Tag: Jesus

The Debt, and the Perfect Satisfaction

On By TimIn Genesis 03, SinLeave a comment

Way back at the beginning, we have the short account of Adam and Eve. God made both of them and placed them in His garden to tend it. They were welcome to eat of every tree in the garden save one, the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.

As the account goes, the woman is beguiled and deceived and eats. She gives to Adam and he eats. It’s that action that is the source of suffering in this world.

We pick up the account here…

Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. So they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.

Genesis 3:7 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Something immediately changed. Though it’s not explicit in the text, they lost a covering they had before. That will be for you to explore.

Then they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. The Lord God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?”

Genesis 3:8–9 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

I love when God asks a question. He’s not looking for information. The question is intended to get to the root of the problem.

He said, “ I heard Your voice in the garden and was afraid because I was naked, so I hid myself.”
And He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?”

Genesis 3:10–11 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Adam answers with a confession. God follows up with two other questions.

The man said, “The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate.”

Genesis 3:12 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Adam again confesses what he did. There are those that read it only as a sort of blaming… I used to think the same way. Now I view it as a confession of the truth. One that comes encumbered with the knowledge of suffering and how to alleviate it. Adam transferred the attention from him to Eve.

God then asks Eve a question. She answers.

Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What have you done?”
And the woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”

Genesis 3:13 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It’s that answer that needs examination.

The word deceived is the Hebrew word nasha which means to cheat, to deceive. To dig beyond the text, we need a Hebrew lexicon. In examining the word, there is another identical word with a different meaning. That word nasha means to lend on interest or to credit someone.

If we look at it that way, Eve became a debtor at interest. The Bible has another word for that kind of transaction… Usury. The English word comes from a Latin root that means to use. It makes sense.

Eve was in a debt only satisfied by death. As long as she lived, she was a debtor to her sin. And she was used to getting to Adam and placing him in the same predicament.. Both became indebted to sin.

Think about debt and how it enslaves. Our whole modern existence is based on debt. But that is an advanced topic for another post.

The Perfect Satisfaction

Of course, we reap what we sow, and it was no different for Adam and Eve. They were expelled from the garden. But God left a hint in the curse to the deceiver.

I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he will bruise your head, and you will bruise his heel.”

Genesis 3:15 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The pronouns are important, and for our purposes, I only point out that the woman’s Seed is a singular He… Not her, not they.

That He is Jesus.

His whole life was purposed for one thing. To satisfy the creditor. That happened at the cross. It is John who tells us clearly what happened at the moment Jesus died.

After this, Jesus, knowing that everything was now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, “I thirst.” A bowl full of sour wine was placed there. So they put a sponge full of sour wine on hyssop and held it to His mouth. When Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished.” And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.

John 19:28–30 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

There is a Greek word that appears here two times. It is tetelestai. In the above text, the first usage is translated as accomplished. The second by Jesus… Translated to “It is finished.”

Yes, tetelestai means those things. But there is an expanded idea. In the times the New Testament was written, the word tetelestai was written on business receipts to show they were paid in full.

When Jesus cried “tetelestai!” It signaled that the debt had been completed and satisfied.

Because Eve was the way to Adam. Adam ate, enslaving himself to sin that only death could satisfy. The enemy’s hope was that God would exact justice and humans would be gone. Yet, there was a reprieve of justice… A reprieve from the last Adam, Jesus.

Jesus is the Perfect Satisfaction of the debt of death incurred by every single sin that humans do.

When the enemy tries to shame you and hold the claim you to sin… Tell him “Paid in full by Jesus.”

Sarah Laughs to Herself

On By TimIn Genesis 18, GraceLeave a comment

They said to him, “Where is Sarah your wife?”
And he said, “There, in the tent.”
One of them said, “I will certainly return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son.”
And Sarah heard it in the tent door, which was behind him.

Genesis 18:9–10 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

I assume some of you may be familiar with this account of God visiting Abraham. Three men (the they) come to Abraham where he had pitched his tent near the Oaks of Mamre. He makes them a meal and they eat. It is at this point that we get an indicator as to the identity of One of those.

