Have Faith in God

On By TimIn Faithfulness, Mark 11;, Prayer, Salvation1 Comment

Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. For truly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you will receive them, and you will have them. And when you stand praying, forgive if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father who is in heaven may also forgive you your sins. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father who is in heaven forgive your sins.”

Mark 11:22–26 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The things Jesus says have depths of meaning. The one thing that we can glean is we do everything here and now by faith. That is, we believe what Jesus said is true.

Here He is speaking about asking for things in prayer. If we believe we will receive them we will have them. Could this apply to salvation?

I think so.

If you believe you will receive it, you have it the moment you ask.

Consider what Calvinism offers, God must regenerate a person before they can have faith to believe. Yet here, Jesus makes no mention of waiting for regeneration first. I don’t think in anything He said to folks that they had to wait for regeneration before they could respond in faith to His words. In other words, that system teaches that salvation is possessed by a person before they can even ask for it. In fact, they must be regenerated (saved) first in order to ask for it.

But what if you believe salvation is a transient thing. Could you really have it at all if you believe it can be taken away?

I think that is a fair question to ask. And wouldn’t the idea of losing salvation be considered a doubt when Jesus promises to be with us always?

Jesus says things like this…

He who believes in Him is not condemned. But he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God..

John 3:18 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Jesus didn’t mention regeneration as necessary for one to believe. He also said the believer is not condemned. It’s not a future promised state, but a current state. The unbeliever is condemned already.

The simple emphatic statement “is not condemned” demands that the state be permanent, because if it can change at some point in the future, the believer is then not “not condemned.”

Jesus’ words are simple. Believe what He says. Ask for things in faith and you will have them. You don’t need to wait for regeneration to be saved. You can believe Jesus right now and ask Him to save you right now, and have salvation right now.

Move from the state of “already condemned” to “not condemned.” These aren’t two points people bounce between. But those “already condemned” can become (permanently) “not condemned.”

Whoever Drinks

On By TimIn Eternal Security, Jesus, John 04Leave a comment

Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water that I shall give him will become in him a well of water springing up into eternal life.”

John 4:13–14 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

There was a recent discussion using this passage. In it, someone mocked the idea of a person taking just a sip of the water Jesus gives, and that being enough to never thirst. The scorned idea centers on the assertion that salvation can be lost.

What do you think can be gleaned from this selection as to what Jesus is really saying?

I want to draw attention to one particular verb used two ways. The verb is translated to the English ‘drinks.’ But the underlying Greek reveals something substantial we might miss.

In the first instance, the Greek verb translated ‘drinks’ is present tense in a nominative mood. In essence, it is saying that every time one drinks of this water, thirst will return.

In the second instance, the verb translated as drinks is changed to aorist tense in a subjunctive mood. The aorist tense is best understood as a once-and-done action that carries forward. In other words, it is similar to the present perfect like he is born. The birth happened and the effect it caused carries forth. The birth is not undone, nor does it have to be repeated or continued.

That second instance is also in a subjunctive mood. This can convey a potentiality in the verb, which is translated correctly in the above quotation, whoever drinks.

What we can deduce logically, since no minimum quantity is given by Jesus to qualify how much is needed, a sip suffices to satisfy the thirst forever. He did say never thirst. Think of the thief on the cross.

This coincides with what Jesus continues to say. That one drink will become a well in the saved person that springs into eternal life. Eternal life doesn’t end or go away.

Hidden in typology is the Holy Spirit pictured as the Living Water. It is He Who gives life. This coincides with the Spirit’s ministry in the life of the believer… Keeping such saved because He never leaves.

You cannot buy this Water. Jesus gives it freely to anyone who wants.

You cannot earn this Water, it’s given freely.

One sip suffices forever… But keep drinking in and sharing!

The Locust King

On By TimIn Amos 07, Last DaysLeave a comment

This is what the Lord God showed me: He was forming a plague of locusts when the latter growth was beginning to sprout up, the latter growth after the king’s reaping.

Amos 7:1 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The particular translation I use for reading this verse is striking. There is something that I encountered there that I don’t think I had encountered before. In my notes on this, it connects the idea of locusts to a few verses that most likely come from something I heard from Chuck Missler. The two verses are these:

the locusts have no king,
yet they go forth all of them by bands;

Proverbs 30:27 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

They had as king over them the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in Greek his name is Apollyon.

