinless life so that He could become God’s only provision for man’s salvation. Jesus did not need to die for any sin He had done, and thus He could die in our place, bearing the penalty for our sins and giving us His righteousness so that we might have fellowship with God:
46 “Which one of you convicts Me of sin? If I speak truth, why do you not believe Me? John 8:46
29 The next day he [John the Baptist] saw Jesus coming to him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! John 1:29
21 He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Corinthians 5:21
12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, John 1:12
16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16
19 Now we know that whatever the Law says, it speaks to those who are under the Law, so that every mouth may be closed and all the world may become accountable to God; 20 because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin. 21 But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22 even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction; 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; 25 whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed; 26 for the demonstration, I say, of His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. 27 Where then is boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? Of works? No, but by a law of faith. 28 For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law. 29 Or is God the God of Jews only? Is He not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, 30 since indeed God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith is one. 31 Do we then nullify the Law through faith? May it never be! On the contrary, we establish the Law. Romans 3:19-31
10 The one who believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself; the one who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has given concerning His Son. 11 And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 12 He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life. 13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life. 1 John 5:10-13
9 . . . if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; 10 for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, “WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.” Romans 10:9-11
If you have not yet trusted in Jesus Christ for your forgiveness of sins and eternal salvation, then Jesus says His Spirit will convict (convince) you of this, prompting you to trust in Jesus and be saved:
7 “But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. 8 “And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment; 9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in Me; 10 and concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father and you no longer see Me; 11 and concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged. John 16:7-11
I would ask you to give serious thought to whether or not you have trusted in Jesus Christ. If so, then move on to what I write below.
Assuming that you have come to trust in Jesus Christ for your salvation, I would ask you to consider these questions?
What does Jesus say about how secure the Christian is? Does He ever suggest that some failure or sin on your part will result in you losing your salvation?
27 “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; 28 and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. 29 “My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. 30 “I and the Father are one.” John 10:27-30
31 “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; 32 but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” Luke 22:31-32
What does Paul say about our security as Christians?
6 For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6
31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? 32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? 33 Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies; 34 who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. 35 Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 Just as it is written, “FOR YOUR SAKE WE ARE BEING PUT TO DEATH ALL DAY LONG; WE WERE CONSIDERED AS SHEEP TO BE SLAUGHTERED.” 37 But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:31-39
Do you believe that Satan wants you to be confident about being saved forever, or that he desires to create doubt in your mind that keeps you constantly agonizing about your being good enough to stay saved?
44 “You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies. John 8:44
9 And the great dragon was thrown down, the serpent of old who is called the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. 10 Then I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren has been thrown down, he who accuses them before our God day and night. 11 “And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death. Revelation 12:9-11
On the basis of these passages, where do you think your fears come from . . . Jesus, or the Devil? You need to be spending more time in God’s Word, and reflecting on His character (love, faithfulness, grace). I would start with Psalm 91:
1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress,
My God, in whom I trust!”
3 For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper
And from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with His pinions,
And under His wings you may seek refuge;
His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.
5 You will not be afraid of the terror by night,
Or of the arrow that flies by day;
6 Of the pestilence that stalks in darkness,
Or of the destruction that lays waste at noon.
7 A thousand may fall at your side
And ten thousand at your right hand,
But it shall not approach you.
8 You will only look on with your eyes
And see the recompense of the wicked. Psalm 91:1-8
Salvation comes when we know we are sinners, unworthy of God’s presence, and when we put our complete trust in what Jesus has done (died, buried, raised from the dead, ascended into heaven) to save us.
Sanctification (growing to maturity in Christ) comes when we acknowledge our inability to live up to God’s standards for us as Christians (Romans 7), and when we rely, again, on the work Jesus has done, not only to save us, but to make us holy:
1 Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. 3 For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, 4 so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. . . . 9 However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him. 10 If Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. 12 So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh— Romans 8:1-4, 9-12
Blessings in Christ,
Bob Deffinbaugh
Deuteronomy 13:1-5 leaves me puzzled. If a man not from God can perform miracles, how do we know which miracles are from God? How do we know Jesus’ s miracles are from God? What’s the difference?
23 Just then there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, 24 saying, “What business do we have with each other, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!” 25 And Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be quiet, and come out of him!" 26 Throwing him into convulsions, the unclean spirit cried out with a loud voice and came out of him. 27 They were all amazed, so that they debated among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him.” 28 Immediately the news about Him spread everywhere into all the surrounding district of Galilee (Mark 1:23-28; see Luke 4:30-37).
11 This beginning of His signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory, and His disciples believed in Him (John 2:11).
23 Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in His name, observing His signs which He was doing (John 2:23).
22 “Men of Israel, listen to these words: Jesus the Nazarene, a man attested to you by God with miracles and wonders and signs which God performed through Him in your midst, just as you yourselves know— (Acts 2:22).
12 At the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were taking place among the people; and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s portico (Acts 5:12).
2 For if the word spoken through angels proved unalterable, and every transgression and disobedience received a just penalty, 3 how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? After it was at the first spoken through the Lord, it was confirmed to us by those who heard, 4 God also testifying with them, both by signs and wonders and by various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit according to His own will (Hebrews 2:2-4).
30 “I can do nothing on My own initiative. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. 31 “If I alone testify about Myself, My testimony is not true. 32 “There is another who testifies of Me, and I know that the testimony which He gives about Me is true (John 5:30-32).
28 So Jesus said, "When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and I do nothing on My own initiative, but I speak these things as the Father taught Me” (John 8:28).
49 "For I did not speak on My own initiative, but the Father Himself who sent Me has given Me a commandment as to what to say and what to speak. 50 "I know that His commandment is eternal life; therefore the things I speak, I speak just as the Father has told Me" (John 12:49-50).
45 "But because I speak the truth, you do not believe Me. 46 "Which one of you convicts Me of sin? If I speak truth, why do you not believe Me? John 8:45-46
7 “But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. 8 “And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment; 9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in Me; 10 and concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father and you no longer see Me; 11 and concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged” (John 16:7-11).
21 From that time Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised up on the third day (Matthew 16:21).
31 “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; 32 but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” 33 But he said to Him, “Lord, with You I am ready to go both to prison and to death!” 34 And He said, “I say to you, Peter, the rooster will not crow today until you have denied three times that you know Me” (Luke 22:31-34).
14 "If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 "For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you. 16 "Truly, truly, I say to you, a slave is not greater than his master, nor is one who is sent greater than the one who sent him. 17 "If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them. 18 "I do not speak of all of you. I know the ones I have chosen; but it is that the Scripture may be fulfilled, 'HE WHO EATS MY BREAD HAS LIFTED UP HIS HEEL AGAINST ME.' 19 "From now on I am telling you before it comes to pass, so that when it does occur, you may believe that I am He” (John 13:14-19).
First of all, we are warned about false prophets who will deceive many through their deceitful words and through spectacular deeds:
24 "For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect (Matthew 24:24).
13 And I saw coming out of the mouth of the dragon and out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet, three unclean spirits like frogs; 14 for they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the whole world, to gather them together for the war of the great day of God, the Almighty (Revelation 16:13-14).
8 Then that lawless one will be revealed whom the Lord will slay with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming; 9 that is, the one whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders, 10 and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved (2 Thessalonians 2:8-10).
21 "You may say in your heart, ‘How will we know the word which the LORD has not spoken?’ 22 "When a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the thing does not come about or come true, that is the thing which the LORD has not spoken. The prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him (Deuteronomy 18:21-22).
But false prophets may produce signs and wonders which appear to be miraculous. In this case there must be other means by which they are discerned to be false prophets, and not to be believed or followed:
10 "There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, one who uses divination, one who practices witchcraft, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, 11 or one who casts a spell, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. 12 "For whoever does these things is detestable to the LORD; and because of these detestable things the LORD your God will drive them out before you. 13 "You shall be blameless before the LORD your God (Deuteronomy 18:10-13).
15 “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 “You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they? 17 “So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit” (Matthew 7:15-17; see also 2 Peter 2).
3 Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus is accursed”; and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:3).
1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God; 3 and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God; this is the spirit of the antichrist, of which you have heard that it is coming, and now it is already in the world (1 John 4:1-3).
1 “If a prophet or a dreamer of dreams arises among you and gives you a sign or a wonder, 2 and the sign or the wonder comes true, concerning which he spoke to you, saying, ‘Let us go after other gods (whom you have not known) and let us serve them,’ 3 you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams; for the LORD your God is testing you to find out if you love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. 4 “You shall follow the LORD your God and fear Him; and you shall keep His commandments, listen to His voice, serve Him, and cling to Him” (Deuteronomy 13:1-4).
9 then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment, 10 and especially those who indulge the flesh in its corrupt desires and despise authority. Daring, self-willed, they do not tremble when they revile angelic majesties (2 Peter 2:9-10).
14 having eyes full of adultery that never cease from sin, enticing unstable souls, having a heart trained in greed, accursed children; 15 forsaking the right way, they have gone astray, having followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness (2 Peter 2:14-15).
18 For speaking out arrogant words of vanity they entice by fleshly desires, by sensuality, those who barely escape from the ones who live in error, 19 promising them freedom while they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by what a man is overcome, by this he is enslaved (2 Peter 2:18-19).
Hi there,
I’ve just read your article on Romans 8:18-27 in preparation for an upcoming Sunday school lesson. Great article and thank you. However, I really disagree with your point dismissing tongues, so much so that I’ve felt compelled to contact you to say so. “Groanings which cannot be uttered” is absolutely what speaking in tongues provides. It is an undefiled language, I cannot curse in it, or take the Lord’s name. It comes from him and I express myself to him in tongues. I don’t know what I am saying when I speak in tongues. I’ve certainly never had a translation. “Groanings which cannot be uttered” is absolutely what is going on when I speak in tongues, I am unburdened, uplifted, ministered to in a Spiritual way that I could never achieve speaking English. I’ve heard rare accounts of people understanding speaking in tongues, but for the most part no one ever knows what they are saying in their own language or it wouldn’t be speaking in tongues, it would be speaking their own language! It is a pure prayer language to God. To deny yourself of this is denying yourself access to the power of God. Remember that on the day of Pentecost 3,000 received and spoke in tongues. These letters that were written were written to churches where everyone spoke in tongues.
God Bless
*****
Dear *****,
Let’s begin by being clear regarding what I did not say. I am not a cessationist, that is a person who believes that tongues cannot occur today. Neither do I accept every claim that someone is experiencing or witnessing tongues speaking. (Even the cults have their own kind of tongues experience, which is not genuine tongues.)
Here is where I disagree with what you are saying. You say,
“Remember that on the day of Pentecost 3,000 received and spoke in tongues. These letters that were written were written to churches where everyone spoke in tongues.”
Actually, that is not what we are told in acts chapters one and two:
15 At this time Peter stood up in the midst of the brethren (a gathering of about one hundred and twenty persons was there together), and said, 16 “Brethren, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit foretold by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus (Acts 1:15-16).
1 When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a noise like a violent rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared to them tongues as of fire distributing themselves, and they rested on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance. 5 Now there were Jews living in Jerusalem, devout men from every nation under heaven. 6 And when this sound occurred, the crowd came together, and were bewildered because each one of them was hearing them speak in his own language. 7 They were amazed and astonished, saying, “Why, are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 “And how is it that we each hear them in our own language to which we were born? (Acts 2:1-8)
37 Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brethren, what shall we do?” 38 Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 “For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself.” 40 And with many other words he solemnly testified and kept on exhorting them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation!” 41 So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls. 42 They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. 44 And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; 45 and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. 46 Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved (Acts 2:37-47).
It seems clear to me that all 120 of those gathered did speak in tongues, and that while it was a language unknown to the speaker, it was a language known to some in the much larger audience of those who gathered to witness this event. Of these, 3,000 came to faith. They were promised to receive the Spirit, and that might have resulted in tongues, but if that were so (something we are not actually told) then we would expect the “tongues” the 3,000 spoke to be like those tongues spoken by the 120 (or at least that we would have some indication that they were different).
Here’s my problem. You write that Paul’s letters were written to churches where everyone spoke in tongues. That is simply not so. Listen to what Paul says about spiritual gifts:
27 Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it. 28 And God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, various kinds of tongues. 29 All are not apostles, are they? All are not prophets, are they? All are not teachers, are they? All are not workers of miracles, are they? 30 All do not have gifts of healings, do they? All do not speak with tongues, do they? All do not interpret, do they? 31 But earnestly desire the greater gifts. And I show you a still more excellent way. (1 Corinthians 12:27-31).
Paul clearly says that all do not speak in tongues, just as not everyone has the gift of healing, or the gift of teaching.
It is also interesting to note that while the gift of tongues was the most highly valued gift among the Corinthians, and thus sought by many, Paul makes it clear that tongues is not the ultimate gift. Strangely, the Corinthians looked down on prophecy, in favor of tongues. Everyone does not speak in tongues, and tongues is not the greatest gift.
While you admit that you have not witnessed tongues being interpreted, Paul places a very strong emphasis on the importance of interpretation, to the extent that if a known interpreter is not present when the church gathers, un-interpreted tongues is not to occur (other than quietly within the speaker, who speaks to himself and to God – 1 Corinthians 14:28). Paul is very clear in 1 Corinthians 14 that if tongues are not able to be interpreted, they should not be publicly exercised in the church meeting (1 Corinthians 14:1-25). Paul also says that he would rather speak five words that he understood than 10,000 utterances that he did not understand. If tongues are to edify, they need to be interpreted.
You say this as well:
“It is an undefiled language, I cannot curse in it, or take the Lord’s name. It comes from him and I express myself to him in tongues. I don’t know what I am saying when I speak in tongues. I’ve certainly never had a translation.”
Paul warns the Corinthians in this way:
1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware. 2 You know that when you were pagans, you were led astray to the mute idols, however you were led. 3 Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus is accursed”; and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:1-3).
Paul reminds the Corinthians that are other “spirits” at work in the world, and that they were formerly “spirit led” as pagans, but it was not the leading of the Holy Spirit. Then he gives a way of testing the spirits. When under the control of the Holy Spirit, one cannot say, “Jesus is accursed.” One can only say (when under the Holy Spirit’s control) “Jesus is Lord.” But you are seeking to defend a tongues experience that happens when you don’t know the words that are being spoken. How can you test the spirit without hearing actual words you understand?
I am not saying that the Spirit cannot convey our inward groanings to God. I am saying that since the gift of tongues is not a gift all can possess, then by your explanation, in Romans 8:17ff. not every Christian’s groanings will be conveyed to God because not every Christian can or does speak in tongues.
In all this, I am not seeking to disprove that someone can speak in tongues, but rather to caution you to understand and explain tongues, not so much in terms of your experience, but in terms that are clearly set forth in the Scriptures.
With all of his cautions and warnings, Paul tells us not to forbid speaking in tongues (1 Corinthians 14:39), but to practice them in a way that is consistent with Scripture, and which edifies others.
Blessings,
Bob
What does it mean to be omnipresent?
What does it mean to be separated from God?
Dear *****,
Here are some relevant texts to consider:
Where can I go to escape your spirit? Where can I flee to escape your presence? 8 If I were to ascend to heaven, you would be there. If I were to sprawl out in Sheol, there you would be. (Ps. 139:7-8 NET).
For it is right for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you, 7 and to you who are being afflicted to give rest together with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels. 8 With flaming fire he will mete out punishment on those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9 They will undergo the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his strength, (2 Thess. 1:6-9 NET)
On the next day Jesus wanted to set out for Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” 44 (Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the town of Andrew and Peter.) 45 Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the law, and the prophets also wrote about– Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” 46 Nathanael replied, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip replied, “Come and see.” 47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and exclaimed, “Look, a true Israelite in whom there is no deceit!” 48 Nathanael asked him, “How do you know me?” Jesus replied, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” 49 Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel!” (Jn. 1:43-49 NET)
Certainly the godly will give thanks to your name; the morally upright will live in your presence. (Ps. 140:13 NET)
Then the kings of the earth and the great men and the commanders and the rich and the strong and every slave and free man hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains; 16 and they said to the mountains and to the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the presence of Him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb; (Rev. 6:15-16 NAU)
So, *****, there is no question about the fact that sinners will not spend eternity in the presence of God. The issue is with our understanding of the word “omnipresent,” which is not a word found in the Bible. I would suggest that you consider a definition of “omnipresent” which conforms to what we clearly read in Scripture regarding unbelievers not being in God’s presence. I think a clue may be found in John 1:48-49.
Blessings,
Bob Deffinbaugh
What do you make of the scriptures that Paul wrote of a head covering for women in a worship service…and also the kiss of charity that he referred to; were these just cultural things that were practiced, or commands? I grew up in a very conservative church that taught these things must be obeyed…as well as modesty in dress, especially for women…seems like most churches ignore this...what are your thoughts? Thanks
Dear Friend,
Thanks for your question. It is a good one, and very much an issue of our day.
First of all, I am committed to address biblical issues by using biblical terms. When there is no biblical term (or synonym) I seek to find biblical texts which address the issue, directly or indirectly. But in this case, I believe that when the Bible speaks of “the world,” this term very closely approximates our contemporary term “culture.” Thus, when thinking in terms of the church’s response to the culture in which it exists, I believe texts like these apply:
1 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect (Romans 12:1-2, NAU).
18 “And others are the ones on whom seed was sown among the thorns; these are the ones who have heard the word, 19 but the worries of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful” (Mark 4:18-19).
“If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you” (John 15:18; see also John 17:14).
20 Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe (1 Corinthians 1:20-21).
Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God (1 Corinthians 2:12).
But may it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world (Galatians 6:14).
See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ (Colossians 2:8).
Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world (James 1:27).
For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world by the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and are overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first (2 Peter 2:20).
15 Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. 17 The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever (1 John 2:15-17).
4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world-- our faith. 5 Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? (1 John 5:4-5)
One can also deal with larger texts of Scripture, such as Ephesians 4:17ff. Paul there urges the saints to stop thinking and acting as they once did, but to have their minds renewed, so that the thinking and behavior that characterized them as unbelievers is replaced with that which we are taught in Christ (see also Colossians 3).
So the question is, “When does the Scripture encourage us to be shaped by and conformed to the culture of the unbelieving world in which we live?” Strangely, the very same things which Christians are seeking to set aside as irrelevant to Christians today are those which are greatly disdained and opposed by our culture. If our culture embraced and valued the things which the Scriptures instruct, how much effort would we expect to find in the church to set them aside, as it is now doing?
Several issues come to mind which shape the way we interpret and apply Scripture.
33 Teach me, O LORD, the way of Your statutes,
And I shall observe it to the end.
34 Give me understanding, that I may observe Your law
And keep it with all my heart.
35 Make me walk in the path of Your commandments,
For I delight in it (Psalm 119:33-35).
I have inclined my heart to perform Your statutes
Forever, even to the end. (Psalm 119:112).
“If anyone is willing to do His will, he will know of the teaching, whether it is of God or whether I speak from Myself” (John 7:17).
Are we the one’s who pass judgment on what God says, or does what God say judge us?
12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do (Hebrews 4:12-13).
The words of the LORD are pure words;
As silver tried in a furnace on the earth, refined seven times (Psalm 12:6).
Your word is very pure, Therefore Your servant loves it (Psalm 119:140).
So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth;
It will not return to Me empty,
Without accomplishing what I desire,
And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it (Isaiah 55:11).
“For My hand made all these things,
Thus all these things came into being,” declares the LORD.
“But to this one I will look,
To him who is humble and contrite of spirit, and who trembles at My word” (Isaiah 66:2).
When we arrogantly think we can pass judgment on God’s Word, picking what parts to obey and which parts to set aside, we are placing ourselves over the Word.
In the New Testament we can easily see that legalistic Judaism sought to narrow the scope of God’s Word, so that its obligations and applications were minimal.
16 “Woe to you, blind guides, who say, ‘Whoever swears by the temple, that is nothing; but whoever swears by the gold of the temple is obligated.’ 17 “You fools and blind men! Which is more important, the gold or the temple that sanctified the gold? 18 “And, ‘Whoever swears by the altar, that is nothing, but whoever swears by the offering on it, he is obligated.’ 19 “You blind men, which is more important, the offering, or the altar that sanctifies the offering? 20 “Therefore, whoever swears by the altar, swears both by the altar and by everything on it. 21 “And whoever swears by the temple, swears both by the temple and by Him who dwells within it. 22 “And whoever swears by heaven, swears both by the throne of God and by Him who sits upon it (Matthew 23:16-22).
When we approach God’s Word, we must seek its meaning and application as that which is broadly applicable, rather than narrow and limited in its scope. If this were not the way God intended it, how could the psalmist possibly look at the Old Testament law as something extensive in its implications and applications?
97 O how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day. 98 Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, For they are ever mine. 99 I have more insight than all my teachers, For Your testimonies are my meditation. 100 I understand more than the aged, Because I have observed Your precepts. 101 I have restrained my feet from every evil way, That I may keep Your word. 102 I have not turned aside from Your ordinances, For You Yourself have taught me. 103 How sweet are Your words to my taste! Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth! 104 From Your precepts I get understanding; Therefore I hate every false way. 105 Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path (Psalm 119:97-105).
Judaism and Jesus interpreted the Law of Moses in radically different ways. Judaism (at least legalistic Judaism) approached the Law as a collection of very specific and precise rules and regulations, a collection to which they felt compelled to add. They sought to create a system of laws that would address every conceivable situation. Thus, when the Law taught that one should not muzzle his ox when it was treading the grain (Deuteronomy 25:4), it was thought to apply only to those who owned oxen which they used to tread grain. But for those who saw these specific laws as teaching much more general principles, the law about oxen and grain was meant to teach that “laborer was worthy of his hire.” That is the way Paul handled the Old Testament Scriptures:
9 For it is written in the Law of Moses, “YOU SHALL NOT MUZZLE THE OX WHILE HE IS THRESHING.” God is not concerned about oxen, is He? 10 Or is He speaking altogether for our sake? Yes, for our sake it was written, because the plowman ought to plow in hope, and the thresher to thresh in hope of sharing the crops. 11 If we sowed spiritual things in you, is it too much if we reap material things from you? 12 If others share the right over you, do we not more? Nevertheless, we did not use this right, but we endure all things so that we will cause no hindrance to the gospel of Christ. 13 Do you not know that those who perform sacred services eat the food of the temple, and those who attend regularly to the altar have their share from the altar? 14 So also the Lord directed those who proclaim the gospel to get their living from the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:9-14).
If we interpreted Scripture legalistically, we might suppose that these commands have no relationship to us and to how we live our lives:
“When you build a new house, you shall make a parapet [a safety rail] for your roof, so that you will not bring bloodguilt on your house if anyone falls from it” (Deuteronomy 22:8).
“You shall bring the choice first fruits of your soil into the house of the LORD your God. “You are not to boil a young goat in the milk of its mother” (Exodus 23:19; also 34:26; Deuteronomy 14:21).
When interpreted in terms of the principle underlying the law about parapets, one can see that we are commanded to seek to prevent harm to others by eliminating potential sources of injury or harm to our neighbor. [This is why we put a glass barrier on top of the low upper balcony railing of our church, even though the city building code did not require this. We also installed an elevator for the elderly and infirmed, to prevent falls, and to facilitate access.]
You may wonder why God repeated the command not to boil a kid (a young goat) in its mother’s milk. I believe that these are the kinds of laws that prompted the psalmist to spend much time meditating on God’s law (Psalm 119:97).
Think about it for a moment. The milk of a mother goat is specifically designed to sustain the life of her offspring (this applies to many other animals and their milk as well). Do you see the inconsistency of using that very milk to prepare her offspring for you to eat? So what does that have to do with us, today? A mother’s womb is designed for the purpose of sustaining the life of her unborn child. An abortion uses this as the point of access from which the fetus is torn, in order to kill it. It is like using a life preserver to beat a drowning swimmer to death. These interpretations and applications require meditation, and this is precisely what we find described in Psalm 119.
Coming to New Testament commands, let us think for a moment about the five-fold command to “greet one another with a holy kiss (Romans 16:16; 1 Corinthians 16:20; 2 Corinthians 13:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:26; 1 Peter 5:14). We should begin by noting that this kiss is said to be a holy kiss, rather than a Hollywood kiss. Many churches observe this practice of kissing one another in a wonderful way, as a few do in our church. But our society has so corrupted the act of kissing that it could be abused or misunderstood. In this case, as with all commands, we would do well to consider the principle underlying the command. I believe it is clear that Christians should openly demonstrate their love for one another by means of a godly symbolic act. Could that be a handshake? Perhaps. But it should be an act that communicates godly love, as well as one that is consistent with other Scripture (see 1 Thessalonians 5:22)
We should be aware of the fact that not all “commands” or instructions in the Bible have the same priority (“weight”):
23 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected the weightier provisions of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others” (Matthew 23:22-23).
Some commands such as these may outrank others:
“Thus has the LORD of hosts said, ‘Dispense true justice and practice kindness and compassion each to his brother” (Zechariah 7:9).
He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8)
The commands to submit to those in authority (for example, Romans 13:1-7) do not require us to disobey God, so submission to God outranks submission to men:
27 When they had brought them, they stood them before the Council. The high priest questioned them, 28 saying, “We gave you strict orders not to continue teaching in this name, and yet, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.” 29 But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men (Acts 5:27-29; see also Daniel 3 and 6).
It is rare, but possible, that obedience to one command in the Bible may require apparent “disobedience” to another. This is particularly evident in those instances where Jesus or His disciples were accused of violating the Sabbath. Note the occasions where “violating” the Sabbath was justified:
1 At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath, and His disciples became hungry and began to pick the heads of grain and eat. 2 But when the Pharisees saw this, they said to Him, “Look, Your disciples do what is not lawful to do on a Sabbath.” 3 But He said to them, “Have you not read what David did when he became hungry, he and his companions, 4 how he entered the house of God, and they ate the consecrated bread, which was not lawful for him to eat nor for those with him, but for the priests alone? 5 “Or have you not read in the Law, that on the Sabbath the priests in the temple break the Sabbath and are innocent? 6 “But I say to you that something greater than the temple is here. 7 “But if you had known what this means, ‘I DESIRE COMPASSION, AND NOT A SACRIFICE,’ you would not have condemned the innocent. 8 “For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath” (Matthew 12:1-8).
1 Now it happened that He was passing through some grainfields on a Sabbath; and His disciples were picking the heads of grain, rubbing them in their hands, and eating the grain. 2 But some of the Pharisees said, “Why do you do what is not lawful on the Sabbath?” 3 And Jesus answering them said, “Have you not even read what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him, 4 how he entered the house of God, and took and ate the consecrated bread which is not lawful for any to eat except the priests alone, and gave it to his companions?” 5 And He was saying to them, “The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.” 6 On another Sabbath He entered the synagogue and was teaching; and there was a man there whose right hand was withered. 7 The scribes and the Pharisees were watching Him closely to see if He healed on the Sabbath, so that they might find reason to accuse Him. 8 But He knew what they were thinking, and He said to the man with the withered hand, “Get up and come forward!” And he got up and came forward. 9 And Jesus said to them, “I ask you, is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the Sabbath, to save a life or to destroy it?” 10 After looking around at them all, He said to him, “Stretch out your hand!” And he did so; and his hand was restored. 11 But they themselves were filled with rage, and discussed together what they might do to Jesus. (Lk. 6:1-11 NAU)
11 And there was a woman who for eighteen years had had a sickness caused by a spirit; and she was bent double, and could not straighten up at all. 12 When Jesus saw her, He called her over and said to her, “Woman, you are freed from your sickness.” 13 And He laid His hands on her; and immediately she was made erect again and began glorifying God. 14 But the synagogue official, indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, began saying to the crowd in response, “There are six days in which work should be done; so come during them and get healed, and not on the Sabbath day.” 15 But the Lord answered him and said, “You hypocrites, does not each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or his donkey from the stall and lead him away to water him? 16 “And this woman, a daughter of Abraham as she is, whom Satan has bound for eighteen long years, should she not have been released from this bond on the Sabbath day?” (Luke 13:11-16)
All of this is prompting me to reconsider my own understanding of our Lord’s instruction in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5-7). I used to think that Jesus was saying something like this: “The Old Testament Law taught this, but I’m raising the bar. I am setting an even higher standard than the Law.” I am now inclined to think that Jesus is saying something like this:
“You have always restricted the application of the Law so that you can escape its demands, or satisfy yourself that you are keeping it, and are therefore righteous. When you interpret the Law as God meant it to be, you will see that its application is much broader, and also much more extensive and demanding, so that you can’t escape its requirements or meet its standard of righteousness. For example, you take the Law in its most limited application when you believe that the command “not to kill” only applies to actual murder. But this is not the case. If God forbids murder, then His command goes further, to get to one of the root causes of murder – hate. Since the command not to kill extends to hating, it is sin to hate, for it leads to murder. So, too, with adultery and lust. The Law forbids and condemns lust because it leads to adultery. The Ten Commandments, then, are very broad in their application, so broad that no one should dare to think he meets God’s standard of righteousness.”
The “righteousness” of the scribes and Pharisees was measured in terms of a very narrow obedience to God’s commands. When limited to the absolute letter of the law, the scribes and Pharisees could claim to have obeyed the whole law, and thus they concluded that they were righteous:
18 A ruler questioned Him, saying, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” 19 And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone. 20 “You know the commandments, ‘DO NOT COMMIT ADULTERY, DO NOT MURDER, DO NOT STEAL, DO NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS, HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER.’” 21 And he said, “All these things I have kept from my youth.” 22 When Jesus heard this, He said to him, “One thing you still lack; sell all that you possess and distribute it to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” 23 But when he had heard these things, he became very sad, for he was extremely rich (Luke 18:18-23).
Legalistic Judaism had (and still has) literally hundreds of specific rules and regulations, because they required a specific, literal, command for every situation in life (which we should know is impossible). God summed up the entire Law in Ten Commandments, and then Jesus went on to sum up these Ten Commandments in two commands:
36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” 37 And He said to him, “‘YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.’ 38 “This is the great and foremost commandment. 39 “The second is like it, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’ 40 “On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 22:36-40).
Jesus distilled the essence of the Law down to two commands, something Judaism could never do; they could only expand the law with more and more rules. So, did the rich young ruler really obey the Law, the entire Law, as he claimed? No, not by our Lord’s interpretation of the Law and its application. If the Law boils down to loving God with one’s whole heart, and one’s neighbor as himself, then out of love for God this man would give up his wealth to meet the needs of his poor neighbors. This man’s narrow and restrictive (legalistic) interpretation of the Law gave him the false impression that he was living in full obedience to the law. But when viewed through the broader meaning and application of the Law, this man failed badly. He was not righteous, and he was not willing to embrace what the Law required.
There is yet another way that some seek to narrow the application of Scripture, in order to avoid its requirements, and that is by seeking to view the instruction through a cultural lens. When it comes to those texts which set limits on women—so that they are not permitted to lead men in the church gathering (1 Timothy 2:9-15; 1 Corinthians 14:33-40)—great effort is made by some to restrict or set aside that instruction. They reason that while Paul’s instructions applied to the people to whom he was writing, the circumstances we find ourselves in today are different, and thus the commands do not apply to us. Somehow Paul’s instructions are dealing with a unique (cultural) situation, they claim, so that his instructions do not apply generally.[1]
This simply does not square with the Scriptures. For example, we frequently hear it said that Paul’s instructions regarding the dress and conduct of women set forth in 1 Corinthians applies to women there and then, but not to women now. But listen to Paul’s words, which surely broaden the application of his words, rather than narrow it:
1 Paul, called as an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, 2 To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, with all who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours (1 Corinthians 1:1-2).
16 Therefore I exhort you, be imitators of me. 17 For this reason I have sent to you Timothy, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, and he will remind you of my ways which are in Christ, just as I teach everywhere in every church (1 Corinthians 4:16-17).
Only, as the Lord has assigned to each one, as God has called each, in this manner let him walk. And so I direct in all the churches (1 Corinthians 7:17).
But if one is inclined to be contentious, we have no other practice, nor have the churches of God (1 Corinthians 11:16).
33 for God is not a God of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints. 34 The women are to keep silent in the churches; for they are not permitted to speak, but are to subject themselves, just as the Law also says. 35 If they desire to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is improper for a woman to speak in church. 36 Was it from you that the word of God first went forth? Or has it come to you only? 37 If anyone thinks he is a prophet or spiritual, let him recognize that the things which I write to you are the Lord’s commandment. 38 But if anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized (1 Corinthians 14:33-38).
When this letter is read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and you, for your part read my letter that is coming from Laodicea (Colossians 4:16).
One further note regarding the attempt to set aside Scripture by linking Paul’s instructions (or any other author of Scripture) to the culture of a certain time and place is worth pointing out. Paul does not seek to validate his instructions regarding women in 1 Corinthians 11 or 1 Timothy 2 by appealing to culture. His instructions are based upon the creation (1 Corinthians 11:9) and fall of man (1 Timothy 2:12-15), or the fact that angels are looking on (1 Corinthians 11:4-10).
Indeed, as I read the account of the fall of man in Genesis chapter 3, and then observe the efforts of those who seek to set aside Paul’s instructions which prohibit women from leading men in the church it seems to me that the current uprising of women today against God’s Word is strikingly similar to the rebellion of Eve in the garden. (And, of course, this is precisely Paul’s point in 1 Timothy chapter two.)
God situated Adam and Eve in a beautiful garden, with a vast assortment of desirable edibles. The trees and their fruit were all desirable. Eve was at least partially right to conclude that even the forbidden tree “was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise” (Genesis 3:6; see also 3:22). Satan convinced (deceived) Eve that God could not be good to forbid the two of them to partake of this one tree, since its fruit appeared to be so good. She, like Satan (Isaiah 14:13-14) aspired to be “like God” and she trusted in her judgment, rather than in God Himself, and thus chose to disobey God by partaking of the forbidden fruit. The results were disastrous, and the consequences, in part, are reflected by Paul’s instructions regarding the participation of men and women in the church.
Think about it for a moment. Is it not true that some women resist and reject Paul’s teaching in the same way that Eve rejected God’s “restrictive” command not to partake of the forbidden tree? From our point of view, there was no reason for Adam and Eve to refrain from eating of the forbidden fruit other than the fact that God forbade it (and He did indicate why—if they ate of it they would die). Women are not forbidden from leading the church because they are easily deceived (more so than men), or because they do not have equivalent leadership abilities. They are forbidden for the same reason that God forbade eating certain “unclean” foods – God forbade it. And so the test of our obedience is whether or not we will obey God when it does not make sense to us, when we cannot understand why we are prohibited from that which appears good to us.
What we fail to recognize is the symbolic lesson in all of this, a lesson that God intends angels and people to observe and ponder (see 1 Corinthians 11:10). The submission and silence of women is symbolic of the fall and its consequences, just as baptism and communion symbolize salvation.
Think of what opportunities for witness obedience to Paul’s instructions could provide. A person asks a woman whose head is covered, or who is silent when others speak, “Why do you wear that covering, and why don’t you speak in the gathering of the church? Why are you not an elder, and why don’t you preach? What an opening! She could say something like this: “Well, it is all a reminder of the original sin in the Garden of Eden and its consequences. Because Eve led her husband, God requires that men now lead in the church, and in the marriage. And while my submission is symbolic of the fall and its consequences, God provided for forgiveness, and for fellowship with Him. Because I do not speak or lead, I have more freedom to focus on listening to God, through His Word and through others who proclaim it. The penalty for sin, which began as a result of the fall, has now been taken on by Jesus, who came to the earth, who lived a sinless life, and who died and was raised from the dead, so that trusting in Him my sins could be forgiven and I can have eternal life in fellowship with Him. . .”
My challenge is that we embrace things as God’s Word presents them, and use the position in which God has placed us to proclaim the gospel, to His glory and to the eternal good of mankind.
Blessings,
Bob Deffinbaugh
1 I will not seek to deal with it here, but there are those who would seek to convince us that Paul’s instructions are also his personal opinion, and not God’s command. This flies in the face of Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 14:33-38. We should also observe from 1 Corinthians chapter 7 that Paul is careful to distinguish God’s instruction through him (1 Corinthians 7:10) and his opinions or personal convictions (1 Corinthians 7:6).
First, let us agree that it is possible for anyone, including a close relative, to be a fool (Proverbs 10:1; 15:5, 20; 17:25; 19:13). Indeed, all of us are guilty of foolishness at times. It is possible for a king to act foolishly (1 Samuel 13:13; 26:21; 2 Samuel 24:10). No doubt this is why Solomon prayed for wisdom (2 Chronicles 1:7-12).
That said, it is also possible for one to wrongly judge another person to be foolish, which can have serious consequences (2 Samuel 6:20; Matthew 5:22).
To my knowledge 1 Samuel 25 is the best biblical example of the way wisdom deals with foolishness on the part of a close relative, or of one who deserves honor, such as a king (Romans 13:7; 1 Thessalonians 4:4; Romans 12:10; 1 Peter 2:17).
We should note that there are actually two men who are acting foolishly in this text in 1 Samuel 25 – Nabal, the fool (1 Samuel 25:17, 25) and David. David was hot-headed and about to act foolishly by setting out to kill all the men of Nabal’s household. Abigail is a godly woman, who dealt wisely with regard to her husband, and with regard to her king.
Had Abigail failed to act contrary to her husband’s intentions Nabal would have been put to death, along with all the males in his household. Instead, Abigail subordinated her personal interests by putting herself in harm’s way, and offering to suffer David’s wrath toward Nabal (1 Samuel 25:23-24). Her actions covered for her husband’s folly and as a result spared his life and the lives of others.
David, too, was inclined to act foolishly by dealing harshly with not only Nabal, but also with his entire male household (who obviously did not share Nabal’s folly – see 1 Samuel 25:14-17). Unlike Nabal, Abigail embraced the fact that God had appointed David to be Israel’s king (see 1 Samuel 25:1-11, 30-31). She reasoned with David that such folly as killing Nabal’s household would cast a shadow over David’s reign as Israel’s king. Unlike Nabal, David listened to reason.
The point is that Abigail honored her husband by putting herself in harm’s way to spare her husband’s life. She honored David by appealing him to act in a wise and kingly way, for this was who he was destined to be.
I think the take-away here is that we may honor others in different ways, depending upon their character. Is this not consistent with what we read in Proverbs?
4 Do not answer a fool according to his folly,
lest you yourself also be like him.
5 Answer a fool according to his folly,
lest he be wise in his own estimation (Proverbs 26:4-5, NET).
Think of it this way. Abigail did not answer Nabal, the fool, according to his folly. To try to reason with him would have been futile, and indeed, counter-productive. She did not let his folly keep her from sparing his life, and the lives of the men in her household.
But in the case of David, she did answer him according to his folly – in a way that exposed the folly of his intended actions, and she reasoned with him in a way that led to a dramatic change of course for him.
So, in the final analysis, wisdom is necessary in order to determine which course of action to take when “honoring” a person who is acting foolishly. (And God has promised to give us wisdom – James 1:5.) In the end, one must discern how to respond to someone acting foolishly by discerning their character, and acting accordingly. David was about to act foolishly, but he was no fool, and thus he responded to reason. Nabal was a fool, and would not have responded to reason, and so Abigail acted wisely by putting herself at risk, and doing what would save Nabal’s life, as well as the lives of his male servants.
I hope this helps,
Bob Deffinbaugh
Great question! When there are more interpretations than one, someone has to be wrong. That someone could be me, just as it could be one who holds a different view. A respected teacher (and seminary professor) in my younger days used to say something like this:
What the Bible says is always true.
What I think it says is not always true.
What I say it says is not absolute truth.
I would add one further statement:
In the final analysis, it is your job to study the Scriptures, to consider the options, and to decide what interpretation you will embrace (and for this you will be held accountable).
In my earlier days of ministry, people would come to me for help in making a decision (such as whether or not they could marry a certain person). If my counsel was what they wanted to hear, they would happily accept it. On the other hand, if it was not, they would go on down the road until they found someone who would affirm their preferences. I always sought to give the questioner all the pertinent texts, and to challenge that person to come to their own conclusion. I would say something like this to such folks: “When you get to heaven, God is not going to ask you what I thought was right; He is going to ask you what you thought was right, and whether you followed your conviction on this matter.”
My view of my task as a student and teacher of God’s word is to encourage and assist others to become better students of His Word. When I offer an interpretation knowing that thoughtful, godly men differ with me, I do so looking to the Holy Spirit to convey the true meaning of His Word. Sometimes I will fail to grasp the meaning of a problem text (who hasn’t had this experience?). I try to be only as confident of my teaching as I believe the meaning is clear and undisputed in the Bible. When I fail to get it right, I will be held accountable (Hebrews 13:17; James 3:1). Even so, this may be the very thing that motivates (or provokes) you to look at the text more carefully yourself, and to come to your own conclusions. If my interpretation (even though flawed) prompts you to become a better, more diligent, more careful, student of God’s Word, then I have not failed. Some bad sermons I have heard have done more to prompt me to study that text more carefully than a good sermon might have done.
Blessings,
Bob Deffinbaugh
Dear brother Bob,
1 Kings 15:33 records that Baasha, king of Israel began his reign in the third year of King Asa of Judah. The verse also records that Baasha reigned for twenty-four years. Which means, Baasha died in the 27th year of Asa's reign. Yet, 2 Chronicles 16:1 records that Baasha went up against Judah in the thirty-sixth year of Asa's reign; that's a good 9 years after Baasha's death!
I believe in the inerrancy of the Word of God and yet I am not able to resolve this. Please help me understand when you find the time.
Warm regards,
*****
In the third year of Asa's reign over Judah, Baasha son of Ahijah became king over all Israel in Tirzah; he ruled for twenty-four years. (1 Ki. 15:33 NET)
In the thirty-sixth year of Asa's reign, King Baasha of Israel attacked Judah, and he established Ramah as a military outpost to prevent anyone from leaving or entering the land of King Asa of Judah. (2 Chr. 16:1 NET)
Brother *****,
The apparent contradiction you call attention to has been noted by many trustworthy Bible students (as well as some not so trustworthy, who are looking for an excuse to disregard the Scriptures). I’ll give you several links to see their responses:
What is important to keep in mind is that a copyist’s error is not proof that the Bible is therefore untrustworthy. The doctrine of inerrancy is that in the original manuscripts the Bible was without error. We don’t have the original manuscripts, and in the process of being hand copied, errors did take place. Many of these errors are obvious and explainable. Some are not. This is what the process of textual criticism is all about—seeking to discern, if possible, what the reading of the original manuscript was. No two hand written manuscripts are identical with each other. The belief that the Bible is inspired and inerrant in the original manuscripts is what encourages us to study textual variations in an effort to discern what the reading of the original text is. The fact that copyists made a few mistakes should not shake our faith in the inerrancy of the original texts.
In this particular case you brought up, one explanation does not see this as a copyists error, but as a failure to discern what the beginnings of the kingdom referred to (when the united kingdom was divided).
For me, it is important (vital) to believe in the inerrancy of the original manuscripts, but it is not essential to have a perfect original copy in my hands in order to discern the meaning and application of the text.
And, by the way, my interpretations of Bible texts are not infallible. I have to trust that the Spirit of God will reinforce those things which are true, and expose those things which are not.
I hope this helps,
Bob
Isaiah 6:9-10 speaks of God hardening the hearts of men, so that they can’t believe. But if they are not of the elect, how could they believe? How can someone who is non-elect ever turn and believe and repent? So why would God need to harden anyone’s heart?
This is a good question, one that merits serious thought.
The short answer is this. The sovereignty of God and the resulting doctrine of election (on the one hand), and the biblical declaration of the responsibility of man (on the other) are not two opposing views, with only one being correct, and the other being false. Both are true. Thus, one does not have to choose one doctrinal truth and reject the other as false. God is sovereign, He does choose some and not others (Romans 9), but man is also responsible for his choices and decisions (Romans 10). So why are some people not saved? (1) Because God did not choose them (Romans 9). (2) Because they did not choose God (Romans 10).
In my opinion, a more careful look at the relevant biblical texts will support this view. So, let’s proceed to a more thorough look at the issue.
The first thing I would say is that this matter of God hardening a man’s heart is dealt with in the Book of Exodus, in relation to the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart:
The LORD said to Moses, “When you go back to Egypt, see that you do before Pharaoh all the wonders I have put under your control. But I will harden his heart and he will not let the people go. (Exodus 4:21, NET).
But I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and although I will multiply my signs and my wonders in the land of Egypt (Exodus 7:3).
16 The LORD said to Moses, “Tell Aaron, ‘Extend your staff and strike the dust of the ground, and it will become gnats throughout all the land of Egypt.’” 17 They did so; Aaron extended his hand with his staff, he struck the dust of the ground, and it became gnats on people and on animals. All the dust of the ground became gnats throughout all the land of Egypt. 18 When the magicians attempted to bring forth gnats by their secret arts, they could not. So there were gnats on people and on animals. 19 The magicians said to Pharaoh, “It is the finger of God!” But Pharaoh’s heart remained hard, and he did not listen to them, just as the LORD had predicted. (Exod. 8:16-19, emphasis mine).
But when Pharaoh saw that there was relief, he hardened his heart and did not listen to them, just as the LORD had predicted (Exodus 8:15).
But Pharaoh hardened his heart this time also and did not release the people (Exodus 8:32).
When Pharaoh saw that the rain and hail and thunder ceased, he sinned again: both he and his servants hardened their hearts (Exodus 9:34).
The point here is that there are two sides to this election “coin”. On the one hand, God hardened Pharaoh’s heart. But Moses also tells us that Pharaoh hardened his own heart. In this way, he becomes accountable for his sin. Otherwise, this argument would have some force:
You will say to me then, “Why does he still find fault? For who has ever resisted his will?” (Romans 9:19)1
We should also consider other texts which deal with the hardening of hearts. Once again, we will find that God hardens the hearts of some (e.g. Deuteronomy 2:30; Romans 9:18; 11:5-10). But men also harden their own hearts (1 Samuel 6:5-6; 2 Chronicles 36:11-13; Psalm 95:6-9). Men are urged and instructed not to harden their hearts (Deuteronomy 15:7; Psalm 95:8-10; Proverbs 28:14; Hebrews 3:7-19; 4:6-7) and are rebuked when they do harden their hearts (Mark 8:17-21). All of this indicates that men have responsibility in this matter of hardening their own hearts.