The group asked after Sarah. But One of those made a promise to come a year later with the intent to fulfill the promise of God. God Himself made a promise to Abraham and Sarah they would have a child. And by the personal pronouns, we now know that One of these me is God.

As was the custom of the time, women remained unseen and Sarah was in the tent. She overheard the conversation.

Now Abraham and Sarah were old and very advanced in age, and Sarah was well past childbearing. Therefore Sarah laughed to herself, saying, “After I am so old and my lord is old also, shall I have pleasure?”

Genesis 18:11–12 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Sarah has a moment of surprise, she laughs at what God said to Abraham. This is similar to Abraham’s reaction upon hearing the same promise from God that he and Sarah would have a son.

As Abraham was challenged to stretch his faith, the promise came as God changed Sarah’s name. God was showing Abraham her importance in that promise.

Now Sarah had the same surprise. She too now heard the promise from God Himself. Sequestered away from the men, she heard for herself that she is an important part of God’s plan. Yet there is an intriguing difference in the responses each gave. Can you discern what it is?

Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed and said in his heart, “Shall a child be born to a man that is a hundred years old? Shall Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear a child?”

Genesis 17:17 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Abraham laughed out loud but spoke his surprise silently. Sarah laughed to herself, saying, “After I am so old and my lord is old also, shall I have pleasure?”

The different reactions teach us about God.

Then the Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Shall I surely bear a child when I am old?’ Is anything too difficult for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, at this time next year, and Sarah will have a son.”

Genesis 18:13–14 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

God heard her secret laughter. Could there have been a bit of disbelief?

Perhaps, but God asks Abraham why she laughed. God then says is anything too difficult for Him?

It was her turn to exercise her faith. Now, the account turns a bit.

Then Sarah denied it, saying, “I did not laugh,” because she was afraid.
But He said, “Yes, you did laugh.”

Genesis 18:15 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Sarah denied the truth and spoke a lie right back to God. Who could do such a thing and live?

Sarah did. God corrected her.

It is an awkward turn, Sarah sins before God and lives to tell about it. God does correct her. But what is not recorded here is any confession of Sarah for the wrongdoing.

This is an important concept. Eve confessed her sin to God. Adam confessed his. Even Hagar confessed hers as she was met by God.

I think the grace of God is pictured here. The very grace that Jesus extends to all. I mean all humans by His death on the cross. It’s the fact that the penalty for sin has just satisfaction.

It’s like God silently says to Sarah, I know what you did. You are free to go.

It is in that exchange that points straight to Jesus. This is the same loving God we k ow from the New Testament. He has not ever changed. Jesus is not God 2.0.

The Parable of the Sower

On By TimIn Apostasy, Luke 08Leave a comment

When a large crowd had gathered together and people were coming to Him from every city, He told this parable: “A sower went out to sow his seed. As he sowed, some fell along the path and was trampled down, and the birds of the air devoured it. Some fell on a rock. And as soon as it sprang up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture. Yet some fell among thorns. And the thorns sprang up with it and choked it. And other seed fell on good ground and sprang up and yielded a hundred times the amount sown.”

Luke 8:4–8 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

I love the parables Jesus taught. The depths of meaning converted in a simple story, often are misunderstood. This is one example. Jesus explained the parable in detail… Even so, it is misunderstood.

Here is Jesus explaining the parable:

“Now the parable means this: The seed is the word of God. Those along the path are those who hear. Then comes the devil, who takes away the word from their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.

Luke 8:11–12 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

I am going to stop here. This is the natural dividing line in the parable. In this part, salvation is mentioned. It is mentioned to be employed as a contrasting point. These folks hear, but the seed is never planted. Clearly, these are unsaved folk.

Now that the division is established, let’s move on.

Those on the rock are the ones who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root, for they believe for a while, then in the time of temptation fall away. That which fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with the cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to maturity. But the seed on the good ground are those who, having heard the word, keep it in an honest and good heart and bear fruit with patience.

Luke 8:13–15 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

In the former explanation, the seed never was planted in the hearts of those who heard it. That is the person didn’t believe what he heard. Which means those are not saved. It follows that those who did hear received the seed (believed) and were saved.