Revelation 9:11 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The impetus for looking at it was reading Revelation 9. Verse 11 speaks of the demonic plague of locusts that will seize upon the unbelievers in the future. It’s poignant that Mr. Missler noted the juxtaposition of the proverb that locusts have no king and Revelation says these locusts had a king. It is that they are no ordinary locusts being described. Furthermore, the Amos 7 verse shows that a plague of locusts would be used by God in a yet further time, and it probably coincides with Revelation 9.

It is the particular way the MEV translates using reaping (singular) instead of other translations that use mowings (plural.)

The setting of using this at the beginning of the latter growth. Latter growth in this instance means those saints that will come to be saved in the tribulation. This would seem to ask suit the context of these texts in a way.

It’s the “after the king’s reaping.” That immediately came to me as a sort of hidden hint of the rapture. Of course, it is only conjecture. Nevertheless, the verse is fascinating.

I then looked at the verse in the Septuagint as I was promoted to do this by someone else. What is there proves tantalizing.

Thus the Lord God showed me and behold, the offspring of locusts is coming early, and behold, one locust is Agag, the king.

Amos 7:1 — The Lexham English Septuagint (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012)

It’s is a whole different idea… Yet connected by the locusts. The name of the king is Agag. Agag is also the same name as Gog.

I will let your imaginations run…

They Had no Knowledge Between Good and Evil

On By TimIn Children, Deuteronomy 01, InnocenceLeave a comment

Moreover, your little ones, who you said would be a prey, and your children, who in that day had no knowledge between good and evil, they shall go in, and to them will I give it, and they shall possess it.

Deuteronomy 1:39 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It amazes me. How often are questions posed about children and if these young ones go to heaven when they die or not. Perhaps you’ve not encountered these discussions. In certain fringe circles of Christianity, this is a debate that rages on.

Here, from God’s Word… He (God) is saying children have no knowledge of good and evil.

How many times do you celebrate with cheers of amen and clapping when someone says babies are born sinful?

My question is, how can someone who doesn’t have the knowledge of experiencing and alleviating calamity therefore sin?

Babies aren’t born sinners. You weren’t born a sinner.

What Seems to be Vengeance Becomes a Beautiful Picture of Redemption

On By TimIn Jesus, Numbers 35, RedemptionLeave a comment

So these things will be for a statute of judgment to you throughout your generations in all your dwelling places.

Numbers 35:29 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Moses by direction from God had just given established the idea of sanctuary cities. These are places where someone who accidentally kills another person can flee and escape vengeance.

When reading through this portion, it is quick to realize that the cities of refuge become a typification of our refuge in Jesus. It is a fascinating concept to study. Let’s leave that for another time.

After Moses declares the statute to the Israelites, there are other important concepts that must be understood.

The Bondage of Blood Vengeance

Whoever kills another person, the murderer will be put to death by the testimony of witnesses, but one witness will not testify against a person for death.

Numbers 35:30 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This establishes the idea of capital punishment. It would be easy to read past this and think nothing further. One who willfully murders must be killed. A closer examination also reveals how that is to happen. Multiple witnesses are required. Think about that.

The Bible tells us that the wages of sin are death. We know from the Gospel of John that by the time people can understand right and wrong, and the standard needed to be righteous… Each of us has already failed. We stand condemned to capital punishment.

We also know that there is a purpose for it. Every person has the same Redeemer.

For God has imprisoned them all in disobedience, so that He might be merciful to all.

Romans 11:32 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

As that is established and to avoid digression, let’s move forward.

There is tension just underneath the surface of the idea that multiple witnesses are necessary for a sentence of capital punishment to be imposed. If this is true for the murderer, it must be true for other instances of capital punishment. Deuteronomy 19:15 clearly establishes precedent. When we think of the judgment of God and the penalty of death for sins, who are the witnesses against us?

What I am thinking, is that this is a hint to the nature of God. Specifically, the idea of personhood in the Godhead. Informally, we use the word triune (or Trinity) to convey this idea.

Nevertheless, the requirement is for more than one witness to establish a matter. While that is an interesting bit of enlightenment, let’s move on and see if we can find any more information on the nature of God.