I believe the problem is that some folks can’t handle the fact that two, seemingly contradictory truths (e.g. God’s sovereignty, and man’s responsibility), can both be true at the same time. But think of what Peter says to us here:
10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets who predicted the grace that would come to you searched and investigated carefully. 11 They probed into what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating when he testified beforehand about the sufferings appointed for Christ and his subsequent glory. 12 They were shown that they were serving not themselves but you, in regard to the things now announced to you through those who proclaimed the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven– things angels long to catch a glimpse of (1 Peter 1:10-12).
Peter is telling us that the Old Testament prophets scratched their own heads, seeking to grasp the meaning of what they had written. How could Messiah be a suffering servant (Isaiah 52:13-53:12) and also a triumphant King (Psalm 2; 110)? How could the Messiah be a man (David’s son – 2 Samuel 7:14; Luke 3:31), and yet be God (Matthew 1:23; 5:2)? And yet both, seemingly contradictory, declarations were true, as later revelation would prove.
Now look at Romans 9 and 10: The question at hand is this: “How can it be that so many Gentiles are coming to faith in Jesus, and so few Jews are being saved (Romans 9:1-5)? The answer of Romans 9 is this: Many Jews are not being saved because God did not choose them. The answer of Romans 10 is that many are not saved because they did not choose God. Both declarations are true, but men are tempted to conclude that if one declaration is true, then the other must either be denied or ignored. Men do go to hell because God did not choose them, and also because they did not choose God (see Romans 1:16ff.).
Let’s look at the reference to Isaiah’s words in the New Testament, as cited by Jesus in the Gospels. Let’s focus for the moment on our Lord’s use of Isaiah’s words in Mark chapter 4.
9 And he said, “Whoever has ears to hear had better listen!” 10 When he was alone, those around him with the twelve asked him about the parables. 11 He said to them, “The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you. But to those outside, everything is in parables, 12 so that although they look they may look but not see, and although they hear they may hear but not understand, so they may not repent and be forgiven” (Mark 4:9-12).2
Jesus is asked by His followers why He had begun to teach with parables. Jesus explained that He was doing this so that some would not understand the gospel and would not believe. It is also clear that when His followers asked what He meant by a parable, Jesus explained it to them (Mark 4:33-34). Thus, only certain people were blinded, but not all.
The real key to understanding Jesus use of parables is found in chapter 3 of Mark’s gospel. The chapter begins with Jesus’ skeptics carefully watching to see if He would heal a man (with a withered hand) on the Sabbath. They did not seem to doubt His ability to heal, but rather wanted to catch Him in violation of the Sabbath, thereby justifying their rejection of Him and His teaching. Mark then reports some of the many healings that Jesus performed, along with His casting out demons. Next, Jesus appointed the 12 disciples and gave them authority to cast out demons. Then Jesus’ family came to take Jesus home, because they thought He had lost His senses.
If His family thought Jesus was “out of His mind,” our Lord’s adversaries were even more radical in their accusations. Since they could no longer deny that Jesus was performing many miracles, they now sought to convince people that Jesus was actually doing His miracles by the power of the devil. Jesus first showed the foolishness of such a claim, and then He followed this with a strong pronouncement of judgment on those who attributed His work to Satan:
28 I tell you the truth, people will be forgiven for all sins, even all the blasphemies they utter. 29 But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven, but is guilty of an eternal sin” 30 (because they said, “He has an unclean spirit”). (Mark 3:28-30)
Those from whom Jesus concealed the truth (so that they would not believe) were those who had witnessed many miracles at Jesus’ hand, and who had heard His teaching. Because they rejected Jesus and the gospel, and finally attributed His power to Satan, Jesus pronounced judgment on them, and taught in such a way as to conceal the truth from them, so that they would never be saved. Was this a sovereign act of God, a form of election? Yes. Was it solely the result of God’s choice, with no relationship to the hearts and deeds of His enemies? No. Both God’s sovereign choice (election) and man’s responsibility are factors in Jesus’ change in His teaching method, to the use of parables.
But there are even more factors to keep in mind. One of these is that Satan himself plays a role in the hardening of men’s hearts, resulting in their unbelief:
3 But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled only to those who are perishing, 4 among whom the god of this age has blinded the minds of those who do not believe so they would not see the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God (2 Corinthians 4:3-4).
Here is what I find to be ironic about how some people respond or react to these seemingly opposing views of the sovereignty of God, and the responsibility of man. Among those who strongly hold to one or the other extreme, there are those whose belief raises serious doubts about their salvation. The one who believes “My salvation is up to me, and God simply ratifies my decision.” This theology (Arminianism) agonizes over questions like these: “Did I do enough? Did I do it just the right way? Did I do something to lose my salvation? Did I commit the unpardonable sin?” On the other hand, some who hold to a Calvinistic position (election) could reason: “Salvation is totally the choice and the work of God. I have nothing to do with it in the sense of bringing it about. So, since it is really all God’s work, how can I know with certainty that I am one of the elect? How can I be certain that God did chose me?”
I believe the answer is to be found in the fact that in the ministry of our Lord, and in the ministry of the early church, and now in fulfilling the Great Commission, the gospel must be preached to all mankind, who are called upon to decide to trust in the saving work of Jesus by means of His sacrificial death, burial, and resurrection.
9 because if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and thus has righteousness and with the mouth one confesses and thus has salvation. 11 For the scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between the Jew and the Greek, for the same Lord is Lord of all, who richly blesses all who call on him. 13 For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. 14 How are they to call on one they have not believed in? And how are they to believe in one they have not heard of? And how are they to hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How timely is the arrival of those who proclaim the good news” (Romans 10:9-15).
By His design, God’s salvation requires that the gospel be proclaimed to lost sinners, and that they be called upon to believe in Jesus for salvation. Men have a choice to make, for which they are responsible, and the outcome is salvation or condemnation. Those who do come to faith take Jesus and His apostles at their word that people are saved because they have been chosen and called by God, and because they have trusted in Jesus Christ and His saving work at Calvary by faith.
28 Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke on you and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and my load is not hard to carry” (Matthew 11:28-30).
28 So then they said to him, “What must we do to accomplish the deeds God requires?” 29 Jesus replied, “This is the deed God requires– to believe in the one whom he sent” (John 6:28-29).
Everyone whom the Father gives me will come to me, and the one who comes to me I will never send away (John 6:37).
“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day” (John 6:44).
But you refuse to believe because you are not my sheep. 27 My sheep listen to my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish; no one will snatch them from my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one can snatch them from my Father’s hand. 30 The Father and I are one” (John 10:26-30).
For I am sure of this very thing, that the one who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6).
All of these statements are true, and we are commanded to believe them. They are meant to clearly tell us the way of salvation, and to assure us in that salvation – not to create doubt.
1 One might call attention to the fact that in the context of this question, posed in Romans 9, Paul does not refute the argument, but only the insolence of man to put God on trial (verse 20). To this objection I would only say that Paul first addresses the arrogant attitude of man as he questions God, but later, in chapter 10, he shows this objection to be false, because man is accountable for his rejection of God and of the gospel.
2 See also John 12:37-41; Acts 28:24-28; Romans 11:5-12.
To begin, I should point out that the expression, “to harden one’s heart” or “to have a hard heart” is most often used in reference to a person who has never trusted Christ, a person like Pharaoh in the Old Testament (see Exodus 4:21; 7:3, 13, 22, etc.).
There are warnings in the Bible about hardening one’s heart, such as in Psalm 95:8 and Proverbs 28:14.
Having said this, I want to stress that God does actively work to restore those whose hearts have wandered from Him, but He does so in a tender and gracious way, as a Father. Thus, His discipline of us when we wander is proof that we belong to Him:
3 For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. 4 You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in your striving against sin; 5 and you have forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons, “MY SON, DO NOT REGARD LIGHTLY THE DISCIPLINE OF THE LORD, NOR FAINT WHEN YOU ARE REPROVED BY HIM; 6 FOR THOSE WHOM THE LORD LOVES HE DISCIPLINES, AND HE SCOURGES EVERY SON WHOM HE RECEIVES.” 7 It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline? 8 But if you are without discipline, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. 9 Furthermore, we had earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them; shall we not much rather be subject to the Father of spirits, and live? 10 For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness. 11 All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness. 12 Therefore, strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that the limb which is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed. Hebrews 12:3-13 (NASB)
14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. 16 Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16 (NASB)
6 The LORD performs righteous deeds And judgments for all who are oppressed. 7 He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the sons of Israel. 8 The LORD is compassionate and gracious, Slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness. 9 He will not always strive with us, Nor will He keep His anger forever. 10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins, Nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. 11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, So great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him. 12 As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. 13 Just as a father has compassion on his children, So the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him. 14 For He Himself knows our frame; He is mindful that we are but dust. Psalm 103:6-14 (NASB)
When we come to faith in the Lord Jesus we need to have our thinking and motivation completely changed, and this happens as we dwell on God’s Word. When we have a thought our inclination we must test it by the Word of God to see if it is consistent with what He has spoken in His Word.
1 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:1-2 (NASB)
17 So this I say, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind, 18 being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart; 19 and they, having become callous, have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness. 20 But you did not learn Christ in this way, 21 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus, 22 that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, 23 and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth. Ephesians 4:17-24 (NASB)
5 Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry. 6 For it is because of these things that the wrath of God will come upon the sons of disobedience, 7 and in them you also once walked, when you were living in them. 8 But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, 10 and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him— Colossians 3:5-10 (NASB)
What you are experiencing is not new or novel. The apostle Paul experienced the same things:
15 For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate. 16 But if I do the very thing I do not want to do, I agree with the Law, confessing that the Law is good. 17 So now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me. 18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not. 19 For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want. 20 But if I am doing the very thing I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me. 21 I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wants to do good. 22 For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man, 23 but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members. 24 Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, on the one hand I myself with my mind am serving the law of God, but on the other, with my flesh the law of sin. Romans 7:15-25 (NASB)
And the answer to his agony is found in the verses which follow in Romans chapter 8:
1 Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. 3 For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, 4 so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5 For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, 7 because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, 8 and those who are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him. 10 If Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. 12 So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh— 13 for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him. Romans 8:1-17 (NASB)
Our Lord Jesus has given us the Word of God and the Spirit of God, to reshape our thinking and our motivation, and to give us the power to overcome the sin which is more powerful than us. It is this gracious and loving Father who works in our hearts to transform us so that we become more like the Lord Jesus over time.
I am a 2 time stroke survivor. My son introduced me to Christ several years ago. He explained to me that water baptism would complete my connection to Christ. I currently can no longer stand nor walk. Can someone wheel me in my wheelchair into the water or perhaps someone who has great in Christ faith is permitted to carry me into the water? Time is running out for me.
Sincerely,
********,
Dear *****,
Thanks so much for your email. My father also was a stroke victim, and my mother has been an amputee for over 50 years (one leg), so I have some idea what difficulties you face. You are right to ask about baptism because it is a very important decision for you.
Sadly, some will say baptism is of little importance, and thus you should not agonize about it.
Others will make too much of baptism, as though your salvation, or some of its benefits are produced by the act of baptism.
Both of these extremes are wrong, in my opinion.
I would like to begin to answer your question by giving you what my friend calls “the short version,” just so the thrust of what I am saying does not get lost in the details.
First, I believe that every Christian should seek to be baptized to the best of their abilities and physical limitations. This baptism should not be done to “complete a connection to Christ,” but to obey His command to be baptized in order to declare and demonstrate that Christ has completed my connection to Himself and to the Father through His work on the cross of Calvary.
Second, if there is a way for you to be baptized (there are several options I will mention in my longer response), then I would encourage you to do it. If this is not possible, then I would suggest either an alternative symbol (sprinkling, rather than immersion), with an appropriate explanation being given, or a video-taped testimony explaining your understanding of what the symbolism of baptism means.
If all efforts fail, then I would find comfort in the thief on the cross, who was not able to be baptized either (and yet Jesus assured him that he would be with Him in Paradise).
That is the short version. The following is a longer version, which may help you come to a confident conclusion that your decision regarding baptism is the right one.
Let’s begin by approaching baptism broadly, in terms of its importance for any believer.
First, baptism is important because it is a command that all who have placed their faith and trust in Jesus Christ should obey. It is one of the two ordinances of the church instituted by our Lord in the New Testament (Baptism and the Lord’s Table, or Communion).
18 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:18-20).
38 Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38).
It is assumed in the New Testament that one who puts their faith in Jesus will be baptized. Almost every instance of one coming to faith in the Book of Acts is accompanied by the report of their being baptized (Acts 2:41; 8:12, 36; 9:18; 10:47-48; 16:14-15, 28-34; 18:8; 19:2-6).
Second, baptism is important because it is the believer’s public testimony to others that he or she has trusted in Jesus Christ for salvation. We are saved by the Spirit’s work of identifying us with the person and work of Jesus Christ. Once saved, we declare our identification with Christ by baptism. (I remember years ago when a young child said it was “being advertised” [see Mark 8:38; 1 Thessalonians 1:6-10]).
Third, baptism is the believer’s symbolic proclamation of the gospel to those who witness their baptism. The work of the Holy Spirit in salvation is not visible to the human eye (John 3:7-8). Water baptism symbolizes what has taken place in Spirit Baptism, wherein the Holy Spirit unites the believer with Christ in His death, burial, resurrection, and ascension in their place. By faith in Christ the believer dies to sin and to its penalty and power. In Christ they are raised to new life. Thus, a believer is obligated to die to sin and to live in righteousness, through the power of the Holy Spirit. Summing it all up, this is what salvation is all about:
Fourth, baptism is important because it is the believer’s public commitment to leave behind their old way of life that they once practiced (Ephesians 2:1-3), and to take on a whole new life in Christ (Ephesians 2:4 and following). It is the understanding that faith in Christ, of necessity, involves a radical change in the way one thinks and acts as a Christian. It must be emphasized here that this “new life” is not a “work” which the believer does to earn God’s favor; it is God’s work in and through the believer, so that He receives the glory:
4 Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4).
1 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect (Romans 12:1-2).
For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ (Galatians 3:27).
17 So this I say, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind, 18 being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart; 19 and they, having become callous, have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness. 20 But you did not learn Christ in this way, 21 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus, 22 that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, 23 and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth (Ephesians 4:17-24).
5 Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry. 6 For it is because of these things that the wrath of God will come upon the sons of disobedience, 7 and in them you also once walked, when you were living in them. 8 But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, 10 and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him— 11 a renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, but Christ is all, and in all. 12 So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. 14 Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity (Colossians 3:5-14).
1 What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, has found? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? “ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS CREDITED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS.” 4 Now to the one who works, his wage is not credited as a favor, but as what is due. 5 But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness, 6 just as David also speaks of the blessing on the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works: 7 “BLESSED ARE THOSE WHOSE LAWLESS DEEDS HAVE BEEN FORGIVEN, AND WHOSE SINS HAVE BEEN COVERED. 8 “BLESSED IS THE MAN WHOSE SIN THE LORD WILL NOT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT” (Romans 4:1-8).
For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6).
12 So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure (Philippians 2:12-13).
Fifth, water baptism is a symbolic act which thus depicts a greater baptism, the baptism of the Holy Spirit that unites us with Christ, and thereby saves us.
“As for me, I baptize you with water for repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, and I am not fit to remove His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire” (Matthew 3:11).
For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:13).
3 For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another. 4 But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, 5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life (Titus 3:3-7).
Sixth, water baptism is not something we do to complete God’s saving action in Jesus Christ. Let me put it this way, “Baptism is not essential in order to obtain salvation; it is essential for those who have, by the work of Christ and the Holy Spirit, received salvation. Baptism, like any other good work (see Ephesians 2:10), is the fruit of our salvation, and not its root.
I can understand your concern about not being baptized due to your physical condition and the limitation it imposes. Thinking about this I see three options at the moment:
First, not getting baptized because you are unable to do so. This might be understood in the same way that the one who is financially broke cannot give as they purposed to do (2 Corinthians 8:12).
Second, you could be baptized in a manner that suits your physical condition by taking some extraordinary measures. You could be carried into the water, and out, using some mechanical device [a lift of sorts], or carried by a couple of people. You could be strategically lowered into the baptistry while the curtain is closed, be baptized, and then be removed after the curtain is closed once again. You would not want to put others at risk (back injury) or have an equipment failure which would cause grief to others. Having said this, this might be a possibility to discuss with the leaders of your church (if you have one), or of a church you choose to become your church. I would caution you, however, not to pick a church purely on it willingness to baptize you.
Third, you could be baptized, but in some modified form, sprinkling, for example. This could be done with an explanation for the witnesses, explaining the reason for the variation, and a clarification of the symbolic meaning of baptism by immersion.
When I first read your description of your marriage my mind was drawn to the book, Marriage to a Difficult Man: The Uncommon Union of Jonathan and Sarah Edwards. I suppose that reading such a book might have some value to you, but your husband is not Jonathan Edwards.
Let me first give you some biblical texts to ponder, along with a sermon article on each:
As a starting point, it would seem to me that you need to discern your husband’s spiritual state. He is either an unbeliever by his own profession, an unbeliever who falsely professes faith in Christ, or a believer who is willfully disobedient to our Lord. The difference is important because determining which category your husband is in helps you to determine the way you are to respond to him.
Because your husband has professed faith at some point in time, I would suggest that Matthew 18:15-20 should be your starting point, your first course of action. This assumes that you are a part of a Bible-believing, Bible-practicing church. If not, I would make joining a sound church a priority.
Many disobedient spouses will protest if you seek to enlist outside help. They often protest that your marriage problems are your own, personal, family business, and thus they are not to be shared outside the family. Initially, sin should be addressed as privately as possible, so that reconciliation can most easily take place, with the fewest number of people knowing of the sin (see Matthew 18:15). But if this effort fails, then efforts to confront and restore a person must become more public. Ultimately, if the wayward individual refuses to repent altogether then he or she must be treated as an unbeliever. In effect this warns the wayward one of the possibility of divine discipline and harsh consequences, including Satan’s destructive involvement (see 1 Corinthians 5:5; 1 Timothy 1:20). In the end it removes the rebellious sinner from church fellowship, thus protecting the church from unhealthy influences. The goal of this discipline process is not only to protect the church, but also to turn the sinner from sin and bring them back into fellowship with the Lord and His church. If your husband is placed under discipline by the church, then you, like others, must regard him as though he were an unbeliever.
I would then call your attention to 1 Peter 3:1-6 and 1 Corinthians 7:13-16, which gives the believer some good instructions regarding their marriage to an unbeliever. In 1 Corinthians the believing spouse is encouraged not to divorce (though there are exceptional instances where this would be permissible – Matthew 5:31-32; 19:9) and to remain in the marriage as long as the unbeliever is willing to do so. If the unbeliever chooses to leave the marriage, then the believer is not to resist this, but to let the unbeliever depart.
Finally, I would call your attention to two additional texts, Philippians 2 and 1 Samuel 25. In Philippians 2 you find a clear definition of submission. Submission is not “doing whatever you are told,” but giving up your personal interests in order to pursue the best interests of another. This is what our Lord did when He obeyed the Father by coming to earth and dying on the cross of Calvary.
1 Samuel 25 is an example of true humility, although it does not look like submission at first glance. Clearly Abigail did not do what her husband Nabal wanted. But Abigail did put herself at considerable risk by going out to meet David (who intended to kill members of Nabal’s household), and by asking that David take out his anger on her. She sacrificed her own interests (her own well-being) in order to seek the protection of her husband (and his male servants). My point here is that true submission subordinates one’s self-interest to the best interests of others. Submission, in your case, includes the subordination of your own interests to the well-being of your husband. I would contend the initiating church discipline (Matthew 18:15-20) is seeking your husband’s best interests, but it may well have some negative repercussions for you.
Now, as for your children. If your husband were guilty of physical abuse to your children I would seriously consider calling the civil authorities (after having first consulted the church regarding this matter). I am convinced that God will not use your obedience to Him in a way that is harmful to your children. You will have to act in faith and trust God on this one.
I know it is easy to give advice when it is directed to others, but these are the biblical texts which I believe are relevant to your circumstances.
I’ll pray for you and your family,
Bob Deffinbaugh
This is a very interesting and important question. The question behind your question is this: “How does being a family member, related to the one living in sin, impact or modify the instructions given to us in Scriptures like Matthew 18:15-20, Galatians 6:1-2 and 1 Corinthians 5?”
Let’s focus for a moment on Matthew 18:15-20.
15 “If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother. 16 “But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that BY THE MOUTH OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES EVERY FACT MAY BE CONFIRMED. 17 “If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. 18 “Truly I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven. 19 “Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven. 20 “For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.” Matthew 18:15-20 (NASB)
How does this text apply, for example, to a child whose parent is living in sin, and perhaps is even under discipline by the church?
We should probably begin by observing that our Lord’s words in Matthew 18 (as well as Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 5) are addressed to the church. The purpose of church discipline is three-fold: (1) It is to confront the sinner with their sin with the hope of bringing about their repentance and restoration to fellowship, with God and with the church (Matthew 18:15). (2) Church discipline protects the church from the influence of this individual by removing them from the fellowship (1 Corinthians 5:6-8). (3) Church discipline removes the sinning individual from divine protection and instead hands them over to Satan for discipline, which could be severe (1 Corinthians 5:5; 1 Timothy 1:20).
While the church can remove a wayward saint from fellowship, you can’t necessarily do so within the family. A minor child can’t remove himself/herself from the family, or from the meal table. Matthew 18 seems to give us guidance here:
17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. 18 Truly I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven (Matthew 18:17-18, NASB).
In other words, you deal with the wayward, unrepentant sinner as though they were not a believer. You may not be able to terminate interaction completely, but you can limit contact and when it is necessary deal with this individual as you would any unbeliever. It seems to me that what you take away is any “fellowship” with that relative and deal with them as you would any unbeliever.
In the case of your adult children, it seems best that you not assume salvation, and deal with them as an unbeliever. Indeed, pray for them as an unbeliever. The most dangerous thing for an unbeliever is to assume that they are saved. Any affirmation of this on your part only makes it worse. It might be good for you to express your conclusion that they do not appear to be saved, and that you are praying that God would get their attention and bring them to faith. Granted, this may lead to alienation on their part, but this serves to reveal what is in their hearts.
There are some wives (or husbands) who may be married to an unbeliever, and this is not as difficult as being married to a mate who professes faith but lives as an unbeliever. Paul does not urge us to withdraw from unbelievers, but from those who profess faith and continue to practice sin without any repentance (1 Corinthians 5:9-13). In the past I have seen a Christian wife constantly nag her husband to do things which make him look like a believer (attend church, read his Bible, pray), but this only makes him (or her) a hypocrite. The fruit of one’s faith should be much more natural, and the believing mate is far better off to apply this text:
1 In the same way, you wives, be submissive to your own husbands so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives, 2 as they observe your chaste and respectful behavior. 3 Your adornment must not be merely external—braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; 4 but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God. 5 For in this way in former times the holy women also, who hoped in God, used to adorn themselves, being submissive to their own husbands; 6 just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, and you have become her children if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear (1 Peter 3:1-6).
I think this is good advice for parents and their children as well. Once a rebuke has been given and concerns have been raised about their salvation, better to concentrate on your own godly living and leave the conversion to God.
Hey Bob,
I just ready your article about the Sons of God and daughters of men (https://bible.org/seriespage/7-sons-god-and-daughters-men-genesis-61-8). It was well written, thank you. Usually when someone supports that position, I have found the opinions that follow are pretty outlandish. I found your article fairly convincing.
My question is this (if you don’t mind): You referenced Numbers 13:33 and the sons of Anak. If at least part of the purpose of the flood is to destroy these hybrid giants, why would these giants still be around after the flood? Your quote is, “I therefore understand the Nephilim to be a race of super-humans who are the product of this angelic invasion of the earth”. Wouldn’t they have died off in the flood?
Thanks in advance for your answer.
Dear *****,
Thanks for the note. Right now I am reading a book by Michael S. Heiser, entitled, The Unseen Realm: Recovering the supernatural worldview of the Bible. It comes pretty highly recommended, but I’m reading cautiously. But he does make a point of showing how the Bible reflects the (largely) unseen spiritual realm (Psalm 82; Job 38:4-7; Ephesians 3:8-10). Thus, it is not surprising to read Genesis 6 in this light, and to see the “sons of God” as angelic beings (who did not keep their own domain -- Jude 1:6).
Now, your question is, “How do we explain ‘giants’ (described by the same word Nephilim) later on, after the fall? My inclination is to understand the term Nephilim as meaning “giants” (human or supernatural). The Nephilim of Genesis 6 were angelic, and thus giants. Later on there were still “giants” in the land -- those folks who were exceedingly large, like Goliath, his kin (1 Chronicles 20:5), and others like him (1 Chronicles 11:22-23). As I read the text, these were not supernatural beings, as found earlier in Genesis, which were destroyed by the flood, but simply a group of extra-large people. These appeared at various times in Israel’s history.
Hope this helps,
Bob Deffinbaugh
Hello Pastor Bob,
I work part time for ***** in development/volunteer recruitment. I am a graduate of Moody Bible Institute. I have a concern which has prompted this question: A few years ago the group I work for decided to go from a 3 day a week summer day camp to 5 days a week with before camp care and after camp care. Approximately 85% of those who attend receive a scholarship to attend. Approximately 95% of the camp budget goes toward staff salaries for the 7 weeks of camp. The group does not have the money to support this camp. They took money from reserve to use for this camp and our tithe is down $17,000 from last year. It is a $100,000 budget. Do you think this is good use of God’s resources? Do you think they should find more prudent ways to share the gospel?
Please let me know your thoughts on this along with Scripture if possible.
Thank you so much.
Sister *****,
Thanks for your question. My answer will probably be more general and generic than specific, but here are my thoughts regarding the matter you have set forth.
First, I would call attention to our Lord’s words in Matthew 25:14-30.
The Master (our Lord) expects us to make a profit, to gain from the assets He has place in our hands. These assets our Lord has sovereignly dispersed to His servants, according to their ability to employ them. He expects to see an increase while we have these assets in our care.
Second, consider Luke 16:1-13.
We need to be very clear on what that profit or gain is, which we learn from texts like Luke 16:1-13. In brief, the profit our Lord expects is spiritual – the use of material assets which results in the salvation of souls, and thus their greeting us gratefully in heaven. The unrighteous steward was one who put off investing wisely until late in his life. Note, too, that while money is an earthly thing which does not last, wise spiritual investments with money result in eternal fruit. And the way we handle such “little things” as money becomes the basis for our assignments in heaven (see Matthew 25:20-23).
Having/keeping a reserve is not a bad thing; we do it in our church. The New Testament encourages us to save up for future needs (1 Corinthians 16:1-4; 2 Corinthians 9). But investments, including spiritual investments, involve some measure of risk, which is another way of saying it requires faith (Matthew 25; 1 Corinthians 10:31).
That said, we are warned in Scripture against hoarding our assets (bigger barns – Luke 12:15-34). Note that in this text Jesus goes on to point out how God provides for His creatures, and then warns us about being anxious about God’s provision for us. We see Jesus commending the widow for giving out of her poverty (Mark 12:42-44), and Paul commending the Macedonians for giving out of their poverty (2 Corinthians 8). In the feeding of the 5,000, and then later of the 4,000 Jesus underscores the abundance of His provision (see Mark 6:30-8:21; note especially 8:16-21). While there is something to be said for having money set aside for unexpected needs, there are also times when we need to give what we have to obey our Lord’s commands.
As I write, there are many victims seeking to recover from the effects of hurricanes Harvey and Irma. It would be hard to justify maintaining a reserve while many suffer. But the necessity of utilizing reserves has to be measured by the immensity and legitimacy of the need, and of the fruit of such ministry. Thus, ministries (even churches) should be asking, “Is this expenditure really resulting in the proclamation of the gospel and the salvation of lost souls?” I would hate to justify the budgets of some churches and institutions based on the answer to this question.
I believe that we cannot minister to folks spiritually and totally ignore/avoid ministry to their physical needs (for Jesus it was physical healing and food – feeding 5,000). The great danger I have seen is that the meeting of physical needs (which are endless – here we may look at Mark 1:35-39 and John 12:1-8; Acts 6:1-6) may take priority over ministering to spiritual needs. There can be a kind of social and political pressure that is applied to Christian ministries, to emphasize/prioritize the meeting of physical needs, and diminishing their emphasis on meeting spiritual needs. Care for the needy is important (Galatians 2:10; Acts 6:1-6), but needy believers seem to have priority (Galatians 6:10).
One further comment. I think the means by which we practice and proclaim the gospel should be consistent with the gospel. Does the church (or organization) putting on a circus, for example, really convey the fact that God has reached out to needy sinners who receive Him? Christians going into Urban ghettos to help the needy, or into prisons to proclaim the gospel, or those going to hurricane stricken places to help restore basic housing and services, are doing things which are more akin to the gospel. Interestingly, the Greek word rendered “save” or “saved” is used of actions which rescue others, and not just of spiritual salvation. See Matthew 8:25; 9:21 (get well); 9:22 (made well); 27:40, 42 (save Himself from death on the cross); Mark 5:23 (get well).
That’s probably enough for now. I have not sought to directly pronounce on your specific situation, but I think I have highlighted some principles which should guide organizations and churches in the way they spend the money God has provided.
Blessings,
Bob Deffinbaugh
For the music director, according to the gittith style; a psalm of David. O LORD, our Lord, how magnificent is your reputation throughout the earth! You reveal your majesty in the heavens above! 2 From the mouths of children and nursing babies you have ordained praise on account of your adversaries, so that you might put an end to the vindictive enemy. 3 When I look up at the heavens, which your fingers made, and see the moon and the stars, which you set in place, Of what importance is the human race, that you should notice them? Of what importance is mankind, that you should pay attention to them (Psalm 8:1-4, NET).
For the music director; a psalm of David. The heavens declare the glory of God; the sky displays his handiwork (Ps. 19:1, NET – read the entire Psalm, which moves from the revelation of God in nature to the revelation of God in the Scriptures).
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of people who suppress the truth by their unrighteousness, 19 because what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20 For since the creation of the world his invisible attributes– his eternal power and divine nature– have been clearly seen, because they are understood through what has been made. So people are without excuse. 21 For although they knew God, they did not glorify him as God or give him thanks, but they became futile in their thoughts and their senseless hearts were darkened. (Rom. 1:18-21 NET)
The LORD passed by before him and proclaimed: “The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, and abounding in loyal love and faithfulness, 7 keeping loyal love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin. But he by no means leaves the guilty unpunished, responding to the transgression of fathers by dealing with children and children’s children, to the third and fourth generation” (Exodus 34:6-7).
Now the Word became flesh and took up residence among us. We saw his glory– the glory of the one and only, full of grace and truth, who came from the Father. 15 John testified about him and shouted out, “This one was the one about whom I said, ‘He who comes after me is greater than I am, because he existed before me.’” 16 For we have all received from his fullness one gracious gift after another. 17 For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came about through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God. The only one, himself God, who is in closest fellowship with the Father, has made God known (John 1:14-18).
Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be content.” 9 Jesus replied, “Have I been with you for so long, and you have not known me, Philip? The person who has seen me has seen the Father! How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you, I do not speak on my own initiative, but the Father residing in me performs his miraculous deeds” (John.14:8-10).
After God spoke long ago in various portions and in various ways to our ancestors through the prophets, 2 in these last days he has spoken to us in a son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he created the world. 3 The Son is the radiance of his glory and the representation of his essence, and he sustains all things by his powerful word, and so when he had accomplished cleansing for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. 4 Thus he became so far better than the angels as he has inherited a name superior to theirs (Hebrews 1:1-4).
Every scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the person dedicated to God may be capable and equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Indeed, I will also make every effort that, after my departure, you have a testimony of these things. 16 For we did not follow cleverly concocted fables when we made known to you the power and return of our Lord Jesus Christ; no, we were eyewitnesses of his grandeur. 17 For he received honor and glory from God the Father, when that voice was conveyed to him by the Majestic Glory: “This is my dear Son, in whom I am delighted.” 18 When this voice was conveyed from heaven, we ourselves heard it, for we were with him on the holy mountain. 19 Moreover, we possess the prophetic word as an altogether reliable thing. You do well if you pay attention to this as you would to a light shining in a murky place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 20 Above all, you do well if you recognize this: No prophecy of scripture ever comes about by the prophet’s own imagination, 21 for no prophecy was ever borne of human impulse; rather, men carried along by the Holy Spirit spoke from God (2 Peter 1:15-21).
For this is what the sovereign master has told me: “Within exactly one year all the splendor of Kedar will come to an end. 17 Just a handful of archers, the warriors of Kedar, will be left.” Indeed, the LORD God of Israel has spoken (Isaiah 21:16-17).
he will swallow up death permanently. The sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears from every face, and remove his people’s disgrace from all the earth. Indeed, the LORD has announced it! (Isaiah 25:8; see also Ezekiel 24:14; 26:5, 14; 28:10; 34:24).
Then Jesus said, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and I do nothing on my own initiative, but I speak just what the Father taught me (John 8:28).
For I have not spoken from my own authority, but the Father himself who sent me has commanded me what I should say and what I should speak. 50 And I know that his commandment is eternal life. Thus the things I say, I say just as the Father has told me” (John 12:49-50).
Now as for the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was spoken to you by God, 32 ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not the God of the dead but of the living!” (Matthew 22:31-32).
Both Paul and Barnabas replied courageously, “It was necessary to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we are turning to the Gentiles (Acts 13:46).
If anyone considers himself a prophet or spiritual person, he should acknowledge that what I write to you is the Lord’s command (1 Corinthians 14:37).
Therefore repent and turn back so that your sins may be wiped out, 20 so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and so that he may send the Messiah appointed for you– that is, Jesus. 21 This one heaven must receive until the time all things are restored, which God declared from times long ago through his holy prophets (Acts 3:19-21; see also 7:2-7).
The chief priests took the silver and said, “It is not lawful to put this into the temple treasury, since it is blood money.” 7 After consulting together they bought the Potter’s Field with it, as a burial place for foreigners. 8 For this reason that field has been called the “Field of Blood” to this day. 9 Then what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled: “They took the thirty silver coins, the price of the one whose price had been set by the people of Israel, 10 and they gave them for the potter’s field, as the Lord commanded me” (Matthew 27:6-10).
Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and the psalms must be fulfilled” (Luke 24:44).
I wrote the former account, Theophilus, about all that Jesus began to do and teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after he had given orders by the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. 3 To the same apostles also, after his suffering, he presented himself alive with many convincing proofs. He was seen by them over a forty-day period and spoke about matters concerning the kingdom of God (Acts 1:1-3).
But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I am going away. For if I do not go away, the Advocate will not come to you, but if I go, I will send him to you. 8 And when he comes, he will prove the world wrong concerning sin and righteousness and judgment– 9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; 10 concerning righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will see me no longer; 11 and concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world has been condemned (John 16:7-11).
On the Sabbath day we went outside the city gate to the side of the river, where we thought there would be a place of prayer, and we sat down and began to speak to the women who had assembled there. 14 A woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, a God-fearing woman, listened to us. The Lord opened her heart to respond to what Paul was saying (Acts 16:13-14).
You have been born anew, not from perishable but from imperishable seed, through the living and enduring word of God. 24 For all flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of the grass; the grass withers and the flower falls off, 25 but the word of the Lord endures forever. And this is the word that was proclaimed to you (1 Peter 1:23-25).
For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any double-edged sword, piercing even to the point of dividing soul from spirit, and joints from marrow; it is able to judge the desires and thoughts of the heart (Hebrews 4:12).
By his sovereign plan he gave us birth through the message of truth, that we would be a kind of firstfruits of all he created (James 1:18).
But if anyone is deficient in wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without reprimand, and it will be given to him. 6 But he must ask in faith without doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed around by the wind. 7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord, 8 since he is a double-minded individual, unstable in all his ways (James 1:5-8).
So they brought the boy to him. When the spirit saw him, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell on the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. 21 Jesus asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. 22 It has often thrown him into fire or water to destroy him. But if you are able to do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” 23 Then Jesus said to him, “‘If you are able?’ All things are possible for the one who believes.” 24 Immediately the father of the boy cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!” 25 Now when Jesus saw that a crowd was quickly gathering, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “Mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” 26 It shrieked, threw him into terrible convulsions, and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He is dead!” 27 But Jesus gently took his hand and raised him to his feet, and he stood up (Mark 9:20-27).
For by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8).
A woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, a God-fearing woman, listened to us. The Lord opened her heart to respond to what Paul was saying (Acts 16:14).
Hi Dr. Deffinbaugh,
I was wondering if you could help me with a question I have. I sincerely appreciate your Biblical insight.
Ephesians 4 speaks of “One baptism,” yet there are many baptisms mentioned in Scripture. My main hangup is with 1 Cor 12:13 and Matthew 28:19. How can there be just one baptism if Christ commanded water baptism in the Great Commission, yet there is also the fact of being baptized into the Body of Christ. Some say that 1 Cor 12:13 nullifies water baptism as there is to be just one baptism, which is 1 Cor 12:13.
Please share your thoughts as you are able.
Sincerely, *****
Dear Brother *****,
First of all, I don’t have a doctorate, so it’s just plan Bob.
I think the answer to your question might be found in Acts, chapters 10 and 11. Note the “two” uses of baptism here:
44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who were listening to the message. 45 All the circumcised believers who came with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. 46 For they were hearing them speaking with tongues and exalting God. Then Peter answered, 47 “Surely no one can refuse the water for these to be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we did, can he?” 48 And he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay on for a few days (Acts 10:44-48, NAU).
12 “The Spirit told me to go with them without misgivings. These six brethren also went with me and we entered the man’s house. 13 “And he reported to us how he had seen the angel standing in his house, and saying, ‘Send to Joppa and have Simon, who is also called Peter, brought here; 14 and he will speak words to you by which you will be saved, you and all your household.’ 15 “And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them just as He did upon us at the beginning. 16 “And I remembered the word of the Lord, how He used to say, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ 17 “Therefore if God gave to them the same gift as He gave to us also after believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God’s way?” 18 When they heard this, they quieted down and glorified God, saying, “Well then, God has granted to the Gentiles also the repentance that leads to life” (Acts 11:12-18).
Peter is divinely instructed to go to the home of Cornelius, a Gentile. While he is still preaching the gospel, the Holy Spirit fell upon this group of new believers, just as it had happed to the Jewish believers at Pentecost. Both groups were “baptized by the Holy Spirit.” And so it was that Peter, seeing the God had baptized these Gentiles in the same way the Spirit baptized the Jews at Pentecost, he baptized them with water.
And when Peter is called on the carpet for going to a Gentile home and preaching the gospel, he repeated the story. His argument was, “When these Gentiles received the Holy Spirit (in the same way we did), I remembered that Jesus said that John the Baptist baptized with water, but He would baptize with the Holy Spirit. And since it was obvious that the Spirit had baptized these Gentiles, how could he refrain from baptizing them with water?
So there are two baptisms: There is the “one baptism” of the Holy Spirit, and the believer’s water baptism. When Ephesians speaks of “one baptism” Paul is talking about the baptism of the Holy Spirit. That happens only once. But when a person comes to faith (and is baptized by the Spirit), water baptism is the symbolic act that believers carry out, professing their identification with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. One “baptism” is done by the Holy Spirit. The other baptism is done by men. And both symbolize a person’s union with Christ.
To put it concisely, there is only one Spirit baptism, whereby the Spirit baptizes a new believer into one body (the body of Christ), and thus the new believer professes his or her new union with Christ by symbolically acting out their participation in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.
I hope this helps,
Bob
Dear *****,
This is a good question. I find it interesting to observe (over a good number of years) that while churches are all too often slow to deal with sin in the church, sinning church members are often much quicker to leave the church on their own (before discipline can occur).
Church discipline (in its most drastic form -- expulsion from the church) removes the sinner (who claims to be a saint -- 1 Corinthians 5:9-13) from the church, and thus from its benefits and protections. A person who claims to be a Christian, and yet does not fellowship in and with a church is sinning (Hebrews 10:25). In effect, the person who withdraws from the church (or refuses to be a part of a church) has already placed themselves under God’s discipline.
Having said this, I note from 1 Corinthians chapter 5 that Paul personally exercises church discipline from afar (1 Corinthians 5:3), serving as an example to the church.
I believe it is clear in Scripture that church discipline requires both individual and corporate (the entire church) action. For example, Matthew 18:15-20 instructs the individual who becomes aware of the sin of another to confront the sinner with their sin. If repentance does not result, 2 or 3 others should be included in the rebuke. And ultimately, if repentance is refused, the entire church must become involved. Once discipline is exercised by the church, every member of the church is required to follow through with the action of the church. Eating and having fellowship with such a person on a personal level should cease, in my opinion, but always with the hope of repentance and restoration. That does not mean there can be absolutely no contact with this person, but it would be greatly restricted (Matthew 18:17).
In the case which you have presented, I believe that discipline should be exercised on a personal level, and that he or she should first be confronted regarding their sin, and then should be dealt with as Matthew 18:15-20 and 1 Corinthians 5 indicate, on an individual basis.
While a willful sinner may attempt to give the impression that a rebuke has no impact on them, it is, I think, worthwhile to warn them that in Paul’s words, church discipline is “turning the wayward sinner over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh” -- 1 Corinthians 5:5. This means that bad things may result. This might get their attention, and may very well come to mind if and when their life begins to fall apart.
I remember an occasion when I was involved in the discipline of an individual who was not part of our church. As the ambulance was hauling this fellow off after a heart attack, he yelled out, “And tell ____________ that this is not God’s discipline!”
I hope this helps,
Bob Deffinbaugh
First, Paul addresses women’s role in leadership in 1 Timothy chapter 2, and nowhere does this epistle indicate that it is addressed primarily to Jews or to Jews only.
Further, Paul was an apostle to the Gentiles (Galatians 2:7). The Epistle to the Galatians is written to correct those who were making false distinctions between Jews and Gentiles based on race. Paul’s strongest words are used to rebuke those who would preach a different gospel, resulting in a false distinction between Jews and Gentiles.
In addition, Paul wrote this epistle to Timothy who was in Ephesus at Paul's direction. When we read of Ephesus in the Book of Acts Luke makes it clear that both Jews and Gentiles were reached with the gospel (see Acts 19:10, 17). When Paul writes about the church in Ephesians chapter 2 he makes it clear that God has saved both Jews and Gentiles and has made them “one new man” as the church:
14 For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, 15 by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace, 16 and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity (Ephesians 2:14-16, NASB).
Paul’s teaching in the New Testament does not make the distinction which you assumed. Indeed, he specifically refutes this when he explains to the Corinthian saints his reason for sending Timothy:
17 For this reason I have sent to you Timothy, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, and he will remind you of my ways which are in Christ, just as I teach everywhere in every church (1 Corinthians 4:17).
Later in 1 Corinthians when Paul is dealing with a woman’s head covering, he reiterates the universal nature of his teaching:
16 But if one is inclined to be contentious, we have no other practice, nor have the churches of God (1 Corinthians 11:16).
One further comment is necessary, because some are inclined to respond to Paul’s instructions regarding women in the church by saying, “that’s just Paul.” The assumption seems to be that Paul was speaking for himself, with all of his biases, and not for Christ. Paul deals with this himself when he writes:
as in all the churches of the saints. 34 The women are to keep silent in the churches; for they are not permitted to speak, but are to subject themselves, just as the Law also says. 35 If they desire to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is improper for a woman to speak in church. 36 Was it from you that the word of God first went forth? Or has it come to you only? 37 If anyone thinks he is a prophet or spiritual, let him recognize that the things which I write to you are the Lord's commandment (1 Corinthians 14:33-37, emphasis mine).
When Paul is speaking for himself he makes the distinction very clear:
6 But this I say by way of concession, not of command. 7 Yet I wish that all men were even as I myself am. However, each man has his own gift from God, one in this manner, and another in that. 8 But I say to the unmarried and to widows that it is good for them if they remain even as I. 9 But if they do not have self-control, let them marry; for it is better to marry than to burn with passion. 10 But to the married I give instructions, not I, but the Lord, that the wife should not leave her husband 11 (but if she does leave, she must remain unmarried, or else be reconciled to her husband), and that the husband should not divorce his wife. 12 But to the rest I say, not the Lord, that if any brother has a wife who is an unbeliever, and she consents to live with him, he must not divorce her (1 Corinthians 7:6-12).
As I look again at the Book of Galatians I find in Paul’s last chapter his explanation for why some in the church were so insistent that Gentile believers be circumcised:
11 See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. 12 Those who desire to make a good showing in the flesh try to compel you to be circumcised, simply so that they will not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13 For those who are circumcised do not even keep the Law themselves, but they desire to have you circumcised so that they may boast in your flesh (Galatians 6:11-13).
I wonder if some who aggressively resist the biblical distinctions between what men and women can do in the church is due to their reluctance to take the heat (persecution) for doing so.
Several conclusions are apparent to me. First, Paul makes it clear when he is speaking with the Lord’s authority, and when he is not. Regarding the conduct of women in the church, Paul speaks for the Lord. Second, the Scriptures speak clearly when they distinguish between the roles of men and women in the church. Third, our culture speaks clearly regarding its disgust and rejection of this teaching. Thus, we must decide whether or not we will obey men or God.
1 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect (Romans 12:1-2).