These next groups are those who received the seed. These three groups are those who heard and believed. These are saved people. They receive the seed with joy.

The first group falls away. They apostatize. That English word comes from the underlying Greek word translated to fall away. The root of that word are where the English word apostatize has origins.

What does that mean?

Let’s see if we can glean some understanding of what apostasy means by examining the rest of the text of the parable.

The second group received the seed. It took root but was stunted by other cares. The end result of such is given, these bring no fruit to maturity. Jesus doesn’t say these lost or didn’t have salvation.

The next group received the seed, nurtured it, and through patience bore fruit.

To conclude, in this trio who received the seed and believed, we see various stages of fruit production from the seed planted. The first has no root and obviously bore no fruit. The second bore some fruit but it never matured. The last bore good fruit.

Apostasy doesn’t mean people lose salvation at all. It means they fell away from being fruitful and useful to God. They didn’t fall away from being saved.

Atonement for All

On By TimIn Atonement, Romans 03Leave a comment

Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

Romans 3:19–20 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The purpose of the law is to expose the futility of the bondage every human is in. It shows us sin.

But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

Romans 3:21–22 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Whether a believer or not, Israeli or not… There is no difference. All fall short of the mark of perfect righteousness. Yet righteousness comes by faith.

But it can only come because there is a respite from punishment… A period of justification to all, that the penalty of sin isn’t levied in a just manner. The penalty of death is satisfied by Another.

This means universally, every human is free to go after they sin. That’s exactly what Jesus did at the cross. It’s the proverbial golden ticket.

What people do with that freedom is exactly where the hinge of eternity pivots. Some believe and by that faith and are saved. Others do not and die in their sin.

But all of Adam’s race who are alive on earth are under the respite of punishment.

Don’t die in your sin.

Redemption is for All Adam’s Race

On By TimIn Justification, Romans 03Leave a comment

Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced, and all the world may become accountable to God. Therefore 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 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

What Paul is writing is that the purpose of the law is to expose the futility of the bondage every human is in. That bondage is sinning unto death. Romans 3 shows us our bondage and silences any objection we might have. We all know that we have missed the mark of perfection.

Even by keeping the law for the rest of our lives, it cannot make up for past offenses. What the law shows us is that barring intervention, we are doomed.

But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets. This righteousness of God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all and upon all who believe, for there is no distinction.

Romans 3:21–22 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The law doesn’t show us the righteousness of God. That is revealed apart from the law. Though the law is a witness to the righteousness of God, along with the prophets. It didn’t reveal the righteousness of God.

What is the righteousness of God?

Paul says it comes to all through faith and is upon all who believe. There is a very subtle distinction here. Though the righteousness of God comes to all it is not upon all. It is only upon those who by faith… Believe. Yes, it sounds redundant. It’s an important point.

For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,

Romans 3:23–24 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Whether a believer or not, Israeli or not, atheist, Buddhist or whatever… There is no difference. All fall short of the mark of righteousness. The righteousness that is revealed to all. Yet every single one of those that have sinned and fallen short is being justified freely right now. That justification comes in Jesus Christ.

What it means is that if you’re breathing and reading this, it’s because of Jesus. That is especially true if you are painfully aware of your personal imperfections.

This is a respite from punishment. Some call it a delay. God calls it a day of salvation. Without the stay of execution, no human could live long enough to escape death and the condemnation that comes with it.

This grace comes to all. That is the righteousness of God revealed. It’s been revealed since the garden when Adam sinned.

Paul will tell you why.

whom God has set forth to be a propitiation through faith, in His blood, for a demonstration of His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins previously committed,

Romans 3:25 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

God set forth Jesus as a propitiation. That’s a big word. What it means is God’s wrath is set aside. It is set aside for everyone. God is ready to forgive!

That’s the demonstration of His righteousness. Because He passed over sins previously committed. He passed over Adam’s. He passed over David’s. He passed over mine. He passed over yours.

All of that is to give time for repentance. That’s the important point we spoke of before. There is a delay. If there wasn’t, each of us would die in our sins. We would not have any time to repent and seek remission of sins.

to prove His righteousness at this present time so that He might be just and be the justifier of him who has faith in Jesus.