Ransom

And you will not take a ransom for the life of a murderer who is guilty of death, but he will surely be put to death.
You will not take a ransom for him who fled to the city of his refuge, that he should come out again to dwell in the land, until the death of the priest.

Numbers 35:31–32 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The Hebrew word translated into English ransom specifically infers the use of money. There would be no way to fix this with money. Cash payment cannot fix bloodshed.

As we will soon encounter, bloodshed has a much broader impact. It defiles the land. The murderer cannot be freed by an act of ransom, nor can the one who has caused another to die by accident escape by ransom.

That presents a unique conundrum, as we often speak of what Jesus did at Calvary as ransom or better redemption. The Bible uses those terms to describe it. Jesus even declared He would do just that, ransom many.

It shall not be so among you. Whoever would be great among you, let him serve you, and whoever would be first among you, let him be your slave, even as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

Matthew 20:26–28 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

In the midst of the text that speaks of vengeance for homicide and capital punishment for murder, we clearly see Jesus. In fact, He is woven intricately into this entire chapter in typologies. The Bible says the law is a schoolmaster to lead us to Jesus. Here, He is a sure Refuge for the person. He is the place (or city of) refuge from vengeance. He is the place to flee to escape the sword. We have respite until the death of the high priest. We know Jesus is the ultimate High Priest. We also know that He doesn’t die.

But what if one purposefully sins?

In this context, it’s the murderer. The murderer is cut-off by the testimony of more than one witness. In other words, the murderer has his blood shed in vengeance on the testimony of multiple witnesses. There is no ransom by money.

So you will not defile the land which you are in, because blood defiles the land, and the land cannot be cleansed of the blood that is shed in it, except by the blood of him that shed it. So do not defile the land which you are dwelling in, where I am residing, because I the Lord am residing among the children of Israel.

Numbers 35:33–34 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Since the very first murder, God declared the truth about death… Blood on the land cries out.

And then He said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood is crying out to Me from the ground.

Genesis 4:10 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The very creation itself demands justice!

Bloodshed defiles the land. The land cannot be cleansed except by the blood of the person who shed it. This stands true for both the willful and accidental shedding of blood.

This idea of redemption has to be much greater than just an application to an individual. It has to be much greater than applying it to the entire human race. The creation itself yearns to be redeemed.

For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but by the will of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the glorious freedom of the children of God.

Romans 8:20–21 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The Redemption of Creation.

So then, as the children share in flesh and blood, He likewise took part in these, so that through death He might destroy him who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver those who through fear of death were throughout their lives subject to bondage.

Hebrews 2:14–15 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Death was introduced into creation by one man. It came through insurrection, really. Nevertheless, it was introduced as something foreign.

This isn’t the idea of original sin or even spiritual death. Those ideas are over-simplifications that lead to gross error.

We also know that the bondage of death is something God placed all men under. And He came as a Kinsman… As a human… To shed His own blood to satisfy all of this at once. You and I are redeemed… Purchased… Ransomed not with money. We are rescued from bondage by His blood. This is true for the entirety of Adam’s race, also. (It doesn’t mean that everyone goes to heaven, though.)

But it was through this foreign enemy introduced into His perfect creation by insurrection. God would seize death and use it to deliver the entire creation from bonds. Though the enemy had the power of death and used the fear of it to enslave humanity. It is ultimately God Who placed all under that bondage of futility.

In essence, when a man dies the blood on the ground cries out!

Death is something forbidden in creation. It’s not permitted. Yet, it is here nevertheless. As the enemy uses it to place us in the bondage of fear, God uses it to vanquish the enemy. He has shed His own blood to free us (and the creation) from that nasty intrusion.

Truth reconciles.

It was God who prescribed the penalty for sin… Death. It’s not that death is a good thing. It is not. It is the very enemy. It is the sharpest tool in the enemy’s arsenal to subdue humanity. Yet, in all his craftiness, the nefarious one cannot out-maneuver God. God wrenched that tool from the grip of Satan. He used it to defeat the enemy.

I don’t think I can adequately explain all of the details to come to this conclusion, but I hope I have supplied enough to pique interest.

God alone has the power of life and death. The blood of humanity cries out for redemption. It pollutes creation. The only way to cleanse it is by vengeance on the one who shed the blood.