Dear Friend,
The same Greek term is used in the New Testament for both testing and tempting:
21254 πειράζω impf. ἐπείραζον; fut. πειράσω; 1aor. ἐπείρασα, mid. ἐπειρασάμην; pf. pass. πεπείρασμαι; 1aor. pass. ἐπειράσθην; (1) make an attempt, try, followed by an infinitive to indicate what is being attempted (AC 9.26); (2) put to the test, examine, try (RV 2.2); in a good sense of God’s actions toward his people prove, put to the test, try (HE 11.17); in a bad sense of a person’s hostile intent toward God or Christ test, try, prove (MT 16.1); also in a bad sense of enticement to sin tempt (GA 6.1); participle as a substantive ὁ πειράζων the tempter, a descriptive title for the devil (MT 4.3) (Friberg’s Lexicon)
What distinguishes temptation from testing is in the intended outcome. Satan tempts us, with the intended (or at least hoped for) outcome of our failure. God tests us, with the intended outcome of our proven faithfulness.
The same event can be both a temptation and a test. God allowed Satan to afflict Job (Job 1 & 2). From Satan’s point of view, the affliction (and the counsel of Job’s friends) was actually a temptation (and don’t forget his wife’s counsel to curse God and die (Job 2:9). But God allowed Satan to tempt Job in order to prove him a faithful man (Job 1:6-8).
We should also take into account these words of Paul:
No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it (1 Corinthians 10:13, NAU).
So, when trials and difficulties and challenges come our way, I would suggest that we approach them this way: How would Satan seek to use this to bring about my downfall? And How does God intend to use this to bring about His glory by bringing about my spiritual growth and faithfulness to Him?
By the way, it isn’t just difficulties, opposition, and failure that can be a temptation. It can also be success, if that produces pride and self-sufficiency (see Isaiah 2:11-12; Ezekiel 28:2ff.; Daniel 5:18-21; 2 Corinthians 12:1-10).
Blessings,
Bob Deffinbaugh
Can you clarify Numbers 11:17, 25? Many versions have translated it that God will take some of the Spirit which is upon Moses and give it to the seventy elders. In this sense, it seems like 2 Kings 2:9, where Elisha asked Elijah for a double portion of Elijah's spirit - which I interpret as the Holy Spirit. So, is it right to say that God's spirit can be "some", "double" or "full" in a person? How can it be a varied amounts? Will that support what the New Testament says about being filled with the Holy Spirit? Also how do we reconcile the idea that Jesus is in God the Father, and that Jesus is in us, and that we are in Jesus and God the Father? Lastly, how can it be possible that multiple spirits can be in a person, as in the account of a person who has any demons within him in the gospel?
*****,
You have asked questions which could take a good deal of time to answer. You also have asked some questions for which there is no answer this side of heaven.
So I begin by reminding you of this verse:
"The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our sons forever, that we may observe all the words of this law (Deuteronomy 29:29).
I believe this means that some things are “secret things,” which belong to our Lord, and for which He has not given us the answer. To spend a lot of time and energy to try to find answers which God has not provided would not be a good use of time. If God has answered it, then it may take effort on your part to study it. If the answer is too hidden, this effort may not be worthwhile. I believe that the important issues are dealt with both clearly and repeatedly in the Bible, so the important answers should be found by anyone looking diligently (see Proverbs 2; Psalm 119).
Regarding the matter of a double portion of the Spirit. I would agree that it is the Holy Spirit. I would also say that it is clear that God also gave the Spirit to Israel’s leaders, for the wisdom they needed to lead God’s people. We know this is true of Joshua (Deuteronomy 34:9), Elijah and Elisha, of kings like Saul (1 Samuel 10:6-13) and David (1 Samuel 16:13). as well as the 70 elders who were to help Moses judge the Israelites (see Exodus 18:11-27; Numbers 11:17, 25-30).
Regarding the “double portion” of the Spirit, this is the only instance I know of in the Bible where this request is made and granted, and so I would not consider this the norm, but rather an exception.
When it comes to the Holy Spirit in the New Testament, there are a number of differences from the Old Testament.
The gift of the Holy Spirit (His presence in the believer) is given to all who believe in Jesus (Acts 2:38; 10:45).
The baptism of the Holy Spirit occurs at the time of one’s conversion (Matthew 3:11; Acts 1:5; 10:45-48).
When it comes to Spiritual Gifts, it is a different matter. While every believer receives a certain spiritual gift (1 Corinthians 12:7, 11), which gift is given, the specific use or application of that gift, and the measure of its effectiveness is something God sovereignly bestows:
1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant: 2 You know that you were Gentiles, carried away to these dumb idols, however you were led. 3 Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit. 4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills (1 Corinthians 12:1-11).
When the Scripture commands believers to be “filled with the Spirit” I believe that is a command to every believer to be controlled by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). When a person is described as being “full of the Spirit” (Acts 6:3, 5) this tends to characterize a person’s entire life, while being “filled with the Spirit” can be used to describe a person under the Spirit’s control at that moment (Acts 4:8).
My sense of the New Testament is that a person does not initiate their being filled with the Spirit, or their reception of a particular spiritual gift because this is something God does at His initiative (1 Corinthians 12:4-11).
As to your last question, I do not believe that we can fully explain such things, because they are mysteries, beyond our comprehension. We must simply believe them, by faith, just as Abraham believed that God would give him a son in his old age, or as Mary believed that God would give her a child, although she was a virgin.
For some of your questions I suggest you use the search box on the home page of bible.org. To type in your question will point you to a number of articles on our site.
Blessings,
Bob Deffinbaugh
Dear *****,
I am grateful that you are interested in studying God’s Word, and that you have an interest in prophecy. The simple fact is that no one can speak of the matters you have raised with confidence, because they have not yet been clearly explained by Scripture, or by their fulfillment.
In my view, spending much time in such matters comes close to engaging in speculations, and the Scriptures tell us this is not a good thing to do (1 Timothy 1:4; 2 Timothy 2:23; Romans 1:21; 2 Corinthians 10:5).
Let me suggest several passages of Scripture to consider.
5 Then I, Daniel, looked and behold, two others were standing, one on this bank of the river and the other on that bank of the river. 6 And one said to the man dressed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, “How long will it be until the end of these wonders?” 7 I heard the man dressed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, as he raised his right hand and his left toward heaven, and swore by Him who lives forever that it would be for a time, times, and half a time; and as soon as they finish shattering the power of the holy people, all these events will be completed. 8 As for me, I heard but could not understand; so I said, “My lord, what will be the outcome of these events?” 9 He said, “Go your way, Daniel, for these words are concealed and sealed up until the end time. 10 “Many will be purged, purified and refined, but the wicked will act wickedly; and none of the wicked will understand, but those who have insight will understand. 11 “From the time that the regular sacrifice is abolished and the abomination of desolation is set up, there will be 1,290 days. 12 “How blessed is he who keeps waiting and attains to the 1,335 days! 13 “But as for you, go your way to the end; then you will enter into rest and rise again for your allotted portion at the end of the age” (Daniel 12:5-13).
Daniel was told he was not meant to understand what was said because it would not happen in his lifetime, and did not benefit him to know the meaning. Those who did live in the days of their fulfillment, and whose minds were set on God, would know. Daniel was to live out his life well, waiting for his eternal inheritance to come.
Here is a second text:
8 and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls. 10 As to this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that would come to you made careful searches and inquiries, 11 seeking to know what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating as He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow. 12 It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, in these things which now have been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things into which angels long to look. 13 Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, 15 but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; 16 because it is written, “YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY” (1 Peter 1:8-16).
The Old Testament prophets were puzzled by their own prophecies. They wanted to know much more. They wanted to understand in much greater details what their prophecies revealed about the coming of the Lord Jesus. And Peter tells us that what was revealed to these prophets was the fact that the exact meaning was not theirs to know, but was being reserved for the saints of his day, because these prophecies had now been fulfilled. (This sounds very similar to what God told Daniel in chapter 12 of his prophecy.) The prophecies regarding the coming of our Lord Jesus to suffer and die can now be understood in the light of their fulfillment, and the apostolic declaration of the gospel. This is precisely what the Apostle Paul declared in Ephesians chapter 3:
1 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles— 2 if indeed you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace which was given to me for you; 3 that by revelation there was made known to me the mystery, as I wrote before in brief. 4 By referring to this, when you read you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which in other generations was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit; 6 to be specific, that the Gentiles are fellow heirs and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel, 7 of which I was made a minister, according to the gift of God’s grace which was given to me according to the working of His power. 8 To me, the very least of all saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ, 9 and to bring to light what is the administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God who created all things; 10 so that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places. 11 This was in accordance with the eternal purpose which He carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him (Ephesians 3:1-12).
Here is a final passage of Scripture to consider in relation to your question:
“The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our sons forever, that we may observe all the words of this law (Deuteronomy 29:29).
I find that my focus needs to be on what God has clearly revealed as what God wants me to know, and what God wants me to do. That is why I don’t spend a great deal of my time pondering mysterious prophecies.
I hope this helps you prioritize your study of Scripture,
Bob Deffinbaugh
Hi Sir:
Could you tell me what you feel the Bible says to do in the case of a person who embezzels a whole lot of money from an organization which of course did not know. I feel take your losses and move on and allow God to restore. He will deal with justice. Hard pill to swallow - am I wrong? I just feel like when there is a lot at stake for the organization then it’s best to lay it down and never allow it to happen again. Thank you for any thoughts, scripture, etc.
With regards,
******
Dear ******,
I actually have seen this happen with a well-known Christian organization. Sadly (in my mind), the institution decided to institute legal proceedings (not criminal charges, but a lawsuit against the individual). I have great difficulty setting these words of Scripture aside:
1 Does any one of you, when he has a case against his neighbor, dare to go to law before the unrighteous and not before the saints? 2 Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? If the world is judged by you, are you not competent to constitute the smallest law courts? 3 Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more matters of this life? 4 So if you have law courts dealing with matters of this life, do you appoint them as judges who are of no account in the church? 5 I say this to your shame. Is it so, that there is not among you one wise man who will be able to decide between his brethren, 6 but brother goes to law with brother, and that before unbelievers? 7 Actually, then, it is already a defeat for you, that you have lawsuits with one another. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be defrauded? 8 On the contrary, you yourselves wrong and defraud. You do this even to your brethren. 1 Corinthians 6:1-8 (NASB)
The reasoning the institution set forth was that as an institution they had a fiduciary responsibility to carry out. In my mind, that fiduciary responsibility would best be carried out by setting down principles and procedures which would prevent the misuse of funds. Notice how careful Paul was in the handling of the gifts of others:
10 I give my opinion in this matter, for this is to your advantage, who were the first to begin a year ago not only to do this, but also to desire to do it.11 But now finish doing it also, so that just as there was the readiness to desire it, so there may be also the completion of it by your ability. 12 For if the readiness is present, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have. 13 For this is not for the ease of others and for your affliction, but by way of equality— 14 at this present time your abundance being a supply for their need, so that their abundance also may become a supply for your need, that there may be equality; 15 as it is written, “HE WHO gathered MUCH DID NOT HAVE TOO MUCH, AND HE WHO gathered LITTLE HAD NO LACK.” 16 But thanks be to God who puts the same earnestness on your behalf in the heart of Titus. 17 For he not only accepted our appeal, but being himself very earnest, he has gone to you of his own accord. 18 We have sent along with him the brother whose fame in the things of the gospel has spread through all the churches; 19 and not only this, but he has also been appointed by the churches to travel with us in this gracious work, which is being administered by us for the glory of the Lord Himself, and to show our readiness, 20 taking precaution so that no one will discredit us in our administration of this generous gift; 21 for we have regard for what is honorable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men. 22 We have sent with them our brother, whom we have often tested and found diligent in many things, but now even more diligent because of his great confidence in you. 23 As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker among you; as for our brethren, they are messengers of the churches, a glory to Christ. 24 Therefore openly before the churches, show them the proof of your love and of our reason for boasting about you. 2 Corinthians 8:10-24 (NASB)
I think that crimes, such as theft, should probably be reported, but that would be the end of it in my mind. It is important to protect other institutions from hiring this person and also suffering loss.
Blessings,
Bob Deffinbaugh
Dear Brother,
John 6:37 clearly states that if one comes to Jesus, He will certainly not cast him out. And, if we look at the first part of this verse, we must also conclude that the one who comes to Jesus is one whom the Father has given our Lord.
When we look at Mark chapters 3 and 4 we see that Jesus spoke in parables so that those who committed the unpardonable sin would not understand the gospel, and thus would not trust in Jesus:
28 “Truly I say to you, all sins shall be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they utter; 29 but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin “-- 30 because they were saying, “He has an unclean spirit” (Mark. 3:28-30, NAU).
11 And He was saying to them, “To you has been given the mystery of the kingdom of God, but those who are outside get everything in parables, 12 so that WHILE SEEING, THEY MAY SEE AND NOT PERCEIVE, AND WHILE HEARING, THEY MAY HEAR AND NOT UNDERSTAND, OTHERWISE THEY MIGHT RETURN AND BE FORGIVEN” (Mark 4:11-12).
Obviously, you have come to understand the gospel, and to have trusted in Jesus, so you must not have committed the unpardonable sin.
Further, in the Gospels the unpardonable sin is defined as attributing the work of the Holy Spirit in Jesus to the devil. All other horrible sins, Jesus said, are pardonable, including blasphemy:
28 “Truly I say to you, all sins shall be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they utter; 29 but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin “-- 30 because they were saying, “He has an unclean spirit” (Mark 3:28-30; see also Luke 12:10).
I think of Saul, who became the apostle Paul. He committed terrible sins against the church, and thus against Christ (see Acts 9:4), but Paul makes it clear that God saved him because of His grace and for His glory:
12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service,
13 even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. Yet I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief; 14 and the grace of our Lord was more than abundant, with the faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus. 15 It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all. 16 Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen (1 Timothy 1:12-17).
Your sins, committed before your salvation, serve to demonstrate the grace of God, which now should assure you of your security in Him:
For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. 11 And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation (Romans 5:6-11).
Remember that Satan is “the accuser of the brethren” (Revelation 12:10). So who do you think wants to undermine your faith and cause you to doubt the greatness of God’s work of salvation in you?
Blessings,
Bob Deffinbaugh
Dear *****,
Thanks for your question. The first thing I would say is that the Scriptures are clear in their instruction not to make foolish vows, and are also clear about instructing us to keep our vows.
Having said this, my attention goes to Jephthah in Judges chapter 11. He made a foolish vow, and while scholars disagree about what actually happened to his daughter, it seems clear to me at least that Jephthah should not fulfill his vow if it meant sacrificing his daughter. What, then, should Jephthah (or anyone else who makes a foolish vow) do? They should not fulfill a vow that would actually result in sin. Instead, they should deal with their foolish vow-making as sin.
This being the case, this Scripture would apply:
1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us. 2:1 My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; 2 and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world (1 John 1:8-2:2, NASB).
Deal with this sin as you would any other sin, confess it, forsake it, and move on. And whenever you are tempted to make a foolish vow again, reject the thought as you would any other temptation. Will you fail from time to time? Yes. So confess it and remember that you have an Advocate with the Father, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Blessings,
Bob Deffinbaugh
Your fear concerning salvation seems to be rooted in the fact that you fear that you may have blasphemed God. Let’s take a closer look at this from the very words of the Lord Jesus:
22 The scribes who came down from Jerusalem were saying, “He is possessed by Beelzebul,” and “He casts out the demons by the ruler of the demons.” 23 And He called them to Himself and began speaking to them in parables, “How can Satan cast out Satan? 24 ”If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25 ”If a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. 26 “If Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand, but he is finished! 27 ”But no one can enter the strong man’s house and plunder his property unless he first binds the strong man, and then he will plunder his house. 28 ”Truly I say to you, all sins shall be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they utter; 29 but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin”— 30 because they were saying, “He has an unclean spirit” (Mark 3:22-30).
Note the parallel text in Luke:
10 "And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him (Luke 12:10).
The Lord Jesus said that every blasphemy but one, even blasphemy against Himself, could be forgiven. The one blasphemy which would not be forgiven was blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. The way the religious authorities who opposed Jesus did this was by attributing the miracles Jesus did to Satan, rather than to God (through the working of the Holy Spirit). It is the Holy Spirit who convicts men of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:7-11). It is the Holy Spirit who is instrumental in drawing men to faith and enlightening their minds and hearts to embrace the gospel (John 3:8; Titus 3:5; see also 2 Corinthians 2:6-16). To blaspheme the Holy Spirit is to blaspheme God’s means of opening men’s hearts to the gospel and drawing them to faith in Jesus. Those who blasphemed the Holy Spirit by attributing the work of Jesus to the devil were prevented from ever understanding or receiving the gospel. This is why Jesus spoke in parables:
10 As soon as He was alone, His followers, along with the twelve, began asking Him about the parables. 11 And He was saying to them, "To you has been given the mystery of the kingdom of God, but those who are outside get everything in parables, 12 so that WHILE SEEING, THEY MAY SEE AND NOT PERCEIVE, AND WHILE HEARING, THEY MAY HEAR AND NOT UNDERSTAND, OTHERWISE THEY MIGHT RETURN AND BE FORGIVEN" (Mark 4:10-12).
A person may even curse God, but that is not the same as blaspheming the Holy Spirit as those enemies of Jesus did by claiming His power to perform miracles came from Satan, rather than God.
If you had not acknowledged your sin and your need for a Savior and did not place your trust in Jesus Christ for your salvation, then you would not be worried about blaspheming God, nor would you be fearful about being eternally doomed. The only one who would want you to doubt your salvation and agonize about past sins would be Satan, who is a deceiver, a liar, and a murderer. Saved people don’t worry about being lost, and lost people have no interest in being saved.
Further, I would ask this: “Who, in the final analysis, saved you?” And beyond this, “Who keeps you saved?” If the answer to either question is your efforts, works, and faithfulness, then you are in trouble. Do you sing songs which praise God for your wisdom and insight, which resulted in your faith in Jesus? Or do you praise God for saving you? Remember the song, “Thank you Lord for saving my soul” or “Amazing Grace”? These songs have it right. Salvation is not the result of our intelligence, or insight, or our good works. Salvation is from God, and so is our security, our keeping:
6 “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 ”Do not be amazed that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 ”The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit” (John 3:6-8).
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them (Ephesians 2:8-10).
3 For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another. 4 But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, 5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life (Titus 3:3-7).
27 ”My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; 28 and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. 29 ”My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. 30 “I and the Father are one” (John 10:27-30).
8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life (Romans 5:8-10).
6 For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6).
35 Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 Just as it is written, “FOR YOUR SAKE WE ARE BEING PUT TO DEATH ALL DAY LONG; WE WERE CONSIDERED AS SHEEP TO BE SLAUGHTERED.” 37 But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:35-39).
12 For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day (2 Timothy 1:12).
I would encourage you to read Exodus chapter 32 through 34, which depicts the Israelites (Aaron) fashioning a golden calf (Idol) and worshipping it. In this entire incident Moses does not appeal to God on Israel’s behalf based upon the Israelites’ faithfulness, and intention to try harder. Moses appeals to God on the basis of His character and reputation, and upon His promises, not on Israel’s faithfulness:
7 Then the LORD spoke to Moses, “Go down at once, for your people, whom you brought up from the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves. 8 ”They have quickly turned aside from the way which I commanded them. They have made for themselves a molten calf, and have worshiped it and have sacrificed to it and said, ‘This is your god, O Israel, who brought you up from the land of Egypt!’” 9 The LORD said to Moses, “I have seen this people, and behold, they are an obstinate people. 10 ”Now then let Me alone, that My anger may burn against them and that I may destroy them; and I will make of you a great nation.” 11 Then Moses entreated the LORD his God, and said, “O LORD, why does Your anger burn against Your people whom You have brought out from the land of Egypt with great power and with a mighty hand? 12 ”Why should the Egyptians speak, saying, ‘With evil intent He brought them out to kill them in the mountains and to destroy them from the face of the earth’? Turn from Your burning anger and change Your mind about doing harm to Your people. 13 ”Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, Your servants to whom You swore by Yourself, and said to them, ‘I will multiply your descendants as the stars of the heavens, and all this land of which I have spoken I will give to your descendants, and they shall inherit it forever.’” 14 So the LORD changed His mind about the harm which He said He would do to His people (Exodus 32:7-14).
One might wrongly conclude that this was only a one-time intercession on the part of Moses, but the Scriptures tell us a very different story. take note of what happens later on, in the book of Numbers:
1 Then all the congregation lifted up their voices and cried, and the people wept that night. 2 All the sons of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron; and the whole congregation said to them, “Would that we had died in the land of Egypt! Or would that we had died in this wilderness! 3 ”Why is the LORD bringing us into this land, to fall by the sword? Our wives and our little ones will become plunder; would it not be better for us to return to Egypt?” 4 So they said to one another, “Let us appoint a leader and return to Egypt.” 5 Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces in the presence of all the assembly of the congregation of the sons of Israel. 6 Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, of those who had spied out the land, tore their clothes; 7 and they spoke to all the congregation of the sons of Israel, saying, “The land which we passed through to spy out is an exceedingly good land. 8 “If the LORD is pleased with us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us—a land which flows with milk and honey. 9 ”Only do not rebel against the LORD; and do not fear the people of the land, for they will be our prey. Their protection has been removed from them, and the LORD is with us; do not fear them.” 10 But all the congregation said to stone them with stones. Then the glory of the LORD appeared in the tent of meeting to all the sons of Israel. 11 The LORD said to Moses, “How long will this people spurn Me? And how long will they not believe in Me, despite all the signs which I have performed in their midst? 12 ”I will smite them with pestilence and dispossess them, and I will make you into a nation greater and mightier than they.” 13 But Moses said to the LORD, “Then the Egyptians will hear of it, for by Your strength You brought up this people from their midst, 14 and they will tell it to the inhabitants of this land. They have heard that You, O LORD, are in the midst of this people, for You, O LORD, are seen eye to eye, while Your cloud stands over them; and You go before them in a pillar of cloud by day and in a pillar of fire by night. 15 ”Now if You slay this people as one man, then the nations who have heard of Your fame will say, 16 ’Because the LORD could not bring this people into the land which He promised them by oath, therefore He slaughtered them in the wilderness.’ 17 ”But now, I pray, let the power of the Lord be great, just as You have declared, 18 ’The LORD is slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, forgiving iniquity and transgression; but He will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generations.’ 19 “Pardon, I pray, the iniquity of this people according to the greatness of Your lovingkindness, just as You also have forgiven this people, from Egypt even until now.” 20 So the LORD said, “I have pardoned them according to your word; 21 but indeed, as I live, all the earth will be filled with the glory of the LORD. 22 ”Surely all the men who have seen My glory and My signs which I performed in Egypt and in the wilderness, yet have put Me to the test these ten times and have not listened to My voice, 23 shall by no means see the land which I swore to their fathers, nor shall any of those who spurned Me see it (Numbers 14:1-23).
Moses interceded with God on behalf of the Israelites, and this was for the tenth time! Once again, Moses appeals to God on the basis of His reputation and His honor. God is not only a gracious and forgiving God, He is a God who fulfills His promises. True, this generation of Israelites did not enter the Promised Land, and neither did Moses. But God did fulfill His Promise to Abraham and his descendants (those of faith – Romans 4:13-25; Galatians 3:11-16). He does so, not because the Israelites (or we) are so good, but because He is God and God keeps His word.
Our trust must be in His faithfulness, not in our own.
13 If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself (2 Timothy 2:13; see also Psalm 103:6-14).
Blessings,
Bob Deffinbaugh
Dear *****,
Good question. The first thing I would say is that we do find ourselves scratching our heads at some of what we find in the Old Testament, regarding marriage (concubines, multiple wives, such as Jacob, Abraham, Jacob, David, and Solomon), and slavery (as here). From Ephesians 5:32 it does appear that the coming of our Lord and the founding of the church was a game-changer. This (Christ/church, husband/wife relationship) was a “mystery” in the Old Testament, and thus we should not be surprised to find that in Ephesians (5:25-30) and 1 Timothy 3:2 (one wife) different, higher, standards for marriage are now set forth. Now, the husband-wife relationship for the believer is to be patterned after the relationship of Christ and His church.
As I see it, the issue in Exodus 21 is two-fold, involving not only marriage, but slavery. What I would say is this; if the slave viewed his marriage as sacred, and held it in high regard, then a provision to sustain his marriage is set forth here in this text: the slave can renounce his “freedom” and remain a slave to his master, and in so doing, he can retain his wife and his children. Thus, the law (God) does not force the slave to dissolve his marriage and abandon his children.
The other thing I would say, is that I don’t read this as a “must do” command which forces the slave owner to send his slave away and keep the wife and children. The law only gives him the right to do so. When I look at men like Boaz in the Book of Esther, I see that men of great character see the law as the minimum standard, and that thus they are free to go beyond the basic requirements of the law. In other words, I believe one may choose grace over law in such situations.
I feel I must say that there is a certain danger when we spend too much of our time and energy thinking about how the Old Testament is different from the New, and thus it does not apply to us today. Is it possible that this law in Exodus 21, like other Old Testament laws, has a broader application for us, in principle? For example, I’m thinking of “Don’t muzzle the ox” in 1 Corinthians 9:
7 Who ever serves in the army at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat its fruit? Who tends a flock and does not consume its milk? 8 Am I saying these things only on the basis of common sense, or does the law not say this as well? 9 For it is written in the law of Moses, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.” God is not concerned here about oxen, is he? 10 Or is he not surely speaking for our benefit? It was written for us, because the one plowing and threshing ought to work in hope of enjoying the harvest. 11 If we sowed spiritual blessings among you, is it too much to reap material things from you? 12 If others receive this right from you, are we not more deserving? But we have not made use of this right. Instead we endure everything so that we may not be a hindrance to the gospel of Christ (1 Corinthians 9:7-12, NET).
What if we were to look at Exodus 21 in the light of the cross? Jesus, in order to acquire a whole new “family” (the church) submitted Himself completely to the will of the Father (as we see in Philippians 2:4-8), set aside His rights, and died on the cross of Calvary? Does this provide husbands with a pattern for how they are to be Christlike as a husband? To retain the sanctity of the family, the husband must choose to surrender his “rights” and submit himself to Christ.
Here’s another thought, which might well apply to those who are single. Suppose the principle is something like this: “In order to have a wife and children, one must be willing to set aside some of his freedoms.”
Sound a bit far-fetched? Perhaps, but I believe the the Old Testament law is instructive for us today, and we would do well (as did the author of Psalm 119) to meditate on the law and how it does apply to us.
Hope this helps,
Bob Deffinbaugh
Dear ******,
Thanks for the question.
I think we should begin by noting that Samson had to know that such a marriage would be wrong (Deuteronomy 7:1-6). If for no other reason, it was wrong because his parents warned him not to do so (Judges 14:3). Samson disobeyed both his parents and God. His parents were right in warning Samson not to marry this Philistine woman, but they did not realize that God intended to use his sin to further His purposes.
We can see the same thing when we recall Joseph’s suffering at the hands of his brothers (Genesis 37ff.). And yet Joseph summed it up just as he should when he said:
As for you, you meant to harm me, but God intended it for a good purpose, so he could preserve the lives of many people, as you can see this day (Genesis 50:20).
Joseph’s brothers sinned in the way they treated him, but God purposed to use this to achieve His good purposes. Their attempts to “destroy” Joseph resulted in God’s “saving” the small and fragile beginnings of a great nation.
Let me illustrate how God works with a human analogy. The police sometimes will orchestrate a “sting” operation. In order to catch a ring of burglars they might set up a phony fence operation, buying stolen goods. When the guilty parties clearly established their guilt, the police could then arrest them. If the police made the thieves steal, or sell their stolen goods, that would be entrapment. But when they merely create a setting which reveals the character and conduct of these thieves, they can be arrested. The sting operation merely served to reveal what these sinful people were – thieves. God may work in a similar way, creating situations where man’s sinful character and conduct will be revealed, but in a way that does not make Him guilty of the wrongdoing.
Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted by evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But each one is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desires. 15 Then when desire conceives, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is full grown, it gives birth to death (James 1:13-15).
Blessings,
Bob Deffinbaugh
QUESTION: I don’t feel like I have a very precise definition of what a vow is. Must a vow be verbally expressed? Could it be made by silent prayer? What about my inner thoughts which come to mind; are these vows? Are impulsive or foolish vows still vows? What about vows which produce harm to oneself or others?
I believe that the use of the word “vow” in the Bible conveys the sense of a conscious, deliberate, promise to do something, sometimes conditioned by an “if”:
Jephthah made a vow to the LORD, saying, “If you really do hand the Ammonites over to me, 31 then whoever is the first to come through the doors of my house to meet me when I return safely from fighting the Ammonites– he will belong to the LORD and I will offer him up as a burnt sacrifice.” (Jdg. 11:30-31 NET; Genesis 28:20-22; 31:13; Numbers 21:2; 1 Samuel 1:11)
A vow may or may not be made “to” the Lord (e.g. Genesis 14:22-24; Judges 11:30), but it is made “before” or in the presence of the Lord. In other words, God is a witness to the vow. That makes it pretty solemn.
By and large, a vow is considered binding, with very few exceptions. In the case of Israel’s covenant with the Gibeonites in Joshua 9, Israel’s covenant promise to protect the Gibeonites was honored, even though this commitment had been achieved deceitfully. Israel took its commitments seriously.
In Leviticus 27 (and perhaps Numbers 15) a promised offering is viewed as a vow, which may be its most common occurrence. But if the one who promised is not able to give the promised amount the priest can pronounce a reduced obligation. Note that what is promised (vowed) can be redeemed, but with a 1/5th penalty.
It does appear that at least some foolish vows can be revoked or withdrawn, with the permission of the one to whom the vow was made. If one has made a foolish commitment, he or she should quickly seek to withdraw it:
If you have been ensnared by the words you have uttered, and have been caught by the words you have spoken, 3 then, my child, do this in order to deliver yourself, because you have fallen into your neighbor’s power: go, humble yourself, and appeal firmly to your neighbor. 4 Permit no sleep to your eyes or slumber to your eyelids. 5 Deliver yourself like a gazelle from a snare, and like a bird from the trap of the fowler. (Prov. 6:2-5 NET)
From Numbers 6 we learn that a man can vow to live as a Nazarite for a specified period of time. If he does not, or is not able to fulfill his vow (initially) then there is a penalty to be paid, and then the vow can then be reinstated.
According to Numbers 30, only one in a higher position of authority (such as a father or husband) may dismiss/set aside a vow made by a woman under his authority. Otherwise, there is no release provided. Deuteronomy 23:21 requires the prompt payment of a vow (seemingly a vow to offer a certain sacrifice – see 1 Samuel 1:21). If a vow is not made, then failure to offer the sacrifice is not regarded as sin.
What is clear about vows is that one should give careful thought to what one vows to do, and that once vowed, one should not be slow to fulfill it:
It is a snare for a person to rashly cry, “Holy!” and only afterward to consider what he has vowed. (Prov. 20:25 NET)
Do not be rash with your mouth or hasty in your heart to bring up a matter before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth! Therefore, let your words be few. 3 Just as dreams come when there are many cares, so the rash vow of a fool occurs when there are many words. 4 When you make a vow to God, do not delay in paying it. For God takes no pleasure in fools: Pay what you vow! 5 It is better for you not to vow than to vow and not pay it. (Eccl. 5:2-5 NET)
It seems to me that when you look at all of the “vow” references in the Bible, the great majority of these are religious in nature: a vow to offer a certain sacrifice or offering, a vow to live for a time as a Nazarite. And those vows not made to God, are usually made with God as witness.
Foolish vows were made, but these fall far short of the ideal for vows, which should be well thought through, and which should be made with a strong resolve to fulfill them.
One should add that oaths are voluntary commitments (Deuteronomy 23:23).
In the Scriptures vows might be silently made, but they are consciously made to God, or with God as our witness. Foolish vows were made, as was the vow of Jephthah, and this vow Jephthah kept. Wicked vows invoked God’s name in vain (that is, with no intent to follow through – Leviticus 19:12; Deuteronomy 5:11).
It is noteworthy that most of the references to vows are found in the Old Testament, not the New. I believe that is because Jesus is “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6; see also John 1:14, 17). Therefore, those who have Christ dwelling in them speak truth (Ephesians 4:15-24). This is our Lord’s point in Matthew chapter 5:
“Again, you have heard that it was said to an older generation, ‘Do not break an oath, but fulfill your vows to the Lord.’ 34 But I say to you, do not take oaths at all– not by heaven, because it is the throne of God, 35 not by earth, because it is his footstool, and not by Jerusalem, because it is the city of the great King. 36 Do not take an oath by your head, because you are not able to make one hair white or black. 37 Let your word be ‘Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no.’ More than this is from the evil one. (Matt. 5:33-37 NET)
This was a game-changer when it came to the making and keeping of vows. Jesus taught that Christians should be characterized as people of truth, people who keep their word. They should not need to take an oath/make a vow in order to convince others that they intended keep their every word. Thus, the obligation to be truthful and to fulfill our words is extended beyond vows to everything we say we will do (or not do). If this is the case, vows are unnecessary. It is folly to make hasty commitments (whether a vow or not). One should carefully consider what he or she is committing themselves to do, or not do. Having made a commitment, one should keep it.
Can a vow, or even a commitment, be made in silent prayer? Yes. That is what seems to have occurred with Hannah in 1 Samuel 1:9-18. But this was no rash decision or commitment. She had no doubt been pondering it for some time. It was a private vow, and thus not stated publicly. Indeed, it would seem that many vows regarding offerings were private. (Note, also that Hannah kept her vow.)
Now, as to random thoughts and inner dialog. I do not believe that these fall into the category of vows, not even of commitments to keep. Tempting thoughts flash through our minds all the time, but we are surely not obliged to fulfill them. We are to acknowledge them as illicit temptations and put them out of our minds.
It is possible that one might vow to do harm to someone else, or even to himself (as did the Jews who vowed to kill Paul). One does not even have to vow to harm another; it could be the unintended consequence of a foolish vow, like Jethro’s. Given the sinfulness of man, we should not be surprised by the way a vow can be foolishly invoked, or harmfully carried out.
But as New Testament Christians, taking a vow seems to be unnecessary (in the Old Testament sense) because we are to speak wisely and keep our word. This may explain why vows are so rare in the New Testament.
Question: When I Was Saved, I Became An Enthusiastic Follower Of Jesus. Then I Came Across The Writings Of A False Teacher And Was Persuaded That Jesus Was Not The Promised Messiah Of The Old Testament. I Have Come To See That I Was Wrong, And Desire To Follow Jesus Again. Have I Committed The Unpardonable Sin, So That This Is No Longer Possible For Me?
Thanks for your question. I know it is vitally important for you.
The first question I would ask (and I think you should too) is this: “What part did your works play in your salvation?” In other words, did your salvation depend completely upon Christ’s work on the cross of Calvary, or partly on your works? The gospel makes that quite clear:
But “when the kindness of God our Savior and his love for mankind appeared, 5 he saved us not by works of righteousness that we have done but on the basis of his mercy, through the washing of the new birth and the renewing of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us in full measure through Jesus Christ our Savior. 7 And so, since we have been justified by his grace, we become heirs with the confident expectation of eternal life” (Titus 3:4-7, NET).
For by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 it is not from works, so that no one can boast (Ephesians 2:8-9).
The only thing I want to learn from you is this: Did you receive the Spirit by doing the works of the law or by believing what you heard? 3 Are you so foolish? Although you began with the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by human effort? (Galatians 3:2-3)
Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, (Col. 2:6 NAU)
The point to all of this is that you are sanctified (made holy) in the same way you got saved, and that is by trusting in the person and work of Jesus Christ, rather than in your works. It is true that you drew back for a time, but you have repented and renewed your faith in Christ. This being the case, I would say several things.
First, God blinds those who have committed the unpardonable sin, so that they won’t believe in Christ for salvation (and you are not blind):
When he was alone, those around him with the twelve asked him about the parables. 11 He said to them, “The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you. But to those outside, everything is in parables, 12 so that although they look they may look but not see, and although they hear they may hear but not understand, so they may not repent and be forgiven” (Mark 4:10-12).
The arrival of the lawless one will be by Satan’s working with all kinds of miracles and signs and false wonders, 10 and with every kind of evil deception directed against those who are perishing, because they found no place in their hearts for the truth so as to be saved. 11 Consequently God sends on them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false. 12 And so all of them who have not believed the truth but have delighted in evil will be condemned (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12).
God blinds the eyes of those who have rejected Him, so that they cannot see (grasp) the gospel, and believe, and be saved. You do see the gospel, and desire to be a child of God through faith in Jesus, so that should indicate that you have not committed an unpardonable sin.
Second, I don’t see that you are greatly different from Peter, who denied his Lord, but later returned and became a leader of men for Christ:
“Simon, Simon, pay attention! Satan has demanded to have you all, to sift you like wheat, 32 but I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. When you have turned back, strengthen your brothers” (Luke 22:31-32).
Third, as I look back at the sins of the nation Israel, an appeal was never made to God, based on the fact that Israel would do better, but rather on the fact that God had committed Himself to save this people, and thus His reputation and glory were at stake. It was on this basis that God continued His saving work with this stiff-necked and rebellious people:
But Moses sought the favor of the LORD his God and said, “O LORD, why does your anger burn against your people, whom you have brought out from the land of Egypt with great power and with a mighty hand? 12 Why should the Egyptians say, ‘For evil he led them out to kill them in the mountains and to destroy them from the face of the earth’? Turn from your burning anger, and relent of this evil against your people. 13 Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel your servants, to whom you swore by yourself and told them, ‘I will multiply your descendants like the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have spoken about I will give to your descendants, and they will inherit it forever.’” 14 Then the LORD relented over the evil that he had said he would do to his people (Exodus 32:11-14).
Fourth, consider Paul’s words here:
This saying is trustworthy: If we died with him, we will also live with him. 12 If we endure, we will also reign with him. If we deny him, he will also deny us. 13 If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, since he cannot deny himself (2 Timothy 2:11-13).
At first glance you may think I picked the wrong verses. But I believe otherwise. First, the word “endure” (v. 12) does not mean that we never fail, but only that we press on, if and when we fail. Second, the word “deny” is the word that is twice used to describe Peter’s “denial” of Jesus in Matthew 26:70, 72 and Mark 14:68, 70. Peter repented of his denial, and Jesus restored him to fellowship, and even to leadership in the church. But that third word, “faithless” is so often descriptive of the believer at various moments in his or her spiritual experience. But even when we are faithless, our God remains faithful. Thankfully, our salvation rests on His faithfulness, not our sinlessness and good works.
Fifth, your question brought to mind Paul’s words to the Corinthian church (in both 1st and 2nd Corinthians). We see at the beginning of 1 Corinthians (chapter 1) that there are divisions in the church, based upon the saints following particular men as their leaders. (Paul uses the names, Paul, Apollos, and Cephas, and even Christ, to refer to the leaders they follow, but later in 1 Corinthians 4:6 he makes it plain that these are not the leaders, but are merely apostles’ names used figuratively to refer to the various leaders who seek a personal following.) By the time we reach 2 Corinthians 11, we learn that these teachers, who claim apostolic authority, are really “false apostles,” appearing as “angels of light.” They are really Satan’s servants (2 Corinthians 11:12-15). Paul’s purpose in writing these epistles is to expose these false apostles as being false apostles, so that the Corinthians will turn again to the truth, and cease following false apostles. I see this in Paul’s concluding words in 2 Corinthians 13:
Put yourselves to the test to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize regarding yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you– unless, indeed, you fail the test! 6 And I hope that you will realize that we have not failed the test! 7 Now we pray to God that you may not do anything wrong, not so that we may appear to have passed the test, but so that you may do what is right even if we may appear to have failed the test. 8 For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the sake of the truth. 9 For we rejoice whenever we are weak, but you are strong. And we pray for this: that you may become fully qualified. 10 Because of this I am writing these things while absent, so that when I arrive I may not have to deal harshly with you by using my authority– the Lord gave it to me for building up, not for tearing down! (2 Corinthians 13:5-10)
I believe this is also what we find in Revelation 2 and 3. These churches had false teachers among them. Our Lord’s words of warning were meant to warn these saints, so that they would return to the truth. I believe that God’s Word is saying the same thing to you. You followed a false teacher, and then came to recognize this, and returned to Christ. Hold firm to that!
Finally, this incident just came to my mind:
As the night was ending, Jesus came to them walking on the sea. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the water they were terrified and said, “It’s a ghost!” and cried out with fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them: “Have courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.” 28 Peter said to him, “Lord, if it is you, order me to come to you on the water.” 29 So he said, “Come.” Peter got out of the boat, walked on the water, and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the strong wind he became afraid. And starting to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 When they went up into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God” (Matthew 14:25-33).
My friend, I think you are “looking at your feet” (your faithfulness), rather than at Jesus (on whom your salvation rests).
Bob Deffinbaugh
Dear *****,
I should begin by saying a couple of things. I am 80 years old, and have been married to my wife for sixty years. We have been blessed with six children (one died in childhood). As a man, I cannot fully identify with all of your struggles, though as a husband and church elder I have observed some of these afflictions from a distance. I do take your struggles seriously.
It seems to me that you have raised at least two major questions. The first question is whether birth control is sin or not. My wife and I had to deal with this after having six children, and knowing that others would likely follow. Here is the text which helped us to decide that birth control was not sin. But before going there, let me point to a text which might cause some to conclude that all birth control is sin:
1 And it came about at that time, that Judah departed from his brothers and visited a certain Adullamite, whose name was Hirah. 2 Judah saw there a daughter of a certain Canaanite whose name was Shua; and he took her and went in to her. 3 So she conceived and bore a son and he named him Er. 4 Then she conceived again and bore a son and named him Onan. 5 She bore still another son and named him Shelah; and it was at Chezib that she bore him. 6 Now Judah took a wife for Er his firstborn, and her name was Tamar. 7 But Er, Judah’s firstborn, was evil in the sight of the LORD, so the LORD took his life. 8 Then Judah said to Onan, “Go in to your brother’s wife, and perform your duty as a brother-in-law to her, and raise up offspring for your brother.” 9 Onan knew that the offspring would not be his; so when he went in to his brother’s wife, he wasted his seed on the ground in order not to give offspring to his brother. (Gen. 38:1-9 NAU)
It is obvious that Onan practiced a form of birth control, and for this God took his life. The important thing here is to observe that not only Judah, but later on, the law required it as well:
“When brothers live together and one of them dies and has no son, the wife of the deceased shall not be married outside the family to a strange man. Her husband’s brother shall go in to her and take her to himself as wife and perform the duty of a husband’s brother to her” (Deuteronomy 25:5).
This was to assure the continuation of an Israelites’ seed (children) if he died before having a child with his wife.
Thus, we can see that the practice of birth control can, in some circumstances, be sin.
But here are a couple of texts which have indicated to me (and to my wife) that birth control can be a good decision:
1 Now concerning the things about which you wrote, it is good for a man not to touch a woman. 2 But because of immoralities, each man is to have his own wife, and each woman is to have her own husband. 3 The husband must fulfill his duty to his wife, and likewise also the wife to her husband. 4 The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does; and likewise also the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. 5 Stop depriving one another, except by agreement for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer, and come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. 6 But this I say by way of concession, not of command. 7 Yet I wish that all men were even as I myself am. However, each man has his own gift from God, one in this manner, and another in that (1 Corinthians 7:1-7).
Can we not agree that here in verses 1-7 Paul is saying that it can be good for someone to be like Paul in choosing not to marry? Thus, while marriage is a wonderful gift from God, it can also be “good” to choose not to marry. (We shall see this further explained in verses 25-35).
Now concerning virgins I have no command of the Lord, but I give an opinion as one who by the mercy of the Lord is trustworthy. 26 I think then that this is good in view of the present distress (or crisis), that it is good for a man to remain as he is. 27 Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be released. Are you released from a wife? Do not seek a wife. 28 But if you marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. Yet such will have trouble in this life, and I am trying to spare you. 29 But this I say, brethren, the time has been shortened, so that from now on those who have wives should be as though they had none; 30 and those who weep, as though they did not weep; and those who rejoice, as though they did not rejoice; and those who buy, as though they did not possess; 31 and those who use the world, as though they did not make full use of it; for the form of this world is passing away. 32 But I want you to be free from concern. One who is unmarried is concerned about the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord; 33 but one who is married is concerned about the things of the world, how he may please his wife, 34 and his interests are divided. The woman who is unmarried, and the virgin, is concerned about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and spirit; but one who is married is concerned about the things of the world, how she may please her husband. 35 This I say for your own benefit; not to put a restraint upon you, but to promote what is appropriate and to secure undistracted devotion to the Lord (1 Corinthians 7:25-35).
In verse 26 Paul further explains his words in verses 1-7, by adding one kind of circumstance which could justify the choice to remain single. He refers to this as a “present distress” (verse 26). That word “distress” is used elsewhere to refer to a broad range of troubles, and not just one particular kind of “distress” (like having a cruel government which opposes Christianity). Thus, during certain times of difficulty remaining single is preferable to getting married. (Can you imagine, for example, if Paul were married, and his wife had to endure his suffering with him?)
There is a second reason (in verses 29-35) which Paul gives us for remaining single, rather than choosing to marry. As the time approaches for our Lord to return, there is a greater urgency to proclaim the gospel, and to keep oneself from being overly absorbed in the things of this world. Marriage, as God has designed and described it, places significant obligations on both the husband and the wife. Paul says that some will choose to avoid the distractions, which marriage rightly imposes on a person, for the purpose of pursuing “undistracted devotion to the Lord” (verse 35). Thus, while marriage is the norm, and can rightly be enjoyed, it may also be set aside – for the right reasons. (In or time, marriage is being set aside, but for the wrong reasons.)
One more text should be considered here:
9 “And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.” 10 The disciples said to Him, “If the relationship of the man with his wife is like this, it is better not to marry.” 11 But He said to them, “Not all men can accept this statement, but only those to whom it has been given. 12 “For there are eunuchs who were born that way from their mother’s womb; and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men; and there are also eunuchs who made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. He who is able to accept this, let him accept it” (Matthew 19:9-12).