Romans 3:26 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Universally, every human is free to go after sinning. That’s the cross. That’s the proof of His righteousness. He doesn’t wink at sin. Every sin has received a just punishment… At the cross.

Jesus says the problem is dying in sins. Sure, the penalty is removed, yet the sin is not. That’s the condemnation. Sin can only be removed by confession.

God is both just, saying to all who’ve sinned, you’re free to go. What each of us does with that freedom is exactly where the hinge of eternity pivots. Some believe the truth, and by faith confess that and their sin, and they are saved. Others do not and die IN their sin.

Don’t be like the latter.

The Efficient Work of the Cross

On By TimIn Redemption, Romans 03Leave a comment

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

Romans 3:23–24

I am certain the former verse has been cited to everyone reading. It is used to demonstrate that everyone has failed to make the mark God has set. For those of us in the church, we say all are sinners.

It is one of the most disheartening things to encounter, by the time we understand clearly, we know the reality that each of us has already missed the mark set by God. Yet that is the truth being declared.

In the wake of what appears to be stultifying judgment comes the next thought. The same folks that have already fallen short… Are being justified freely. Meaning, that they are treated as if the offense didn’t happen. (It doesn’t mean that the offense did not happen, just that the penalty for the offense is delayed.

What is being offered here is clear. Jesus died sufficiently and efficiently for those that have fallen short. That’s what He did at the cross. That freedom comes to all, believers or not.

But… There’s always a but… What Jesus did at the cross isn’t about eternity. It’s about physical existence now… When you decide your eternity.

The cross alone gets nobody to heaven. It provides a “day of salvation.” That is, time to consider reality and repent. Repent means to change direction.

When confronted with the fact that Jesus died for your own shortcomings, what do you do?

You could ignore it, shun it, mock it, or whatever. Clearly, you have that freedom. Freedom came at a great cost to Jesus.

Or you could use that delay as a time to change your mind. You could believe that what He did is for you. (And it is because you’re alive right now reading this.) You could confess it aloud to Jesus. Then confess your sins to Him, and receive the gift of eternal life.

It’s clear from the context that Jesus did indeed die efficiently for all, believer and unbeliever alike. But what will you do with the freedom Jesus gave you?

The Covenant You Shall Keep

On By TimIn Genesis 17, Israel2 Comments

Then God said to Abraham, “As for you, you shall keep My covenant, you and your descendants after you throughout their generations. This is My covenant, which you shall keep, between Me and you and your descendants after you; every male among you shall be circumcised. You shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between Me and you. Every male throughout every generation that is eight days old shall be circumcised, whether born in your household or bought with money from a foreigner who is not your descendant. He who is born in your house and he who is bought with your money must be circumcised. My covenant shall be in your flesh as an everlasting covenant.

Genesis 17:9–13 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Sometimes things are too important to just glide over. This is one of those things.

In all of what God said before to Abraham of His covenant, God alone took complete responsibility for keeping it. Up until now, nothing was given to Abraham to do.

Abraham’s part in this covenant is to bear the sign of the covenant, circumcision. It is not that the Israelis keep or perform the covenant, or even that the covenant is conditioned on anything that they do or don’t. They make the sign of the covenant. This means circumcision points to God keeping His Word, just as the rainbow pointed to God keeping His covenant with Noah.

God said that this was for Abraham and his descendants throughout their generations. Like God making an everlasting covenant, one He intended to keep… Abraham’s portion was also eternal. It would be this way throughout the generations of Israelis until ultimately coming to the Descendant who would be named Jesus.

Jesus was circumcised.

When eight days had passed and the Child was circumcised, He was named JESUS, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.

Luke 2:21 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Here is how my mind works: Jesus bears this particular mark eternally. Just as He bears the other marks received in His flesh as a sign of God keeping His word. This one is no different.

I can imagine what the thoughts are. Israelis didn’t parade the sign publicly. The sign was covered.

This is an eternal covenant for Abraham and his descendants to keep. What is mind-boggling is that this covenant is all God. Meaning all of the responsibility is His to keep, even Abraham’s.

