Tag: Salvation

When You Do What Jesus Wills

On By TimIn Faith, Mark 06Leave a comment

Immediately He compelled His disciples to get into the boat and to go before Him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while He sent the crowd away. When He had sent them away, He departed to a mountain to pray.

Mark 6:45–46

Most people are familiar with this passage. It is one of the accounts of when Jesus walks on the water. As always, there is far more here than just Jesus walking on the water.

For context, Jesus has just finished feeding the 5,000 in the wilderness. He took a humble lunch and made a feast for all there. When finished, the fragments left over filled twelve baskets.

This multitude is being drawn to Jesus. Because they were following Him into the wilderness, there was no place for so many people to lodge. From the synoptic Gospel accounts, we know there was another compelling reason for what Jesus did next. But that’s for the reader to dig out. He put His disciples in the boat, probably the same boat they took to the remote place. Jesus also sent the multitude away. Then He went away alone, to pray.

The idea from the text is that the disciples were going ahead to Bethsaida. The plan was for them to meet Jesus there. With the synoptic accounts there is some controversy of the exact origin of the trip and the eventual destiny. Delving into that is for another post.

With all of that, keep in mind that the Sea of Galilee is about 13 miles at its widest, and this trip is probably not even half that distance. It is also important to notice that this all occurred toward the late afternoon. Why would Jesus send them on the lake to cross in darkness?

I think that the trip is much shorter than our modern minds envision. This is a lake of some size, but the boat trip should not have taken that long. I would think they would need lodging for the night. Which adds significance to the account.

When evening came, the boat was in the midst of the sea. And He was alone on the land.

Mark 6:47

Now, evening arrived and the boat was already out. Jesus was alone.

He saw them straining at rowing, for the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea and would have passed by them.

Mark 6:48

Jesus saw them. Which means they probably had not moved all that far away from Him. He saw that the rowing was difficult and a strong wind was against them. Then at around 3:00 AM, Jesus set out toward them.

If you’re counting, that is over nine hours in a boat that is probably about 30 feet long. They weren’t using wind power, but were rowing.

We know the way the Sea of Galilee is situated, violent storms are not uncommon even today. There are some things here that tend to offer the idea that this is not just some storm. There seem to be some supernatural characteristics. Pay attention to the details and see if there are any hints to that.

But when they saw Him walking on the sea, they supposed it was a ghost, and cried out. For they all saw Him and were troubled.

Mark 6:49–50a

I think this is the first clue that makes one want to reread the text. Perhaps to really grasp the reality in the account. First, that there may be some spiritual shenanigans at play. No, not just Jesus walking on water. This storm had been besetting this boat for quite some time. The disciples on their own were not getting anywhere.

Think about what they had just witnessed in that lunch setting. These men participated in something supernatural with Jesus. He fed a massive amount of people from a boy’s modest lunch. When Jesus began distributing the food, they took it from Jesus and gave it to the multitudes of people. If in that situation, would you not marvel at such a thing?

Now they were doing what Jesus wanted them to do. There was massive resistance to that. In their own strength they made no advance. Perhaps there is a hardness of the heart issue at play and they didn’t recognize Jesus. All of their attention would be put toward self-preservation. That’s great, now a ghost comes walking by on the water.

Immediately He spoke to the them and said, “Be of good cheer, it is I. Do not be afraid.”

Mark 6:50b

Relief! It’s Jesus.

I think there are some spiritual aspects to this storm. It was a challenge to their faith. I don’t think it was a test given to them by Jesus. I think this was the enemy trying to forestall the effect these men would have on the world.

I also look at the way Jesus greeted them. It makes me think of how the many Theophanies in the Tanakh went down.

There is a real connection with the Exodus, especially with Moses and the Israelis at the Red Sea. God proved Himself as Master over the pagan storm gods of old. This storm god took many different identities in the pantheons of the pagans. To the people in Mesopotamia and surrounds, he is Baal, This storm god is Kronos to the Greeks, and Saturn to the Romans. At the Red Sea, God defeated the storm god.