In this text Jesus seems to set forth the same principle which Paul later sets forth in 1 Corinthians 7: Some men (and women) rightly set aside the choice to marry and bear children for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Note, here, that it is not just marriage that is set aside, but also child-bearing.
We should not overlook the fact that not only Paul, but our Lord Jesus set aside marriage and child-bearing.
Now some might agree that marriage can be set aside in the will of God, but would argue that child-bearing cannot, if one is married. Matthew 19:12 would seem to challenge that position. But I think that there is a principle underlying all these texts, a principle which does apply to child-bearing:
Just as there are good reasons for setting aside the joys (and obligations) of marriage, there are also good reasons for setting aside the bearing of children. This could mean the choice to have no children (as would be the case if one made himself a eunuch – Matthew 19:12), or of limiting the number of children one has.
By the way, the Bible makes it clear that God sometimes prevented the birth of children, until child-bearing fulfilled His purposes (see, for example, Genesis 25:21; 29:31; 30:1-2, 22; 1 Samuel 1:1-20; Luke 1).
Back to my wife and myself. We had six children, and at least one miscarriage. Had we not limited our ability to reproduce, we could well have born a dozen, or more, children. In our situation, it would have made it very difficult for a family of 12 or 14 to be invited into some folks’ home for dinner, or fellowship. It would have required me to spend a great deal more time with my family, giving each child individual attention. If we were headed for the mission field, it would greatly increase the amount of support that would have to be raised. And thus, we decided that the principle Jesus, and Paul, set forth, applied to child-bearing, as well as to marriage.
This would probably be called our personal conviction, rather than obeying a clear command. But it would be a liberty which we could rightly exercise.
Whether this applies to you and your husband is something you two must decide.
Now, that brings us to some other questions, which your and your husband should discuss and decide upon. The first of these questions is this: Is the bearing of children simply a matter of the wife submitting to her husband? We are told that it is both the husband’s and the wife’s responsibility to sexually satisfy their mate:
Now concerning the things about which you wrote, it is good for a man not to touch a woman. 2 But because of immoralities, each man is to have his own wife, and each woman is to have her own husband. 3 The husband must fulfill his duty to his wife, and likewise also the wife to her husband. 4 The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does; and likewise also the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. 5 Stop depriving one another, except by agreement for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer, and come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control (1 Corinthians 7:1-5).
Using birth control greatly enhances a woman’s ability to have pleasure in sex, while dreading another child can greatly hinder sexual enjoyment (which Paul is saying is essential). Indeed, refraining from sexual fulfillment can lead to a temptation to sin.
Now, regarding your husband’s desire to have three children. I do not personally see that a husband’s desire (or the wife’s, for that matter) for a certain number of children has biblical support. The number of children we would like is simply a desire. Under normal circumstances, both the husband and the wife should agree when they have had enough children, and then they do something (birth control) to prevent further conceptions.
You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with someone weaker, since she is a woman; and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered (1 Peter 3:7).
1 Now concerning things sacrificed to idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge makes arrogant, but love edifies. 2 If anyone supposes that he knows anything, he has not yet known as he ought to know; 3 but if anyone loves God, he is known by Him. 4 Therefore concerning the eating of things sacrificed to idols, we know that there is no such thing as an idol in the world, and that there is no God but one. 5 For even if there are so-called gods whether in heaven or on earth, as indeed there are many gods and many lords, 6 yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things and we exist for Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we exist through Him. 7 However not all men have this knowledge; but some, being accustomed to the idol until now, eat food as if it were sacrificed to an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled. 8 But food will not commend us to God; we are neither the worse if we do not eat, nor the better if we do eat. 9 But take care that this liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. 10 For if someone sees you, who have knowledge, dining in an idol’s temple, will not his conscience, if he is weak, be strengthened to eat things sacrificed to idols? 11 For through your knowledge he who is weak is ruined, the brother for whose sake Christ died. 12 And so, by sinning against the brethren and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. 13 Therefore, if food causes my brother to stumble, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause my brother to stumble (1 Corinthians 8:1-13).
[If I could sum up this chapter, as it applies to you, I would say: Love should motivate me to surrender my rights, when exercising my liberty hurts another.]
1 Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, 2 make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. 3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; 4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. 5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8 Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:1-11).
See also Paul’s teaching about “personal convictions” in Romans 14 and 15. I do not believe that a husband should expect his wife to “submit” to his wishes when doing so may violate her convictions.
*******, I hope this gives you and your husband something to discuss and decide.
Blessings,
Bob Deffinbaugh
Dear *******,
It is becoming more and more popular in our culture for Christians to take some form of abuse as a reason to justify divorce and thus remarriage. There is no clear statement of Scripture that allows this, and, in fact, there is this text which certainly seems to reject it:
3 And some Pharisees came to Him, testing Him, and saying, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any cause at all?” 4 And He answered and said, “Have you not read, that He who created them from the beginning made them male and female, 5 and said, ‘For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh ‘? 6 “Consequently they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate.” 7 They said to Him, “Why then did Moses command to give her a certificate of divorce and send her away?” 8 He said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart, Moses permitted you to divorce your wives; but from the beginning it has not been this way. 9 “And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.” 10 The disciples said to Him, “If the relationship of the man with his wife is like this, it is better not to marry.” 11 But He said to them, “Not all men can accept this statement, but only those to whom it has been given. 12 “For there are eunuchs who were born that way from their mother’s womb; and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men; and there are also eunuchs who made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. He who is able to accept this, let him accept it” (Matthew 19:3-12, NAS)
But to the married I give instructions, not I, but the Lord, that the wife should not leave her husband 11 (but if she does leave, let her remain unmarried, or else be reconciled to her husband), and that the husband should not send his wife away. 12 But to the rest I say, not the Lord, that if any brother has a wife who is an unbeliever, and she consents to live with him, let him not send her away. 13 And a woman who has an unbelieving husband, and he consents to live with her, let her not send her husband away. 14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified through her believing husband; for otherwise your children are unclean, but now they are holy. 15 Yet if the unbelieving one leaves, let him leave; the brother or the sister is not under bondage in such cases, but God has called us to peace. 16 For how do you know, O wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, O husband, whether you will save your wife? (1 Cor. 7:10-16 NAS)
It has been my experience that those who seek to justify divorce and remarriage are inclined to ignore texts like these.
The only two biblical grounds for divorce I find in Scripture are (1) divorce on the basis of sexual immorality on the part of the other party (Matthew 5:31-32), and (2) divorce at the initiation of an unbelieving spouse (1 Corinthians 7:15-16).
I don’t wish to over-simplify the issue, but it does seem to me that we have to deal with the inspired and authoritative words of Jesus and Paul before we embrace the teachings of others. My fear is that when some Christian leaders teach that divorce is more readily an option folks are more likely to see divorce as the solution to their problems in marriage.
For “full disclosure,” I have performed a remarriage ceremony for some, whose spouses were unbelievers, and who divorced them. I have also married some who were divorced, or divorced their spouse before they were saved, and a reconciliation was not possible. Based on our Lord’s words in Matthew 19, I would have to say that if there are exceptions to the “once married, always married” principle (Genesis 2:21-24; Matthew 19:4-6) these must be regarded as the exception, and not the rule (Matthew 19:8).
Blessings,
Bob
Dear *******,
The first thing I would say (as I have said to others) is this: When you get to heaven and stand before God to give account of your decisions and actions, God won’t be as interested in what I have had to say on a matter, as He is in what you have done with what He has said in His Word. I am most reluctant to “give the green light” to someone, when I have a very limited knowledge of all of the facts, and when His Word seems to speak clearly on a matter.
Specifically, when it comes to abuse as justification for divorce. Nowhere in Scripture does God say “abuse” is a just reason for divorce, only immorality on the part of the spouse (Matthew 5:31-32; 19:3-12), and abandonment/divorce initiated by an unbelieving spouse (1 Corinthians 7:15-16).
Even more problematic is what we read in 1 Peter 2:18—3:7. Peter begins by addressing slaves who are abused by their masters, then he focuses on Christ and the abuse He endured for our salvation. Then, he begins chapter three with the word “likewise,” which continues the theme of enduring abuse, but it is now applied to wives, husbands, and marriage. The question you must answer is, “What does this passage say to me about abuse justifying divorce?” [I must add, parenthetically, that I don’t believe this text requires you to endure abuse to the point of serious injury, or death. But there is a substantial difference between escaping to a safe place and filing for divorce.] A problem that I have is that once the word “abuse” is used, it then is extended to “verbal abuse,” “psychological abuse,” and the like.
These are usually far from life threatening.
Being an addict is likewise not a reason for divorce in the Scriptures.
I think the real question is, “Is your husband a believer, or not?” If your husband is not saved, then he does partially fall within the standard Paul sets in 1 Corinthians 7:10-16, but ideally it is he who should initiate the divorce. If your husband is a true believer, then abuse is biblical grounds for church discipline (see Matthew 18:15-20).
In addition to all this, it seems necessary to point out that just because the Scriptures “allow” divorce, this is not the same thing as commanding it:
They said to Him, “Why then did Moses command to GIVE HER A CERTIFICATE OF DIVORCE AND SEND her AWAY?” 8 He said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart Moses permitted you to divorce your wives; but from the beginning it has not been this way. (Matt. 19:7-8 NAU)
I have known folks who had the biblical “right” to divorce, but chose not to do it. I have likewise known those who did not have the right to divorce, and did it anyway.
My counsel to you would be to become a part of a Bible teaching, Bible practicing church, and seek the counsel of those who are wise in the Scriptures. But note especially how they interpret and apply the texts of Scripture I have mentioned.
Incidentally, if these “wise folks” are acting within the Scriptures, I believe they should also be prepared to confront your husband, and to make it clear that they will not look the other way if he is abusive.
Blessings,
Bob Deffinbaugh
Dear *****,
Interesting question. Let me take a stab at it.
Overall, asking God for a sign is not presented in a positive light. This would be the case with Gideon in the Old Testament. It is interesting to note, however, that God gave Gideon a confirming sign (or indication of His fulfilled promise) in Judges 2:9-14, knowing that his faith was weak.
Wrongly asking for signs was typical for the scribes, Pharisees, and Sadducees in the New Testament:
38 Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Him, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.” 39 But He answered and said to them, “An evil and adulterous generation craves for a sign; and yet no sign will be given to it but the sign of Jonah the prophet; 40 for just as JONAH WAS THREE DAYS AND THREE NIGHTS IN THE BELLY OF THE SEA MONSTER, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth (Matthew 12:38-40).
14 And He was casting out a demon, and it was mute; when the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke; and the crowds were amazed. 15 But some of them said, “He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the ruler of the demons.” 16 Others, to test Him, were demanding of Him a sign from heaven (Luke 11:14-16).
Even Herod was hoping for a sign from Jesus:
8 Now Herod was very glad when he saw Jesus; for he had wanted to see Him for a long time, because he had been hearing about Him and was hoping to see some sign performed by Him (Luke 23:8).
When the disciples asked Jesus what sign would precede His coming, Jesus did not answer directly (see Matthew 24:3ff.).
We know that Paul did not present sign-seeking in a positive light:
21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. 22 For indeed Jews ask for signs and Greeks search for wisdom; 23 but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block and to Gentiles foolishness, 24 but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:21-24).
We should likewise remember that there are false signs and wonders, produced by Satan and his minions to draw people away (Matthew 24:24; 2 Thessalonians 2:9; Revelation 13:11-14; 19:20).
Having said this, signs are not always presented negatively:
God told Ahaz to ask for a sign, and not doing so was viewed as commendable (Isaiah 7:10-16).
Repeatedly in the Old and New Testaments God performed signs which were meant to prompt faith and obedience (see Exodus 4:1-9, 28-31; Deuteronomy 4:32-35; Joshua 24:16-18, etc.).
Jesus repeatedly performed signs to authenticate His claim to be Israel’s Messiah (John 2:11, 23, etc.). Likewise, the apostles performed many signs as well (see Acts 2:2-4, 43; 6:8, etc.). In order to validate the gospel, the apostles did ask God to perform signs through them, so that many would be saved (Acts 4:24-31).
When asking for a sign is “putting God to the test” (demanding that God jump through our hoops), then it is clearly sin (see Numbers 14:22; Deuteronomy 6:16; Psalm 78:18), which is exactly what Satan attempted to prompt Jesus to do (Matthew 4:7; Luke 4:12).
I think it is less than commendable for a saint to ask for a sign when God has already given a promise, or directed our steps through His Word. But when God’s will is not clear, I don’t think it is wrong to ask God to make His will clear to us. That might result in a sign, or in some other means of His confirming His Will.
I hope this helps,
Bob Deffinbaugh
Idolatry And Pictures Of Jesus
I believe that this text in the Book of Deuteronomy is the key to the answer:
“Remember the day you stood before the LORD your God at Horeb, when the LORD said to me, ‘Assemble the people to Me, that I may let them hear My words so they may learn to fear Me all the days they live on the earth, and that they may teach their children.’ 11 “You came near and stood at the foot of the mountain, and the mountain burned with fire to the very heart of the heavens: darkness, cloud and thick gloom. 12 “Then the LORD spoke to you from the midst of the fire; you heard the sound of words, but you saw no form—only a voice. 13 “So He declared to you His covenant which He commanded you to perform, that is, the Ten Commandments; and He wrote them on two tablets of stone. 14 “The LORD commanded me at that time to teach you statutes and judgments, that you might perform them in the land where you are going over to possess it. 15 “So watch yourselves carefully, since you did not see any form on the day the LORD spoke to you at Horeb from the midst of the fire, 16 so that you do not act corruptly and make a graven image for yourselves in the form of any figure, the likeness of male or female, 17 the likeness of any animal that is on the earth, the likeness of any winged bird that flies in the sky, 18 the likeness of anything that creeps on the ground, the likeness of any fish that is in the water below the earth. 19 “And beware not to lift up your eyes to heaven and see the sun and the moon and the stars, all the host of heaven, and be drawn away and worship them and serve them, those which the LORD your God has allotted to all the peoples under the whole heaven. (Deut. 4:10-19 NAU)
God forbade the making of idols (and worshipping them!) because as yet no one had ever seen God (only manifestations of Him, such as we see in Exodus 24:9-11). How can you make an image of someone no one has seen?
Now, of course, there was the matter of worshipping a forbidden idol, and often that worship involved immorality, among other things.
Consistent with the biblical process of progressive revelation, the New Testament sheds additional light on the matter of idols.
It probably is worthy to note that Jesus never said anything about idolatry in the Gospels. I’m not seeking to make anything of this, but merely to point something out. A further observation was that while no one saw God in the Old Testament, Jesus now claims to be God, and thus to see Him is to see God:
No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten God who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him. (Jn. 1:18 NAU)
No one has ever seen God. The one and only1 Son, who is himself God and is at the Father’s side-- he has revealed him. (Jn. 1:18 CSB17)
“If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; from now on you know Him, and have seen Him.” 8 Philip said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” 9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been so long with you, and yet you have not come to know Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; how can you say, ‘Show us the Father ‘? 10 “Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on My own initiative, but the Father abiding in Me does His works. 11 “Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me; otherwise believe because of the works themselves. (Jn. 14:7-11 NAU; see also Philippians 2:5-11)
Jesus’ claim to be God was a great and unpardonable sin to those who rejected Him:
“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; 28 and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. 29 “My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. 30 “I and the Father are one.” 31 The Jews picked up stones again to stone Him. 32 Jesus answered them, “I showed you many good works from the Father; for which of them are you stoning Me?” 33 The Jews answered Him, “For a good work we do not stone You, but for blasphemy; and because You, being a man, make Yourself out to be God.” 34 Jesus answered them, “Has it not been written in your Law, ‘I SAID, YOU ARE GODS ‘? 35 “If he called them gods, to whom the word of God came (and the Scripture cannot be broken), 36 do you say of Him, whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, ‘You are blaspheming,’ because I said, ‘I am the Son of God ‘? 37 “If I do not do the works of My Father, do not believe Me; 38 but if I do them, though you do not believe Me, believe the works, so that you may know and understand that the Father is in Me, and I in the Father.” 39 Therefore they were seeking again to seize Him, and He eluded their grasp. (Jn. 10:27-39 NAU)
It should not surprise us to read that Jesus was worshipped by men who received Him as God:
“Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” (Matt. 2:2 NAU)
After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. (Matt. 2:11 NAU)
And those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, “You are certainly God’s Son!” (Matt. 14:33 NAU)
And they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy and ran to report it to His disciples. 9 And behold, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they came up and took hold of His feet and worshiped Him. (Matt. 28:8-9 NAU)
And he said, “Lord, I believe.” And he worshiped Him. (Jn. 9:38 NAU)
So, does the incarnation of our Lord Jesus, God coming to earth as a man, a perfect God-man, not impact in some way the prohibition we read in Deuteronomy 4? Is it not right to say that God has revealed Himself to men as a man, the God-man Jesus Christ? Is it not right to worship Jesus as God?
Some would brush this aside, and persist to contend that a picture of Jesus is not appropriate. I would respond to this contention from two different directions.
First, I would say that while it is possible that some image of Jesus might be wrongly venerated, and even worshipped, that is seldom the case. Indeed, I have never observed or heard of any instance of this within Evangelical Protestant Christianity. If it were so, this would be wrong, but I don’t think that would justify the condemnation of any and every graphic representation of Jesus
But now, I wish to approach the issue from the opposite direction. Is it possible that the prohibition of graphic representations can actually be counter-productive? Because of the Jesus film which has been shown globally, many have come to faith in Jesus and are now worshippers of Him (not the movie or the character who played Jesus). Would we wish to conclude that this graphic representation of Jesus was evil? Wouldn’t the prohibition of pictures of Jesus hinder the gospel?
Here is another sobering thought. If one were to take away every picture of Jesus in children’s Bibles and Sunday School curriculum, would this produce the kind of results that would please God? There are a number of heresies which have cropped up in an effort to reject or modify the biblical doctrine of our Lord’s incarnation – that the Son of God came to earth as the one and only perfect God-man. Jesus had a physical body. One can hardly avoid this conclusion as you read the Gospels. But there are those who embrace a heresy known as Docetism, the theory that Jesus only appeared to have a body, but in reality, He did not.
I cannot think of any picture of Jesus that I have seen that did not portray Jesus as a man, a man with a human body. Children don’t think in abstract terms, but in concrete terms. When they see pictures of Jesus they see Him as a man, and that is what He was. Jesus appeared as a man, and was accepted as such without debate. What men found more difficult was that this “man” was also God. Our Lord’s deity became evident by means of His words and deeds. To take away all pictures of Jesus as a man tends to diminish His deity, and actually inclines children toward Docetism.
My point in all this is that pictures of Jesus don’t normally result in idolatry, while the removal of all pictures of Jesus may actually misrepresent His nature, and hinder the proclamation of the Gospel.
So what if an individual continues to be convinced that pictures of Jesus are a form of idolatry? Given the fact that very highly respected evangelical scholars and theologians differ on the acceptability of picture of Jesus, should we not conclude that this is a matter of personal conviction, rather than a strongly held fundamental of the faith, historically embraced within Christianity? And if it is a matter of conviction, should we not act in accordance with Paul’s instructions in Romans 14 and 15? If so, we should not seek to impose our views on others, or debate in a way that divides us.
I’m reminded of the issue of divorce and remarriage which was dealt with by Bethlehem Baptist Church some years ago. John Piper held to a very strict view regarding divorce and remarriage: no divorce or remarriage after divorce.2 The church, after a lengthy time of study and discussion, reached a less restrictive policy.3 As I understood this from a distance, John Piper was free to teach his position on divorce and remarriage, and he was free to practice his convictions as he saw fit. But the position of the church was different, and that was what guided the staff and individual members as the church’s policy.
In any case where an individual (especially a visible leader) held strongly to a position that the model set forth at Bethlehem Baptist Church be followed. The individual is free to hold his position, and even to teach it (though not to beat this horse repeatedly), but the position of the church would be distinguished. I believe in Piper’s case that he actually communicated both his position and that of the church.
I do not believe it wise to make this matter of pictures of Jesus a fundamental of the faith, or to allow it to divide the body of Christ. In my opinion it is similar to matters like the celebration of Christmas or Easter, which had pagan associations in earlier days.
Bob Deffinbaugh
1 One could make the point from the New Testament that it is not merely images which can serve as idols, but other things as well, although it is my opinion that in our day too many things have been labeled as “idols.”
2 https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/a-statement-on-divorce-and-remarriage-in-the-life-of-bethlehem-baptist-church
3 https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/divorce-and-remarriage-at-bethlehem
How can Jesus say that His burden is light when living the Christian life is not easy?
28 “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. 29 “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. 30 “For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30, NASB).
The context is very important here. Jesus has some very condemning words for that generation of Jews. They wanted Jesus and John the Baptist to “dance to their tune” (11:16-17). Jesus said greater judgment would come upon the Jewish cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum than upon the Gentile cites of Tyre and Sidon because they had received greater revelation concerning Jesus, but had rejected it (11:20-24). Jesus then praised the Father for revealing Himself to little children, while the wise and understanding simply didn’t get it (11:25-27).
Jesus then invited all who were weary to come to Him in faith and He would give them rest. He promised that His yoke was easy and His burden was light (11:29-30). And yet elsewhere Jesus made it clear that following Him was not the path of least resistance:
23 And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me” (Luke 9:23).
57 As they were going along the road, someone said to Him, “I will follow You wherever You go.” 58 And Jesus said to him, “The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” 59 And He said to another, “Follow Me.” But he said, “Lord, permit me first to go and bury my father.” 60 But He said to him, “Allow the dead to bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim everywhere the kingdom of God.” 61 Another also said, “I will follow You, Lord; but first permit me to say good-bye to those at home.” 62 But Jesus said to him, “No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:57-62).
Paul’s words were similar to new believers:
21 After they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, 22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying, “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:21-22).
How, then, can Jesus speak of His “burden” as light and yet warn that following Him is not easy? In Matthew 11:29-30 Jesus is speaking of salvation and how it is obtained, in contrast with the legalism of Judaism, which lays heavy burdens of men, which do not lead to salvation:
1 Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to His disciples, 2 saying: “The scribes and the Pharisees have seated themselves in the chair of Moses; 3 therefore all that they tell you, do and observe, but do not do according to their deeds; for they say things and do not do them. 4 “They tie up heavy burdens and lay them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are unwilling to move them with so much as a finger” (Matthew 23:1-4).
When Jesus spoke of His burden being light, He was speaking of the fact that we don’t have to work to attain enough righteousness to be saved. We’ll never make it if that is what we are trying to do. This is why Israel failed to trust in Jesus as the Messiah. They sought to earn salvation by law-keeping, and the Gentiles attained salvation without working for it, but merely trusting in Jesus by faith:
19 Now we know that whatever the Law says, it speaks to those who are under the Law, so that every mouth may be closed and all the world may become accountable to God; 20 because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin. 21 But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22 even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction; 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; 25 whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed; 26 for the demonstration, I say, of His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus (Romans 3:19-26).
30 What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, attained righteousness, even the righteousness which is by faith; 31 but Israel, pursuing a law of righteousness, did not arrive at that law. 32Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as though it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone, 33 just as it is written, “BEHOLD, I LAY IN ZION A STONE OF STUMBLING AND A ROCK OF OFFENSE, AND HE WHO BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.” 10:1 Brethren, my heart’s desire and my prayer to God for them is for their salvation. 2 For I testify about them that they have a zeal for God, but not in accordance with knowledge. 3 For not knowing about God’s righteousness and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God. 4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes (Romans 9:30-10:4).
The burden of working for one’s salvation is heavy, while trusting in Christ and His work at Calvary is light (for us). For our Lord the load was extremely heavy, but He bore our load by dying for our sins, and rising from the dead so that we could be declared righteous in God’s sight.
When the Jews asked Jesus what work they must perform to attain salvation, Jesus told them that their only “work” was to believe:
28 Therefore they said to Him, “What shall we do, so that we may work the works of God?” 29 Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent” (John 6:28-29).
While we cannot labor to earn our salvation, we must “fight the good fight” and wrestle against sin, in reliance upon His Word, His grace, and His Spirit:
24 Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, on the one hand I myself with my mind am serving the law of God, but on the other, with my flesh the law of sin (Romans 7:24-25).
11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you (Romans 8:11).
In this, we are not to be passive, but to strive in the power of His Spirit:
10 For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers (1 Timothy 4:10).
Bob Deffinbaugh
Dear Friend,
Let first clarify the question you’ve raised, and express it in my own words: “Jesus could justify His working on the Sabbath (for which He charged nothing), but does this justify men working for pay on the Sabbath today?
First of all, I would not use the example of our Lord Jesus healing on the Sabbath as my primary text on the Sabbath. It does show why He could “violate” the Sabbath in Jewish minds, and not be guilty, but I would not use that as my main reason for justifying worshipping on the first day of the week, or for not keeping the 7th day as the day for worship.
The first text I would turn to is Isaiah 58, especially verses 13 and 14 to demonstrate the fact that God wanted His people to set aside a time to worship and focus on Him. I have dealt more extensively with this matter in this sermon:
So, I believe we should set aside a time, a day, when we put aside our normal daily activities and focus on worshiping God. The question which follows must be this: Is Saturday, the seventh day of the week, the day which God now requires Christians to observe as that day for worship? Too many New Testament texts tell us otherwise.
We know that the early church met on “the first day of the week” (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2). I believe this was to celebrate the day of our Lord’s resurrection (Matthew 28:1; Mark 16:2, 9; etc.).
Further, the New Testament clearly indicates that a particular day (e.g. the seventh day) is not required. This day of rest and worship could well be some other day of the week. There should be “a” day (Isaiah 58:13-14), but not necessarily Saturday (Romans 14:1-13, especially verses 5-6). But listen to what Paul writes in Colossians chapter two:
13 When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, 14 having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. 15 When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him. 16 Therefore no one is to act as your judge in regard to food or drink or in respect to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath day-- 17 things which are a mere shadow of what is to come; but the substance belongs to Christ (Colossians 2:13-17, NAU; emphasis mine).
Finally, I am quite concerned that this matter (which day you choose to worship God), which Paul calls a matter of Christian liberty, should become the litmus test for whether or not a church is legitimate. To begin with, there are a good number of Seventh Day Adventists who would not make this a fundamental issue. But more importantly, God does not make it a primary concern, but rather a matter of freedom.
The real test of a biblical, legitimate, church is whether or not it preaches a pure gospel (see how important this is to Paul in Galatians, especially chapter 1, verses 6-10). Is Jesus Christ God’s only provision for sinful men to find forgiveness of their sins and the assurance of eternal life? Are we saved by faith alone in His work, or by faith plus our works? This is the issue to which Paul devotes the entire Book of Galatians. This is what really separates the “sheep” from the “goats” church-wise.
Bob Deffinbaugh
A couple I know has recently got engaged and informed me that they have been ‘blessed’ by thier pastor to live to together (allowed to have sex) whilst they prepare and plan for thier wedding. In fact on speaking to other friends, it appears that is not new and has become the norm in some churches, and the ceremony is called a blessing.
Can you please shed some light on this as I am unaware of anywhere in the bible where it says that the pastors and elders of a Chruch can bless a couple to live together without getting married.
Many thanks and God bless
Dear *****,
Well, this is a new one for me. I’ve known of churches that look the other way in cases of sexual immorality, but had not heard of them blessing such sin.
As you well know, there are no biblical texts which support this practice. Indeed, there are many texts which forbid and condemn it.
In the Old Testament, the marriage night was the time when a woman’s sexual purity (her virginity) was to be revealed (and the evidence of it preserved).
13 “If any man takes a wife and goes in to her and then turns against her, 14 and charges her with shameful deeds and publicly defames her, and says, ‘I took this woman, but when I came near her, I did not find her a virgin,’ 15 then the girl’s father and her mother shall take and bring out the evidence of the girl’s virginity to the elders of the city at the gate. 16 “The girl’s father shall say to the elders, ‘I gave my daughter to this man for a wife, but he turned against her; 17 and behold, he has charged her with shameful deeds, saying, “I did not find your daughter a virgin.” But this is the evidence of my daughter’s virginity.’ And they shall spread the garment before the elders of the city. 18 “So the elders of that city shall take the man and chastise him, 19 and they shall fine him a hundred shekels of silver and give it to the girl’s father, because he publicly defamed a virgin of Israel. And she shall remain his wife; he cannot divorce her all his days. 20 “But if this charge is true, that the girl was not found a virgin, 21 then they shall bring out the girl to the doorway of her father’s house, and the men of her city shall stone her to death because she has committed an act of folly in Israel by playing the harlot in her father’s house; thus you shall purge the evil from among you. 22 “If a man is found lying with a married woman, then both of them shall die, the man who lay with the woman, and the woman; thus you shall purge the evil from Israel. Deuteronomy 22:13-22 (NASB)
4 Marriage is to be held in honor among all, and the marriage bed is to be undefiled; for fornicators and adulterers God will judge. Hebrews 13:4 (NASB)
9 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, 10 nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 (NASB)
18 Flee immorality. Every other sin that a man commits is outside the body, but the immoral man sins against his own body. 19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? 20 For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body. 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 (NASB)
8 But I say to the unmarried and to widows that it is good for them if they remain even as I. 9 But if they do not have self-control, let them marry; for it is better to marry than to burn with passion. 1 Corinthians 7:8-9 (NASB)
We should take note of how Peter describes some of the false prophets as those who are themselves immoral:
1 But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves. 2 Many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned; 3 and in their greed they will exploit you with false words; their judgment from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep. 2 Peter 2:1-3 (NASB)
12 But these, like unreasoning animals, born as creatures of instinct to be captured and killed, reviling where they have no knowledge, will in the destruction of those creatures also be destroyed, 13 suffering wrong as the wages of doing wrong. They count it a pleasure to revel in the daytime. They are stains and blemishes, reveling in their deceptions, as they carouse with you, 14 having eyes full of adultery that never cease from sin, enticing unstable souls, having a heart trained in greed, accursed children; 15 forsaking the right way, they have gone astray, having followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; 16 but he received a rebuke for his own transgression, for a mute donkey, speaking with a voice of a man, restrained the madness of the prophet. 17 These are springs without water and mists driven by a storm, for whom the black darkness has been reserved. 2 Peter 2:12-17 (NASB)
One can hardly submit to this kind of leadership.
Blessings,
Bob Deffinbaugh
The first thing I would say is that fasting beyond a day is quite unusual in the Bible. I’m thinking here of Moses on the mountain (Exodus 34:28; Deuteronomy 9:9, 18), and Jesus fasting during His temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4:2; Luke 4:2).
The self-righteous Pharisee boasted of fasting twice a week.
I’m not sure what spiritual benefit there is to fasting a number of days. I assume it could be unhealthy for some folks, and thus it would be good to get a doctor’s O.K.
I am thinking about Paul’s reference in 1 Corinthians 7:5 where he warns of the danger of too long a period of deprivation. I suspect the same principle might apply to fasting with food.
Isaiah 58 has some good words regarding fasting, pertaining to what we do and why we do it in our fasting.
I hope this helps,
Blessings,
Bob Deffinbaugh
Dear ********,
Thanks for your question. It is worth considering. I would have to acknowledge that Christians almost certainly differ greatly (and strongly!) in what answer they would give to your question. I know of churches that would encourage unbelievers to sing in the choir, or to play in the orchestra (or play a guitar, or drums).
But here are some of my thoughts on the subject.
First, what biblical precedent, in the Old or the New Testament, do we find for involving unbelievers in God’s work/ministry?
In the Old Testament there were some Egyptians who joined the Israelites at the exodus, but they were also the source of trouble.
The Israelites journeyed from Rameses to Sukkoth. There were about 600,000 men on foot, plus their dependants. 38 A mixed multitude also went up with them, and flocks and herds– a very large number of cattle (Exodus 12:37-38, NET).
When the people complained, it displeased the LORD. When the LORD heard it, his anger burned, and so the fire of the LORD burned among them and consumed some of the outer parts of the camp. 2 When the people cried to Moses, he prayed to the LORD, and the fire died out. 3 So he called the name of that place Taberah because there the fire of the LORD burned among them. 4 Now the mixed multitude who were among them craved more desirable foods, and so the Israelites wept again and said, “If only we had meat to eat! 5 We remember the fish we used to eat freely in Egypt, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic. 6 But now we are dried up, and there is nothing at all before us except this manna!” (Numbers 11:1-6)
I should add it is clear that believing Gentiles (like Rahab and Ruth) were rightly embraced into Judaism, but unbelieving Gentiles were not embraced in order to evangelize them. Indeed, the opposite often took place (Numbers 25; 1 Kings 11).
In the New Testament, Jesus did not encourage the uncommitted to follow Him as His disciples; indeed, He put them off:
As they were walking along the road, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” 58 Jesus said to him, “Foxes have dens and the birds in the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” 59 Jesus said to another, “Follow me.” But he replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” 60 But Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” 61 Yet another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but first let me say goodbye to my family.” 62 Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke. 9:57-62; see also John 2:23-25).
The apostles warned the church about those who would slip in among them (Acts 20:29; Galatians 2:4; Jude 1:4). In light of these warnings, does it seem wise to actually encourage unbelievers to participate in the ministry of the church?
Having said this, I am not suggesting that unbelievers should be unwelcome, and discouraged from attending church. They should be encouraged to attend, but as those who need to hear and respond to the gospel (see 1 Corinthians 5:9-11; 14:20-25), but not as those who participate in carrying out ministry in the church.
Second, the Bible does seem to be clear in its instruction for Christians not to be “unequally yoked” with unbelievers, especially in ministry.
Do not become partners with those who do not believe, for what partnership is there between righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship does light have with darkness? 15 And what agreement does Christ have with Beliar? Or what does a believer share in common with an unbeliever? 16 And what mutual agreement does the temple of God have with idols? For we are the temple of the living God, just as God said, “I will live in them and will walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.” 17 Therefore “come out from their midst, and be separate,” says the Lord, “and touch no unclean thing, and I will welcome you, 18 and I will be a father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters,” says the All-Powerful Lord (2 Corinthians 6:14-18).
Third, is it biblical to assume that involving someone in God’s work may, or will, assist them to believe? I would suggest reading Acts 5:1-16, and the incident of God’s discipline on Ananias and Sapphira. Look particularly at the impact the death of these two had on outsiders. Note, too, that in spite of the fact that unbelievers were fearful about associating with the church, many were being drawn to faith, resulting in them being joined to the church:
Now many miraculous signs and wonders came about among the people through the hands of the apostles. By common consent they were all meeting together in Solomon’s Portico. 13 None of the rest dared to join them, but the people held them in high honor. 14 More and more believers in the Lord were added to their number, crowds of both men and women. 15 Thus they even carried the sick out into the streets, and put them on cots and pallets, so that when Peter came by at least his shadow would fall on some of them. 16 A crowd of people from the towns around Jerusalem also came together, bringing the sick and those troubled by unclean spirits. They were all being healed (Acts 5:12-16).
Fourth, it seems to me that having an unbeliever help with the offering might actually be contrary to the goal of winning them to Christ. For example, it would seem likely that an unbeliever who helped with the offering would be considered a church member. Indeed, that individual might think that being part of a church and participating in its ministry made him (or her) acceptable in God’s sight. Making an unbeliever a participant in the church’s ministry might, in this way, be contrary to evangelism.
When it comes to taking the offering, let us remember that it was Judas who kept the money for the disciples, and that his love for money seems to have been a strong motive for his betrayal of Jesus.
Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom he had raised from the dead. 2 So they prepared a dinner for Jesus there. Martha was serving, and Lazarus was among those present at the table with him. 3 Then Mary took three quarters of a pound of expensive aromatic oil from pure nard and anointed the feet of Jesus. She then wiped his feet dry with her hair. (Now the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfumed oil.) 4 But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was going to betray him) said, 5 “Why wasn’t this oil sold for three hundred silver coins and the money given to the poor?” 6 (Now Judas said this not because he was concerned about the poor, but because he was a thief. As keeper of the money box, he used to steal what was put into it.) (John 12:1-6)
Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus into their hands. 11 When they heard this, they were delighted and promised to give him money. So Judas began looking for an opportunity to betray him (Mark 14:10-11).
I hope this helps,
Bob Deffinbaugh
Question: A Woman’s Husband Is Using Pornography, And Has An Illicit Relationship With A Woman. The Pastor Of His Church Knows Of This Sin, And Has Been Asked By The Man’s Wife To Confront The Sin. The Pastor Says He Waits For The Person To First Contact Him. Is This Right?
My sense is that looking at Porn is virtually the same as adultery (Matthew 5:27-30). Our Lord’s words here make it clear that painful and drastic corrective action is required. Thus, based on what you have said, I think church discipline should already have commenced, based on the use of porn.
But beyond that, the Scriptures are clear. The first text I would go to would be 1 Corinthians chapter 5.
It is actually reported that sexual immorality exists among you, the kind of immorality that is not permitted even among the Gentiles, so that someone is cohabiting with his father’s wife. 2 And you are proud! Shouldn’t you have been deeply sorrowful instead and removed the one who did this from among you? 3 For even though I am absent physically, I am present in spirit. And I have already judged the one who did this, just as though I were present. 4 When you gather together in the name of our Lord Jesus, and I am with you in spirit, along with the power of our Lord Jesus, 5 turn this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord (1 Corinthians 5:1-5, NET).
Here, a Corinthian Christian was living with his father’s wife, something that was shocking even to the Corinthian pagans. But rather than grieve, these saints were proud (of their “unconditional love”?). Paul rebukes them, and makes it clear that this fellow must be put out of their fellowship. Indeed, Paul had already exercised discipline from a distance.
The other principle texts follow:
“If your brother sins, go and show him his fault when the two of you are alone. If he listens to you, you have regained your brother. 16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others with you, so that at the testimony of two or three witnesses every matter may be established. 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. If he refuses to listen to the church, treat him like a Gentile or a tax collector. 18 “I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will have been bound in heaven, and whatever you release on earth will have been released in heaven. 19 Again, I tell you the truth, if two of you on earth agree about whatever you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. 20 For where two or three are assembled in my name, I am there among them” (Matthew 18:15-20).
Brothers and sisters, if a person is discovered in some sin, you who are spiritual restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness. Pay close attention to yourselves, so that you are not tempted too. 2 Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ (Galatians 6:1-2).
And we urge you, brothers and sisters, admonish the undisciplined, comfort the discouraged, help the weak, be patient toward all (1 Thessalonians 5:14).
16 Every scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the person dedicated to God may be capable and equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:15-17).
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people. 12 It trains us to reject godless ways and worldly desires and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 as we wait for the happy fulfillment of our hope in the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. 14 He gave himself for us to set us free from every kind of lawlessness and to purify for himself a people who are truly his, who are eager to do good. 15 So communicate these things with the sort of exhortation or rebuke that carries full authority. Don’t let anyone look down on you (Titus 2:11-15).
I would say that this pastor’s practice of waiting until he is asked falls far short of biblical leadership.
So Jesus told them this parable: 4 “Which one of you, if he has a hundred sheep and loses one of them, would not leave the ninety-nine in the open pasture and go look for the one that is lost until he finds it? 5 Then when he has found it, he places it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 Returning home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, telling them, ‘Rejoice with me, because I have found my sheep that was lost.’ 7 I tell you, in the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need to repent (Luke 15:3-7, emphasis mine).
The pastor’s approach is the easy way out. In such cases, the sinner is hardly likely to seek the shepherd, and thus the shepherd must seek the sinner.
Note, however, that most of these texts are not instructions just for pastors, elders, or leaders. Some of these texts are addressed to all saints. This would incline me to say that if the pastor is not willing to step up to the plate then his wife should seek out those men in the church (assuming there are some) who will confront this her husband with his sin. His wife needs to know that her initiative could have some repercussions (e.g., the husband could decide to divorce), and thus she needs to act in faith, seeking the best interest of her husband.
As an aside, I would say that I have sometimes heard it said, “This is a family matter, and thus it is to be private.” The Scriptures don’t say this. They say that rebuke should initially be private, but if that is rejected, it must get more public, to the point that the entire church participates, if necessary.
I hope this helps,
Bob Deffinbaugh
I’ve been trying to search for the answer to this question but nothing specifically states the it. All of them dance around the answer. But is it wrong to question God? Does God ask us to question him in the Bible? Where would be the place in the Bible to look this up? Thank you!!
–*****
Dear *****,
I think this is a great question. When you look at the questions that are asked in the Bible you find several categories. In other words, all questions are not the same (and thus, some questions may be legitimate, while others are not). Here are some of the categories that I find in Scripture.
Jesus asked the Jewish teachers questions as a 12 year-old:
46 Then, after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers (Luke 2:46-47).
The disciples asked Jesus questions to better understand what He was saying:
When he had left the crowd and entered the house, His disciples questioned Him about the parable (Mark 7:17).
25 When Jesus saw that a crowd was rapidly gathering, He rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You deaf and mute spirit, I command you, come out of him and do not enter him again.” 26 After crying out and throwing him into terrible convulsions, it came out; and the boy became so much like a corpse that most of them said, “He is dead!” 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and raised him; and he got up. 28 When He came into the house, His disciples began questioning Him privately, “Why could we not drive it out?” 29 And He said to them, "This kind cannot come out by anything but prayer." Mark 9:25-29
His disciples began questioning Him as to what this parable meant (Luke 8:9).
God asked Job questions to show him his insolence and to reveal his ignorance and disregard for His infinite wisdom:
1 Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind and said,
2 “Who is this that darkens counsel By words without knowledge?
3 “Now gird up your loins like a man,
And I will ask you, and you instruct Me! (Job 38:1-3; see also the verses that follow)
Jesus asked His disciples questions to teach them, to test their understanding, and to get them to admit that what they were doing wrong:
27 Jesus went out, along with His disciples, to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way He questioned His disciples, saying to them, “Who do people say that I am?” 28 They told Him, saying, “John the Baptist; and others say Elijah; but others, one of the prophets.” 29 And He continued by questioning them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter *answered and *said to Him, “You are the Christ” (Mark 8:27-29).
33 They came to Capernaum; and when He was in the house, He began to question them, "What were you discussing on the way?" 34 But they kept silent, for on the way they had discussed with one another which of them was the greatest (Mark 9:33-34).
Jesus also questioned those who were His adversaries, to reveal their ignorance or sin:
35 One of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, 36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” 37 And He said to him, “‘YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.’ 38 “This is the great and foremost commandment. 39 “The second is like it, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’ 40 “On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.” 41 Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them a question: 42 “What do you think about the Christ, whose son is He?” They said to Him, “The son of David.” 43 He said to them, “Then how does David in the Spirit call Him ‘Lord,’ saying, 44 ‘THE LORD SAID TO MY LORD, “SIT AT MY RIGHT HAND, UNTIL I PUT YOUR ENEMIES BENEATH YOUR FEET”‘? 45 “If David then calls Him ‘Lord,’ how is He his son?” 46 No one was able to answer Him a word, nor did anyone dare from that day on to ask Him another question (Matthew 22:35-46).
The sincere questions of men and women who are seeking to understand what God is doing, or how, when, or why He is going to do it. This legitimate questioning of God happens frequently in the Psalms and elsewhere:
Why do You stand afar off, O LORD?
Why do You hide Yourself in times of trouble? (Psalm 10:1)
1 How long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever?
How long will You hide Your face from me?
2 How long shall I take counsel in my soul,
Having sorrow in my heart all the day?
How long will my enemy be exalted over me?
3 Consider and answer me, O LORD my God;
Enlighten my eyes, or I will sleep the sleep of death (Psalm 13:1-3)
31 “And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. 32 “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; 33 and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.” 34 Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” (Luke 1:31-34)
5 And while some were talking about the temple, that it was adorned with beautiful stones and votive gifts, He said, 6 “As for these things which you are looking at, the days will come in which there will not be left one stone upon another which will not be torn down.” 7 They questioned Him, saying, “Teacher, when therefore will these things happen? And what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?” (Luke 21:5-7)
6 So when they had come together, they were asking Him, saying, “Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6)
1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, “Indeed, has God said, ‘You shall not eat from any tree of the garden’?” (Genesis 3:1-2)
9 Departing from there, He went into their synagogue. 10 And a man was there whose hand was withered. And they questioned Jesus, asking, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?”—so that they might accuse Him. Matthew 12:9-10
When He left there, the scribes and the Pharisees began to be very hostile and to question Him closely on many subjects (Luke 11:53).
18 So then He has mercy on whom He desires, and He hardens whom He desires. 19 You will say to me then, “Why does He still find fault? For who resists His will?” 20 On the contrary, who are you, O man, who answers back to God? The thing molded will not say to the molder, “Why did you make me like this,” will it? 21 Or does not the potter have a right over the clay, to make from the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for common use? 22 What if God, although willing to demonstrate His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction? (Romans 9:18-22)
All of this leads me to this conclusion: It is right to inquire of God, for He is the source of all wisdom and every good gift:
7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 “For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. 9 “Or what man is there among you who, when his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone? 10 “Or if he asks for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he? 11 “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him! Matthew 7:7-11 (NASB)
5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. James 1:5 (NASB)
But it is wrong to question in a rebellious and arrogant way God’s goodness, infinite wisdom, or love.
Why is it a "Sin" or wrong to do something on behalf of the Lord and that be all you do and not have a public job? I know of preachers that go all over this "backslid and proud of it" country and do nothing but preach the Word. I have friends that are International Missionaries and have been for over 20 years and they don't have "Public Jobs" that they go to on a daily basis. Literally all they do is this Missionary work. Now I'm told that it's wrong if I were to do either of the two and not have some means of other work that I do. What I can't get a straight answer on from anybody is why it's wrong for me and not wrong for these out there doing Mission work or Preaching and who do literally nothing else. Not one person has yet to give me a straight answer on this. Can you? All it boils down to is they wouldn't do it because they don't have the faith in God to step out and pull some crazy stunt like that and they don't want this dummy doing it either so they say it's wrong.