If this was part of a condition to the covenant that Abraham had to fulfill (I don’t think it was,) it is ultimately completed forever by Jesus! Yet it is never presented as conditional. God gives multitudes as descendants and the land of Canaan. Think about that. Jesus is the end of the law, not that it ever went away. But it is complete forever in Him!

By tradition, some church teachings liken infant baptism as an extension or allegory to circumcision. I don’t think it applies that way. Baptism is like circumcision in a wholly different way.

Self-professed believers are plunged underwater, buried beneath it signifying death. They are suddenly pulled up from it pointing right to the resurrection. Believers will be resurrected by the promise of God. They are pointing their own faith to and in a God Who keeps His own covenant promises. Baptism is a sign pointing to a promise from God.

Abraham didn’t have to wait on God in order to believe and trust God to keep His word. In the same way, Abraham didn’t have to fear not continually keeping a condition for God to keep His promises.

And neither do you.

Before the Beginning of Sorrows

On By TimIn Last Days, Matthew 24Leave a comment

Jesus answered them, “Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled. For all these things must happen, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines, epidemics, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.

Matthew 24:4–8 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

We are just about at the point of mass deception on this timeline. That would be before the beginning. Jesus did give this intel in a private briefing to a few of His disciples. They wanted to know what signs would come with the end of the age.

The deception we experience today isn’t even what comes in the “beginning of sorrows.”

Make no mistake, the governments of the world are aligning in unity quickly. They are already practicing the precursors and cover stories to obfuscate the things Jesus said.

  • Deception.
  • Wars. Rumors of wars.
  • Nation against nation and kingdom against kingdom.
  • Famine.
  • Epidemics.
  • Earthquakes.

Each of these is actively propagandized, even in the United States. Pay attention to what is happening.

UAPs (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena formerly known as UFOs) will bring the new Jesus. These will bring our so-called space brothers. The story will be that the massive disappearance of people happened because they are not fit for the next evolution of humanity. These are removed by the brothers who seeded life on the earth.

The mass movement of troops isn’t preparation for war. Outfitting neighborhood police departments with military-grade gear isn’t normal.

Need I say Ukraine… anyone?

Look at the empty shelves at the grocery store. There are things that are periodically hard to find. Food supply lines are being disrupted. That is usually the cause of most famine in our world. People are starved not because there is no food. It is purposefully kept from them.

CV-19 introduced us to the age of the pandemic. That certainly guarantees that more pandemics will not be unexpected.

Did you know earthquake data from the US often doesn’t match location and intensity as other governments’ sources? This link is old but explains the problem.

We aren’t even at the beginning of sorrows.

At the risk of TL;DR… That is possible to be to your own detriment.

The point of the beginning of sorrows will be marked by a mass disappearance of a lot of people. Christians call this the rapture. The powers-that-be already have a cover story prepared. You have been groomed to accept it as true by popular movies, TV, fiction, and music. Falling for it may very well be the impetus that seals the fate of those caught up in it. What I mean is that most people are not going to think any of this suspicious and will dutifully go along with the story they are told.

Jesus is coming.

He is coming to judge the world. The judgment will come after the wrath of God is poured out on the world that is ambivalent toward Him. Even before all of that, Jesus is coming to whisk His own church away.

In a harmonized account of the briefing, Jesus drops a hint about this at the end of what He says.

When these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, for your redemption is drawing near.”

Luke 21:28 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

When we go up, they will come down.

There is still time for you. You can repent (change your mind) and believe Jesus. Believe that He rose again to save you. Confess your sins.

You don’t have to obey the Ten Commandments, be a good person, give to the poor, or do any other things… Save believe Jesus died and rose again for you as He is your only way to God.

Of course, if you’re just gonna wait it out, I’d say good luck. But there is no such thing. You could listen to a favorite band… And a cool song. But, really… Trust Jesus.

The Transitory Nature of the Old Covenant, Sin and an Angry God

On By TimIn 2 Corinthians 03, SinLeave a comment

We have such trust through Christ toward God, not that we are sufficient in ourselves to take credit for anything of ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God, who has made us able ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

2 Corinthians 3:4–6 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

In his lengthy introduction to writing this letter, Paul explains why he didn’t visit Corinth as planned. This letter also serves as a lengthy defense of his ministry as an apostle of Jesus Christ. He points to God as enough to show his own commendation because of the Spirit of God working in the people to whom Paul ministers.