God steps in as the One Who ultimately is responsible for shedding the blood (placing all under the bondage of futility.) Not that He murders, as it is a just recompense. Nevertheless, the blood is shed. And it defiles the land. So God also steps in to shed His own blood to cleanse the land.

Bring Two Live Clean Birds

On By TimIn Jesus, Leviticus 14Leave a comment

Then the priest shall command that two live clean birds and cedar wood and scarlet fabric and hyssop be brought for him who is to be cleansed.

Leviticus 14:4 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Remember, this is not a ritual to perform that cleanses leprosy. It is one performed to show that one who had leprosy is now clean.

As in the previous post, there are important typologies presented. In this case, there is a similarity that will be echoed later in Leviticus involving Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement.) Two offerings are presented there, one died for the presence of God, and the other to carry away sins. We have a likeness with two clean birds.

Accompanying the birds were cedar, scarlet cloth, and hyssop. Perhaps this was used as an applicator for sprinkling. It could have had some medicinal properties, but I think that is precluded by the purpose of the rite. It could even be to foreshadow Jesus… As much as this does… Particularly the events at Calvary.

The priest shall command that one of the birds be slaughtered in a clay vessel over running water. As for the living bird, he shall take it, the cedar wood, the scarlet, and the hyssop, and shall dip them and the living bird in the blood of the bird that was killed over the running water.

Leviticus 14:5–6 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Just as on the Day of Atonement, one animal was sacrificed by killing it. The other by letting it go. This ritual introduces the idea. One dove was killed, representing the death of Jesus. The other let go, demonstrating His resurrection.

For the previously leprous person, the priest had these things brought out of the camp. These had to be brought to the individual. Just as Jesus would leave heaven to die on Earth and rise again.

That clay vessel is a typification of us. The running water typifies the life that the Spirit gives. It is a perfect representation of the condition of humanity, made of clay with the breath of life.

One bird is slaughtered in this vessel. Its blood would mingle with the water. We talk of putting things under the blood, but I don’t think many of us take this literal picture to mind. It is ourselves we put under the blood, too.

The living bird is then plunged into the vessel with the other three items. This is to unify them, to identify all of them with the blood offered.

Then he shall sprinkle it seven times on him who is to be cleansed from leprosy, and he shall pronounce him clean and shall let the living bird loose into the open field.

Leviticus 14:7 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

I think the sequence is important. The cedar, a symbol of incorruptibility is used as a handle, too which scarlet cloth is used to tie a just branch to it. The scarlet cloth represents faith and the hyssop purging. This is used to sprinkle the bloody water onto the already cleansed person. This unified the person to this law of the leper in his cleansing.

The live bird is then set free!

This elaborate rite is for the already clean person.

That clay vessel is forever altered by that blood and water. Parts of that would mingle with the earthenware and always remain with it. The bird that is set free is no longer hindered. The entire rite shows how a saved person is forever altered by the blood of Jesus. And just as Jesus rose again, is forever freed by His life.

The Priest Shall Go Out of the Camp

On By TimIn Jesus, Leviticus 14Leave a comment

The Lord spoke to Moses, saying:

Leviticus 14:1 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It was Moses who got a direct revelation from God. I ponder over that, especially in light of what follows in this part.

This shall be the law of the leper in the day of his cleansing: It shall be reported to the priest, and the priest shall go out of the camp, and the priest shall examine him and see if the disease is healed in the leprous person.

Leviticus 14:2–3 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Watch the types and shadows intertwined here. You will probably see more than addressed in this post. But let’s start with the first… Leprosy. It is a Biblical typification of sin. It would follow that a letter would typify all of us in our sin. A leper cleansed of leprosy would be representative of a sinner saved.

The next typology is the priest. And in some ways, his role points to Jesus in subtle ways. The first is factual. It is the priest who declared leprosy on the individual and created the exile. Think back to the garden where Adam sinned. He was expelled from God’s garden. (I could hope that we think together that God’s garden is where He lives and does business. That’s a simple way to think of something that is far greater in importance than just a garden.)

Much more of a representation is that the priest shall go out of the camp.

Remember, this isn’t a ritual to heal a leper. It is for the priest to declare that person cleansed. The priest had to travel outside of the camp… Or garden. He has to go to the place of exile. This is a foretelling of a necessary thing, God will leave His abode and come to the leper in exile.