1. The Lord Jesus was supported by others (Luke 8:1-3), although He could easily have created the means to sustain Himself (see Matthew 17:24-27; Luke 5:4-10; John 21:1-11). This enabled Him to devote His time to His ministry of healing and teaching.
2. When Jesus sent out His disciples to preach, it was expected that they would be fed/supported by others because of the ministry they carried on (healing, casting out demons, etc.) – see Matthew 10:5-10, noting especially verse 10.
3. It should also be noted that Jesus changed the guidelines in Luke 22:35-38. Early in His earthly ministry, both Jesus and His disciples were very popular, and sought after, not only for His teaching (and feeding), but because of the healings and demons cast out. Late in His ministry Jesus and His disciples would be rejected and persecuted. They should not expect to be welcomed by all, and supported by many. Thus, they should make provision for supporting themselves. Paul exemplified this and taught others to follow his example (see Acts 18:1-5). His desire was to give, not to take (Acts 20:33-36). See 1 Thessalonians 2:8-12; 2 Thessalonians 3:7-9. In 1 Corinthians 9 Paul makes it clear that he, as an apostle, had a right to be supported, as did Barnabas, but they gave up this right for the sake of the gospel. No one could say they were in it for the money (as so many are today).
4. It is clear that some – all too many – are “serving the Lord” for what it will get them (status, honor, money, fame, a following. Repeatedly in Scripture Paul warns against this kind of motivation (see 1 Timothy 1:6-7; 3:3; 6:5-10; Titus 1:10-14).
5. It is clear in the Book of Philippians that this group of believers did send Paul a gift (Philippians 1:3-5; 4:10-20). We see that Paul was content when there was no support. It is also clear that Paul’s financial support was not a constant flow of money, and thus his need to labor with his own hands.
6. Having said all this, believers do have an obligation to support (financially and otherwise) those who perform a beneficial ministry to them (1 Corinthians 9:1-14; Galatians 6:6, 10; 1 Timothy 5:17-18). In this regard, I note that in 1 Timothy 5 the sequence is ministry first, then money follows. All too often it seems folks wish to see the money first and then they will minister. Paul tells Timothy that those who labor hard and effectively in ministry should be generously rewarded (but this is not like a secular work contract).
7. I speak here from experience as a father of five children. In our church there were a number of opportunities for your kids to engage in short-term missions trips. The normal pattern was for them to send out “prayer letters” with the expectation that others would come up with the money. What I saw from time to time was an expectation that if I wanted to minister to others, all I had to do was to let others know and they would pay the bills. I’m not sure that is a biblical mindset. And thus we’ve made some effort to require young people to earn some of their own support by working, rather than simply asking others for money.
8. As I read the New Testament, the church budget looked nothing like what we see today. Today, the major expenses of the church are (1) the church building, and (2) the church staff. When I look at the New Testament it seems as though the priority is on those in need (see Acts 2:43-45; 4:36-37; 6:1-6; 11:27-30; 1 Corinthians 16:1-4; 2 Corinthians 8 and 9; Galatians 2:10). Thus, if the funds were not available, I would work with my own hands so that those in need could be cared for. (Sadly, many of the Bible hucksters today take advantage of the poor, convincing them that if they give, God will multiply their gift in return.)
9. Raising support is somehow the norm for sustaining ministry today, and I’m not all that comfortable with this approach and the mindset behind it.
10. Should some be supported in their ministry? I believe so, but these are folks who have proven their worthiness by the ministry they have already demonstrated (back to 1 Timothy 5:17).
11. There is one more thing that I would add, which is very important. I’m referring to what I would call “business as missions.” Today, missionaries are not welcomed, not even permitted, to minister in many parts of the world. Those who are able to enter such places are those who have valuable skills which these countries welcome. These folks not only support themselves, they gain a hearing for the gospel by their skillful labor and godly character. I think that we are now at a time when the world needs fewer missionaries (those who raise support and go out as missionaries) and more skilled laborers and businessmen and woman (see Proverbs 22:29).
12. Some – perhaps a good number – of those you refer to are not those whom I would support, personally. Should you be supported? It would depend upon the nature of your need and the value of your service. Paul continued to minister whether the money (support -- Philippians 4:10-13) was there or not. Christian ministry is sacrificial and not self-serving.
I hope this will prove to be beneficial to you,
Bob Deffinbaugh
Bob, thanks for your teaching on Paul and Peter in Galatians 2. I’m beginning a sermon series in Galatians and am trying to discern if the confrontation between Paul and Peter was before or after the Jerusalem council?
The Lord bless you,
Thanks again for your ministry.
Brother *****,
As to your question concerning the relationship between the Jerusalem Council of Acts 15 and Paul’s confronting Peter in Galatians 2, I’m just not sure. And since the Scriptures don’t take the effort to inform us on this matter clearly I’m inclined to view this in the light of Deuteronomy 29:29.
What I do see is this: In Acts 15 Peter takes his stand on the basis of divine revelation (Acts 10-11) and clearly declared principle, as declared by Peter himself:
7 After there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “Brethren, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles would hear the word of the gospel and believe. 8 “And God, who knows the heart, testified to them giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He also did to us; 9 and He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith. 10 “Now therefore why do you put God to the test by placing upon the neck of the disciples a yoke which neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? 11 “But we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same way as they also are.” Acts 15:7-11
In Galatians 2 Peter denies his own principle (as declared by him in Acts 15) by disregarding it in practice at Antioch. And this he did out of fear of the circumcision party.
What one eats or does not has been dealt with by Paul as a matter of personal conviction (Romans 14 & 15). We are not to divide over our convictions, Paul says here, but to glorify God with one voice (15:5-6). It looks like convictions were held more strongly than doctrine. This is probably assuming the best as the circumcision party may still cling to the view they expressed in Acts 15:1: “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.”
The wonder of it all to me is that even Barnabas (Galatians 2:13) was caught up in this, for he was the one who rejoiced at the report that Gentiles had come to faith (Acts 11:22-24).
If I were preaching this text, I would be inclined to expose ways in which we practically deny (or selectively obey) truths that we emphatically declare. For example, we pick and choose those sins which we denounce. We pound the pulpit, so to speak, with regard to adultery and sexual perversion, yet we are silent about sins included in the same list in Romans 1: greed, malice, envy, strife, deceit, gossiping. We love to condemn the sins we hate, but hate to denounce the sins we love.
Hope this helps,
Bob Deffinbaugh
I’m uncomfortable with this word because it is not used in the Bible in relation to ministry. What are your thoughts on this?
Dear *****,
I’m not sure how we would describe the ministry of Paul, based on texts like Acts 18:1-5; 20:33-35; 1 Thessalonians 2:9; and 2 Thessalonians 3:7-10. The fact was that Paul often (perhaps most often) supported himself and others in the church, at some points in time, but then at other times devoted himself fully to ministry when gifts came in which allowed him to do so (Acts 18:5; Philippians 4:14-16).
When we find Paul speaking of the “work of ministry” in Ephesians 4:12 (and other related texts, such as those dealing with church life and spiritual gifts) you don’t see any such distinction made.
I guess I would have to take note of 1 Timothy 5:17-18, where there seems to be a distinction made between those who labor in ministry (part-time?) and those who “work hard” at it.
I would agree with you that any term which is used in a way that appears to regard “volunteers” as second-class workers would be wrong.
Having said this, there does need to be some way of legally distinguishing non-paid workers (volunteers) from salaried workers (staff). My view, based on Ephesians 4, is that “staff” should not be paid to do “the work of ministry” for the church, but rather they are to encourage and support those in the church body to do this ministry.
Blessings,
Bob Deffinbaugh
Question: I Am A Christian, And I Am Living With A Woman Who Also Professes To Know Jesus As Her Savior. Is This Wrong? Do I Need To Have A Wedding To Be Married Since We Are Already One Flesh? If We Do Marry, What Restrictions / Prerequisites Might I Expect From A Christian Pastor?
First of all, let us be clear that sex outside of marriage is sin:
Flee sexual immorality! “Every sin a person commits is outside of the body”– but the immoral person sins against his own body. 19 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 20 For you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body (1 Corinthians 6:18-20, NET).
Therefore, be imitators of God as dearly loved children 2 and live in love, just as Christ also loved us and gave himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God. 3 But among you there must not be either sexual immorality, impurity of any kind, or greed, as these are not fitting for the saints (Ephesians 5:1-3).
Marriage must be honored among all and the marriage bed kept undefiled, for God will judge sexually immoral people and adulterers (Hebrews 13:4; see also 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8).
Dear friends, I urge you as foreigners and exiles to keep away from fleshly desires that do battle against the soul (1 Peter 2:11).
Living together will almost certainly lead to sexual sin, or will at least give the appearance of sexual sin. I would say this to those who would say that they wish to “live together” but remain sexually pure. I’ve not seen that happen yet. But even if this were the case, there would be the appearance of immorality (1 Thessalonians 5:22, KJV).
Now, a further question: “If this couple has already had a sexual relationship, then would they be “one flesh” in God’s eyes, and if so why is there a need for a marriage ceremony?” What difference does “a piece of paper” make, or a wedding ceremony?
Just because a couple has become “one flesh” by having sexual relations, does this constitute a marriage? The short answer is “No.”
The expression, “one flesh,” first occurs in Genesis 2:14. So let’s ponder this text for a moment. It seems to me that one could be reading this passage like this: “Adam and Eve were naked, and were not ashamed, and so they had sex, and this constituted marriage – no ceremony here, just a sexual union.”
But that is not really what the text says. We should read this text more carefully, an in the light of subsequent references to the same event, and the same text:
21 So the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then He took one of his ribs and closed up the flesh at that place. 22 The LORD God fashioned into a woman the rib which He had taken from the man, and brought her to the man. 23 The man said, “This is now bone of my bones, And flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man.” 24 For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh. 25 And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed (Genesis 2:21-25, NAU).
4 He answered, “Have you not read that from the beginning the Creator made them male and female, 5 and said, ‘FOR THIS REASON A MAN SHALL LEAVE HIS FATHER AND MOTHER AND BE JOINED TO HIS WIFE, AND THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH ‘? 6 “So they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate” (Matthew 19:4-6).
31 FOR THIS REASON A MAN SHALL LEAVE HIS FATHER AND MOTHER AND SHALL BE JOINED TO HIS WIFE, AND THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH (Ephesians 5:31).
Note what Jesus said about this union: First of all, God made Adam and Eve for each other. Then He added, “What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate” (Matthew 19:6). My point is that there is a sequence of events described in this first “one flesh” event in Genesis chapter 2, and later in the New Testament. A number of things preceded becoming one flesh. Both Jesus (Matthew 19) and Paul (Ephesians 5:31) spell this out. First God joins the two together (Genesis 2:22; Matthew 19:6), then there is the matter of the leaving of father and mother (this, in my opinion, requires some formal, public process). The two are joined together (cleave) to become husband and wife. And then (last of all) they become one flesh. The matter of becoming “one flesh” is the conclusion of the marriage process, not the beginning of it, nor is it the sum of what marriage is. But apart from this concluding sexual union, a marriage may not be officially recognized as legitimate.
One might mistakenly equate becoming “one flesh” with “marriage. It is true that when a couple marries, they (subsequently) become one flesh through a sexual union. But it is not accurate to say that every sexual ( “one flesh”) union constitutes a marriage. Think of those illicit unions with prostitutes which Paul condemns (1 Corinthians 6:15-16). Or think of the implications for a young person in this sexually permissive culture who has experienced a great number of sexual liaisons. These can’t all be marriages. Thus, becoming one flesh by virtue of having sex is not synonymous with marriage.
Beyond this, I believe that marriage is a public event, it is an event where a couple makes vows (Malachi 2:14) for all to hear (and to hold them to). The weddings Jesus speaks about, such as in Matthew 25, are clearly a public event, not a private one. So, too, the marriage supper of Revelation 19:9. It is not just a cultural concession in the Bible. It is a public testimony of leaving and cleaving. It is not unlike baptism, which publicly proclaims a break with the world, and a joining with Christ. Can you imagine someone privately baptizing themself?
One final point. I’m not sure about the wisdom of having a protracted “waiting” time in cases where a couple has been living together. Paul writes that it is “better to marry than to burn” (1 Corinthians 7:9). I think a protracted time of separation is impractical, and it puts the couple in a position where they are more likely to fail. (Consider Paul’s warnings to married couples, who wait too long to have sex – 1 Corinthians 7:5). I do believe that in the period between “engagement” and marriage the couple should remain (visibly and truly) separate, both in terms of their living arrangements and in terms of sexual relations.
Bob Deffinbaugh
Dear Friend,
Your question pertains to Paul’s words in Titus 1:6. Notice the different ways it is rendered by various translations:
NAU Titus 1:6 namely, if any man is above reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of dissipation or rebellion.
ESV Titus 1:6 if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination.
CSB17 Titus 1:6 An elder must be blameless: the husband of one wife, with faithful children who are not accused of wildness or rebellion.
NKJ Titus 1:6 if a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of dissipation or insubordination.
NET Titus 1:6 An elder must be blameless, the husband of one wife, with faithful children who cannot be charged with dissipation or rebellion.
NIRV Titus 1:6 An elder must be without blame. He must be faithful to his wife. His children must be believers. They must not give anyone a reason to say that they are wild and don’t obey.
NIV Titus 1:6 An elder must be blameless, faithful to his wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient.
KJV Titus 1:6 If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.
So, let us begin with several observations:
First, these translations offer two different ways of viewing this verse and its requirements. Either Paul requires that an elder’s children must be professing believers, or he requires that an elder’s children must be faithful children, who are obedient to their father.
Second, the differences in these translations reflect two different possible meanings for the Greek word pistos. This difference is indicated in Friberg’s Lexicon:
21988 πιστός, ή, όν (1) active; (a) of persons trusting, believing, full of faith, confiding (JN 20.27); (b) absolutely, as an adjective believing (in Christ) (AC 16.1); as a substantive believer (2C 6.15); οἱ πιστοί literally the believers, i.e. Christians (1T 4.3); πιστή female believer, Christian woman (1T 5.16); (2) passive; (a) of persons trustworthy, faithful, dependable (CO 4.7), opposite ἄδικος (dishonest); (b) of God trustworthy, faithful (HE 10.23); (c) of things, especially of what one says sure, reliable, trustworthy (1T 1.15)
When you look at the way the Gospels use this term, it more often is employed in the passive sense of faithfulness or dependability:
“Who then is the faithful and sensible slave whom his master put in charge of his household to give them their food at the proper time? (Matt. 24:45 NAU)
“He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much. (Lk. 16:10 NAU)
Although the term is also used of believing faith:
Then He said to Thomas, “Reach here with your finger, and see My hands; and reach here your hand and put it into My side; and do not be unbelieving, but believing.” (Jn. 20:27 NAU)
Paul uses this term in his epistles to Timothy (1 Timothy 1:12, 15; 3:1, 11; 4:3, 9, 10, 12; 5:16; 6:2; 2 Timothy 2:2, 11, 13) and Titus (Titus 1:6, 9, 3:8). We can see that Paul used the term with both meanings:
It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all. (1 Tim. 1:15 NAU)
It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. (1 Tim. 3:1 NAU)
Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things. (1 Tim. 3:11 NAU)
men who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth. (1 Tim. 4:3 NAU)
For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers. (1 Tim. 4:10 NAU)
This should bring us to the point where we recognize that the term pistos can mean either “dependable/faithful” or “believer”. So which of the two meanings is it in Titus 1:6? I believe several lines of evidence point us to the answer:
First, we have to look at the phrase Paul employed in the same verse to explain what he meant by the term pistos in our text:
namely, if any man is above reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of dissipation or rebellion. (Tit. 1:6 NAU)
It seems quite evident that Paul is saying that an elder’s children must be disciplined and obedient. This is something for which the father is responsible, and which is clearly stated elsewhere as an elder qualification:
He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity (1 Tim. 3:4 NAU)
If the elder is to maintain discipline and order in the church, surely this should be evident in his own family (1 Timothy 3:5).
Second, to insist that an elder’s children (all of them) must be saved creates theological problems. A child’s salvation is not the choice of the father, although he should surely endeavor to lead his children to faith. But in the end, it is a decision which the child must make (and one which God must originate – John 6:37, 44, 65).
Third, to insist that all of the elder’s children must be saved creates serious practical problems. This requirement (were it legitimate) would put a lot of pressure on the parents, particularly the father, to press his children to make a premature profession of faith, one for which the child is not really ready or willing, a commitment that he or she does not really understand. Salvation is ultimately the work of the Spirit and the Word of God. Conviction of sin (John 16:8) and bringing one to faith is the Spirit’s task (John 3:5-8).
There is another problem as well. What happens if an existing elder’s wife bears a child? Does the elder step down until it is evident that this child has come to faith? And how long does one wait for this to happen?
Finally, let us consider the duration of this requirement. How responsible is the elder (the father) for the actions of his child after they have grown up and left the home? Well it should be clear that Paul’s requirements set forth in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 (related to an elder’s children) should apply as long as the child lives under the parent’s roof, because they should live under the authority of the father.
My inclination is to say that the father is not nearly as accountable for the child’s life and lifestyle after they have grown up and left the parents’ home. It would be something like an elder’s responsibility to the conduct of a church member who has moved to a different place and is a member of another church (though Paul’s response to sin in Corinth – 1 Corinthians 5 – should not be ignored).
I should add that I had a friend (now with the Lord) who felt the role of an elder was so important that he needed to step down because of his daughter’s lifestyle choices, even though she was older and living far from home.
I hope this answers your question,
Bob Deffinbaugh
I read your post on tithing. I agree that we should give more than 10%. Yet the Bible says God loves a cheerful giver. So I see your reaching back into the Old Testament for tithing. I am not out to rob God, yet I give what I can. You said that God does not want our leftovers. I agree. Yet I am in debt to my eyeballs right now and wont be better for a while. How do I tithe when I am in so much debt? Do I rob my debtors? There is only so much money I have. I hate money because it is such a thorn.
Thank you.
*****
*****,
Believe me, I understand the practical implications of this problem, particularly from our seminary days, when our monthly obligations exceeded our monthly income.
Let’s start by asking whether this is really an issue about tithing, or whether it is about giving. Are the requirements about tithing in the Old Testament Law really binding on Christians today? If so, we are talking about more than a mere ten percent.
Nowhere in the New Testament do I find teaching about giving directly rooted in the Old Testament Law. Otherwise, tithing would be much more complicated. Here is the way the New Testament deals with giving:
7 “And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ 8 “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give. (Matthew 10:7-8)
42 A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which amount to a cent. 43 Calling His disciples to Him, He said to them, “Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the contributors to the treasury; 44 for they all put in out of their surplus, but she, out of her poverty, put in all she owned, all she had to live on.” (Mark 12:42-44, NASB)
“Give to everyone who asks of you, and whoever takes away what is yours, do not demand it back.” (Luke 6:30)
38 “Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.” (Luke 6:38)
16 And He told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man was very productive. 17 “And he began reasoning to himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no place to store my crops?’ 18 “Then he said, ‘This is what I will do: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19 ‘And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years to come; take your ease, eat, drink and be merry.’” 20 “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your soul is required of you; and now who will own what you have prepared?’ 21 “So is the man who stores up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” (Luke 12:16-21)
33 “So then, none of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions.” (Luke 14:33)
10 “He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much. 11 “Therefore if you have not been faithful in the use of unrighteous wealth, who will entrust the true riches to you? 12 “And if you have not been faithful in the use of that which is another’s, who will give you that which is your own? 13 “No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.” 14 Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, were listening to all these things and were scoffing at Him. (Luke 16:10-14)
8 Zaccheus stopped and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, half of my possessions I will give to the poor, and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will give back four times as much.” 9 And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he, too, is a son of Abraham. (Luke 19:8-9)
41 So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls. 42 They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. 44 And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; 45 and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. (Acts 2:41-45)
34 For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales 35 and lay them at the apostles’ feet, and they would be distributed to each as any had need. (Acts 4:34-35)
33 “I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or clothes. 34 “You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my own needs and to the men who were with me. 35 “In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20:33-35)
1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia, so do you also. 2 On the first day of every week each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that no collections be made when I come. (1 Corinthians 16:1-2)
1 Now, brethren, we wish to make known to you the grace of God which has been given in the churches of Macedonia, 2 that in a great ordeal of affliction their abundance of joy and their deep poverty overflowed in the wealth of their liberality. 3 For I testify that according to their ability, and beyond their ability, they gave of their own accord, 4 begging us with much urging for the favor of participation in the support of the saints, 5 and this, not as we had expected, but they first gave themselves to the Lord and to us by the will of God. (2 Corinthians 8:1-5)
28 He who steals must steal no longer; but rather he must labor, performing with his own hands what is good, so that he will have something to share with one who has need. (Ephesians 4:28)
Let me make just four observations from the texts above.
First, if one thinks that the New Testament lowers the bar in terms of what is required or expected of the saints regarding giving they would be wrong. Jesus raises the bar (as He does in the Sermon on the Mount – Matthew 5-7). It isn’t just a percentage our Lord expects, it is our wise use of it all.
Second, it all belongs to God and we are the stewards of it. All of the resources God places in our hands are to be used for His glory and the advance of His kingdom.
Third, we are to work hard, manage the resources He has given us as good stewards, and realize that our handling of small things (i.e. money) in this life has a significant impact on our rewards in heaven (see Luke 16 above and Matthew 25:21-23). It is often our misuse of money that leaves us unable to give.
Fourth, God seems to be particularly pleased when those with very limited means give sacrificially (1 Kings 17:8ff.; Mark 12:42-44; 2 Corinthians 8:1-5).
Allow me one more observation, that I believe to be crucial: When we come to faith in Jesus Christ, we should become givers by nature – giving should become our nature. Why is this so? Because God is, by nature, a giving God (see John 3:15), and when we come to faith we take on His nature (2 Peter 1:4; Romans 8:29). Giving is (or should be) our predisposition, and we should not have to be brow-beaten or guilt-tripped into giving. It is not guilt, or even duty, that should prompt our giving, but grace, God’s grace. Look back at the birth of the church in the Book of Acts and you will see that the early church was immediately characterized by its generosity and giving, just as the later church (e.g. the Macedonians – 2 Corinthians 8 & 9) were. We should be seeking opportunities to give (see Philippians 4:10), and thus we should be setting money aside to respond to these opportunities (1 Corinthians 16:1-2).
Having said this, I think Paul is clear that we are not obligated to give what we don’t have:
12 For if the readiness is present, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have. 13 For this is not for the ease of others and for your affliction, but by way of equality— 14 at this present time your abundance being a supply for their need, so that their abundance also may become a supply for your need, that there may be equality; 15 as it is written, “HE WHO gathered MUCH DID NOT HAVE TOO MUCH, AND HE WHO gathered LITTLE HAD NO LACK” (2 Corinthians 8:12-15).
My suggestion is that you purpose to give something, even though it is less than you might wish. This will involve some sacrifice on your part (not your creditors). It may require cutting back on something that is not a true necessity, but you should make every effort to give something. God know that some will be poor and that they will have less to give. I’m thinking here of the Old Testament, and its provision for the poor by granting a more affordable sacrifice:
20 “The priest shall offer up the burnt offering and the grain offering on the altar. Thus the priest shall make atonement for him, and he will be clean. 21 “But if he is poor and his means are insufficient, then he is to take one male lamb for a guilt offering as a wave offering to make atonement for him, and one-tenth of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain offering, and a log of oil, 22 and two turtledoves or two young pigeons which are within his means, the one shall be a sin offering and the other a burnt offering (Leviticus 14:20-22).
Having pointed this out, notice that in the case of the small, half shekel, contribution, it remains the same for rich or poor. The assumption seems to be that even though one may be poor, he can afford a small contribution:
14 “Everyone who is numbered, from twenty years old and over, shall give the contribution to the LORD. 15 “The rich shall not pay more and the poor shall not pay less than the half shekel, when you give the contribution to the LORD to make atonement for yourselves (Exodus 30:14-15).
Going back to the personal experience and convictions of my wife and I, we at one time had a monthly income that was half of our income needs. We gave first, and let the deficit fall in the area of our food budget. I can’t tell you the encouragement we received when the Lord provided in so many ways, and our children got to see His provision. I should add that I was working as many hours as possible to support my family.
In the final analysis, however, this is a matter of personal conviction and Paul makes it clear that we are not obligated to give when we don’t have it to give. I would never encourage credit card giving for those in debt.
Bob
Dear Friend,
Let me suggest several perspectives from which you should reflect on your struggles in life.
So Moses cut out two tablets of stone like the first; early in the morning he went up to Mount Sinai, just as the LORD had commanded him, and he took in his hand the two tablets of stone. 5 The LORD descended in the cloud and stood with him there and proclaimed the LORD by name. 6 The LORD passed by before him and proclaimed: “The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, and abounding in loyal love and faithfulness, 7 keeping loyal love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin. But he by no means leaves the guilty unpunished, responding to the transgression of fathers by dealing with children and children’s children, to the third and fourth generation” (Exodus 34:4-7, NET).
Nehemiah 9 (all)
They refused to obey and did not recall your miracles that you had performed among them. Instead, they rebelled and appointed a leader to return to their bondage in Egypt. But you are a God of forgiveness, merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and unfailing in your loyal love. You did not abandon them (Nehemiah 9:17).
Psalm 103
The LORD is compassionate and merciful; he is patient and demonstrates great loyal love. 9 He does not always accuse, and does not stay angry. 10 He does not deal with us as our sins deserve; he does not repay us as our misdeeds deserve. 11 For as the skies are high above the earth, so his loyal love towers over his faithful followers (Psalm 103:8-11).
And although you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you formerly lived according to this world’s present path, according to the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the ruler of the spirit that is now energizing the sons of disobedience, 3 among whom all of us also formerly lived out our lives in the cravings of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath even as the rest… 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of his great love with which he loved us, 5 even though we were dead in transgressions, made us alive together with Christ– by grace you are saved!– 6 and he raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 to demonstrate in the coming ages the surpassing wealth of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 it is not from works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, having been created in Christ Jesus for good works that God prepared beforehand so we may do them (Ephesians 2:1-10).
For we too were once foolish, disobedient, misled, enslaved to various passions and desires, spending our lives in evil and envy, hateful and hating one another. 4 But “when the kindness of God our Savior and his love for mankind appeared, 5 he saved us not by works of righteousness that we have done but on the basis of his mercy, through the washing of the new birth and the renewing of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us in full measure through Jesus Christ our Savior. 7 And so, since we have been justified by his grace, we become heirs with the confident expectation of eternal life” (Titus 3:3-7).
If we accept the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater, because this is the testimony of God that he has testified concerning his Son. 10 (The one who believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself; the one who does not believe God has made him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has testified concerning his Son.) 11 And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son (1 John 5:9-11).
So then, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; what is old has passed away– look, what is new has come! 18 And all these things are from God who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and who has given us the ministry of reconciliation. 19 In other words, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting people’s trespasses against them, and he has given us the message of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:17-19).
My sheep listen to my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish; no one will snatch them from my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one can snatch them from my Father’s hand (John 10:27-29).
And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose, 29 because those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; and those he called, he also justified; and those he justified, he also glorified. 31 What then shall we say about these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 Indeed, he who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all– how will he not also, along with him, freely give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is the one who will condemn? Christ is the one who died (and more than that, he was raised), who is at the right hand of God, and who also is interceding for us. 35 Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will trouble, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it is written, “For your sake we encounter death all day long; we were considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” 37 No, in all these things we have complete victory through him who loved us! 38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor heavenly rulers, nor things that are present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:28-39).
You squeeze me in from behind and in front; you place your hand on me. 6 Your knowledge is beyond my comprehension; it is so far beyond me, I am unable to fathom it. 7 Where can I go to escape your spirit? Where can I flee to escape your presence? 8 If I were to ascend to heaven, you would be there. If I were to sprawl out in Sheol, there you would be. 9 If I were to fly away on the wings of the dawn, and settle down on the other side of the sea, 10 even there your hand would guide me, your right hand would grab hold of me (Psalm 139:5-10).
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, we must get rid of every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and run with endurance the race set out for us, 2 keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy set out for him he endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Think of him who endured such opposition against himself by sinners, so that you may not grow weary in your souls and give up. 4 You have not yet resisted to the point of bloodshed in your struggle against sin. 5 And have you forgotten the exhortation addressed to you as sons? “My son, do not scorn the Lord’s discipline or give up when he corrects you. 6 “For the Lord disciplines the one he loves and chastises every son he accepts.” 7 Endure your suffering as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is there that a father does not discipline? 8 But if you do not experience discipline, something all sons have shared in, then you are illegitimate and are not sons. 9 Besides, we have experienced discipline from our earthly fathers and we respected them; shall we not submit ourselves all the more to the Father of spirits and receive life? 10 For they disciplined us for a little while as seemed good to them, but he does so for our benefit, that we may share his holiness. 11 Now all discipline seems painful at the time, not joyful. But later it produces the fruit of peace and righteousness for those trained by it. 12 Therefore, strengthen your listless hands and your weak knees, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but be healed (Hebrews 12:1-13).
See Job 1-2; 1 Peter 2:18-25; 4:1-19
For I consider that our present sufferings cannot even be compared to the glory that will be revealed to us. 19 For the creation eagerly waits for the revelation of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility– not willingly but because of God who subjected it– in hope 21 that the creation itself will also be set free from the bondage of decay into the glorious freedom of God’s children. 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers together until now. 23 Not only this, but we ourselves also, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we eagerly await our adoption, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope, because who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with endurance (Romans 8:18-25).
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness, for we do not know how we should pray, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with inexpressible groanings. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes on behalf of the saints according to God’s will (Romans 8:26-27).
And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose, 29 because those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; and those he called, he also justified; and those he justified, he also glorified (Romans 8:28-30).
When I tried to make sense of this, it was troubling to me. 17 Then I entered the precincts of God’s temple, and understood the destiny of the wicked. 18 Surely you put them in slippery places; you bring them down to ruin. 19 How desolate they become in a mere moment! Terrifying judgments make their demise complete! 20 They are like a dream after one wakes up. O Lord, when you awake you will despise them. 21 Yes, my spirit was bitter, and my insides felt sharp pain. 22 I was ignorant and lacked insight; I was as senseless as an animal before you. 23 But I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. 24 You guide me by your wise advice, and then you will lead me to a position of honor. 25 Whom do I have in heaven but you? I desire no one but you on earth. 26 My flesh and my heart may grow weak, but God always protects my heart and gives me stability. 27 Yes, look! Those far from you die; you destroy everyone who is unfaithful to you. 28 But as for me, God’s presence is all I need. I have made the sovereign LORD my shelter, as I declare all the things you have done (Psalm 73:16-28).
For we who are alive are constantly being handed over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus may also be made visible in our mortal body. 12 As a result, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you. 13 But since we have the same spirit of faith as that shown in what has been written, “I believed; therefore I spoke,” we also believe, therefore we also speak. 14 We do so because we know that the one who raised up Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus and will bring us with you into his presence. 15 For all these things are for your sake, so that the grace that is including more and more people may cause thanksgiving to increase to the glory of God. 16 Therefore we do not despair, but even if our physical body is wearing away, our inner person is being renewed day by day. 17 For our momentary, light suffering is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison 18 because we are not looking at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen. For what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal.
For we know that if our earthly house, the tent we live in, is dismantled, we have a building from God, a house not built by human hands, that is eternal in the heavens. 2 For in this earthly house we groan, because we desire to put on our heavenly dwelling, 3 if indeed, after we have put on our heavenly house, we will not be found naked. 4 For we groan while we are in this tent, since we are weighed down, because we do not want to be unclothed, but clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. 5 Now the one who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave us the Spirit as a down payment. 6 Therefore we are always full of courage, and we know that as long as we are alive here on earth we are absent from the Lord– 7 for we live by faith, not by sight. 8 Thus we are full of courage and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 9 So then whether we are alive or away, we make it our ambition to please him (2 Corinthians 4:11-5:9).
To me– less than the least of all the saints– this grace was given, to proclaim to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ 9 and to enlighten everyone about God’s secret plan– a secret that has been hidden for ages in God who has created all things. 10 The purpose of this enlightenment is that through the church the multifaceted wisdom of God should now be disclosed to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly realms. 11 This was according to the eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and confident access to God because of Christ’s faithfulness. 13 For this reason I ask you not to lose heart because of what I am suffering for you, which is your glory (Ephesians 3:8-13).
Be sober and alert. Your enemy the devil, like a roaring lion, is on the prowl looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, strong in your faith, because you know that your brothers and sisters throughout the world are enduring the same kinds of suffering. 10 And, after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace who called you to his eternal glory in Christ will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him belongs the power forever. Amen (1 Pet. 5:8-11).
Then I heard a loud voice in heaven saying, “The salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the ruling authority of his Christ, have now come, because the accuser of our brothers and sisters, the one who accuses them day and night before our God, has been thrown down (Revelation 12:10).
(My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin.) But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous One, 2 and he himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for our sins but also for the whole world (1 John 2:1-2).
“Simon, Simon, pay attention! Satan has demanded to have you all, to sift you like wheat, 32 but I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. When you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” 33 But Peter said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death!” 34 Jesus replied, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow today until you have denied three times that you know me” (Luke 22:31-34; see also 1 Kings 19; then there is John Mark in Acts 15:37-41; Colossians 4:10; 2 Timothy 4:11).
Above all, understand this: In the last days blatant scoffers will come, being propelled by their own evil urges 4 and saying, “Where is his promised return? For ever since our ancestors died, all things have continued as they were from the beginning of creation.” 5 For they deliberately suppress this fact, that by the word of God heavens existed long ago and an earth was formed out of water and by means of water. 6 Through these things the world existing at that time was destroyed when it was deluged with water. 7 But by the same word the present heavens and earth have been reserved for fire, by being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly. 8 Now, dear friends, do not let this one thing escape your notice, that a single day is like a thousand years with the Lord and a thousand years are like a single day. 9 The Lord is not slow concerning his promise, as some regard slowness, but is being patient toward you, because he does not wish for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief; when it comes, the heavens will disappear with a horrific noise, and the celestial bodies will melt away in a blaze, and the earth and every deed done on it will be laid bare. 11 Since all these things are to melt away in this manner, what sort of people must we be, conducting our lives in holiness and godliness, 12 while waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God? Because of this day, the heavens will be burned up and dissolve, and the celestial bodies will melt away in a blaze! 13 But, according to his promise, we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness truly resides (2 Peter 3:3-13).
Even if he trips, he will not fall headlong, for the LORD holds his hand (Psalm 37:24).
The LORD supports all who fall, and lifts up all who are bent over (Psalm 145:14).
If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, since he cannot deny himself (2 Timothy 2:13).
Wretched man that I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Rom. 7:24-8:1).
You foolish Galatians! Who has cast a spell on you? Before your eyes Jesus Christ was vividly portrayed as crucified! 2 The only thing I want to learn from you is this: Did you receive the Spirit by doing the works of the law or by believing what you heard? 3 Are you so foolish? Although you began with the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by human effort? (Galatians 3:1-3)
For I am sure of this very thing, that the one who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6).
First Question: About the Translation of Deuteronomy 6:1
NAU Deuteronomy 6:1 “Now this is the commandment, the statutes and the judgments which the LORD your God has commanded me to teach you, that you might do them in the land where you are going over to possess it (Deuteronomy 6:1, NAU).
In the Hebrew text of Deuteronomy 6:1, the term mitsvâh is singular (“commandment”). The KJV, NIV, NLT, and NET renders the word as a plural (“commandments”), while the ESV, NASB, HCSB, ASV and YLT renders it as a singular (“commandment” or “command”). Why is there a difference in these translations? Logically, it would make more sense to use the plural (commandments) as there are many of them.
Answer: I think it may prove helpful to note all the texts in Deuteronomy where the same singular form for commandment is used (just as it is found in Deuteronomy 6:1):
CSB17 Deuteronomy 5:31 But you stand here with me, and I will tell you every command-- the statutes and ordinances-- you are to teach them, so that they may follow them in the land I am giving them to possess.’
NAU Deuteronomy 6:25 “It will be righteousness for us if we are careful to observe all this commandment before the LORD our God, just as He commanded us.
NRS Deuteronomy 7:11 Therefore, observe diligently the commandment -- the statutes, and the ordinances -- that I am commanding you today.
NRS Deuteronomy 8:1 This entire commandment that I command you today you must diligently observe, so that you may live and increase, and go in and occupy the land that the LORD promised on oath to your ancestors. (Deut. 8:1 NRS)
NRS Deuteronomy 11:8 Keep, then, this entire commandment that I am commanding you today, so that you may have strength to go in and occupy the land that you are crossing over to occupy, (Deut. 11:8 NRS)
NAU Deuteronomy 11:22 “For if you are careful to keep all this commandment which I am commanding you to do, to love the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways and hold fast to Him,
ESV Deuteronomy 15:5 if only you will strictly obey the voice of the LORD your God, being careful to do all this commandment that I command you today. (Deut. 15:5 ESV)
CSB17 Deuteronomy 17:20 Then his heart will not be exalted above his countrymen, he will not turn from this command to the right or the left, and he and his sons will continue reigning many years in Israel.
NAU Deuteronomy 19:9 if you carefully observe all this commandment which I command you today, to love the LORD your God, and to walk in His ways always-- then you shall add three more cities for yourself, besides these three. (Deuteronomy 19:9, NAU)
ESV Deuteronomy 27:1 Now Moses and the elders of Israel commanded the people, saying, “Keep the whole commandment that I command you today (Deuteronomy 27:1, ESV)
NET Deuteronomy 30:11-16 “This commandment I am giving19 you today is not too difficult for you, nor is it too remote. 12 It is not in heaven, as though one must say, “Who will go up to heaven to get it for us and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?” 13 And it is not across the sea, as though one must say, “Who will cross over to the other side of the sea and get it for us and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?” 14 For the thing is very near you – it is in your mouth and in your mind20 so that you can do it. 15 “Look! I have set before you today life and prosperity on the one hand, and death and disaster on the other. 16 What21 I am commanding you today is to love the LORD your God, to walk in his ways, and to obey his commandments, his statutes, and his ordinances. Then you will live and become numerous and the LORD your God will bless you in the land which you are about to possess.22
NET Deuteronomy 31:5 The LORD will deliver them over to you and you will do to them according to the whole commandment I have given you.
I find it interesting that the various translations are not completely consistent in the way they translate mitzvah, which is singular in all these passages.
I am inclined to read Deuteronomy 6:1 and the rest in the light of Deuteronomy 5:31-33:
31 “But you stand here with me, and I will tell you every command --the statutes and ordinances-- you are to teach them, so that they may follow them in the land I am giving them to possess.’ 32 “Be careful to do as the LORD your God has commanded you; you are not to turn aside to the right or the left. 33 Follow the whole instruction the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live, prosper, and have a long life in the land you will possess” (Deuteronomy 5:31-33, CSB17)
I believe that the singular mitzvah is used to sum up the whole of the law, as that which God has commanded and which we are to obey. I think that the CSB handles this quite well, showing “statutes” and “ordinances” are a subset of the whole law.
Jesus sums up the whole law in terms of one primary and one secondary command:
35 One of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, 36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” 37 And He said to him, “‘YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.’ 38 “This is the great and foremost commandment. 39 “The second is like it, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’ 40 “On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.” (Matt. 22:35-40 NAU)
Paul sums the law up in one command as well:
8 Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. 9 For this, “YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY, YOU SHALL NOT MURDER, YOU SHALL NOT STEAL, YOU SHALL NOT COVET,” and if there is any other commandment, it is summed up in this saying, “YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.” 10 Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law (Romans 13:8-10, NAU).
“The commandment” is thus the whole law, while at the same time it has various components.
Second Question: About the various terms employed in reference to the Law: I am trying to understand the relationship between mitsvâh, chôq & mishpât. These three words are used throughout Deuteronomy (e.g. Deuteronomy 6:1). Could you point me to any online resource or article in Bible.org that would help me understand the relationship between these words.
Answer: Note the different terms employed for God’s “law” found in the first 8 verses of Psalm 119:
I have not done any serious work on this, and at present no particular work on it comes to mind. But “the law” has many facets, just like a parent’s teaching of their child (Proverbs will bear this out). There are some commands that are really illustrations of certain guiding principles. Thus not sowing two kinds of seed, or wearing a garment made up of two kinds of material (Leviticus 19:19) teaches one about separation. To restrict the application to just cattle, seeds to plant, or clothes to wear misses the point, in my opinion.
The command to put a parapet on one’s roof (Deuteronomy 22:8) is not just about roof railings, it is about thinking about the safety of others (seat belts?).
Thus, various terms are needed to capture the thrust of the Old Testament instructions, each with its own shading of meaning.
I hope this helps,
Bob
1. The first thing that must be pointed out is that the words of Deuteronomy 23:2 are a part of the Old Covenant, which has been fulfilled by Jesus Christ and replaced by the New Covenant.
31 “Behold, days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah, 32 not like the covenant which I made with their fathers in the day I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, although I was a husband to them,” declares the LORD. 33 “But this is the covenant which I will make with the house of Israel after those days,” declares the LORD, “I will put My law within them and on their heart I will write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. Jeremiah 31:31-33 (NASB)
5 Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God, 6 who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. 2 Corinthians 3:5-6 (NASB)
8 For finding fault with them, He says, “BEHOLD, DAYS ARE COMING, SAYS THE LORD, WHEN I WILL EFFECT A NEW COVENANT WITH THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL AND WITH THE HOUSE OF JUDAH; 9 NOT LIKE THE COVENANT WHICH I MADE WITH THEIR FATHERS ON THE DAY WHEN I TOOK THEM BY THE HAND TO LEAD THEM OUT OF THE LAND OF EGYPT; FOR THEY DID NOT CONTINUE IN MY COVENANT, AND I DID NOT CARE FOR THEM, SAYS THE LORD. 10 “FOR THIS IS THE COVENANT THAT I WILL MAKE WITH THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL AFTER THOSE DAYS, SAYS THE LORD: I WILL PUT MY LAWS INTO THEIR MINDS, AND I WILL WRITE THEM ON THEIR HEARTS. AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE. 11 “AND THEY SHALL NOT TEACH EVERYONE HIS FELLOW CITIZEN, AND EVERYONE HIS BROTHER, SAYING, ‘KNOW THE LORD,’ FOR ALL WILL KNOW ME, FROM THE LEAST TO THE GREATEST OF THEM. 12 “FOR I WILL BE MERCIFUL TO THEIR INIQUITIES, AND I WILL REMEMBER THEIR SINS NO MORE.” 13 When He said, “A new covenant,” He has made the first obsolete. But whatever is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to disappear. Hebrews 8:8-13 (NASB)
19 And when He had taken some bread and given thanks, He broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” 20 And in the same way He took the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in My blood. Luke 22:19-20 (NASB)
The restrictions found in Deuteronomy 23 are no longer in effect. The restrictions we see there (and elsewhere in the Old Testament) were to assure that the line from which Messiah would come (Genesis 3:15; 12:1-3; 49:8-10; 2 Samuel 7:12-13; Isaiah 7:14; 9:6; Micah 5:2) would remain pure. Now that Christ, our Messiah, has come, this is no longer necessary.
10 For as many as are of the works of the Law are under a curse; for it is written, “CURSED IS EVERYONE WHO DOES NOT ABIDE BY ALL THINGS WRITTEN IN THE BOOK OF THE LAW, TO PERFORM THEM.” 11 Now that no one is justified by the Law before God is evident; for, “THE RIGHTEOUS MAN SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.” 12 However, the Law is not of faith; on the contrary, “HE WHO PRACTICES THEM SHALL LIVE BY THEM.” 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us—for it is written, “CURSED IS EVERYONE WHO HANGS ON A TREE”— 14 in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we would receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. 15 Brethren, I speak in terms of human relations: even though it is only a man’s covenant, yet when it has been ratified, no one sets it aside or adds conditions to it. 16 Now the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. He does not say, “And to seeds,” as referring to many, but rather to one, “And to your seed,” that is, Christ. 17 What I am saying is this: the Law, which came four hundred and thirty years later, does not invalidate a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to nullify the promise. Galatians 3:10-17 (NASB)
2. The sin was not committed by the illegitimate child, but by the parent.
29 “In those days they will not say again, ‘The fathers have eaten sour grapes, And the children’s teeth are set on edge.’ 30 “But everyone will die for his own iniquity; each man who eats the sour grapes, his teeth will be set on edge. 31 “Behold, days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah, 32 not like the covenant which I made with their fathers in the day I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, although I was a husband to them,” declares the LORD. 33 “But this is the covenant which I will make with the house of Israel after those days,” declares the LORD, “I will put My law within them and on their heart I will write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. 34 “They will not teach again, each man his neighbor and each man his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ for they will all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them,” declares the LORD, “for I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.” 35 Thus says the LORD, Who gives the sun for light by day And the fixed order of the moon and the stars for light by night, Who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar; The LORD of hosts is His name: Jeremiah 31:29-35 (NASB)
3. Every child (legitimate or not) has been created and fashioned by God in the womb:
14 I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well. 15 My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth; 16 Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; And in Your book were all written The days that were ordained for me, When as yet there was not one of them. 17 How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them! 18 If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand. When I awake, I am still with You. Psalm 139:14-18 (NASB)
4. Jephthah was the son of a prostitute (Judges 11:1), and he is listed in the “hall of faith” (true believers) in Hebrews 11:32.
32 And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, Hebrews 11:32 (NASB)
5. In the Old Testament those who were Canaanites were to be annihilated, totally wiped out (Exodus 23:23; Deuteronomy 7:1-6; Joshua 11:7-11). And yet in the New Testament we find an account of a Canaanite woman in Matthew 15:22-28 who asked God to deliver her daughter from a demon, and our Lord commended her for her great faith and also granted her request.