This is a contrast between what is written by hand and what is written by Spirit. The background is itinerant ministers were accompanied by written letters of recommendation from those in authority. The apostles in Jerusalem sent Paul to Antioch with a written letter (Acts 15:22–31.) The church at Corinth is a recommendation letter written by the Spirit of God.

The difference between physical writing that will fade away, and the work of the Spirit that doesn’t.

If the ministry that brought death, written and engraved on stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not look intently at the face of Moses because of the glory of his countenance, the glory which was to fade away, how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious?

2 Corinthians 3:7–8 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Paul uses that idea to teach a greater truth. The ministry that brought death is the giving of the law. It is not that it wasn’t good. It had the purpose to bring bondage. Bondage of countless sacrifices day and night. It was a ministry of death. One that clearly demonstrated that sin brings a penalty of death. The reminder was constant. Sin brings death. That is the ministry of condemnation.

That ministry was delivered with glory. Glory was clearly reflected in the face of Moses as he brought the tablets of stone down to the people.

When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of testimony in the hands of Moses, when he came down from the mountain, Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone while he talked with Him. So when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, amazingly, the skin of his face shone, and they were afraid to come near him.

Exodus 34:29–30 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Even the reflection of the glory of God was enough to remind the Israelites of that terrifying meeting with God at Sinai (Exodus 19:16–19; 20:18–21.)

At this point, reflecting on why the people were terrified is good. Even before the ministry of the law that brought condemnation, the people understood their condition in the presence of the holiness of God. The idea of holiness is separation. The people knew inherently that there was a problem. The giving of the law would draw that problem into clarity. It would also point directly to the Solution to that problem.

Is the law then contrary to the promises of God? God forbid! For if there had been a law given which could have given life, righteousness would indeed come through the law. But the Scripture has confined all things under sin, that the promise through faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.

But before faith came, we were imprisoned under the law, kept for the faith which was later to be revealed. So the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.

Galatians 3:21–25 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The Old Covenant was Transitory

The ministry of the law was to fade away just as the glory of God reflected in Paul’s face would diminish. In a greater sense, the enslavement of sin was to be obliterated.

For if the ministry of condemnation is glorious, the ministry of righteousness much more exceeds it in glory. Even that which was made glorious had no glory in comparison to the glory that excels. For if that which fades was glorious, that which remains is much more glorious.

2 Corinthians 3:9–11 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

For us to contemplate that condemnation could be glorious might present itself as an oxymoron. Yet we now know that the purpose of that ministry contained a scarlet thread that brings us to the cross. The cross was the definitive point of the end of the law. The resurrection is the permanent victory over death. That is the glory that excels.

Seeing then that we have such hope, we speak with great boldness, not as Moses, who put a veil over his face, so that the children of Israel could not look intently at the end of what was fading away.

2 Corinthians 3:12–13 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

In contrast to the veil Moses placed over the glory to conceal its fading nature, we Christians speak with boldness. The new covenant doesn’t fade away. Its permanence is the impetus to share it.

Instead, their minds were blinded. For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the reading of the old covenant, the veil which was done away with in Christ. But even to this day, when Moses is read, the veil is in their hearts.

2 Corinthians 3:14–15 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Their minds were blinded in the same way that the veil Moses put on concealed the glory of God reflected in his face. The transitory nature of the law would be hidden from the Israelites. The same veil remains, not because it was already done away with by the work of Jesus. It remains because of the hardness of the heart.

Who is to blame?

Hear this now, O foolish people and without understanding, who have eyes but do not see, who have ears but do not hear.
Do you not fear Me? says the Lord. Will you not tremble at My presence? For I have placed the sand for the boundary of the sea by a perpetual decree so that it cannot pass over it. And though the waves toss themselves, yet they cannot prevail; though they roar, yet they cannot pass over it. But this people has a revolting and a rebellious heart; they have revolted and gone aside. They do not say in their heart, “Let us now fear the Lord our God, who gives rain, both the former and the latter, in its season. He reserves for us the appointed weeks of the harvest.” Your iniquities have turned away these things, and your sins have withheld good things from you.