The priest leaves his place and comes to the one healed of a disease that left him outside of society. This was the ritual to proclaim the leper cleansed and how such would repented society.

In one sense, the overt text is dealing with a person being declared clean. But just under the surface are hints to something far greater. The leper was ostracized by the priest. He was sent away from his family and people.

God is explaining His plan. He is going to undo the ill effects of what transpired in Eden. He will do it by coming to us.

We have the benefit of the New Testament writings. There are many that explain what lingers just inside the plain text. These show that God took on humanity, humbling Himself. This we can read for ourselves.

But those that didn’t have the benefit of the New Testament are given a veiled glimpse into the future. One that shows the panorama of history written in advance. And God will continue to intervene personally.

Why Three Times?

On By TimIn Exodus 23, ResurrectionLeave a comment

Three times in the year you must celebrate a feast to Me.
You shall observe the Feast of Unleavened Bread. For seven days you shall eat unleavened bread, as I commanded you, in the appointed time of the month Aviv, for in it you came out from Egypt.
No one shall appear before Me empty-handed.
You shall observe the Feast of Harvest, the first fruits of your labors, which you have sown in the field.
You shall observe the Feast of Ingathering at the end of the year, when you have gathered in the fruit of your labors from the field.
Three times in the year all your males shall appear before the Lord God.

Exodus 23:14–17 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

God commands three feasts when Jewish men are to be gathered and appear before the Lord.

The first two are Unleavened Bread and First Fruits. The third is the last feast… Ingathering is also known as Tabernacles.

In the Seven Feast calendar given in the Law, the first are two of the three spring feasts. Tabernacles is the last feast on the calendar and the last of the three fall feasts.

Jesus fulfilled the three spring feasts during His first advent on Earth. I am one that believes Pentecost, the center feast to not yet be complete. There is a duality intertwined within this feast and one that uses leavened bread.

It intrigues me that Jewish men are absent from the next three feasts, Pentecost, Trumpets, and Atonement. Jewish men are called to appear before the Lord on that last feast.

That last feast is ultimately fulfilled by Jesus on His second advent when the earth is as it was created to be. The barns and storehouses are full, and Jesus reigns with men… The ingathering and tabernacles.

Could all of this be a hint of the non-Jewish church age?

Do This in Remembrance of Me

On By TimIn 1 Corinthians 11, Lord's SupperLeave a comment

I have received of the Lord that which I delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus, on the night in which He was betrayed, took bread. When He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take and eat. This is My body which is broken for you. Do this in remembrance of Me.” In the same manner He took the cup after He had supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” As often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.

1 Corinthians 11:23–26 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

As often as this is done, it is always a reminder of our own betrayal of Him, and His yearning to have fellowship with us in spite of that.

Thump’m with Bible?

On By TimIn Encouragement, Eternal Security, Matthew 07Leave a comment

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven. Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonderful works in Your name?’ But then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you. Depart from Me, you who practice evil.’

Matthew 7:21–23 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This passage is often cited. It is often used to scare folks, or as I like to put it, ‘thump’m with Bible.’ Most often, this is used in conjunction with those who claim some obedience, endurance, or perseverance to keep salvation.

Some even use this to point out that people that are truly saved can lose their salvation. It’s an often-used text to prove that. However, that simply cannot be true. Jesus clearly states, “I never knew you.” That statement excludes Him knowing someone as saved and them walking away from it. It cannot happen.

If you don’t understand… A saved person cannot lose salvation. It is testified to right there.

There is another sobering truth presented here. This passage is clearly about people that never came to Jesus in faith, but they do come to Him to show their works. These folks cling to their shiny trinkets, the prophesying, casting out demons, and the good things they did. It’s as if they are trying to trade or buy their way into the kingdom.

Jesus says that doesn’t work, “I never knew you.”

But… Do you understand what else is in that “good works?”

Depending upon your obedience to get to heaven is a good work. As is enduring and persevering in the midst of trials and persecution. Even depending on these things to keep being saved sets aside the work of Jesus.

What counts is the personal relationship with Jesus. He needs to know you. And you need to know Him.

As You have given Him authority over all flesh, He will give eternal life to all whom You have given Him. This is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent.

John 17:2–3 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

There is no other Way to heaven, but by resting in Him. It’s not working. It’s not doing good things. It’s not persevering.

You need to know Jesus so He knows you.