6. Ammonites and Moabites were prohibited from entering into the Tabernacle and Temple (Deuteronomy 23:3-4). Indeed, it was Ruth, a Moabite, who becomes a woman in the Messianic Line (Ruth 4:13-22).
Notice that under the New Covenant those once excluded are now included in the blessings of God for those who trust Him:
1 Thus says the LORD, “Preserve justice and do righteousness, For My salvation is about to come And My righteousness to be revealed. 2 “How blessed is the man who does this, And the son of man who takes hold of it; Who keeps from profaning the sabbath, And keeps his hand from doing any evil.” 3 Let not the foreigner who has joined himself to the LORD say, “The LORD will surely separate me from His people.” Nor let the eunuch say, “Behold, I am a dry tree.” 4 For thus says the LORD, “To the eunuchs who keep My sabbaths, And choose what pleases Me, And hold fast My covenant, 5 To them I will give in My house and within My walls a memorial, And a name better than that of sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name which will not be cut off. 6 “Also the foreigners who join themselves to the LORD, To minister to Him, and to love the name of the LORD, To be His servants, every one who keeps from profaning the sabbath And holds fast My covenant; 7 Even those I will bring to My holy mountain And make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be acceptable on My altar; For My house will be called a house of prayer for all the peoples.” 8 The Lord GOD, who gathers the dispersed of Israel, declares, “Yet others I will gather to them, to those already gathered.” Isaiah 56:1-8 (NASB)
7. Jesus makes it clear that Gentiles are going to be blessed. It is the Jews who strongly resist this in Luke 4:16ff.
8. In the New Testament we find numerous indications that God delights to save sinners, even – perhaps especially – the worst of sinners:
9 As Jesus went on from there, He saw a man called Matthew, sitting in the tax collector’s booth; and He *said to him, “Follow Me!” And he got up and followed Him. 10 Then it happened that as Jesus was reclining at the table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were dining with Jesus and His disciples. 11 When the Pharisees saw this, they said to His disciples, “Why is your Teacher eating with the tax collectors and sinners?” 12 But when Jesus heard this, He said, “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick. 13 “But go and learn what this means: ‘I DESIRE COMPASSION, AND NOT SACRIFICE,’ for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Matthew 9:9-13 (NASB)
15 It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all. 16 Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life. 1 Timothy 1:15-16 (NASB)
9 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, 10 nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 (NASB)
20 Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. 22 For indeed Jews ask for signs and Greeks search for wisdom; 23 but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block and to Gentiles foolishness, 24 but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 26 For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; 27 but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, 28 and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, 29 so that no man may boast before God. 30 But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, 31 so that, just as it is written, “LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD.” 1 Corinthians 1:20-31 (NASB)
37 And there was a woman in the city who was a sinner; and when she learned that He was reclining at the table in the Pharisee’s house, she brought an alabaster vial of perfume, 38 and standing behind Him at His feet, weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears, and kept wiping them with the hair of her head, and kissing His feet and anointing them with the perfume. 39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet He would know who and what sort of person this woman is who is touching Him, that she is a sinner.” 40 And Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” And he replied, “Say it, Teacher.” 41 “A moneylender had two debtors: one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 “When they were unable to repay, he graciously forgave them both. So which of them will love him more?” 43 Simon answered and said, “I suppose the one whom he forgave more.” And He said to him, “You have judged correctly.” 44 Turning toward the woman, He said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has wet My feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 “You gave Me no kiss; but she, since the time I came in, has not ceased to kiss My feet. 46 “You did not anoint My head with oil, but she anointed My feet with perfume. 47 “For this reason I say to you, her sins, which are many, have been forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little.” 48 Then He said to her, “Your sins have been forgiven.” 49 Those who were reclining at the table with Him began to say to themselves, “Who is this man who even forgives sins?” 50 And He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” Luke 7:37-50 (NASB); See also John 8:3-11
Here’s the good news. No one is ever too far gone, too sinful, for God to save through faith in the person and work of the Lord Jesus on the cross of Calvary, where He took the punishment we deserve for our sins and gives us His righteousness in its place. And the greater our sins that are forgiven, the greater the glory He gets.
While one can never be too sinful to save, one can be too good (in their own eyes) to be saved. That’s what Jesus meant when He said He came to save sinners, and not the righteous (in their own eyes). The gospel is good news because it brings hope to lost sinners. And in truth, that’s everyone, whether they know it or not:
9 What then? Are we [Jews] better than they [Gentiles]? Not at all; for we have already charged that both Jews and Greeks are all under sin; 10 as it is written, “THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE; 11 THERE IS NONE WHO UNDERSTANDS, THERE IS NONE WHO SEEKS FOR GOD; 12 ALL HAVE TURNED ASIDE, TOGETHER THEY HAVE BECOME USELESS; THERE IS NONE WHO DOES GOOD, THERE IS NOT EVEN ONE.” 13 “THEIR THROAT IS AN OPEN GRAVE, WITH THEIR TONGUES THEY KEEP DECEIVING,” “THE POISON OF ASPS IS UNDER THEIR LIPS”; 14 “WHOSE MOUTH IS FULL OF CURSING AND BITTERNESS”; 15 “THEIR FEET ARE SWIFT TO SHED BLOOD, 16 DESTRUCTION AND MISERY ARE IN THEIR PATHS, 17 AND THE PATH OF PEACE THEY HAVE NOT KNOWN.” 18 “THERE IS NO FEAR OF GOD BEFORE THEIR EYES.” 19 Now we know that whatever the Law says, it speaks to those who are under the Law, so that every mouth may be closed and all the world may become accountable to God; 20 because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin. 21 But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22 even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction; 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; 25 whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed; 26 for the demonstration, I say, of His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. Romans 3:9-26 (NASB)
1 And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, 2 in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. 3 Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. Ephesians 2:1-10 (NASB)
5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. Titus 3:5-7 (NASB)
There is no better news for unworthy sinners (that’s all of us) than the good news of the gospel.
Blessings,
Bob Deffinbaugh
Dear Brother ******,
I think we have to begin by observing that no one, absolutely no one, had the first coming of our Lord figured out, so that they simply checked off the events in chronological order. A very few recognized Jesus as the fulfillment of prophecy, but only partially. Such were folks like Simeon, and Anna:
And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to carry out for Him the custom of the Law (Luke 2:26-27, NAU).
And there was a prophetess, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years and had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple, serving night and day with fastings and prayers. 38 At that very moment she came up and began giving thanks to God, and continued to speak of Him to all those who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem (Luke 2:36-38).
These godly people did not know the plan, just as the Old Testament prophets and the angels did not:
10 As to this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that would come to you made careful searches and inquiries, 11 seeking to know what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating as He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow. 12 It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, in these things which now have been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven-- things into which angels long to look (1 Peter 1:10-12).
Now, as I read the gospel accounts of the birth of our Lord, it is clear to me that none of these folks grasped the full meaning and plan which God had for Messiah:
The miraculous birth of John the Baptist and the response of Zacharias, his father, caused many to wonder what all this meant:
64 And at once his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he began to speak in praise of God. 65 Fear came on all those living around them; and all these matters were being talked about in all the hill country of Judea. 66 All who heard them kept them in mind, saying, “What then will this child turn out to be?” For the hand of the Lord was certainly with him (Luke 1:64-66).
Joseph did not fully grasp what the virgin birth of Jesus meant. He obeyed the angel, and took Mary as his wife (without sex), but he did not know where this was going. Neither the magi, nor Herod, nor the religious elite of Jerusalem grasped God’s plan of salvation, which would be fulfilled by Jesus. There were prophetic hints (Luke 2:27-35), but these would only be understood after the saving work of Jesus at Calvary, and His resurrection.
Mary, also, did not fully grasp what God’s plan was for Jesus, and thus she stored things up in her heart, to reflect on them:
But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart.
And He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and He continued in subjection to them; and His mother treasured all these things in her heart (Luke 2:19, 51).
Nobody fully realized that God’s plan for saving men was being fulfilled in Jesus, or what form that salvation would take:
But Jesus was saying, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” And they cast lots, dividing up His garments among themselves (Luke 23:34).
“And now, brethren, I know that you acted in ignorance, just as your rulers did also” (Acts 3:17).
27 “For those who live in Jerusalem, and their rulers, recognizing neither Him nor the utterances of the prophets which are read every Sabbath, fulfilled these by condemning Him. 28 “And though they found no ground for putting Him to death, they asked Pilate that He be executed. 29 “When they had carried out all that was written concerning Him, they took Him down from the cross and laid Him in a tomb” (Acts 13:27-29).
Yet we do speak wisdom among those who are mature; a wisdom, however, not of this age nor of the rulers of this age, who are passing away; 7 but we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God predestined before the ages to our glory; 8 the wisdom which none of the rulers of this age has understood; for if they had understood it they would not have crucified the Lord of glory (1 Corinthians 2:6-8).
Surely we can agree that the disciples had not figured it out until after the death and resurrection of Jesus and the advent of Pentecost.
If this is so, then why would we possibly conclude that we can figure out the sequence of events surrounding the second coming of our Lord?
6 So when they had come together, they were asking Him, saying, “Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority; 8 but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth” (Acts 1:6-8).
All of this calls to mind the words of Deuteronomy 29:29:
“The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our sons forever, that we may observe all the words of this law.”
We do have some revelation from God about the last days and the Second Coming. We surely know from our Lord’s words, that much of the plan for His coming again has not been made known to us:
36 “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone. 37 “For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah. 38 “For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, 39 and they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away; so will the coming of the Son of Man be” (Matthew 24:36-39).
There are signs indicating the Lord’s return is near, and we are to be watchful, so as not to be caught unawares. But many of the details have been kept from us. There are those who become more interested and invested in what we don’t know, than in what we are told. That would be to miss the point of prophecy.
I must also take into account that Jesus first answered the disciples’ questions about His Second Coming by warning them not to be deceived, as many would be:
3 As He was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” 4 And Jesus answered and said to them, “See to it that no one misleads you. 5 “For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will mislead many. 6 “You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end. 7 “For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes. 8 “But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs” (Matthew 24:3-8).
In this text, and also in the Book of Revelation, the Scriptures are clear that saints will suffer, greatly before the Lord comes to meet out judgment and to establish His kingdom on earth. That should give pause for thought to those who would like to believe that the saints will all be taken away before tribulation comes. (Here, I would distinguish between “tribulation” and “the Great Tribulation.” I see very severe tribulation taking place when men pour out their wrath toward God on the saints. I see the Great Tribulation as the time when God pours out His wrath on those who have rejected Him and who have brought great suffering upon the saints):
1 Paul and Silvanus and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: 2 Grace to you and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brethren, as is only fitting, because your faith is greatly enlarged, and the love of each one of you toward one another grows ever greater; 4 therefore, we ourselves speak proudly of you among the churches of God for your perseverance and faith in the midst of all your persecutions and afflictions which you endure. 5 This is a plain indication of God’s righteous judgment so that you will be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which indeed you are suffering. 6 For after all it is only just for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you, 7 and to give relief to you who are afflicted and to us as well when the Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire, 8 dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9 These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, 10 when He comes to be glorified in His saints on that day, and to be marveled at among all who have believed-- for our testimony to you was believed (2 Thessalonians 1:1-10).
All of this should underscore the fact that God did not intend for us to know all of the details and the sequence of events surrounding our Lord’s return. Hampton Keathley has done a good job of identifying some of the major differing views regarding the events and timing of our Lord’s return and the establishment of His kingdom on earth. This also reveals the degree of mystery related to these things. I would add that every view of prophecy has its weak points and its problem texts that it must seek to explain.
As a result, I do not strongly embrace any view as the one “correct” understanding of prophecy, while concluding that the other views are wrong. I have a friend, now with the Lord, who used to say, “I’m a pan-millennialist. I believe that in the end it will all pan out as God intended.” I’m not sure I would put it just that way, but I think he has the right attitude regarding prophecy and the future.
Your question pertains to a statement you read, written by Dr. Charles Ryrie. I have great respect for Dr. Ryrie. I had him as a teacher in seminary years ago, but his interpretation of Scripture is not perfect, nor is any of ours. I would surely disagree with some of his beliefs related to Dispensationalism. Also, I believe that Revelation 21 and 22 describe the final outcome, following the defeat of Satan and the establishment of the kingdom, mentioned earlier in chapter 20.
I would also say a couple things regarding ‘weeping” and “tears” in heaven. The first is Abraham’s response to the announcement that God’s judgment was coming upon Sodom:
20 And the LORD said, “The outcry of Sodom and Gomorrah is indeed great, and their sin is exceedingly grave. 21 “I will go down now, and see if they have done entirely according to its outcry, which has come to Me; and if not, I will know.” 22 Then the men turned away from there and went toward Sodom, while Abraham was still standing before the LORD. 23 Abraham came near and said, “Will You indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked? 24 “Suppose there are fifty righteous within the city; will You indeed sweep it away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous who are in it? 25 “Far be it from You to do such a thing, to slay the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous and the wicked are treated alike. Far be it from You! Shall not the Judge of all the earth deal justly?” (Genesis 18:20-25).
That is our assurance. God will deal justly with all mankind. We must trust His hand, because of who He is. I am reminded of this definition of faith in Hebrews:
And 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 seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).
In addition to this, we must keep in mind that God’s preference, desire, and pleasure comes from the salvation of men, not their eternal destruction:
“Do I have any pleasure in the death of the wicked,” declares the Lord GOD, “rather than that he should turn from his ways and live? (Ezekiel 18:23)
“For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone who dies,” declares the Lord GOD. “Therefore, repent and live.” (Ezekiel 18:32)
“Say to them, ‘As I live!’ declares the Lord GOD, ‘I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn back, turn back from your evil ways! Why then will you die, O house of Israel?’” (Ezekiel 33:11)
First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. 3 This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:1-4).
The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).
The second comes from experience, but I believe it is true to the texts above. The mother of a woman in our church drowned in a flood in Colorado. She never professed faith in Jesus. But her daughter said this, “I know that when I get to heaven, I will see this through God’s eyes, and I will know that He did what was right.” I believe that is true. The fact is that all of us have friends and relatives who have died without professing faith in Christ. No doubt such folks will be in hell. But when we are in heaven, and see things as God sees them, we will shed no tears, because we will see that He has done what is right; indeed, He has done all things well.
Blessings,
Bob Deffinbaugh
*****,
The first thing I would say is listen to Jesus:
28 “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. 29 “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. 30 “For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).
Listen to Paul:
2 This is the only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith? 3 Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? 4 Did you suffer so many things in vain-- if indeed it was in vain? 5 So then, does He who provides you with the Spirit and works miracles among you, do it by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith? 6 Even so Abraham BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS RECKONED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS. 7 Therefore, be sure that it is those who are of faith who are sons of Abraham (Galatians 3:2-7).
For a more lengthy discussion in Scripture, read Romans, chapters 2-8. The bottom line is that we cannot ever do enough to earn our salvation. Working hard to earn our salvation is an offense to God, because He sent His Son to accomplish our salvation by dying on the cross of Calvary and then rising from the dead. The good news is that Jesus achieved salvation for us, by taking our place, bearing our punishment, and giving us His righteousness. He offers salvation to everyone who believes in Him. We don’t have to work to earn our salvation. When we rejoice in what Christ has done to save us, we glorify God. When we strive to earn our salvation, we strive to glorify ourselves.
The only salvation I believe in is the salvation which Jesus accomplished for me, which I do not have to earn, but simply accept by faith.
In Romans, Paul says that the Jews tried to work for their salvation, and missed it, while the Gentiles did not work for their salvation, and received it, by faith:
30 What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, attained righteousness, even the righteousness which is by faith; 31 but Israel, pursuing a law of righteousness, did not arrive at that law. 32 Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as though it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone, 33 just as it is written, “BEHOLD, I LAY IN ZION A STONE OF STUMBLING AND A ROCK OF OFFENSE, AND HE WHO BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.”
1 Brethren, my heart’s desire and my prayer to God for them is for their salvation. 2 For I testify about them that they have a zeal for God, but not in accordance with knowledge. 3 For not knowing about God’s righteousness and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God. 4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes (Romans 9:30-10:4).
This is the consistent message of the gospel in the Bible:
4 But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, 5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life (Titus 3:4-7).
1 And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, 2 in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. 3 Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast (Ephesians 2:1-9).
You’re working hard to earn that which God has already provided, in Jesus.
So here is a short version of the Gospel:
Every human being, including you and me, has failed to live up to the standard of righteousness which God has established (as we see it in the law of Moses, and in Jesus’ teaching -- see Matthew 5-7 and Romans 3:19-20; 3:23; 6:23). Thus, we are all unworthy sinners, deserving of God’s eternal wrath (see Romans 3:10-20). No one can ever earn God’s favor and blessings by their good works. Knowing this, God sent His Son, Jesus, to earth in human flesh (still fully God, but adding sinless humanity to His undiminished deity) in order to save when we were unworthy sinners (Romans 5:8-10). Jesus perfectly kept God’s law and lived according to His standard of righteousness. Jesus then died on the cross of Calvary so that we might be saved. He died in the sinner’s place (that’s me, and you), bearing God’s punishment for our sin. But He also rose from the dead to new life, so that we could live a new life as well (Romans 6:3ff.). We are saved when we acknowledge our sin, and accept Christ’s righteousness, and His death, burial, and resurrection on our behalf. We do not, we cannot, work to earn, or to keep, this salvation. Jesus did it all. We must simply believe Him and receive His gift of salvation.
No one is worthy of this salvation, and no one is too sinful to be saved. Just listen to Paul’s testimony, which was given to encourage us to receive Christ’s salvation also:
12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service, 13 even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. Yet I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief; 14 and the grace of our Lord was more than abundant, with the faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus. 15 It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all. 16 Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life (1 Timothy 1:12-16).
Take special note of that last verse, verse 16. Paul said that God saved him, though he was chief of sinners, so that he could be an example of God’s grace through faith in Christ for those who were yet to be saved. LET THAT BE AN ENCOURAGEMENT TO YOU.
Blessings,
Bob
Dear *****,
Thanks for your email. I can only imagine the heartbreak you have experienced in your marriage, and don’t wish to minimize the suffering you have experienced.
I will try to make my response true to God’s Word and also applicable to your circumstances.
I would begin by calling attention to our Lord’s words in Matthew chapter 19:
3 Some Pharisees came to Jesus, testing Him and asking, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason at all?” 4 And He answered and said, “Have you not read that He who created them from the beginning MADE THEM MALE AND FEMALE, 5 and said, ‘FOR THIS REASON A MAN SHALL LEAVE HIS FATHER AND MOTHER AND BE JOINED TO HIS WIFE, AND THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH’? 6 ”So they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate.” 7 They *said to Him, “Why then did Moses command to GIVE HER A CERTIFICATE OF DIVORCE AND SEND her AWAY?” 8 He *said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart Moses permitted you to divorce your wives; but from the beginning it has not been this way. 9 ”And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.” 10 The disciples *said to Him, “If the relationship of the man with his wife is like this, it is better not to marry.” 11 But He said to them, “Not all men can accept this statement, but only those to whom it has been given. 12 ”For there are eunuchs who were born that way from their mother’s womb; and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men; and there are also eunuchs who made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. He who is able to accept this, let him accept it” (Matthew 19:3-12).
The Pharisees, like nearly every Jew of that day (including the disciples), had a permissive view of divorce. They sensed that Jesus did not agree and sought to trap Him in His own words. And so they asked him about divorce in the most liberal and permissive way possible. Can a man divorce his wife for any reason whatever? Earlier in Matthew’s Gospel Jesus dealt with the issue of divorce a bit differently:
32 but I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except for the reason of unchastity, makes her commit adultery; and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery (Matthew 5:32).
There was an exception clause to be reckoned with, having to do with the matter of “unchastity.” Serious sexual sin was the one factor which might make divorce permissible.
But in Matthew 19 Jesus wants to deal with divorce in terms of the ideal, rather than in terms of the exception. (In reality, the Jews had made the exception the rule. Now, in their minds, any displeasure at all could be grounds for a husband divorcing his wife.) Jesus went to the beginning and to the first marriage and said, in effect, “This is what marriage was intended to be like: one man joined to one woman, until separated by death.” The disciples were nearly as shocked as the Pharisees. If this were the case, they reasoned, then perhaps it would be best not to marry at all. Notice that Jesus did not seek to correct this perception as a mistaken understanding of His words. He, in fact, went on to say that some who took this seriously actually made themselves eunuchs, so as to make marriage (and divorce) no option at all. So that is the ideal, and we should always keep that foremost in our thinking.
Abigail (1 Samuel 25) is an example of a woman living consistently with this ideal. Her husband, Nabal, was, in truth a harsh and cruel fool (25:3, 17, 25). Nevertheless, she risked her life to spare his. In the end, God removed Nabal from this life and Abigail became David’s wife. She endured, trusting in God and living wisely, leaving the matter in God’s hands, and for this she is commended.
While it is a text that I don’t wish to bring into view, it is there in 1 Peter (written by a man who was previously not eager to hear Jesus talk about suffering – see Matthew 16:21-25), chapters 2 and 3:
18 Servants, be submissive to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are unreasonable. 19 For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a person bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly. 20 For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God. 21 For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, 22 WHO COMMITTED NO SIN, NOR WAS ANY DECEIT FOUND IN HIS MOUTH; 23 and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; 24 and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed. 25 For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls. 3:1 In the same way, you wives, be submissive to your own husbands so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives, 2 s they observe your chaste and respectful behavior. 3 Your adornment must not be merely external—braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; 4 but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God. 5 For in this way in former times the holy women also, who hoped in God, used to adorn themselves, being submissive to their own husbands; 6 just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, and you have become her children if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear (1 Peter 2:18-3:6, emphasis mine).
As our Lord Jesus suffered abuse to save us from our sins, God might call us to suffer abuse unjustly in order to glorify Himself and draw others to Christ. This text does not find an eager reception today, especially by those who are most concerned with their own rights. Nevertheless, it is there for us to deal with.
Having said this, we cannot ignore those two texts which indicate that serious sexual immorality on the part of the ungodly spouse is sufficient grounds for divorce:
32 but I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except for the reason of unchastity, makes her commit adultery; and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery (Matthew 5:32, emphasis mine).
8 He said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart Moses permitted you to divorce your wives; but from the beginning it has not been this way. 9 ”And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery” (Matthew 19:8-9, emphasis mine).
Assuming that I have correctly understood you, you have technical grounds for divorce. As Jesus makes clear, this is not a command to divorce, but may be permission granted for a divorce (Matthew 19:7-8). While I have yet to encourage anyone to pursue divorce, I am aware of situations where divorce would clearly be permitted.
In such cases, it is the responsibility of the godly mate to determine what course of action will most please and glorify God. Such decisions are painful and agonizing, but they must be made.
I am praying that God will guide you to the right course of action, and that you will find peace and rest in responding in a way that pleases God.
I’m praying for you and hope this will prove helpful,
Bob Deffinbaugh
Dear Friend,
Every church has its failings, and caring for those in need is one of those areas where a church may fail. It is apparent that the early church in the New Testament was responsive to the needs of those within their body (Acts 2:44-45; 4:34-37) and without (Acts 11:27-30). They ministered to the needs of their widows (Acts 6:1-8). Ministering to those in need was a priority to the apostles (Galatians 2:10; see also 1 Timothy 6:17-19). One of the main reasons why the church should be characterized by generosity is because we serve a giving God, a God who gave His only begotten Son (John 3:16), and who lavishes all good gifts on us (Romans 8:31-32; James 1:17; 1 Timothy 6:17).
Based on Paul’s teaching in 1 Timothy chapter 5, I believe that there are a few women whom the church should regularly and consistently support (Paul calls it putting them on the list – 1 Timothy 5:9-10), but this is a small group if we follow the qualifications he has set forth (see 1 Timothy 5:3-16). Younger women should marry, and those who have a family should be cared for by their families.
Having said all of this, I find no passage of Scripture which either instructs or encourages a believer to leave their church because it has failed to meet their needs. Indeed, the reasons why one should leave a church are few. I do know of situations where a faithful church member has felt compelled to give a portion of their tithes and offerings to churches or agencies outside their local church so that some of their giving would minister to the poor.
I think that this may be a situation where your church has failed to take its financial obligations seriously enough. If this is the case, then I believe it is your responsibility to humbly share your situation with the church leaders, and inform them that others in the church have had a similar experience. I would even share with them that this has prompted you to consider leaving the church, but have determined to stay as long as possible.
You may be used of God to cause the church to reconsider its obligations, and this would be to the glory of our Lord Jesus.
Blessings,
Bob Deffinbaugh
The question of whether or not one should attend Bible school and/or seminary is very important. Pursuing this path is demanding. It is challenging. It is costly (in many ways). And income resulting from future ministry may make the repayment of any student loans difficult.
In response, I think that the very first question which you must ask and answer is this: “What is my spiritual gift?”
https://bible.org/seriespage/6-spiritual-gifts-1-corinthians-121-11
This passage in 1 Corinthians 12 is foundational (though all of chapters 12-14 and crucial):
Now there are different gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 And there are different ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are different results, but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. 7 To each person the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the benefit of all. (1 Cor. 12:4-7 NET)
We learn here that the entire Trinity is involved in the life and health and growth of the Church, and this is especially evident in the matter of spiritual gifts. The Holy Spirit gives every believer one or more spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:7, 18). The Lord Jesus directs the believer in terms of where and how their spiritual gifting should be employed for the growth and health of the church. God the Father determines the degree of impact (I dislike the word success) that this gift and ministry will have.
I know that you are eager to discover what place God has for you, but I believe that the first step is to discern what your spiritual gift (or gifts) might be. One has to be very careful here, because we often are tempted to desire and even to seek the spiritual gift which is deemed the most prominent or spiritual by the Christian community. In Corinth, the gift of preference and status was the gift of tongues. It had a more spectacular and sensational appearance, and so everyone wanted it, rather than to seek the better gifts, like prophecy (1 Corinthians 14:12-25). The most important question is, “What is it that God has equipped me to do that edifies and builds up the church?” The big question is not, “How does it make me look?”, or even “How does it make me feel?”, but “How does it bless others and build up the church?”
I would suggest several avenues of pursuit, when seeking to discover and develop your spiritual gift(s):
First, study the Scriptures to learn about spiritual gifts – what they are and how they work. Be careful to distinguish spiritual gifts from natural talents. (These two things – spiritual gifts and natural talents – may be related, but they are not necessarily the same thing.)
Second, do the things which the Bible commands you to do, that you see need doing. We tend to look at the world around us through the lens of our spiritual gift(s), and rightly so. A teacher sees the need for teaching. A helper sees the need for hands-on ministry. A person gifted to give sees the opportunity to share his or her resources to meet the need of another. (This person sees the holes in the soles of the shoes of the one sitting beside him.) It is my contention that the commands of Scripture correspond to various spiritual gifts given to the saints.
Let’s just take a simple example from Scripture:
And we urge you, brothers and sisters, admonish the undisciplined, comfort the discouraged, help the weak, be patient toward all. (1 Thess. 5:14)
The need for admonition (warning) may be best recognized by one with the gift of teaching, and the content of admonition may very well be teaching from Scripture (see Romans 15:14; 1 Corinthians 4:14).
The need for comfort (encouragement) may best be recognized by an encourager or exhorter (see, for example, Acts 4:36-37; 9:26-28; 11:19-26; 15:36-39).
The need for help would be recognized quickly by one gifted to help (Philippians 4:10-20).
So, you discover you are gifted to help as you see the command to help, you see the need for help, and you respond to it in such a way that the person is not merely helped physically, but built up spiritually (2 Corinthians 9:10-15).
I believe that many Christian need all of these ministries at the same time (admonition, encouragement, help), and that is just how the body of Christ should function.
Third, recognize the need and importance of a good church where spiritual gifts are taught and encouraged to flourish.
It is very clear in Scripture that spiritual gifts are not given primarily for the benefit of the individual (gifted) believer, but are for the good of the whole body:
To each person the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the benefit of all. (1 Cor. 12:7)
But as a matter of fact, God has placed each of the members in the body just as he decided. (1 Cor. 12:18)
What should you do then, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each one has a song, has a lesson, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all these things be done for the strengthening of the church. (1 Cor. 14:26)
But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of the gift of Christ. 8 Therefore it says, "When he ascended on high he captured captives; he gave gifts to men." 9 Now what is the meaning of "he ascended," except that he also descended to the lower regions, namely, the earth? 10 He, the very one who descended, is also the one who ascended above all the heavens, in order to fill all things. 11 It was he who gave some as apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, that is, to build up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God– a mature person, attaining to the measure of Christ's full stature. 14 So we are no longer to be children, tossed back and forth by waves and carried about by every wind of teaching by the trickery of people who craftily carry out their deceitful schemes. 15 But practicing the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ, who is the head. 16 From him the whole body grows, fitted and held together through every supporting ligament. As each one does its part, the body grows in love. (Eph. 4:7-16)
Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of the varied grace of God. (1 Pet. 4:10 NET)
The church is absolutely crucial to the discovery and development of one’s spiritual gifting. This assumes that the church actually believes the ministry is much broader than the leading and teaching of one person, a ministry which provides occasions where spiritual gifts can actually be discovered, exercised, and developed. Such a venue is spelled out in 1 Corinthians chapter 14.
It is here that leaders in the church -- spiritually mature men – can observe and officially recognize spiritual gifts:
Two or three prophets should speak and the others should evaluate what is said. (1 Cor. 14:29)
In the New Testament the church (especially its leaders) played a key role in this matter of spiritual gifts:
Do not neglect the spiritual gift you have, given to you and confirmed by prophetic words when the elders laid hands on you. (1 Tim. 4:14)
Because of this I remind you to rekindle God's gift that you possess through the laying on of my hands. (2 Tim. 1:6)
It is not just the discovery of spiritual gifts that occurs in the church, but the development of spiritual gifts, encouraged and assisted by those with the same gifts who are more mature in the faith:
And entrust what you heard me say in the presence of many others as witnesses to faithful people who will be competent to teach others as well. (2 Tim. 2:2)
Obviously, the church which can best help you discover and develop your spiritual gifts is one where a single individual does not think he owns the ministry, but rather one who ministers to others to equip them for ministry:
It was he who gave some as apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, that is, to build up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God– a mature person, attaining to the measure of Christ's full stature. (Eph. 4:11-13)
All of this should be prerequisite to one deciding to attend a Bible school or seminary, and determining which courses to take. Sadly, some schools are suffering economically, and thus will encourage anyone to attend their school, regardless of their gifting and calling. They are not eager to turn a student down because they do not possess the necessary gifts for the ministry for which they are seeking to prepare. And just as sadly, all too many young people attend Bible school and seminary because that appears to be the pathway to effective ministry and (sadly) status in the Christian community.
When one’s gifting is confirmed by the church and is encouraged to get further training to develop those gifts, then schooling will be most helpful. Knowing your spiritual gifts should also give insight related to which courses and which major one should pursue. (And, being a part of a good church during one’s time in school or seminary is just as vital as it was earlier.)
By God’s doing, this is the way it happened with me in terms of my schooling and ministry. I was greatly encouraged and assisted by the church where I attended while a young public-school teacher. They were the ones who first recognized and confirmed my gift of teaching, and then encouraged me to attend seminary, where my gifts could be further developed.
While attending Dallas Seminary I was led of the Lord to attend Believers Chapel in Dallas (another story). There, one of the elders stood up in a meeting where I spoke and publicly confirmed my gift of teaching. Members of that wonderful church played a major role in my development as a teacher, and in providing opportunities to exercise that gift, in the church and beyond.
So that is my (lengthy) counsel to you, my friend. Make it your mission to discover your spiritual gift. Seek opportunities to serve others, and also seek guidance and help from those you respect in the church. Ask others to give counsel regarding the discovery and development of your gifts. And then pursue the training needed to refine further your gifting. Look to God to bring this about in unexpected and wonderful ways. And be sure your wife is on board with you, both in regard to your spiritual gifting, and in regard to the direction which God is leading you.
Blessings,
Bob Deffinbaugh
Dear *****,
The first question you have raised in my mind is whether you are now a Christian or not. Christians sometimes sin, but you seem to assume that your persistent and willful sin is evidence that you never really trusted in Christ for salvation. And you may be right. Trying harder to live a good life is not the way to obtain God’s salvation. We can never earn our salvation by good works:
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them (Ephesians 2:8-10, NASB).
4 But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, 5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8 This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men. Titus 3:4-8 (NASB)
As Paul says to the Ephesians, and to Titus above, good works cannot save us, but they are the fruit which salvation produces. Don’t try to earn enough favor from God by working hard at being good, because it won’t work.
Salvation is the result of the goodness of Jesus Christ. He lived a perfect life and then died on the cross of Calvary to bear the punishment for our sins, and to give us new life. That is what Paul is telling us in the verses below:
1 What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase? 2 May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it? 3 Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection, 6 knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin; 7 for he who has died is freed from sin. 8 Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, 9 knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, is never to die again; death no longer is master over Him. 10 For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. 11 Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus. 12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts, 13 and do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God (Romans 6:1-13).
If you are telling me that you have now trusted Christ and that your desire is to forsake your sin and to walk in fellowship with God then it is vitally important for you to establish and maintain fellowship with a good, Bible teaching church.
We know from Matthew 18:15-20 and 1 Corinthians chapter 5 that it is sometimes necessary for the church to discipline a professing Christian who refuses to accept correction and to flee from sin. That is something the church does, although sometimes the sinner will leave the church because he or she is uncomfortable with God's people.
22 let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; 24 and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, 25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near (Hebrews 10:22-25).
Church is where you receive teaching, encouragement, and correction. It is where others can minister to your needs and you can minister to others (Ephesians 4:1-16). I would encourage you to confess your sins to the church (or at least to one of the church leaders) and express your desire to walk in fellowship with our Lord and with His people. Ask your fellow believers to uphold you in prayer.
Forsaking God's Word, God's people, and worship is never a sign of spiritual health, and it is a very dangerous thing to do.
Blessings,
Bob Deffinbaugh
Brother *******,
I don’t think that one should require that a person be a believer to attend a Bible study (church related or not), or even to attend a church (i.e. preaching or teaching) service. It seems to me that when the New Testament Epistles were written, it was assumed that there would be some folks present who were not believers (1 Corinthians 14:22-25; 2 Corinthians 13:5). And what better opportunities to hear the gospel (and see it in action)?
It does seem dishonest for this fellow to privately confess that he is an atheist, and yet continue to give the appearance he is a believer. He seems to want to have his cake and eat it too. If this fellow has been a principled “man of integrity” it might be good to challenge him concerning his integrity, because his actions are hypocritical (Jesus, and Paul, had much to say about -- Matthew 23; Galatians 2:11ff.).
If he were to confess his unbelief to those in the study, it will be a challenge to the believers to deal with him in love, and in a way that draws him toward faith. And it will be difficult for him as well.
If he is really an unbeliever, then he is not subject to discipline, as would be the case for a believer (1 Corinthians 5:9-13).
A friend of mine, with even more years of ministry experience, has told me that sometimes a person “renounces his faith” because of some serious sin in his life. This might happen, but I’m not so sure it is the most common reason for renouncing one’s faith. [I have seen one fellow who had professed to be a believer renounce his faith so that he could then pursue an illicit relationship, outside his marriage. I think he really was an unbeliever, who grew up in a Christian home and played the role of a believer for a time.]
The communion issue is perhaps the most troublesome one. I don’t recall a specific text which clearly forbids an unbeliever to partake of the bread and cup. These texts get as close as one can:
27 Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner, shall be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord. 28 But a man must examine himself, and in so doing he is to eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For he who eats and drinks, eats and drinks judgment to himself if he does not judge the body rightly (1 Cor. 11:27-29).
In the context, and given the particular language used, Paul’s emphasis here is not on one’s spiritual state, as much as it is on the manner in which on participates at communion. In Corinth, some of the believers were “drunk and disorderly” when they partook (1 Corinthians 11:20-22). Surely this is an “unworthy manner” of participating.
[I might add, somewhat parenthetically, that John the Baptist did seem to refuse to baptize those whose sincerity was in question:
Then Jerusalem was going out to him, and all Judea and all the district around the Jordan; 6 and they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, as they confessed their sins. 7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 “Therefore bear fruit in keeping with repentance; 9 and do not suppose that you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham for our father’; for I say to you that from these stones God is able to raise up children to Abraham. 10 “The axe is already laid at the root of the trees; therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire (Matthew 3:5-10).
“I say to you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” 29 When all the people and the tax collectors heard this, they acknowledged God’s justice, having been baptized with the baptism of John. 30 But the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected God’s purpose for themselves, not having been baptized by John. (Lk. 7:28-30 NAU)
Having said this, I would think that this man should have the integrity to refrain from partaking of the bread and the cup, knowing that his partaking of them does not symbolize his relationship with Christ. Thus, I would hope that when the cup was passed, he would refrain from partaking. Naturally, this will likely raise some questions (and some eyebrows). At this point, he would likely need to declare his unbelief.
To persist in partaking of the elements, knowing you don’t believe in what they symbolize seems wrong to me.
I guess that I would encourage this fellow to keep coming to the study, but to be honest about his atheism, and thus to refrain from partaking of the bread and wine when passed to him.
Since I can’t precisely cite a biblical text for this, it should probably be regarded as my opinion, and should be regarded as such (1 Corinthians 7:25, 40).
Blessings,
Bob Deffinbaugh
I read your article on why pastors should stop giving alter calls. Should we really do that no matter what the sermon is about?
Dear Brother *****,
Thanks for your email. While I have written a number of articles, I do not remember writing that one should not give an altar call. It may well have been one of our other (many) authors on bible.org.
In the church we attended while I was in seminary the primary teacher was sure to give a kind of invitation at the end of every message. I think that is a very good thing to do. All of our teaching and preaching should be tied closely to the gospel.
Having said this, we also need to be careful not to forget: Aside from “He who has ears, let him hear. . .”, Jesus did not give an invitation as such. He challenged his audience to think about what He had said. He clearly called on His disciples to follow Him, but He also discouraged others by urging them to count the cost. Jesus did not water down His teaching to attract followers.
Now when you get to Paul and his presentation in the synagogues and elsewhere, it is all about the gospel, and he does challenge his listeners to believe in Jesus. (He does not call on folks to come forward, as is often the case with us today.)
Paul makes it very clear in 1 Corinthians chapter three that evangelism is not a solo, one-time, event. One sows, another waters, and another harvests. Thus, our presentation of the gospel may be one part of the process that God uses to save the lost.
Thus, any invitation needs to keep the above things in mind.
One additional thought came to mind, which is important. The primary purpose of the church meeting is the edification of the saints, to equip them for the work of ministry (see Ephesians 4). It is apparent from 1 Corinthians 14 that Paul assumed some unbelievers might be present, and he was concerned that the gospel would be clear to them.
One possible danger is that because the pastor gives a brief gospel message with an invitation, that some might wrongly conclude that further evangelistic effort is not as important. That would be the opposite of equipping the saints for the work of ministry, which would surely include sharing the gospel. Any evangelistic efforts from the pulpit should serve to encourage all the saints to share their faith, rather than to “let the Pastor do it.” Every pastor should be clear in his mind that his primary objective is to teach the saints, moving them toward maturity, while reaching the lost is a secondary (but very important) task (see Hebrews 6:1-3).
Blessings,
Bob Deffinbaugh
*****,
Let me take on your questions one at a time:
Our Lord’s death and resurrection did replace the Old Testament offerings. The best explanation of this is found in the New Testament Book of Hebrews, especially chapters 7-10.
https://bible.org/series/near-heart-god-study-book-hebrews
I’m sure that there is a relationship between the Old Testament offerings and those we find in the New, but the New Testament also distinguishes Old Testament giving and sacrifices with those in the New Testament:
Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. 16 And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. (Heb. 13:15-16 NAU)
The New Testament does not speak of giving in terms of percentages and specified amounts, as the Old Testament did (see 1 Corinthians 16:1-4; 2 Corinthians 8 and 9; Philippians 4). Gratitude for God’s grace is the motivation for giving. Also, it is important to see our giving as a reflection of the nature of our God. We have been saved to become partakers of the divine nature (2 Peter 1:1-4). God’s nature is to graciously give (“This is the way God loved the world . . . He gave . . .” John 3:16). It is no wonder that after the church was born in Acts chapter 2 the overwhelming response of the new believers was to give (Acts 2:41-47; 4:33-37).
I think it should also be noted that the offerings we see in the New Testament were not always “missionary support” (Philippians 4:10-16), but were for the support of those who ministered (1 Timothy 5:17-18; 1 Corinthians 9:1-14), though not without exception (1 Corinthians 9:14ff.; Acts 20:32-35; 1 Thessalonians 2:9-12).
I would have to say three things in response to this question.
Was Moses truly the only Biblical “human” to actually communicate with God one on one on earth? I don’t think it is really accurate to say this, but Moses was truly a unique man of God. In fact, God made a point of His unique relationship with Moses when his leadership was challenged by Miriam and Aaron (see Numbers 12).
Blessings,
Bob Deffinbaugh
Dear Friend,
We would do well to begin with a few definitions. The first definition is that of a fool:
The wise of heart will receive commands, But a babbling fool will be ruined. 9 He who walks in integrity walks securely, But he who perverts his ways will be found out. 10 He who winks the eye causes trouble, And a babbling fool will be ruined. 11 The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, But the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. 12 Hatred stirs up strife, But love covers all transgressions. 13 On the lips of the discerning, wisdom is found, But a rod is for the back of him who lacks understanding. 14 Wise men store up knowledge, But with the mouth of the foolish, ruin is at hand. (Prov. 10:8-14 NAU)
Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, But he who hates reproof is stupid. (Prov. 12:1 NAU)
Leave the presence of a fool, Or you will not discern words of knowledge. 8 The wisdom of the sensible is to understand his way, But the foolishness of fools is deceit. 9 Fools mock at sin, But among the upright there is good will. (Prov. 14:7-9 NAU)
Let a man meet a bear robbed of her cubs, Rather than a fool in his folly. 13 He who returns evil for good, Evil will not depart from his house. (Prov. 17:12-13 NAU)
Like snow in summer and like rain in harvest, So honor is not fitting for a fool. (Prov. 26:1 NAU)
Do not answer a fool according to his folly, Or you will also be like him. 5 Answer a fool as his folly deserves, That he not be wise in his own eyes. 6 He cuts off his own feet and drinks violence Who sends a message by the hand of a fool. 7 Like the legs which are useless to the lame, So is a proverb in the mouth of fools. 8 Like one who binds a stone in a sling, So is he who gives honor to a fool. 9 Like a thorn which falls into the hand of a drunkard, So is a proverb in the mouth of fools. 10 Like an archer who wounds everyone, So is he who hires a fool or who hires those who pass by. 11 Like a dog that returns to its vomit Is a fool who repeats his folly. 12 Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him. (Prov. 26:4-12 NAU)
Though you pound a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with crushed grain, Yet his foolishness will not depart from him. (Prov. 27:22 NAU)
A fool is one who takes pleasure in folly and sin. The fool hates wisdom. The fool is set in his (or her) ways and will not be corrected. The fool thinks himself to be wiser than others.
The first step in dealing with a wayward person is discerning their character. That’s one of the reasons the Book of Proverbs was written – to define character types such as the simple, the fool, the scoffer, the sluggard, and the wise. Each character type is to be dealt with in the light of their character. The fool (above) is not to be enabled, but rather is to be faced with the consequences of his (or her) folly. The one who fails to deal wisely with a fool actually shares in the outcome of the fool’s unbridled foolishness.
In my experience, the slothful and foolish person is often cunning and clever, and will take advantage of the fact that others (a wife, a child) may very well be impacted by their folly. And so, because of this, some are tempted to give the wayward sinner a pass, and even to “enable” them for the apparent good of the more vulnerable person in their care. (If I don’t give the fool the money they ask for, their children may go hungry.) A call to child protective services might be necessary in such cases, which would likely separate the vulnerable person(s) from the wayward one. Now the fool suffers the consequences of their sin without harming those who depend on them.
Let us now seek to discover a biblical definition of love:
Let love be without hypocrisy.
Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. (Rom. 12:9 NAU)
A righteous man hates falsehood,
But a wicked man acts disgustingly and shamefully. (Prov. 13:5 NAU)
He who withholds his rod hates his son,
But he who loves him disciplines him diligently. (Prov. 13:24 NAU)
Grievous punishment is for him who forsakes the way;
He who hates reproof will die. (Prov. 15:10 NAU)
It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline? 8 But if you are without discipline, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. 9 Furthermore, we had earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them; shall we not much rather be subject to the Father of spirits, and live? 10 For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness. 11 All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness. 12 Therefore, strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that the limb which is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed. (Heb. 12:7-13 NAU)
There are six things which the LORD hates, Yes, seven which are an abomination to Him: 17 Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, And hands that shed innocent blood, 18 A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that run rapidly to evil, 19 A false witness who utters lies, And one who spreads strife among brothers. (Prov. 6:16-19 NAU)
Faithful are the wounds of a friend,
But deceitful are the kisses of an enemy. (Prov. 27:6 NAU)
Biblical love will imitate God’s love (John 3:16-18). God’s love prompted Him to reach out to sinful men by the incarnation, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Those who acknowledge their sin and need of salvation, and who trust in the saving work of Jesus will be spared from judgment. It is also assumed that if one has died to sin and risen to new life in Christ their lives will no longer be lived in willful sin (Romans chapter 6).