Jeremiah 5:21–25 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The veil remains because of the hardness of the heart. A hardness that begins in one’s own mind, but like Pharaoh can remain because God removes His influences.

Clearly, it is our sin that hardens.

We see that in the reaction of the Israelites to God coming down on Mount Sinai. They didn’t need the law to know their sinfulness. Being in the presence of a righteous God was terrifying.

The law was to showcase the problem and point to the solution. It became a point of national pride that eventually hid sin. Which in due course, suppresses the knowledge of God (Romans 1:21.)

There is a Problem and a Solution.

Nevertheless when anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is removed.

2 Corinthians 3:16 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This is the fulcrum that the matter teeters on… The individual will. Since the bondage of sin no longer remains, a choice is available.

Any of us can approach the Word of God. We can read it, and maybe get some good points for living, just like reading any self-help book. That’s the veil.

Some read it and seem to stumble at the presentation of the angry God of the Old Testament. He is contrasted with a loving Jesus. It’s as if the two ideas become a contradiction. That’s the veil.

Some read it and just don’t get it. That’s the veil.

Turn to the Lord. That is exactly what repentance is. It is turning to the Lord. It is not trusting in your own intellect to understand, but turning to Him. It’s like saying “God I believe, help my unbelief.” That is the beginning. That is the pint of salvation.

For the belief, it is a constant reminder to change our minds toward God for understanding.

I will tell you personally, that the God of the Old Testament is just as loving as Jesus. As the law was to point out an obvious problem. Its ultimate purpose was to usher folks to Jesus, that is to have them turn to the Lord.

Glorious Liberty

Now the Lord is the Spirit. And where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

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

There is no truer liberty than to be free of the bondage of death that comes with sin.

It is true for the individual. It is also true in a collective sense. There are no more bloody sacrifices needed. No daily ministrations of a priestly class that never rested because of the pervasiveness of sin, whether that sin was individual or collective… Intentional or not. The priests worked day and night. Fires burned with the stench of death. Until Jesus came… And as Priest, He sat down.

But every priest stands daily ministering and repetitively offering the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God.

Hebrews 10:11–12 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The work of the law is finished. Its ministry has faded away. What is permanent remains. Jesus rested as the work of redemption is done. The purchase price is satisfied.

But we all, seeing the glory of the Lord with unveiled faces, as in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory by the Spirit of the Lord.

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

For us believers, we can look to the Lord with unveiled faces. Faces that reflect His glory. We Spirit-baptized believers are being transformed into the same image of Jesus. From His glory, we are given glory.

No. That last line is not a mistake.

I will trace this backward for you to draw on the Spirit to understand the greatest privilege extended to us by the God of the Old Testament.

“I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word, that they may all be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You. May they also be one in Us, that the world may believe that You have sent Me. I have given them the glory which You gave Me, that they may be one even as We are one: I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfect in unity, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.

John 17:20–23 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Jesus prays for you to have the same glory He has received from the Father.

And now, O Father, glorify Me in Your own presence with the glory which I had with You before the world existed.

John 17:5 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It’s the same glory Jesus had from eternity past.

For My own sake, even for My own sake, I will do it; for how can My name be polluted?
And I will not give My glory to another.

Isaiah 48:11 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Keep looking up.

The Warning Shot

On By TimIn Matthew 16, Spiritual Warfare2 Comments

When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?”

Matthew 16:13 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Jesus came to Caesarea Philippi with His disciples. This passage of text is important for many, yet it is not without controversy. Like much of what we find in the Bible, there is far more that is unwritten than we might take care to discover.

The Temple of Pan. Creative Commons image.

Mount Hermon

Caesarea Phillippi was home to the Temple of Pan. It is called the Temple of Banias today, Arabic for the Temple of Panias. (In Arabic there is no letter P.) This temple is part of Mount Hermon, legendary as the place where angels came down seeking different flesh.

I know that might be unsettling to some, but there are additional resources to help understand. Genesis 6 is the first mention and like the text above… There is much context that the writer assumes is understood by the intended audience. Much of that context has been explained away over centuries of time. Suffice it to say, angels came down and took wives.

When men began to multiply on the face of the earth and daughters were born to them, the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were fair and took as wives any they chose. The LORD said, “My Spirit will not always strive with man, for he is flesh; yet his days will be a hundred and twenty years.” The Nephilim were on the earth in those days, and also after that, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of men, and they bore children to them. These were the mighty men who were of old, men of renown.

Genesis 6:1–4 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Likewise, the angels who did not keep to their first domain, but forsook their own dwelling, He has kept in everlasting chains under darkness for the judgment of the great day. Just as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the surrounding cities in like manner, gave themselves to immorality and went after different flesh, they serve as an example by suffering the punishment of eternal fire.

Jude 6–7 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It is for this reason, that Mount Hermon is the mountain of the gods (As a title, it ought to be capitalized, but I want to emphasize these are the little ‘g’ type gods.) It is the sides of the north (Isaiah 14:13.) It is the base of operation for the enemy. One that goes by many names and has many minions.

The Warning Shot

They said, “Some say that You are John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”

Matthew 16:14 (MEV) — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

His disciples answered Him. Jesus wasn’t surprised at their answer. He then addressed them personally.

He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”

Matthew 16:15 (MEV) — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

That is the question. Metaphorically, it is a question we must all answer as eternity for each of us hangs on it. Who do you say that I am?

Peter steps up.

Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Matthew 16:16 (MEV) — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

There it is. That is the warning shot lobbed into enemy territory from inside enemy territory.

Peter states Jesus’ identity out loud.

Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

Matthew 16:17–19 (MEV) — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This isn’t about Peter being given a mission. It’s not about Peter starting a church. This isn’t a Catholic thing. Peter wasn’t the only one given the keys to the kingdom. Neither was it the Roman Catholic church. It was to the body of Spirit-baptized believers.

This is Jesus saying in the midst of enemy territory… “I am here. Come and get a piece of Me!” Jesus is picking a fight, and proclaiming that He wins!

Jesus will build His church on the truth that He is indeed the Son of God. He is the Anointed One. He is the Seed of the woman prophesied in Genesis 3:15. This seemingly frail Human is vulnerable, yet the gates of Hell will not prevail in this fight.

The Offensive

The body of Christ is not on the defensive side here. The gates of Hell will not prevail. Gates are primarily a defensive fortification.

Then He commanded His disciples to tell no one that He was Jesus the Christ.

Matthew 16:20 (MEV) — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Instructions were given to not share this information. But it is from this moment that Jesus began to teach His disciples that He must suffer, be killed, and then raised up again.

The enemy took the best shot they had. Jesus did go to Jerusalem. Jesus suffered much, He died. He rose again. He told them they emphatically would not prevail, and they tried their best. And failed.

Do not ever forget, that in Jesus we all have the high ground. We Spirit-baptized believers are already victorious. The enemy and his minions have no rightful claim on any of His. They are terrified at the name of Jesus.

I will leave you with these words from Paul.

As you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, and abounding with thanksgiving.
Beware lest anyone captivate you through philosophy and vain deceit, in the tradition of men and the elementary principles of the world, and not after Christ. For in Him lives all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. And you are complete in Him, who is the head of all authority and power. In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, buried with Him in baptism, in which also you were raised with Him through the faith of the power of God, who has raised Him from the dead.
And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has resurrected together with Him, having forgiven you all sins. He blotted out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us and contrary to us, and He took it out of the way, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed authorities and powers, He made a show of them openly, triumphing over them by the cross. Therefore let no one judge you regarding food, or drink, or in respect of a holy day or new moon or sabbath days. These are shadows of things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. Do not let anyone cheat you of your reward by delighting in false humility and the worship of angels, dwelling on those things which he has not seen, vainly arrogant due to his unspiritual mind, and not supporting the head, from which the entire body, nourished and knit together by joints and sinews, grows as God gives the increase.

Colossians 2:6–19 (MEV) — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)