The New Testament spells out how sin should be dealt with in the church, and with those who profess faith in the Lord Jesus:
“If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother. 16 “But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that BY THE MOUTH OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES EVERY FACT MAY BE CONFIRMED. 17 “If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. 18 “Truly I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven. 19 “Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven. 20 “For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.” (Matt. 18:15-20 NAU)
Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted. (Gal. 6:1 NAU)
It is actually reported that there is immorality among you, and immorality of such a kind as does not exist even among the Gentiles, that someone has his father’s wife. 2 You have become arrogant and have not mourned instead, so that the one who had done this deed would be removed from your midst. 3 For I, on my part, though absent in body but present in spirit, have already judged him who has so committed this, as though I were present. 4 In the name of our Lord Jesus, when you are assembled, and I with you in spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus, 5 I have decided to deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of his flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. 6 Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough? 7 Clean out the old leaven so that you may be a new lump, just as you are in fact unleavened. For Christ our Passover also has been sacrificed. 8 Therefore let us celebrate the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. (1 Cor. 5:1-8 NAU)
Biblical love distinguishes between that which is good and that which is evil. Biblical love confronts evil, and does not endorse or enable it. Biblical love disciplines evil, rather than to reward it. Biblical love proclaims the gospel which liberates men from sin’s grip by pointing them to the freedom God offers us in Christ. The same Paul who penned 1 Corinthians 13 is the Paul who took on error in Galatians 1 and 2. Love abhors sin, and does not facilitate it.
Blessings,
Bob Deffinbaugh
Question: I Watched The Movie, “The Ten Commandments,” This Easter Season, And It Seemed To Me That God Was Cruel, Especially In The Killing Of The First-Born Of Egypt. How Could A Loving God Do This?
This is a reasonable question to ask, and certainly worthy of a thoughtful answer. Here are some things we learn from the Bible that put the killing of the first-born in perspective.
FIRST: While it is true that God did send the death angel to kill the first-born males of Egypt (Exodus 11:4-5), let us remember that Pharaoh (with the support of all Egyptians) ordered that every newborn Israelite male be killed (Exodus 1:8-22).
SECOND: God publicly warned Pharaoh and Egypt what would happen, but Pharaoh only hardened in his resolve not to let the Israelites go.
THIRD: The killing of Egypt’s firstborn could have been avoided, had Pharaoh simply released the Israelites as God required.
FOURTH: While God spared the Israelite firstborn, the Israelites were required to observe the first Passover, and to put sacrificial blood on their door posts. They had to obey God’s command by faith in order to be spared (Hebrews 11:28).
FIFTH: This is the outworking of God’s covenant with Abraham, many years before:
Now the LORD said to Abram, “Go out from your country, your relatives, and your father’s household to the land that I will show you. 2 Then I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you, and I will make your name great, so that you will exemplify divine blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, but the one who treats you lightly I must curse, and all the families of the earth will bless one another by your name” (Genesis 12:1-3).
SIXTH: It was not the Israelites’ goodness which spared their firstborn, but God’s covenant promises, and the blood of an acceptable sacrifice (see Exodus 6:5-8).
SEVENTH: God is merciful and compassionate, not willing that any should perish. The severity of God’s dealings with Egypt was not pleasurable to God, but was the only just response to the cruelty and oppression of Egypt for many years.
6 The LORD passed by before him and proclaimed: “The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, and abounding in loyal love and faithfulness, 7 keeping loyal love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin. But he by no means leaves the guilty unpunished, responding to the transgression of fathers by dealing with children and children’s children, to the third and fourth generation” (Exodus 34:6-7).
31 Throw away all your sins you have committed and fashion yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! Why should you die, O house of Israel? 32 For I take no delight in the death of anyone, declares the sovereign LORD. Repent and live! (Ezekiel 18:31-32).
11 Say to them, ‘As surely as I live, declares the sovereign LORD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but prefer that the wicked change his behavior and live. Turn back, turn back from your evil deeds! Why should you die, O house of Israel?’ (Ezekiel 33:11)
EIGHTH: We learn from the Book of Jonah that God sends those to warn Gentile nations which oppress Israel of impending judgment, and to give them the opportunity to repent and escape God’s judgment.
NINTH: It is easy (especially from movies related to the exodus) to think of the death of the firstborn primarily in terms of babies and infants. However, we should not assume that the firstborn of Egypt were innocent “collateral damage” in this conflict. I believe we are wrong to think of the firstborn only as infants and toddlers. The firstborn son is the rightful heir of the father, to lead or to rule in his place. Thus, I would think that the middle-age firstborn of Egypt would be the current leaders (or at least would-be leaders) of the nation. If not already leaders, they would be the next generation of leaders. And, if leaders, they would be those largely responsible for the oppression of the Israelites.
Let us also bear in mind that God Himself (in contrast with Jonah) is well aware of the relative innocence of the very young:
9 God said to Jonah, “Are you really so very angry about the little plant?” And he said, “I am as angry as I could possibly be!” 10 The LORD said, “You were upset about this little plant, something for which you have not worked nor did you do anything to make it grow. It grew up overnight and died the next day. 11 Should I not be even more concerned about Nineveh, this enormous city? There are more than one hundred twenty thousand people in it who do not know right from wrong, as well as many animals!” (Jonah 4:9-11, emphasis mine)
TENTH: The oppression and cruel treatment of the Israelites, was carried out by the Egyptians, as a nation, and not just by Pharaoh and his leaders:
13 The Egyptians compelled the sons of Israel to labor rigorously; 14 and they made their lives bitter with hard labor in mortar and bricks and at all kinds of labor in the field, all their labors which they rigorously imposed on them (Exodus 1:13-14, NAU; see also 3:8-9; 6:5-7).
ELEVENTH: Pharaoh and the Egyptians had already experienced God’s power to fulfill His warnings in the nine previous plagues. To fail to take this final warning seriously was folly.
TWELVTH: Previously, there were those Egyptians who feared the word of the Lord and who acted wisely to avoid the judgment which Moses foretold:
18 I am going to cause very severe hail to rain down about this time tomorrow, such hail as has never occurred in Egypt from the day it was founded until now. 19 So now, send instructions to gather your livestock and all your possessions in the fields to a safe place. Every person or animal caught in the field and not brought into the house– the hail will come down on them, and they will die!”‘“ 20 Those of Pharaoh’s servants who feared the word of the LORD hurried to bring their servants and livestock into the houses, 21 but those who did not take the word of the LORD seriously left their servants and their cattle in the field (Exodus 9:18-21, emphasis mine).
It would seem that this final judgment could also have been avoided by any Egyptian who believed God and acted accordingly.
THIRTEENTH: How could a “good” God not also be a just God? Do we really believe that a just and righteous God can turn a blind eye to the horrible oppression of the Israelites by the Egyptians?
FOURTEENTH: God was equally severe with the Israelites when they were guilty of sin. God did not simply bless Israel, regardless of their sins, and yet punish all other nations for their sins.
58 “If you refuse to obey all the words of this law, the things written in this scroll, and refuse to fear this glorious and awesome name, the LORD your God, 59 then the LORD will increase your punishments and those of your descendants– great and long-lasting afflictions and severe, enduring illnesses. 60 He will infect you with all the diseases of Egypt that you dreaded, and they will persistently afflict you. 61 Moreover, the LORD will bring upon you every kind of sickness and plague not mentioned in this scroll of commandments, until you have perished” (Deuteronomy 28:58-61, emphasis mine).
With all these things in mind, I believe that we can safely say this, with the apostle Paul:
Notice therefore the kindness and harshness of God– harshness toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness toward you, provided you continue in his kindness; otherwise you also will be cut off (Romans 11:22).
Here is the good news: We are all as worthy of death as the firstborn of Egypt. Our sins make us worthy of death:
For the payoff of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23).
The Lord Jesus is God’s “firstborn” if you would. He is also the Passover Lamb:
7 Clean out the old yeast so that you may be a new batch of dough– you are, in fact, without yeast. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. 8 So then, let us celebrate the festival, not with the old yeast, the yeast of vice and evil, but with the bread without yeast, the bread of sincerity and truth (1 Corinthians 5:7-8, emphasis mine).
Many years ago, the innocent blood of the Lord Jesus was shed to pay the penalty for our sins, and to bestow on us the gift of eternal life. Let us apply His precious blood by believing in God’s word and trusting in Jesus as our Sacrificial Passover Lamb this season.
Dear Friend,
Here is how I understand this question. A husband is having an inappropriate relationship with a married woman. When confronted with this, he excuses himself by insisting that this relationship is not sexual, while admitting that there is an ongoing (non-sexual) relationship with this person. How can one convince this husband that he is sinning by continuing in this relationship?
Speaking from many years of experience, it is very difficult for me to believe that an inappropriate “friendship” does not include a sexual relationship. Even if this were the case, and that only an ongoing non-sexual “friendship” is being maintained, there are a number of Scriptures which would indicate that this is wrong. The sad the reality is that when one persists in this kind of sin they become very skillful at avoiding the teaching of Scripture and instead become skillful at excusing their sin through rationalizations and justifications. It is no wonder that we read these words in Scripture, which address our willingness to hear and to heed God’s Word:
"If anyone is willing to do His will, he will know of the teaching, whether it is of God or whether I speak from Myself. (Jn. 7:17 NAU)
"He who has ears to hear, let him hear. (Matt. 11:15 NAU)
This said, here are some biblical texts which directly or indirectly confront those persisting in an inappropriate relationship outside of marriage.
"You have heard that it was said, 'YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY'; 28 but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 "If your right eye makes you stumble, tear it out and throw it from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. 30 "If your right hand makes you stumble, cut it off and throw it from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to go into hell. 31 "It was said, 'WHOEVER SENDS HIS WIFE AWAY, LET HIM GIVE HER A CERTIFICATE OF DIVORCE'; 32 but I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except for the reason of unchastity, makes her commit adultery; and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery. (Matt. 5:27-32 NAU)
I would point out that these strong words are found in the very middle of Jesus’ teaching about adultery and divorce. In the broader context of our Lord’s teaching, Jesus is correcting the inadequate teaching of the scribes and Pharisees. The scribes and Pharisees taught that it was wrong to murder; Jesus taught that hatred was the root of murder, and that it was also wrong (Matthew 5:21-22). The scribes and Pharisees taught that the physical act of adultery was wrong; Jesus taught that adulterous thoughts were also wrong (and often the root of adultery – Matthew 5:27-28).
Anyone who is seeking to justify an inappropriate relationship because it does not include actual sexual immorality fails to take our Lord’s words seriously. And, beyond this, note just how seriously Jesus says one should respond to actions or thoughts leading to sin. He says that if it would prevent sin, one should cut off a hand or pluck out an eye. Obviously, such actions don’t prevent sin, but they do illustrate how serious we should be about avoiding sin. “Cut it off” may very well apply to a husband’s inappropriate relationship with another woman.
Here are some other passages which address sexual sin:
And He answered and said, "Have you not read that He who created them from the beginning MADE THEM MALE AND FEMALE, 5 and said, 'FOR THIS REASON A MAN SHALL LEAVE HIS FATHER AND MOTHER AND BE JOINED TO HIS WIFE, AND THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH '? 6 "So they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate." (Matt. 19:4-6 NAU)
Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body. 24 But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything. 25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, 26 so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless. 28 So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself; 29 for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church, 30 because we are members of His body. 31 FOR THIS REASON A MAN SHALL LEAVE HIS FATHER AND MOTHER AND SHALL BE JOINED TO HIS WIFE, AND THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH. 32 This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless, each individual among you also is to love his own wife even as himself, and the wife must see to it that she respects her husband. (Eph. 5:22-33 NAU)
For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality; 4 that each of you know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, 5 not in lustful passion, like the Gentiles who do not know God; 6 and that no man transgress and defraud his brother in the matter because the Lord is the avenger in all these things, just as we also told you before and solemnly warned you. 7 For God has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but in sanctification. 8 So, he who rejects this is not rejecting man but the God who gives His Holy Spirit to you. (1 Thess. 4:3-8 NAU)
It came about after these events that his master's wife looked with desire at Joseph, and she said, "Lie with me." 8 But he refused and said to his master's wife, "Behold, with me here, my master does not concern himself with anything in the house, and he has put all that he owns in my charge. 9 "There is no one greater in this house than I, and he has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do this great evil and sin against God?" 10 As she spoke to Joseph day after day, he did not listen to her to lie beside her or be with her. (Gen. 39:7-10 NAU)
The Book of Proverbs has much to say about sexual immorality, making it clear that the one who is wise does everything possible to avoid a woman who is immoral (and this works in reverse as well). A man should be enticed by his wife and not another:
Drink water from your own cistern And fresh water from your own well. 16 Should your springs be dispersed abroad, Streams of water in the streets? 17 Let them be yours alone And not for strangers with you. 18 Let your fountain be blessed, And rejoice in the wife of your youth. 19 As a loving hind and a graceful doe, Let her breasts satisfy you at all times; Be exhilarated always with her love. 20 For why should you, my son, be exhilarated with an adulteress And embrace the bosom of a foreigner? 21 For the ways of a man are before the eyes of the LORD, And He watches all his paths. 22 His own iniquities will capture the wicked, And he will be held with the cords of his sin. 23 He will die for lack of instruction, And in the greatness of his folly he will go astray. (Prov. 5:15-23 NAU)
Notice that in Proverbs that the words (lips) of the “strange woman” play a large part in her seductions:
For the lips of an adulteress drip honey And smoother than oil is her speech; (Prov. 5:3 NAU)
To keep you from the evil woman, From the smooth tongue of the adulteress. (Prov. 6:24 NAU)
Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” And call understanding your intimate friend; 5 That they may keep you from an adulteress, From the foreigner who flatters with her words. (Prov. 7:4-5 NAU)
With her many persuasions she entices him; With her flattering lips she seduces him. (Prov. 7:21 NAU)
Therefore, it seems foolish to say that ongoing conversations with another man’s wife can not be a serious problem.
Proverbs speaks a great deal about a person’s character (simple, fool, scoffer, sluggard, scoffer) and encourages us to associate with the wise, while avoiding the unwise.
A wise man will hear and increase in learning, And a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel, (Prov. 1:5 NAU)
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But a wise man is he who listens to counsel. (Prov. 12:15 NAU)
Through insolence comes nothing but strife, But wisdom is with those who receive counsel. (Prov. 13:10 NAU)
In order for a man (or woman) to pursue an intimate relationship outside of marriage he or she must do so by ignoring the clear instructions and warnings of Scripture. And the consequences, as we see in Proverbs 5, are substantial.
I hope this helps,
Bob Deffinbaugh
I have read your on-line articles on body, soul, and spirit; however, I do not believe that you explicitly state what happens to the soul and spirit upon death until the resurrection. I am just trying to picture in my mind where these two reside/rest awaiting the resurrection. I would prefer Book, chapter, and verse(s) that validate your understanding. These concepts have been bothering me for some time.
I don’t think this is a bad question, though I must confess at the outset that I’m not going to try to answer it – for one simple reason: I don’t think the Bible gives us a clear answer.
These Scriptures that come to mind:
“The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our sons forever, that we may observe all the words of this law. (Deut. 29:29 NAU)
As for me, I heard but could not understand; so I said, “My lord, what will be the outcome of these events?” 9 He said, “Go your way, Daniel, for these words are concealed and sealed up until the end time. 10 “Many will be purged, purified and refined, but the wicked will act wickedly; and none of the wicked will understand, but those who have insight will understand. 11 “From the time that the regular sacrifice is abolished and the abomination of desolation is set up, there will be 1,290 days. 12 “How blessed is he who keeps waiting and attains to the 1,335 days! 13 “But as for you, go your way to the end; then you will enter into rest and rise again for your allotted portion at the end of the age.” (Dan. 12:8-13 NAU)
Therefore many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name. (Jn. 20:30-31 NAU)
God has not chosen to answer many of our questions. (In my opinion, we will have plenty of time in heaven to address those questions with the ultimate Teacher.) If the Bible does not give us a clear and straightforward answer, then I think we must, by faith, rest in what we are told, and particularly trust in the promises and the character of God.
I think that there is a very good reason why a text like Deuteronomy 29:29 is given to us. It’s relevance may be seen in God’s words to the Israelites early in the Book of Deuteronomy:
“When the LORD your God cuts off before you the nations which you are going in to dispossess, and you dispossess them and dwell in their land, 30 beware that you are not ensnared to follow them, after they are destroyed before you, and that you do not inquire after their gods, saying, ‘How do these nations serve their gods, that I also may do likewise?’ (Deut. 12:29-30 NAU)
Curiosity can be a dangerous thing, particularly when it causes us to focus on what we do not know (what God has not said), rather than on what we do know (what God has said). The Israelites could easily have been tempted to wonder just how their enemies worshipped their gods, and how a particular idol or sacred image played a part in that worship (my opinion is that many of the worship objects of the Canaanites were pornographic and sexually seductive in nature, as we know how corrupt their religion was, necessitating the wiping out of the entire population).
Curiosity can also be aroused by what God has not said that we might like to know. This can become a very dangerous pursuit. A neighbor once told me of a book that he was reading – not the Bible! He said that what he liked most about it was that it “filled in the gaps that were left by the Bible.” The cults capitalize on those areas where God has chosen to be silent. Rather than heeding the words of Deuteronomy 29:29 they have set their focus on what God has left alone. And in so doing they have turned from God’s revealed Word to speculation (see Romans 1:21; 2 Corinthians 10:5; 1 Timothy 1:4; 2 Timothy 2:23).
As I look at the passages which deal with death and the hereafter, particularly in the New Testament, I do not find the terms “soul” and “spirit” to be prominent in the passage. Some of the passages which come to mind are Luke 23:43; John 5:24-29; 1 Corinthians 15; 2 Corinthians 4 and 5; and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. What we do know is that when we die we will be “with the Lord” (Luke 23:43; 2 Corinthians 5:6-9; Philippians 1:23-24).
So here are some questions which may help all of us to discern how deeply to inquire into spiritual matters of interest to us.
This is a fair question. All too often those who do not stand true to the Word of God fail to reveal their association with any denomination or group. This makes it more difficult to discern their presuppositions and goals. One must be on guard when reading content that is not from trusted sources, and Bible.org has always sought to provide Bible teaching that is trustworthy.
The short answer to your question is that Bible.org has sought to avoid the limitations of associating with only one particular denomination, not to mention the fact that our staff and authors are associated with a number of churches and denominations.
In its early days, Bible.org was fairly closely associated with Dallas Theological Seminary. This is because many of the articles were written by authors associated with Dallas Seminary (either by having graduated from DTS, or by being on its faculty). Since the early days, our authors and articles have come to represent a broader portion of the evangelical community. We gladly associate with those churches and individuals who hold to the fundamentals of the faith (see our doctrinal statement: https://bible.org/article/doctrinal-statement), regardless of their denominational affiliation. We know that a denomination may differ strongly with the beliefs of other persuasions. When these differences do not deny any essential elements of the gospel, and are more a matter of conviction, we think it is profitable to present different sides of these theological persuasions, so that our audience can hear both sides of the argument and reach their own decision.
As far as our audience would go though, a fairly large segment of our audience would be those who belong to what is known as “independent Bible churches.” Having said this, we receive letters of thanks from many countries around the world, and from those associated with a great many denominations, protestant and Catholic. We have found that those who highly value the Bible and its teaching are attracted to Bible teaching, even though it may on some occasions differ from what they have previously been taught.
I know that God said thou not shalt not steal for it is wrong. But I have an item that belongs to a person, but I can no longer find them. What should I do with the item? Give it to donation and give the church money for how much the item given cost?
Dear Friend,
This is an interesting question, but an important one for you. I am pleased that you recognize that what you have kept is stealing, and that you wish to make it right.
The Scripture which comes to mind is this text in Luke 19:
1 He entered Jericho and was passing through. 2 And there was a man called by the name of Zaccheus; he was a chief tax collector and he was rich. 3 Zaccheus was trying to see who Jesus was, and was unable because of the crowd, for he was small in stature. 4 So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree in order to see Him, for He was about to pass through that way. 5 When Jesus came to the place, He looked up and said to him, “Zaccheus, hurry and come down, for today I must stay at your house.” 6 And he hurried and came down and received Him gladly. 7 When they saw it, they all began to grumble, saying, “He has gone to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.” 8 Zaccheus stopped and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, half of my possessions I will give to the poor, and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will give back four times as much.” 9 And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he, too, is a son of Abraham. Luke 19:1-9 (NASB)
It appears to me from this text that Zaccheus promised to do two different things as a new believer: First, he gave half of his possessions to the poor. His wealth, it seems, had been gained by a misuse of his authority. There was no way he could go back and quantify every instance of injustice, and so he resolved to give half of his wealth to the poor. Secondly, he promised to pay back any specific individuals and amounts that he was (or would be made) aware of, four-fold.
This could serve as a pattern for you. First, make every reasonable effort to find the person to whom the item in your possession belongs. This may require both effort and expense. It is hard to believe that this individual could not be located, if a diligent search were conducted. If the value of the item is minimal, and would not justify such an intensive search, then you could take the other step which Zaccheus took – give a contribution to the poor and needy. (It would seem from Luke 19 that the amount should be greater than the value of the object.) And from there I would hold onto that item, without gaining from its use, with the hope that the owner might someday be located.
Bob Deffinbaugh
Dear *****,
This is a very good question.
We have to take into account that in the New Testament baptism came almost immediately after a person’s profession of faith. This is particularly evident in the Book of Acts. One must conclude that being this young in the faith the new believer should not be expected to be a theologian, or even to understand all of the implications of baptism. (Paul spells these out in Romans 6 and 1 Corinthians 6). But what should be clear is a simple, uncomplicated, grasp of the gospel, which is what baptism symbolically depicts.
It is not a bad idea to inform the one being baptized that publicly identifying with Christ in baptism may lead to rejection by friends or family, and possibly persecution as well (1 Thessalonians 1; 1 Peter 4).
One way to go about baptism is to distill the above essentials to three or four questions:
1. Do you acknowledge that you are a sinner, deserving of eternal punishment, and that you can do nothing to earn God’s favor by your own efforts?
2. Do you acknowledge that Jesus Christ is God’s one and only remedy for your sin, and the only provision for your salvation?
3. Do you acknowledge that by your identification with Christ by faith you died to sin and were raised to newness of life in Him?
4. Is it your intention to live a different kind of life because of your trust in Jesus and the new life He has given you?
“On the basis of your profession of faith in Jesus Christ, it is my privilege to baptize you in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.”
The baptism of young children is a matter of concern for me, because they may be doing this to please their parents, or to follow their friends, yet without really experiencing the Holy Spirit’s conviction of sin or grasping the essence of the gospel. In asking questions which only require a “Yes” response it makes it fairly easy for a child to appear to be a believer. Over the years I have re-baptized a number of adults who made childhood professions of faith (followed by baptism), when they did not really understand the gospel.
I believe that an impartial interview (not by a parent, but by an elder or Sunday School teacher, or small group leader) should always precede a baptism, so that one’s grasp of the gospel can be evaluated. It has become popular in some circles for the father to baptize his child. When I look at Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 1:12-17 it appears that caution should be exercised so that the baptizer does not have too important a role in the mind of the one being baptized.
Overall, my preference would be for the one being baptized to give their testimony, expressing the essentials mentioned above, but in their own words.
I have entertained the possibility of videotaping the testimony of the one being baptized, so that stage fright might not occur as easily, and (if such should prove to be the case) one could be encouraged to “wait” until certain truths are more clearly grasped if the need becomes evident.
Let me add that I think we need to be very careful about the terms we use for conversion. I know of an occasion where a friend had the sons of a well-known Christian in his Sunday School class. One of them confessed that he had “asked Jesus into his heart.” When my friend asked how He got there, the boy pondered the question for a bit and then replied, “I guess through the hole in my sock.” Seriously, this really happened.
In John 16:7-11 Jesus said that the Holy Spirit would convict men of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment. It would be good for the one seeking baptism to give testimony to these things.
I hope this helps,
Bob Deffinbaugh
Hi,
It was great having someone explain 2 Samuel 13. Thank you.
I was wondering if you could help me. Revenge, betrayal, lust, forgiveness, and sins of our fathers are the themes of this chapter. It is absolute tragedy, and I cringe for Tamar. What do “Tamar’s” of this world do? How are they to forgive? How are they to stop the continued “curse” (for lack of a better word)? We don’t have to be desolate in our day in age, but we are on the inside. How does one overcome this to be all that God intends?
Dear *******,
First of all, it appears to me that Tamar was a true victim. I don’t see anything she did to encourage or provoke this evil deed, nor did she in any way contribute to this great sin. Indeed, she pled with Amnon not to sin in this way. Having said this, I do see folly and sin on the part of Amnon, his “friend” Jonadab, and even David, who foolishly creates a situation where Amnon could sin as he did. And then, David did not do anything to deal with this sin. Absalom did not deal with it rightly, either. All of this is a way of saying that Tamar was the only innocent person involved.
There is absolutely no way to justify what took place on this occasion. It certainly reveals the sinfulness of man, and it does give us essential background regarding the ultimate rebellion of Absalom in seeking to take the kingdom from his father.
But what we should also keep in mind is that God has a special concern for the oppressed and the abused:
Thus, God would have a heart of compassion toward Tamar. While this is not the focus of the text, it is still true. I believe that this woman’s suffering may have been the very thing which caused Tamar to turn her eyes to God. Thus, I believe that she would agree with the psalmist:
Before I was afflicted I used to stray off,
but now I keep your instructions (Psalm 119:67, NET).
I know, LORD, that your regulations are just.
You disciplined me because of your faithful devotion to me (Psalm 119:75).
If I had not found encouragement in your law,
I would have died in my sorrow.
93 I will never forget your precepts,
for by them you have revived me.
94 I belong to you. Deliver me!
For I seek your precepts.
95 The wicked prepare to kill me,
yet I concentrate on your rules (Psalm 119:92-95).
The spirit of the sovereign LORD is upon me, because the LORD has chosen me. He has commissioned me to encourage the poor, to help the brokenhearted, to decree the release of captives, and the freeing of prisoners (Isaiah 61:1).
As I look at the “counsel” of Job’s friends, and at the assumption of the disciples that someone related to the man born blind (John 9) must have sinned. Jesus says otherwise:
Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but he was born blind so that the acts of God may be revealed through what happens to him (John 9:3).
Beyond this, our Lord Jesus suffered greater abuse than any man or woman on earth, and this in order to bring about the salvation of lost and unworthy sinners. This puts our suffering in perspective:
Slaves, be subject to your masters with all reverence, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are perverse. 19 For this finds God’s favor, if because of conscience toward God someone endures hardships in suffering unjustly. 20 For what credit is it if you sin and are mistreated and endure it? But if you do good and suffer and so endure, this finds favor with God. 21 For to this you were called, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving an example for you to follow in his steps. 22 He committed no sin nor was deceit found in his mouth. 23 When he was maligned, he did not answer back; when he suffered, he threatened no retaliation, but committed himself to God who judges justly. 24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we may cease from sinning and live for righteousness. By his wounds you were healed. 25 For you were going astray like sheep but now you have turned back to the shepherd and guardian of your souls (1 Peter 2:18-25).
Peter, Paul, and the apostles therefore found it possible to rejoice in suffering:
Dear friends, do not be astonished that a trial by fire is occurring among you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice in the degree that you have shared in the sufferings of Christ, so that when his glory is revealed you may also rejoice and be glad. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory, who is the Spirit of God, rests on you. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or thief or criminal or as a troublemaker. 16 But if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but glorify God that you bear such a name (1 Peter 4:12-16).
More than that, I now regard all things as liabilities compared to the far greater value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things– indeed, I regard them as dung!– that I may gain Christ, 9 and be found in him, not because I have my own righteousness derived from the law, but because I have the righteousness that comes by way of Christ’s faithfulness– a righteousness from God that is in fact based on Christ’s faithfulness. 10 My aim is to know him, to experience the power of his resurrection, to share in his sufferings, and to be like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead (Philippians 3:8-11).
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and I fill up in my physical body– for the sake of his body, the church– what is lacking in the sufferings of Christ (Colossians 1:24).
When they were released, Peter and John went to their fellow believers and reported everything the high priests and the elders had said to them. 24 When they heard this, they raised their voices to God with one mind and said, “Master of all, you who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and everything that is in them, 25 who said by the Holy Spirit through your servant David our forefather, ‘Why do the nations rage, and the peoples plot foolish things? 26 The kings of the earth stood together, and the rulers assembled together, against the Lord and against his Christ.’ 27 “For indeed both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, assembled together in this city against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, 28 to do as much as your power and your plan had decided beforehand would happen. 29 And now, Lord, pay attention to their threats, and grant to your servants to speak your message with great courage, 30 while you extend your hand to heal, and to bring about miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” 31 When they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God courageously (Acts 4:23-31).
Finally, we know that God will deal appropriately with those who abuse His saints:
We ought to thank God always for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith flourishes more and more and the love of each one of you all for one another is ever greater. 4 As a result we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God for your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and afflictions you are enduring. 5 This is evidence of God’s righteous judgment, to make you worthy of the kingdom of God, for which in fact you are suffering. 6 For it is right for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you, 7 and to you who are being afflicted to give rest together with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels. 8 With flaming fire he will mete out punishment on those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9 They will undergo the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his strength, 10 when he comes to be glorified among his saints and admired on that day among all who have believed– and you did in fact believe our testimony (2 Thessalonians 1:3-10).
Now when the Lamb opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been violently killed because of the word of God and because of the testimony they had given. 10 They cried out with a loud voice, “How long, Sovereign Master, holy and true, before you judge those who live on the earth and avenge our blood?” 11 Each of them was given a long white robe and they were told to rest for a little longer, until the full number was reached of both their fellow servants and their brothers who were going to be killed just as they had been (Revelation 6:9-11).
Then the third angel poured out his bowl on the rivers and the springs of water, and they turned into blood. 5 Now I heard the angel of the waters saying: “You are just– the one who is and who was, the Holy One– because you have passed these judgments, 6 because they poured out the blood of your saints and prophets, so you have given them blood to drink. They got what they deserved!” (Revelation 16:4-6).
In conclusion, I’m reminded of Abraham’s words in Genesis 18:25:
Far be it from you to do such a thing– to kill the godly with the wicked, treating the godly and the wicked alike! Far be it from you! Will not the judge of the whole earth do what is right?” (Genesis 18:25)
Also, Jacob’s words come to mind, when he wrongly supposed that all his circumstances were somehow against him:
Their father Jacob said to them, “You are making me childless! Joseph is gone. Simeon is gone. And now you want to take Benjamin! Everything is against me” (Genesis 42:36).
After Jesus cured the deaf men, those who witnessed this miracle came to the right conclusion:
“He has done everything well” (Mark 7:37).
My wife and I lost our son Timmy to crib death early in our marriage. I remember well the comfort we had at that time, based on the character of God. The God who is all knowing, all powerful, and who loves to forgive sinners is the God who purposed to use the suffering of Tamar to His glory (and, for her good – Romans 8:28). Like Jacob, it may appear to us at the moment that our circumstances are against us, if we are trusting in Jesus, nothing can separate us from His love and gracious care.
What then shall we say about these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 Indeed, he who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all– how will he not also, along with him, freely give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is the one who will condemn? Christ is the one who died (and more than that, he was raised), who is at the right hand of God, and who also is interceding for us. 35 Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will trouble, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it is written, “For your sake we encounter death all day long; we were considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” 37 No, in all these things we have complete victory through him who loved us! 38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor heavenly rulers, nor things that are present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:31-39).
Finally, I re-read your email, and I think one important question remains somewhat unanswered. If I understood you correctly you were asking something like this: “How can the Tamar’s of today deal with the injustices and abuses they experience?” I think there are several lines of biblical truth which can and should be pursued here.
First, the Sermon on the Mount, along with Matthew 11:28-30 seems to be addressed to those who are in some way oppressed:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to them. 4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied. 7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God. 10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to them. 11 “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you and say all kinds of evil things about you falsely on account of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad because your reward is great in heaven, for they persecuted the prophets before you in the same way (Matthew 5:3-12).
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke on you and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and my load is not hard to carry” (Matthew 11:28-30).
The point of this is not for our Lord to promise those who are suffering and oppressed that their troubles in this life will surely pass (which the “health and wealth gospel” seems to promise), but that heaven awaits those who suffer in this life, and particularly those godly saints who suffer on account of their faith.
Paul says something similar in 2 Corinthians chapter 4:
But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that the extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us. 8 We are experiencing trouble on every side, but are not crushed; we are perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 we are persecuted, but not abandoned; we are knocked down, but not destroyed, 10 always carrying around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be made visible in our body. 11 For we who are alive are constantly being handed over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus may also be made visible in our mortal body. 12 As a result, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you. 13 But since we have the same spirit of faith as that shown in what has been written, “I believed; therefore I spoke,” we also believe, therefore we also speak. 14 We do so because we know that the one who raised up Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus and will bring us with you into his presence. 15 For all these things are for your sake, so that the grace that is including more and more people may cause thanksgiving to increase to the glory of God. 16 Therefore we do not despair, but even if our physical body is wearing away, our inner person is being renewed day by day. 17 For our momentary, light suffering is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison 18 because we are not looking at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen. For what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal (2 Corinthians 4:7-18).
Second, closely related to Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 4 are his words in chapter 1, in which he states that the comfort which God gives us in our trials and tribulations are the very comforts which we can now share with those who suffer in a similar way:
Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles so that we may be able to comfort those experiencing any trouble with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).
Third, faithfully enduring the abuse of those who falsely accuse and persecute believers will ultimately be the basis for our enemies giving glory to God when He comes to earth again:
Dear friends, I urge you as foreigners and exiles to keep away from fleshly desires that do battle against the soul, 12 and maintain good conduct among the non-Christians, so that though they now malign you as wrongdoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God when he appears (1 Peter 2:11-12).
Fourth Hannah’s prayer in 1 Samuel chapter 2 testifies to the fact that God hears the cries of the oppressed (see 2:1-10).
Finally, it is beneficial to reflect on the words of Paul and Peter on the subject of abuse:
Slaves, be subject to your masters with all reverence, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are perverse. 19 For this finds God’s favor, if because of conscience toward God someone endures hardships in suffering unjustly. 20 For what credit is it if you sin and are mistreated and endure it? But if you do good and suffer and so endure, this finds favor with God. 21 For to this you were called, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving an example for you to follow in his steps. 22 He committed no sin nor was deceit found in his mouth. 23 When he was maligned, he did not answer back; when he suffered, he threatened no retaliation, but committed himself to God who judges justly. 24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we may cease from sinning and live for righteousness. By his wounds you were healed. 25 For you were going astray like sheep but now you have turned back to the shepherd and guardian of your souls (1 Peter 2:18-25).
Nevertheless, as the Lord has assigned to each one, as God has called each person, so must he live. I give this sort of direction in all the churches. 18 Was anyone called after he had been circumcised? He should not try to undo his circumcision. Was anyone called who is uncircumcised? He should not get circumcised. 19 Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Instead, keeping God’s commandments is what counts. 20 Let each one remain in that situation in life in which he was called. 21 Were you called as a slave? Do not worry about it. But if indeed you are able to be free, make the most of the opportunity. 22 For the one who was called in the Lord as a slave is the Lord’s freedman. In the same way, the one who was called as a free person is Christ’s slave. 23 You were bought with a price. Do not become slaves of men. 24 In whatever situation someone was called, brothers and sisters, let him remain in it with God. (1 Corinthians 7:17-24).
Paul told slaves that if they could change their status, that was fine. But if this was not possible, they were to live out the life of a slave in a manner that would bring glory to God, and would beautify the gospel. Throughout the centuries humble, powerless (humanly speaking) saints have endured their afflictions in a way that glorified God. In some instances God delivered them from their earthly afflictions, but ultimately all who suffer for the sake of Christ have an eternity of eternal bliss awaiting them.
Blessings,
Bob Deffinbaugh
Hello Bob, I read your article on the Aaronic Priesthood. Due to different circumstances I am in a Catholic University where we are forced to acknowledge the priests as "fathers." The Bible seriously condemned this, what should I do?
Dear *****,
I’ve been considering your question for some time, and it is not an easy one to answer.
I see several factors when considering your situation.
It seems that you would not be in your current situation if you were not a student at Maddona University. Perhaps you have reached your present conviction regarding not calling a man “father” after you began to attend this university. Whether or not this is the case, it would seem that you have several possible responses.
But before we any specific application of this text of Scripture, let’s try to understand what Jesus meant in Matthew 23, where we find the instruction not to call any man father:
1 Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to His disciples, 2 saying: “The scribes and the Pharisees have seated themselves in the chair of Moses; 3 therefore all that they tell you, do and observe, but do not do according to their deeds; for they say things and do not do them. 4 “They tie up heavy burdens and lay them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are unwilling to move them with so much as a finger. 5 “But they do all their deeds to be noticed by men; for they broaden their phylacteries and lengthen the tassels of their garments. 6 “They love the place of honor at banquets and the chief seats in the synagogues, 7 and respectful greetings in the market places, and being called Rabbi by men. 8 “But do not be called Rabbi; for One is your Teacher, and you are all brothers. 9 “Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. 10 “Do not be called leaders; for One is your Leader, that is, Christ. 11 “But the greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 “Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.
13 “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you shut off the kingdom of heaven from people; for you do not enter in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in. 14 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense you make long prayers; therefore you will receive greater condemnation (Matthew 23:1-14).
Jesus is clearly talking here about the illegitimate spiritual leaders of His day – the scribes and Pharisees (vs. 2). What He says here has application to us as well. These men create burdens for those they lead, but do nothing to assist these people to carry them (vs. 4). They seek the attention and praise of others, especially by emphasizing outward appearances which put them in a good light (vss. 5-7).
Our Lord’s primary issue with these Jewish religious leaders is their hypocrisy. They say one thing, but they do another. That is the essence of hypocrisy. I believe this is why Jesus can tell His disciples, and the others who are listening to Him, to do as the scribes and Pharisees say, but not as they do.
Jesus’ primary instruction is to those who would follow Him. And thus, His words of warning and instruction are focused on what they should not do, and the kind of people they should not be. In other words, Jesus is giving them instruction on what they should do, or not do, which distinguishes them from the Pharisees, who seek man’s recognition and prominence. They seek position and power, and places and titles of status, that make them seem important and authoritative. They even have lengthy (and visible) prayers, so that people will think they are holier than others.
Our Lord’s disciples should not live like this. They should humble themselves, rather than seek to be exalted. And thus, they should not dress and behave as the Pharisees, who seek attention, status, and power. And now, to be more specific, they should not seek to be called “Rabbi” (verse 8) or “leader” (verse 10).
We need to understand Jesus’ command to “call no one father” in the light of His instruction to them not to allow themselves to be called “teacher” or “leader.” We should also recognize that the command to “call no man” father is limited, and not universal. In other words, it is not a violation of our Lord’s command to for a son to call his biological father, “father.”
What I believe Jesus is saying is that you should not call a Pharisee “father” when that implies that he has a higher spiritual authority, which places you in submission to his authority and instructions. That grants him authority which he does not have, and should not have. This authority rightly belongs to Jesus, and not to any man.
I think this is a very important instruction to understand and to obey. Not only are we not to seek authority beyond that which we should have; we should not grant authority to others which they should not have – authority which belongs only to God.
In my opinion, it is not merely using the word “father” which Jesus prohibits, but granting a man authority which only belongs to God. This may also happen where the term “father” is not used at all. We are to obey and submit to our Lord, first and foremost, and no man has the right to speak as God, or for God, in a way that grants him the authority that belongs only to God.
This matter of granting another man authority which belongs only to God is one that is most important. We should not grant men more authority than they should have, and we, as men, should not seek authority beyond that which we should have.
It may be important, for the sake of your conscience, to make this clear to individuals called “father” at your university, and perhaps even to the administration. If your belief and conviction about this is acceptable to the university and faculty, then remaining on as a student may not be a problem. And whether or not you address some men as father may not be as important, so long as others know where you stand on the matter of men and their authority, in relation to God, His Word, and His ultimate authority.
Because you are attending a Catholic university, this issue is probably more important, because Catholicism has traditionally held that the church is the ultimate authority in terms of what the Scriptures teach. And thus, one would seem to be obliged to obey any individual to whom the title “father” is given.
Most important, as you are taught matters pertaining to God, and to His Word, you must, as the apostles said, “obey God, rather than men” (Acts 5:29).
I’ll pray that God gives you clarity and conviction in this matter.
Bob Deffinbaugh
Our church is experiencing a great deal of polarization, and even heated debate, over matters of politics. What does the Bible say to the church, and to the individual Christian, about the role of politics in the church?
You have asked a very important question regarding the political tensions and conflict which exist not only in our country, but also in our churches. There may well be other verses and principles to consider, but here are those which have come to mind. (I am relatively confident that what I write here may not be well received by some Christians.)
In recent days especially I have frequently heard Christians appealing to our national constitution as the basis for their actions and demands. Our constitution has much to say about our rights; the Bible has much to say about our responsibilities, and about giving up our rights for the sake of the gospel (see Philippians 2; Romans 14 and 15). Whenever and if ever the Bible and the Constitution are in conflict, the Bible wins.
13 All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. 14 For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own. 15 And indeed if they had been thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them (Hebrews 11:13-16, NAU; emphasis mine).
13 These all died in faith without receiving the things promised, but they saw them in the distance and welcomed them and acknowledged that they were strangers and foreigners on the earth. 14 For those who speak in such a way make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. 15 In fact, if they had been thinking of the land that they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But as it is, they aspire to a better land, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them (Hebrews 11:13-16, NET).
Dear friends, I urge you as foreigners and exiles to keep away from fleshly desires that do battle against the soul (1 Peter 2:11).
…and some of that will be brought about by human governments:
“Then they will hand you over to be persecuted and will kill you. You will be hated by all the nations because of my name” (Matthew 24:9).
“You must watch out for yourselves. You will be handed over to councils and beaten in the synagogues. You will stand before governors and kings because of me, as a witness to them” (Mark 13:9).
“I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In the world you have trouble and suffering, but take courage – I have conquered the world” (John 16:33).
6 Now we do speak wisdom among the mature, but not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are perishing. 7 Instead we speak the wisdom of God, hidden in a mystery, that God determined before the ages for our glory. 8 None of the rulers of this age understood it. If they had known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory (1 Corinthians 2:6-8).
21 After they had proclaimed the good news in that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, to Iconium, and to Antioch. 22 They strengthened the souls of the disciples and encouraged them to continue in the faith, saying, “We must enter the kingdom of God through many persecutions” (Acts 14:21-22).
He changes times and seasons, deposing some kings and establishing others. He gives wisdom to the wise; he imparts knowledge to those with understanding (Daniel 2:21; see also 4:17, 32; 7:25; Psalm 75:6-7).
God raises up some kings (like Pharaoh) to demonstrate His great power:
14 For this time I will send all my plagues on your very self and on your servants and your people, so that you may know that there is no one like me in all the earth. 15 For by now I could have stretched out my hand and struck you and your people with plague, and you would have been destroyed from the earth. 16 But for this purpose I have caused you to stand: to show you my strength, and so that my name may be declared in all the earth (Exodus 9:14-16).
God may raise up ungodly rulers to discipline His wayward people:
47 “Because you have not served the LORD your God joyfully and wholeheartedly with the abundance of everything you have, 48 instead in hunger, thirst, nakedness, and poverty you will serve your enemies whom the LORD will send against you. They will place an iron yoke on your neck until they have destroyed you (Deuteronomy 28:47-48).
God may raise up kings in order to carry out His promises to His people:
“Who commissions Cyrus, the one I appointed as shepherd to carry out all my wishes and to decree concerning Jerusalem, ‘She will be rebuilt,’ and concerning the temple, ‘It will be reconstructed’” (Isaiah 44:28).
1 In the first year of King Cyrus of Persia, in order to fulfill the LORD'S message spoken through Jeremiah, the LORD stirred the mind of King Cyrus of Persia. He disseminated a proclamation throughout his entire kingdom, announcing in a written edict the following: 2 “Thus says King Cyrus of Persia: ‘The LORD God of heaven has given me all the kingdoms of the earth. He has instructed me to build a temple for him in Jerusalem, which is in Judah’” (Ezra 1:1-2).
When one reads the Book of Daniel, Isaiah 14, and Ezekiel 28, we see that behind what is occurring here on earth, there can be a satanic and fallen angel counterpart. Satan has a certain degree of influence and control over this world, and thus we should expect him to seek to achieve his purposes through political means. This is not to suggest that Satan is free to carry out his purposes without God’s permission and ultimate control, so that the outcome always furthers God’s purposes (as we see, for instance, in the Book of Job).
Nebuchadnezzar is a classic example of pride (see Daniel 4), along with the king of Babylon (Isaiah 14), and the prince of Tyre (Ezekiel 28). In effect, they begin to attribute to themselves that which belongs only to God. The results can be devastating:
18 At daybreak there was great consternation among the soldiers over what had become of Peter. 19 When Herod had searched for him and did not find him, he questioned the guards and commanded that they be led away to execution. Then Herod went down from Judea to Caesarea and stayed there. 20 Now Herod was having an angry quarrel with the people of Tyre and Sidon. So they joined together and presented themselves before him. And after convincing Blastus, the king's personal assistant, to help them, they asked for peace, because their country's food supply was provided by the king's country. 21 On a day determined in advance, Herod put on his royal robes, sat down on the judgment seat, and made a speech to them. 22 But the crowd began to shout, "The voice of a god, and not of a man!" 23 Immediately an angel of the Lord struck Herod down because he did not give the glory to God, and he was eaten by worms and died (Acts 12:18-23).
(Democracy is almost unknown in history. In the days of Jesus and the apostles, authoritarian dictatorships were the norm, as is often the case today).
1 Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. 3 For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; 4 for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. 5 Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience’ sake. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. 7 Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor (Romans 13:1-7).
1 Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, 2 to malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men (Titus 3:1-2).
In light of 1 Peter 2:18-25, it seems apparent that Peter’s command (above) to obey human governments would include those that are oppressive.
(see Daniel and his friends in Daniel (chapters 3 and 6), and Peter and John in Acts 4:17-20). But in these instances of disobedience, believers were commanded to obey human government in a way that it would require them to disobey a clear command of God.
This is evident in the Old Testament when God gave His law to Israel and later established a government under the rule of a king. Can you imagine governance by a majority vote as Israel’s form of government? Would Israel have passed through the Red Sea by a majority vote? The ideal government is that of a benevolent dictator, the dictatorial rule of a righteous, merciful, and faithful Good Shepherd (see Ezekiel 34; Psalm 2; John 10:11-18).
25 But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. 26 It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, 27 and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:25-28).
1 The words of King Lemuel, the oracle which his mother taught him: 2 What, O my son? And what, O son of my womb? And what, O son of my vows? 3 Do not give your strength to women, Or your ways to that which destroys kings. 4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, It is not for kings to drink wine, Or for rulers to desire strong drink, 5 For they will drink and forget what is decreed, And pervert the rights of all the afflicted. 6 Give strong drink to him who is perishing, And wine to him whose life is bitter. 7 Let him drink and forget his poverty And remember his trouble no more. 8 Open your mouth for the mute, For the rights of all the unfortunate. 9 Open your mouth, judge righteously, And defend the rights of the afflicted and needy (Proverbs 31:1-9).
Note that political philosophy is not emphasized here; character is. The same can be found in the qualifications for elders and deacons in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1.
My son, fear the LORD and the king; Do not associate with those who are given to change (Proverbs 24:21, NAU).
Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm" (John 18:36).
In Romans 14 and 15 Paul teaches believers that convictions are personal. Though they can be strongly held, they are not to be a source of division and debate, which undermines unity. Thus, these matters are not be debated, but are to be kept to oneself.
That is not to suggest that the Bible has nothing to say about what godly leadership looks like, and perhaps its political implications. The Book of Proverbs has much to say on this subject.
One more thing on this subject. I in no way am seeking to discourage concerned Christians from participating in the American political process, either as a candidate, or as a supporter. I would encourage all to vote, rather than to refuse to exercise their freedom and responsibility as a citizen of this country. Engaging in the political process allows one to express their biblical beliefs and convictions.
This was the case with Joseph in Egypt, and with Daniel in Babylon.
Do you see a person skilled in his work? He will take his position before kings; he will not take his position before obscure people (Proverbs 22:29).
It is especially noteworthy that Daniel’s influence and standing with kings spanned many years, and several administrations.
21 Fear the LORD, my child, as well as the king, and do not associate with rebels [literally those who are given to change], 22 for suddenly their destruction will overtake them, and who knows the ruinous judgment both the LORD and the king can bring? (Proverbs 24:21-22).
Throughout the history of the world, exceedingly few Christians have had the luxury of living in a democracy, which protects the rights of Christians, and gives the degree of freedom we experience today (and claim as our right). Let us not think our situation to be the norm, because it is the exception. Indeed, a number of Scriptures dealing with ruling authorities speak in reference to a king (see Acts 9:15; 12:12; 25:13; 1 Timothy 2:2; 1 Peter 2:13, 17).
As he was sitting on the Mount of Olives, his disciples came to him privately and said, “Tell us, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” 4 Jesus answered them, “Watch out that no one misleads you. 5 For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will mislead many. 6 You will hear of wars and rumors of wars. Make sure that you are not alarmed, for this must happen, but the end is still to come. 7 For nation will rise up in arms against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these things are the beginning of birth pains. 9 “Then they will hand you over to be persecuted and will kill you. You will be hated by all the nations because of my name. 10 Then many will be led into sin, and they will betray one another and hate one another. 11 And many false prophets will appear and deceive many” (Matthew 24:3-11).
In the last days, before the return of our Lord, Jesus told us that things are going to go from bad to worse. The first thing Jesus says to His disciples, who have asked Him to tell them when the kingdom will come, is to be careful that they are not deceived. Why is this such a great danger that Jesus makes His warning so emphatic? I think it is because when things get really bad (and they will), Christians will want a deliverer to rescue them, and, as a result, there will be many political “false messiahs” who will claim to fill that role. But the Messiah won’t come until after all these painful and unpleasant things take place. And when He does come, there will be no doubt that it is He. No earthly political leader is the Messiah. Therefore, let us not look to earthly leaders to save us. Let us look to Christ:
7 When the LORD saw that they humbled themselves, he gave this message to Shemaiah: “They have humbled themselves, so I will not destroy them. I will deliver them soon. My anger will not be unleashed against Jerusalem through Shishak. 8 Yet they will become his subjects, so they can experience how serving me differs from serving the surrounding nations” (2 Chronicles 12:7-8).
1 Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:1-2).
It might serve us well to conclude with the testimony of one of the most powerful kings that ever lived:
29 After twelve months, he happened to be walking around on the battlements of the royal palace of Babylon. 30 The king uttered these words: “Is this not the great Babylon that I have built for a royal residence by my own mighty strength and for my majestic honor?” 31 While these words were still on the king's lips, a voice came down from heaven: “It is hereby announced to you, King Nebuchadnezzar, that your kingdom has been removed from you! 32 You will be driven from human society, and you will live with the wild animals. You will be fed grass like oxen, and seven periods of time will pass by for you before you understand that the Most High is ruler over human kingdoms and gives them to whomever he wishes.” 33 Now in that very moment this pronouncement about Nebuchadnezzar came true. He was driven from human society, he ate grass like oxen, and his body became damp with the dew of the sky, until his hair became long like an eagle's feathers, and his nails like a bird's claws. 34 But at the end of the appointed time I, Nebuchadnezzar, looked up toward heaven, and my sanity returned to me. I extolled the Most High, and I praised and glorified the one who lives forever. For his authority is an everlasting authority, and his kingdom extends from one generation to the next. 35 All the inhabitants of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as he wishes with the army of heaven and with those who inhabit the earth. No one slaps his hand and says to him, ‘What have you done?’ 36 At that time my sanity returned to me. I was restored to the honor of my kingdom, and my splendor returned to me. My ministers and my nobles were seeking me out, and I was reinstated over my kingdom. I became even greater than before. 37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, for all his deeds are right and his ways are just. He is able to bring down those who live in pride” (Daniel:29-37).
Therefore, let us not put our trust in men, but in God:
1 Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD, O my soul!
2 I will praise the LORD as long as I live!
I will sing praises to my God as long as I exist!
3 Do not trust in princes, or in human beings, who cannot deliver!
4 Their life's breath departs, they return to the ground; on that day their plans die.
5 How blessed is the one whose helper is the God of Jacob,
whose hope is in the LORD his God,
6 the one who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them,
who remains forever faithful,
7 vindicates the oppressed, and gives food to the hungry.
The LORD releases the imprisoned.
8 The LORD gives sight to the blind.
The LORD lifts up all who are bent over.
The LORD loves the godly.
9 The LORD protects those residing outside their native land;
he lifts up the fatherless and the widow, but he opposes the wicked.
10 The LORD rules forever, your God, O Zion, throughout the generations to come!
Praise the LORD! (Psalm 146:1-10)
Dear Sir or Madam,
Which are the best bible translations???
Thank You,
Greetings
*****
Dear *****,
That’s a loaded question, and one over which Christians strongly differ.
The first issue is which textual tradition you believe to be the most accurate. Some are strongly committed to the Byzantine text type, which underlies the King James Version and the New King James Version. This has the vast majority of manuscripts, but they are not the earliest ones that we possess. And thus others choose to rely on the earlier manuscripts. (There is a debate over being older is being more accurate and trustworthy.) Virtually all of the recent translations are based on these earlier texts.
The next point of disagreement is over how literal a translation should be, or how much it should be paraphrased to be more easily understood. Versions like The Message and the New International Version would lean heavily toward a paraphrase. The King James Version, New King James, New American Standard, English Standard Version, and the Holman Christian Standard Version lean toward a more literal rendering. The stated purpose of the NET Bible (the translation featured on our Lumina study tool) is to strive to strike a happy medium between a paraphrase and a strictly literal rendering of the text.
My preference is for the more literal translations. (Rather than having the translator make interpretive decisions for me, I’d rather wrestle with them myself.) Having said this, in my “through the Bible” readings I use a variety of translations (one per reading). One can read faster and get the major themes more easily.
I am not a “King James only” student of Scripture, but neither do I always agree with those who set aside texts included in the King James version (such as John 8 and Mark 16).
In spirit of fairness, I think you would do well to consider John Piper’s view
http://www.desiringgod.org/articles/good-english-with-minimal-translation-why-bethlehem-uses-the-esv
Bible.org has a number of related articles which I would recommend that you consider:
https://bible.org/gsearch?search=Which+translation+is+best%3F
I hope this helps,
Bob Deffinbaugh
QUESTION: Generally, it is understood that Solomon built the Temple, and so he did. But even though God would not allow David to build the temple (see 2 Samuel 7; 1 Chronicles 22:7-8; 28:1-3), he seems to have had a significant (sometimes dominant) role in its creation, along with other men like Hiram, King of Tyre. How do you explain this?
Let’s begin by recalling that the building of a temple was David’s idea, not God’s. Also, a significant part of David’s motivation was that he had built an extravagant palace for himself, and this was in great contrast to the tent where the ark of the Covenant was kept.
1 The king settled into his palace, for the LORD gave him relief from all his enemies on all sides. 2 The king said to Nathan the prophet, “Look! I am living in a palace made from cedar, while the ark of God sits in the middle of a tent” (2 Samuel 7:1-2, NET).
God made it very clear that this temple was not His idea, and that it was not really necessary:
4 That night the LORD told Nathan, 5 “Go, tell my servant David: ‘This is what the LORD says: Do you really intend to build a house for me to live in? 6 I have not lived in a house from the time I brought the Israelites up from Egypt to the present day. Instead, I was traveling with them and living in a tent. 7 Wherever I moved among all the Israelites, I did not say to any of the leaders whom I appointed to care for my people Israel, “Why have you not built me a house made from cedar?”‘ (2 Samuel 7:4-7)
In the following verses of 2 Samuel 7 God turned the tables on David. Did David wish to build a house for God? He didn’t need one. No, but God would build a “house” (a dynasty) for David, an eternal house:
8 “So now, say this to my servant David: ‘This is what the LORD of hosts says: I took you from the pasture and from your work as a shepherd to make you leader of my people Israel. 9 I was with you wherever you went, and I defeated all your enemies before you. Now I will make you as famous as the great men of the earth. 10 I will establish a place for my people Israel and settle them there; they will live there and not be disturbed any more. Violent men will not oppress them again, as they did in the beginning 11 and during the time when I appointed judges to lead my people Israel. Instead, I will give you relief from all your enemies. The LORD declares to you that he himself will build a dynastic house for you. 12 When the time comes for you to die, I will raise up your descendant, one of your own sons, to succeed you, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He will build a house for my name, and I will make his dynasty permanent. 14 I will become his father and he will become my son. When he sins, I will correct him with the rod of men and with wounds inflicted by human beings. 15 But my loyal love will not be removed from him as I removed it from Saul, whom I removed from before you. 16 Your house and your kingdom will stand before me permanently; your dynasty will be permanent’” (2 Samuel 7:8-16).
God would allow David’s son, Solomon, to build the temple, but David could not do so because he was a “man of war,” who had shed much blood:
3 But God said to me, ‘You must not build a temple to honor me, for you are a warrior and have spilled blood’ (1 Chronicles 28:3).
Besides Solomon, who was in charge of the construction and dedication of the temple, there were men like “Hiram,” king of Tyre, who provided David and then Solomon with raw materials and skilled workmen, first to construct his palatial home (2 Samuel 5:11-12), and later on the temple (1 Kings 5; 9:11).
What is surprising is the degree to which David was involved in the building of the temple, in spite of the fact that God would not let him build it, but designated Solomon for this task:
11 David gave to his son Solomon the blueprints for the temple porch, its buildings, its treasuries, its upper areas, its inner rooms, and the room for atonement. 12 He gave him the blueprints of all he envisioned for the courts of the LORD’s temple, all the surrounding rooms, the storehouses of God’s temple, and the storehouses for the holy items. 13 He gave him the regulations for the divisions of priests and Levites, for all the assigned responsibilities within the LORD’s temple, and for all the items used in the service of the LORD’s temple. 14 He gave him the prescribed weight for all the gold items to be used in various types of service in the LORD’s temple, for all the silver items to be used in various types of service, 15 for the gold lampstands and their gold lamps, including the weight of each lampstand and its lamps, for the silver lampstands, including the weight of each lampstand and its lamps, according to the prescribed use of each lampstand, 16 for the gold used in the display tables, including the amount to be used in each table, for the silver to be used in the silver tables, 17 for the pure gold used for the meat forks, bowls, and jars, for the small gold bowls, including the weight for each bowl, for the small silver bowls, including the weight for each bowl, 18 and for the refined gold of the incense altar. He gave him the blueprint for the seat of the gold cherubim that spread their wings and provide shelter for the ark of the LORD’s covenant. 19 David said, “All of this I put in writing as the LORD directed me and gave me insight regarding the details of the blueprints” (1 Chronicles 28:11-19).
Think of all the things (mentioned above) that David did in advance of his death, to prepare for the building of the temple. He provided the plans, and the materials needed to build the temple. If God did not prompt David to do all these things, He at least allowed David to make these preparations. (Perhaps this is something like God allowing Moses to see the Promised Land, without entering it (Deuteronomy 32:48-52).
What I find interesting is David’s explanation for why he took so much initiative in making preparations for the temple:
1 King David said to the entire assembly: “My son Solomon, the one whom God has chosen, is just an inexperienced young man, and the task is great, for this palace is not for man, but for the LORD God. 2 So I have made every effort to provide what is needed for the temple of my God, including the gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood, as well as a large amount of onyx, settings of antimony and other stones, all kinds of precious stones, and alabaster (1 Chronicles 29:1-2, emphasis mine).
Citing Solomon’s youthfulness, David expressed doubt in his ability to bear the full weight of constructing the temple. This was no insignificant project; this was to build a “palace” for God. David doubted Solomon’s ability to do it right – Solomon, who would become the wisest man in the world, who would expand the nation Israel beyond anything David had achieved. The Solomon whom God said would build the temple.
Here is where I see the humanity (and imperfection) of David, like every other Old or New Testament hero. David was reluctant to “let go” and “let others” because he felt his successor could not do the job as well as he could. This flies in the face of what we see when Joshua succeeded Moses, or when Elisha succeeded Elijah (he did twice as well – 2 Kings 2:9-10).
The folly of David’s refusal to step aside is clearly revealed in Scripture. While 1 Chronicles 23 seems to report that the transition from David to Solomon went smoothly, a reading of 1 Kings chapter 1 suggests otherwise. Here we find that David postponed appointing Solomon as king in his place, even though he was God’s choice, and the one which David himself had acknowledged as his successor (1 Kings 1:13, 17, 29-30). He just couldn’t seem to let go of his position as king, even though he was at that time incapable of ruling (as 1 Kings 1 clearly indicates).
I see a couple of areas of application as I read all the accounts of the construction of the temple. First, I see the biblical principle of plurality, which we observe in both the Old Testament and the New. Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, pointed out that Moses was taking on too much responsibility, rather than spreading out the work among others (Exodus 18). Elijah was ready to throw in the towel because he wrongly believed he was the only faithful man left, and the work was too great for him (1 Kings 19). In the New Testament book of Corinthians there were those who set Paul, Apollos, and Cephas in opposition to each other (1 Corinthians 1:11-16). But Paul saw their ministry (and indeed all ministry) as a team effort, each one with his own role to play, so that it was Paul plus Apollos plus Cephas (1 Corinthians 3:4-9). Their ministry was complementary, not competitive. This is why most of Paul’s epistles begin with “Paul, and . . .” It is why Paul almost never engages in a ministry without a team of men accompanying him. One reason that Paul gives is that each believer has his or her spiritual gift, sphere of ministry where that gift is employed, and degree of apparent success from that ministry (1 Corinthians 12:4-6). Because God has diversified and divided up roles of ministry among the saints, ministry must be done collectively, not individually, and certainly not competitively (see Ephesians 4:7-16).
Second, I see a lesson for every Christian leader, who should be actively preparing others to succeed them in their ministry roles.
And entrust what you heard me say in the presence of many others as witnesses to faithful people who will be competent to teach others as well (2 Timothy 2:2).
Rather than to prepare Solomon for ministry, and to share his leadership with Solomon in order to accomplish this, David kept as much control as he could, convinced that he could do it better. Barnabas, one of the great heroes of the New Testament, is a man who devoted himself to promoting others, so that men like Paul, once his helper, could become his leader (see Acts 9-13).
I know of too few pastors and church leaders who are purposefully devoting time and energy to preparing and equipping younger men to take their place in time, and to work with them in the mean time to develop their ability to do so. Sadly, I see far too many Christian leaders who are unwilling to relinquish control, even when age or some form of incapacity should dictate that.
I believe this is one of the reasons why we are failing at discipleship in the church. I am aware of situations in which a prominent leader makes it very clear to younger men that they are not to encroach on his territory, or to diminish his prominence in any way. If you don’t want anyone to take your place, you most certainly will not train them to do their job so well that they can replace you. Like pagan dictators, they find it easier to kill off potential leaders rather than to train and equip them. Making disciples means equipping younger believers to assume leadership roles – our leadership role!
David was a great man, a man after God’s own heart. But was not a perfect man. He held on to his position and power even when he had lost the capacity to lead. While God allowed David to pursue his passion of building a temple by making plans and preparing the materials, he was wrong to doubt Solomon’s ability to accomplish this, and this by means of the wisdom God would grant him to do so (see 1 Kings 3). Let us learn from David’s passion and devotion for God. But let us also learn from David’s failures, as a father, and leader (using his power to take another man’s wife, along with his life), and failing to step aside when the time came.
I’ve read different scholars’ ideas as to where and how Jesus “drank the cup of wrath.” Some say in Gethsemane. Others say He slowly drank the cup of wrath from Gethsemane right up to His last triumphant “It is finished~!” Will you please give me your thoughts on this?
Dear *****,
The “cup” (literally “this cup” in Matthew 26:39, Mark 14:36, and Luke 22:42) is the cup of God’s wrath upon man’s sin. The cup is used as a symbol of God’s wrath several time in the Old Testament (Jeremiah 25:15-16; Isaiah 51:17, 22; Lamentations 4:21; Ezekiel 23:28-34; Habakkuk 2:16). It is likewise used as a symbol for enduring God’s wrath in Revelation 14:9-10 and 16:19.
I should add that “the cup” is also used as a symbol for experiencing God’s salvation (Psalm 116:13; and then in the New Testament in reference to the cup as part of the Last Supper and Communion).
Jesus endured the wrath of God (drank the cup of God’s wrath) so that our sins could be forgiven and so that we may drink of the cup of salvation -- symbolized when we take the cup at communion). In Mark 14:39 and also John 18:10 drinking the cup is still viewed as future, and yet Jesus says this after Gethsemane. Further, Jesus says that the cup symbolized the “New Covenant in My blood” (Luke 22:20). For me, that settles it. Our Lord drank the cup of God’s wrath when He shed His blood, the blood of the New Covenant, on the cross of Calvary. He dreaded doing so at Gethsemane, but He experienced God’s wrath and separation (Matthew 27:46) on the cross.
There is a sense in which our Lord suffered throughout His earthly life, living in a sinful world, with sinful people (Matthew 17:17; Hebrews 5:7-8), but that is another story.
I would add in conclusion that a study of “the cup” in the entire Bible may enrich our experience when we partake of communion.
Blessings,
Bob Deffinbaugh
I’m curious why God forbade David from building the temple? I know 2 Samuel says it’s because David had blood on his hands, but I also know David was following God’s will by purging the Promised Land of pagan worship. This seems contradictory to me. Any thoughts?
My sense is to let the biblical explanation be the explanation. David was a “man of blood.” No king of Israel was completely free of bloodshed, I suspect, but David did his share and then some.
Note these words of David to Solomon:
“But the word of the LORD came to me, saying, ‘You have shed much blood and have waged great wars; you shall not build a house to My name, because you have shed so much blood on the earth before Me. 9 ‘Behold, a son will be born to you, who shall be a man of rest; and I will give him rest from all his enemies on every side; for his name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quiet to Israel in his days. 10 ‘He shall build a house for My name, and he shall be My son and I will be his father; and I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel forever’” (1 Chronicles 22:8-10, NAU).
This seems entirely consistent with the purpose of the temple, as indicated in 1 Kings 8, Isaiah 56:7, and in our Lord’s summary in Matthew 21:13; Mark 11:17; and Luke 19:45-46:
45 Jesus entered the temple and began to drive out those who were selling, 46 saying to them, “It is written, ‘AND MY HOUSE SHALL BE A HOUSE OF PRAYER,’ but you have made it a ROBBERS’ DEN.” (Lk. 19:45-46 NAU)
David was a “man of blood” in that he killed many Gentiles. It would seem strange / unbecoming for him to build a house of prayer for all the nations. Solomon was much more a man of peace, and thus he could build a house of prayer for the nations without any inconsistency regarding God’s purpose for the temple.
I hope this helps,
Bob
How is it that the Lord blessed Solomon with wisdom. Yet Solomon led a sinful life by having wives and concubines.
Dear *****,
Thanks for your question. Let’s begin with a different question: “Why does God save anyone?” The answer is not because of our good works, but because of God’s grace in Christ. No one deserves salvation, and no one can achieve it by their works:
3 For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another. 4 But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, 5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life (Titus 3:3-7).
God blessed Abraham, even though he passed off his wife Sarai/Sarah as his sister, making her very vulnerable. God blessed Jacob, who cheated everybody he could. God’s blessings are not bestowed on us because we are so good, but because God is so gracious.
There is also a sense in which God blessed the offspring of David because of the intimate relationship between David and God:
This is what the Bible says about God’s blessing of Abijam:
3 He walked in all the sins of his father which he had committed before him; and his heart was not wholly devoted to the LORD his God, like the heart of his father David. 4 But for David's sake the LORD his God gave him a lamp in Jerusalem, to raise up his son after him and to establish Jerusalem; 5 because David did what was right in the sight of the LORD, and had not turned aside from anything that He commanded him all the days of his life, except in the case of Uriah the Hittite. (1 Ki. 15:3-5 NAU)
Note that it does not say that David was sinless, but he did have a heart for God and he sought to walk in his ways. But David’s sin with Uriah and Bathsheba was worthy of death.
David also had many wives and concubines. The fact is that God blesses us in spite of our sin and because of His grace.
I hope this helps,
Bob Deffinbaugh
ps. My good friend Kevin also pointed out that when God blessed Solomon it was before all of those things occurred. It would seem that he (mis)used God's blessing to do them. When God blessed him he had humbled himself before God, was seeking Him wholeheartedly, and was depending on Him.
I am moved to the point of distraction at how God continuously reiterated his covenant to Abraham and his sons despite the fact that Abraham and his family were clearly quite deceitful people!
We have:
1. Abraham’s not relying on God’s ability to protect him, instead telling a lie about Sarah (even though she was, technically, his half-sister, Abraham’s motive was clearly to deceive),
2. Isaac’s identical lie about Rebekah being his sister,
3. Jacob essentially stealing Esau’s birthright by threatening to withhold life-saving water to Esau,
4. Jacob literally stealing Esau’s blessing,
5. Rebekah being an instrument of deception in fooling her own husband because she favored one son over the other.
Dear Friend,
You are right to observe the fact that our Old Testament “heroes” are far from it in reality. Just look at some of the folks in the “hall of faith” in Hebrews chapter 11: Rahab, Gideon, Barak, Samson, and Jephthah. Wow! What an unlikely bunch! Which is exactly the point:
4 “Do not say in your heart when the LORD your God has driven them out before you, ‘Because of my righteousness the LORD has brought me in to possess this land,’ but it is because of the wickedness of these nations that the LORD is dispossessing them before you. 5 “It is not for your righteousness or for the uprightness of your heart that you are going to possess their land, but it is because of the wickedness of these nations that the LORD your God is driving them out before you, in order to confirm the oath which the LORD swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. 6 “Know, then, it is not because of your righteousness that the LORD your God is giving you this good land to possess, for you are a stubborn people. 7 “Remember, do not forget how you provoked the LORD your God to wrath in the wilderness; from the day that you left the land of Egypt until you arrived at this place, you have been rebellious against the LORD. 8 “Even at Horeb you provoked the LORD to wrath, and the LORD was so angry with you that He would have destroyed you. 9 “When I went up to the mountain to receive the tablets of stone, the tablets of the covenant which the LORD had made with you, then I remained on the mountain forty days and nights; I neither ate bread nor drank water (Deuteronomy 9:4-9, NASB).
When the Israelites worshipped the golden calf in Exodus 32 Moses did not appeal to God on the basis of the Israelites trying harder, but on the basis of God’s character, and the fact that He kept His promises. And this Moses did a total of ten times with that first generation that left Egypt (see Numbers 14:1-25, especially verse 22).
Paul made it clear that God’s choice of Jacob over Esau had nothing to do with works Jacob had done, or would do (Romans 9:10-16). And if this is not enough we see Paul’s words to the Corinthian church:
26 For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; 27 but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, 28 and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, 29 so that no man may boast before God. 30 But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, 31 so that, just as it is written, “LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD” (1 Corinthians 1:26-31).
When you read Paul’s Corinthian epistles, or the letters to the seven churches in Revelation 2 and 3 you see that God’s people are messy.
It all comes down to this. God’s dealings with men are the result of His grace, and not of our goodness. I sometimes think of what the angels in heaven must have thought as they looked down upon the church (1 Peter 1:10-12; 1 Corinthians 11:10). I believe that Paul has made the reason clear in his epistle to the Ephesians. It can be summed up by the word GRACE:
5 He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. 7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace 8 which He lavished on us. In all wisdom and insight 9 He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him 10 with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth. In Him 11 also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, 12 to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory (Ephesians 1:5-12, emphasis mine).
1 And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, 2 in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. 3 Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them (Ephesians 2:1-10, emphasis mine).
1 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles— 2 if indeed you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace which was given to me for you; 3 that by revelation there was made known to me the mystery, as I wrote before in brief. 4 By referring to this, when you read you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which in other generations was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit; 6 to be specific, that the Gentiles are fellow heirs and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel, 7 of which I was made a minister, according to the gift of God’s grace which was given to me according to the working of His power (Ephesians 3:1-7).
Blessings,
Bob Deffinbaugh
Dear Sir,
…reading this pericope (Matthew 13:10-15), I fail to see the reason why Jesus, at least in this case, spoke to the people at all. Does he not plainly say that the little faith they might have had, would be taken away from them anyway? He seems to make no exception. So why address them?
… You probably will receive countless emails…each day, so if you do not answer my mail I fully understand.
Thank you for your instructive commentaries on Bible.org,
Yours sincerely,
*****
Dear ****,
Thanks for the question. It is a good one.
Let me begin by saying that my failure to make an immediate response is not an indication of our disinterest in you or your question. It is simply a matter of the volume of emails we receive and of limited staff. In addition, I try to give some thought to the question before answering.
That out of the way, let’s get right to the matter of our Lord’s use of parables in Matthew 13 and also in Mark 4. The preceding context provides us with an important clue. The authority of our Lord’s teaching was underscored by the miracles He performed, often while He was teaching. And by this Jesus’ authority was evident, as was the lack of authority on the part of the Jewish religious leaders:
28 When Jesus had finished these words, the crowds were amazed at His teaching; 29 for He was teaching them as one having authority, and not as their scribes (Matthew 7:28-29, see also Matthew 8:9; 9:1-8; Mark 1:21-27, etc.).
The initial approach of the religious leaders who opposed Jesus was to try to show that there was no miracle, such as we see in the case of the man born blind in John chapter 9. But when it became obvious that Jesus was indeed healing the sick, giving sight to the blind, casting out demons, and even raising the dead, the religious leaders changed their tactics: they accused Jesus of performing His miracles by the power of the devil (Matthew 12:22-30; Mark 3:22-27). Since the work of our Lord Jesus was carried out in the power of the Holy Spirit (Luke 3:21-22; 4:1, 14) to call Jesus’ miracles the work of the devil was blaspheming the Holy Spirit, the source of our Lord’s power. Our Lord’s response to this was strong. While all other blasphemies can be forgiven, those against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven. The reason, as I understand it, is that it is the Holy Spirit who convicts men of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:7-11), and it is He who is God’s instrument in drawing men to faith in Christ for salvation (John 3:1-10ff.). So, from this point on, the unbelief of those who called the work of Jesus the work of the devil was their doom. So far as these opponents of Jesus are concerned, He spoke in parables so that they would hear, but not understand, thus fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 6:9-10 (Matthew 13:10-15; Mark 4:10-12).
Jesus’ purpose for parables differed, depending upon the hearer. For the disciples, Jesus taught in parables to provoke their deeper thinking, with the goal of giving a full explanation in private:
33 With many such parables He was speaking the word to them, so far as they were able to hear it; 34 and He did not speak to them without a parable; but He was explaining everything privately to His own disciples (Mark 4:33-34).
But there were others, besides the enemies of Jesus and His inner circle of disciples. There were those like Nicodemus, who were fascinated with Jesus and His teaching, some of whom became believers later on (see John 3; 7:50-52; 19:38-40). Notice those who were secret believers, like Joseph of Arimathea (John 19:38), along with others (see John 7:13, 31; 8:31; 10:42; 12:42). That is why Jesus repeated the words,
9 “He who has ears, let him hear” (Matthew 13:9).
And so early on in His teaching, Jesus began to teach in parables, to conceal the truth from His enemies, to provoke interest and belief in others, and to instruct His disciples, both publicly and privately. But late in His earthly ministry Jesus employed parables for a very different reason. It was to convey a message to His enemies, who now grasped the meaning of His later parables, while keeping His disciples in the dark, so to speak, regarding coming events:
45 When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard His parables, they understood that He was speaking about them. 46 When they sought to seize Him, they feared the people, because they considered Him to be a prophet. 1 Jesus spoke to them again in parables, saying, . . . (Matthew 21:45-22:1).
This provoked His adversaries to plot His death, even at a time and in a manner that they did not wish.
3 Then the chief priests and the elders of the people were gathered together in the court of the high priest, named Caiaphas; 4 and they plotted together to seize Jesus by stealth and kill Him. 5 But they were saying, “Not during the festival, otherwise a riot might occur among the people” (Matthew 26:3-5).
15 Then the Pharisees went and plotted together how they might trap Him in what He said. (Matthew 22:15).
It also prevented His disciples from hindering His death, as it needed to take place in order to fulfill prophecy, and to provide salvation for lost sinners. (Remember what Peter did with that sword? John 18:10).
I should add one comment regarding your statement that “the little faith they might have had would be taken away from them.” Jesus does not say that their faith (great or small – and remember what he says about small faith in His parable in Matthew 13:31ff. and 17:20) will be taken away. I believe He is saying that what truth has been revealed to them will be taken away. Speaking in parables was entirely consistent with this. The truth was now concealed from those who rejected the truth they had already received. It would be as if they never heard or had it at all.
Blessings,
Bob Deffinbaugh
Why do all the Christians in different churches say that all the other Christians are going to hell? Is it biblical to make such judgment? If the church of God is the people, then why are the people denouncing each other? Isn’t the body without a leg or arm made incomplete ? Why is it that people are so prideful in their church?
Dear Friend,
I must confess that I am somewhat troubled by your use of the word “all.” The truth is that I do not believe that “all” Christians in different churches say that “all” other Christians are going to hell. Indeed, I don’t believe that I have ever heard a true Christian say that.
I do believe that there is a tendency among some to condemn others who are not part of their own group. I think we can see this tendency even among the disciples:
46 An argument started among them as to which of them might be the greatest. 47 But Jesus, knowing what they were thinking in their heart, took a child and stood him by His side, 48 and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in My name receives Me, and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me; for the one who is least among all of you, this is the one who is great.” 49 John answered and said, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name; and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow along with us.” 50 But Jesus said to him, “Do not hinder him; for he who is not against you is for you” (Luke 9:49-50, NASB).
Having said this, I think the key to this matter is to be found in one’s definition of what a “Christian” is. The term “Christian” is often misused today to refer to a person who is not a Muslim or a Hindu, or a follower of some other religion. It may even be used of a person who is a Protestant and not a Catholic. But in terms of the Bible a Christian is a person who knows they are a sinner, unworthy of God’s favor and unable to earn His favor by any amount of effort on their own. A Christian finds their forgiveness from the penalty of their sins and their righteousness before God in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who died for their sins and who was raised from the dead, resulting in their eternal life.
19 Now we know that whatever the Law says, it speaks to those who are under the Law, so that every mouth may be closed and all the world may become accountable to God; 20 because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin. 21 But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22 even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction; 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; 25 whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed; 26 for the demonstration, I say, of His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus (Romans 3:19-26, NASB).
8 But what does it say? “THE WORD IS NEAR YOU, IN YOUR MOUTH AND IN YOUR HEART”—that is, the word of faith which we are preaching, 9 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; 10 for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, “WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; 13 for “WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED” (Romans 10:8-13, NASB).
12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name (John 1:12, NASB).
30 and after he brought them out, he said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 They said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household” (Acts 16:30-31, NASB).
17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. 18 Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5:17-21, NASB).
9 If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater; for the testimony of God is this, that He has testified concerning His Son. 10 The one who believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself; the one who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has given concerning His Son. 11 And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 12 He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life. 13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life (1 John 5:9-13, NASB).
The simple truth is that the one who places their trust in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of their sins and the gift of eternal life is a Christian, regardless of the church to which they belong. (In some cases, their church may not even believe what they do about Jesus and salvation.)
Jesus had no trouble telling folks like Nicodemus (John 3) or the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4) that their religion was not enough to save them, and that they needed to put their trust in Him.
All of this is to say that everyone who believes they are a sinner, unworthy of and unable to earn their own salvation, and who places their trust in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus is a Christian, regardless of the church they belong to. And, conversely, anyone who trusts in themselves for salvation, rather than in Jesus, is not a Christian, regardless of the church to which they belong.
Blessings,
Bob Deffinbaugh
Dear ******,
Thanks for your note. Several passages come to mind:
Secret things belong to the LORD our God, but those that are revealed belong to us and our descendants forever, so that we might obey all the words of this law. (Deut. 29:29 NET)
It does not appear that the reason for prohibiting honey is important enough to explain, so perhaps we should not agonize about something we are not told. We should expect that some things in the Bible will not be explained to our satisfaction. But then we have all eternity to ask Jesus about them.
There are, however, some passages which could possibly give us hints which might shed some light on the matter:
16 Have you afound honey? Eat only 1what you need, That you not have it in excess and vomit it. (Prov. 25:16 NAU)
27 It is not good to eat much honey, Nor is it glory to asearch out 1one’s own glory. (Prov. 25:27 NAU)
I am a fellow who likes to help my wife cook, often by sampling the dough, or cleaning out the mixing bowl. I don’t sample things that are not tasty. It looks to me as though honey is a very tasty, and thus tempting, item to eat. Might this, if used frequently, be tempting.
Then I read that some of the priests misused/abused things related to Israel’s sacrificial worship:
The sons of Eli were wicked men. They did not recognize the LORD’s authority. 13 Now the priests would always treat the people in the following way: Whenever anyone was making a sacrifice, while the meat was boiling, the priest’s attendant would come with a three-pronged fork in his hand. 14 He would jab it into the basin, kettle, caldron, or pot, and everything that the fork brought up the priest would take for himself. This is what they used to do to all the Israelites when they came there to Shiloh. 15 Even before they burned the fat, the priest’s attendant would come and say to the person who was making the sacrifice, “Hand over some meat for the priest to roast! He won’t take boiled meat from you, but only raw.” 16 If the individual said to him, “First let the fat be burned away, and then take for yourself whatever you wish,” he would say, “No! Hand it over right now! If you don’t, I will take it forcibly!” 17 The sin of these young men was very great in the LORD’s sight, for they treated the LORD’s offering with contempt. (1 Sam. 2:12-17 NET)
Now Eli was very old when he heard about everything that his sons used to do to all the people of Israel and how they used to have sex with the women who were stationed at the entrance to the tent of meeting. (1 Sam. 2:22 NET)
“Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy, and say to them– to the shepherds: ‘This is what the sovereign LORD says: Woe to the shepherds of Israel who have been feeding themselves! Should not shepherds feed the flock? 3 You eat the fat, you clothe yourselves with the wool, you slaughter the choice animals, but you do not feed the sheep! (Ezek. 34:2-3 NET)
This is from an external source, which I reluctantly use, but it may shed a little light on the question:
Mead or honey wine is the oldest alcoholic drinks known to man. It is made from honey and water via fermentation with yeast. It may be still, carbonated, or sparkling; it may be dry, semi-sweet, or sweet. Unlike beers and cider, meads (being wines) are drunk in small quantities.1
Having said all of this, when it comes to the somewhat related matter of foods that are declared unclean, there are those who seek to provide a reason why God said the food was unclean. I think it is unclean just because God said so. No wonder God could declare the unclean foods which separated Jews and Gentiles to be clean in the New Testament (Mark 7:19; Acts 10-11; see also Galatians 2:11-14). Unclean foods are unclean, not because they are bad for our health, but because God said they were not to be eaten. It is no test of obedience for us to avoid eating what is repulsive to us. It is a test of obedience if God tells us not to eat ice cream (for example).
So, there may be a good reason why honey is not to be part of the grain offering, but God did not choose to make this a matter He explains to our satisfaction, so we must simply accept it as God’s Word.
Blessings,
Bob Deffinbaugh
1 https://www.google.com/search?q=does+fermented+honey+contain+alcohol&oq=Does+honey+ferment&aqs=chrome.3.0l6.15267j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
Why does the incident of the Samaritan woman at the well only appear in the Gospel of John? (John 4:1-42) Do you have articles on Bible.org which deals with this question?
Thanks.
Dear *****,
Thanks for your questions. There are many articles on Bible.org which deal with John chapter 4:
https://bible.org/byverse/John%204:1-42
I’m not certain that you will find the answer to your question there, however, as it is really a more general one, in my opinion. So let me try to address it.
First, let’s take a look at what John says at the end of this gospel:
30 Therefore many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name. John 20:30-31 (NASB)
24 This is the disciple who is testifying to these things and wrote these things, and we know that his testimony is true. 25 And there are also many other things which Jesus did, which if they *were written in detail, I suppose that even the world itself *would not contain the books that *would be written. John 21:24-25 (NASB)
Notice as well how Luke introduces his gospel:
1 Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile an account of the things accomplished among us, 2 just as they were handed down to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word, 3 it seemed fitting for me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in consecutive order, most excellent Theophilus; 4 so that you may know the exact truth about the things you have been taught. Luke 1:1-4 (NASB)
The Bible claims that the Holy Spirit directed each writer in the Bible, so that the outcome was the Word of God, accurate, authoritative, and without error in the original manuscripts:
16 For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. 17 For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, such an utterance as this was made to Him by the Majestic Glory, “This is My beloved Son with whom I am well-pleased”— 18 and we ourselves heard this utterance made from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain. 19 So we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts. 20 But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, 21 for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God. 2 Peter 1:16-21 (NASB)
15 and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:15-17 (NASB)
There would be no need to have four gospels if each one merely repeated what was said by the others. And so we have four accounts, each of which has a different writer, a somewhat different audience (Jew, or Gentile), and a particular emphasis which each author is seeking to create.
There are certain events which every one of the four Gospels includes, such as the arrest, trial(s), crucifixion, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus. The feeding of the 5,000 is also found in every gospel. But there are other events, such as the transfiguration of our Lord, which are found in some, but not all, of the gospels. Some events are found in only one gospel: the indication that it was Peter who struck the ear of the high priest’s slave and cut it off (John 18:10); the bare naked escape of the young man at Jesus’ arrest (Mark? in Mark 14:51-52). While Mark calls our attention to the Syrophoenician woman in his gospel (Mark 7:24-30) it is Matthew who tells us she is a Canaanite (Matthew 14:22).
Each author has a huge amount of data to draw upon to include in his book, but restricts himself to that information which best contributes to the argument he is seeking to present. The inclusion of the Samaritan woman at the well adds a great deal to John’s account. In chapter 3, Jesus presents the gospel to Nicodemus, a highly respected Jewish teacher (John 3:10). Now, in chapter 4 Jesus finds it necessary to pass through Samaritan territory, and even more shocking to speak to a woman whose character is far from godly (see John 4:16-18, 27). What a beautiful preview of the salvation which our Lord is going to bring to the Gentiles, as well as the Jews.
Why is this story only in John? Because it was essential to John’s message, but not to the message of the other gospel writers. And remember, there were many, many stories which none of the gospel writers chose to include in their gospels.
I hope this helps,
Bob Deffinbaugh
Dear *****,
I love questions like this. It is the way we should approach Scripture.
The answer to your question comes primarily from Genesis 17:15-22 and Genesis 21:9-21.
The first thing I would say is that Abraham seems to have been very affectionate and attached to Ishmael. After all, he was Abraham’s first-born child. As such, he would have been first in line to be Abraham’s heir, and this could not be because the Messiah was to come from the line of Isaac. Abraham apparently would have been content to have Ishmael as his heir (see Genesis 17:18; 21:11). It was necessary for Ishmael to be completely out of the picture, or there would have been problems. Thus we have Sarah’s strong insistence that he be sent away. Otherwise it seems unlikely that Abraham would have done so.
Although it would seem that sending Ishmael away with very little food was putting his life at risk, God had promised Abraham that he would make Ishmael a great nation (Genesis 21:13). The end result was that Ishmael would learn to live in wilderness places, which only served to make him strong.
Thus, when the great test of Abraham’s faith (the sacrifice of Isaac) came, Isaac was Abraham’s only hope of having an heir, and thus he must trust God to raise him to life (see Romans 4:13-25; Hebrews 11:17-19).
I hope this helps,
Bob
Dear Friend,
There are a number of Old Testament saints who “wished they were dead,” or that they had never been born (men like Job, and Jonah, for example). But I want you to think about this passage in 1 Kings 19, which describes how God dealt with Elijah, who also wished to die:
1 Now Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. 2 Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “So may the gods do to me and even more, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time.” 3 And he was afraid and arose and ran for his life and came to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there. 4 But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree; and he requested for himself that he might die, and said, “It is enough; now, O LORD, take my life, for I am not better than my fathers.” 5 He lay down and slept under a juniper tree; and behold, there was an angel touching him, and he said to him, “Arise, eat.” 6 Then he looked and behold, there was at his head a bread cake baked on hot stones, and a jar of water. So he ate and drank and lay down again. 7 The angel of the LORD came again a second time and touched him and said, “Arise, eat, because the journey is too great for you.” 8 So he arose and ate and drank, and went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the mountain of God.
9 Then he came there to a cave and lodged there; and behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and He said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 10 He said, “I have been very zealous for the LORD, the God of hosts; for the sons of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars and killed Your prophets with the sword. And I alone am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.” 11 So He said, “Go forth and stand on the mountain before the LORD.” And behold, the LORD was passing by! And a great and strong wind was rending the mountains and breaking in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of a gentle blowing. 13 When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave. And behold, a voice came to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 14 Then he said, “I have been very zealous for the LORD, the God of hosts; for the sons of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars and killed Your prophets with the sword. And I alone am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.” 15 The LORD said to him, “Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus, and when you have arrived, you shall anoint Hazael king over Aram; 16 and Jehu the son of Nimshi you shall anoint king over Israel; and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah you shall anoint as prophet in your place. 17 “It shall come about, the one who escapes from the sword of Hazael, Jehu shall put to death, and the one who escapes from the sword of Jehu, Elisha shall put to death. 18 “Yet I will leave 7,000 in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal and every mouth that has not kissed him.” 19 So he departed from there and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, while he was plowing with twelve pairs of oxen before him, and he with the twelfth. And Elijah passed over to him and threw his mantle on him (1 Kings 19:1-19).
Elijah thought he was a failure, because a great national revival did not result from his confrontation with Ahab and Jezebel and their false prophets on Mount Carmel (see 1 Kings 17-18). He was wrong about several things:
He assumed that it took great acts of faith, and spectacular success for important things to happen. But God spoke to him through a still, small, voice, not a great earthquake, or wind, or fire (1 Kings 19:11-12).
He thought he was the only faithful one left, but he was wrong. There were 7,000 folks in Israel that had not bowed the knee to Baal (19:18).
He thought that God’s work depended on him, but he was wrong. God’s purposes for Israel will be dealt with, not by Elijah, but by Elisha, Hazael, and Jehu (19:15-16).
So, to sum it all up. God does forgive sins, but the solution to our troubles is never to take our own life, or even to wish that we would die.
It is most important to remember that it is Satan who is “the accuser of the brethren” and the great deceiver (see Zechariah chapter three, and Revelation 12:7-12). Satan wants us to see things wrongly.
To take one’s life, or to wish to do so, is a victory for Satan, and a failure for us, because God has assured us that He is working out all things for our good, and His glory (Romans 8:28), and that there is no temptation that comes our way that God has not provided the means to overcome (1 Corinthians 10:13).
One of the problems in Elijah’s life was that he was alone, and that he felt alone – until God brought Elisha into his life. You need the encouragement of God’s Word (Romans 5:1-11; 8:18-39; 15:4). You also need the encouragement of fellow believers, which means you should quickly associate yourself with a good church, and with the fellowship of fellow-saints, who will encourage you, as Elisha did with Elijah (Hebrews 10:19-25).
Most of all, you need the encouragement that our Lord Jesus gives:
Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives. 16 For assuredly He does not give help to angels, but He gives help to the descendant of Abraham. 17 Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted (Hebrews 2:14-18).
The right question to ask, then, is not, “If I sin will God forgive me” (which He will), but “Will my suffering draw me nearer to God (see Psalm 73), and bring glory to Him?”
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; 13 but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. 14 If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; 16 but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name (1 Peter 4:12-16).
I’m praying for you at this moment.
Bob Deffinbaugh