Surprisingly, right before God parted the Red Sea, Moses says to them to not be afraid. Just as Jesus did here. Moses also told the Israelis to see the salvation of the Lord. Literally, the Hebrew for salvation is yeshua. Moses would have said see yeshua Yehovah. That is, see Jesus Jehovah. Moses lifts his rod and the sea parts revealing the salvation God had for them. The Israelis were sent into it to cross to the other side.

In like manner, Jesus is walking on the very thing to cause the tempest that troubled His friends. The sea He called them to go in.

Jesus identifies Himself in the same way He did to Moses. I am. That is literally what the Greek says here. Your translations may say, “I am He.” Italics in translation generally mean a word is inserted to make the original make sense in the new.

I find it rather comforting that the fear not tends to go with the “I am.” I think that is the lesson here. How many times did Godnuse the same reassurance in the Tanakh?

“Don’t be afraid.”

These two phrases are identifiers. Ones which the disciples would know. But at that time, they didn’t.

Then He went up to them in the boat and the wind ceased. They were greatly astonished in themselves beyond measure, and wondered.

Mark 6:51

They wondered indeed. Who is this that instantly stops the tempest?

For they had not comprehended the miracle of the loaves, for their hearts were hardened.

Mark 6:52

Who is this that feeds over 5,000 souls with a boy’s lunch?

Didn’t we collected 12 baskets full of leftovers?

Perhaps it was their immediate circumstances that blinded them. I mean, they went by faith. I know the text says they were compelled. But they had to cooperate to get in the boat. They were doing His will.

This event is part of a greater narrative.

I am particularly drawn to what happened after this account. It is on another Gospel; John chapter 6. This is where Jesus states many times, “I am.” He is speaking that to the same multitude He sent away before the storm.

The next morning after being sent away, they went to look for Jesus. He was not to be found. They knew He arrived by boat with His disciples. Now that boat was gone. They went to nearby places to find boats. If Jesus didn’t get on the only boat with the disciples, where do Jesus go?

And why would they go to Capernaum to find Him?

I mean there were no other boats for Jesus to use. Were they really that oblivious to the supernatural aspects of which they’ve been a part?

They found boats to take them, with the intent to meet Jesus on the other side. That is, Bethsaida of Galilee.

What was that lesson again?

As the multitude found Jesus and His disciples, they asked Jesus how He got to Capernaum. Without hesitation, Jesus goes right to the heart of the issue. Even partaking of a miracle, the hardness of their heart kept them from recognizing the obvious.

He spoke many things to this multitude. Even explaining to them that they had been drawn to Him by the Father. But the familiar things they knew should have revealed the truth in their minds. It is that obvious. Instead of believing, they became even more hardened in heart. So much so that they finally went away.

His disciples were also troubled… Even after they saw Him feed the multitude. They gathered twelve baskets left over. They saw Him walk on water and instantly stop the storm. Now He says we have to eat His body and drink His flesh?

Gross. This is hard to understand.

Knowing in Himself that His disciples murmured about it, Jesus said to them, “Does this offend you? Then what if you see the Son of Man ascend to where He was before? It is the Spirit who gives life. The flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit and are life. But there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who it was who would betray Him. Then He said, “For this reason I have said to you that no one can come to Me unless it were given him by My Father.”
From that time many of His disciples went back and walked no more with Him.
So Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?”
Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have believed and have come to know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

John 6:60–69

The idea is far more than just coming to know Jesus is the miracle working Son of the Living God. He is the Living God. He proved in not only by what He said, but by matching what He said with what He did.

So what is the lesson of the loaves?

Well, that multitude had been fed so well, and so satisfyingly in a way most probably had never experienced. So they sought the physical experience with the miracle, not the spiritual one.

To the disciples, it was probably the same thing. Even though they also collected a basket of leftovers sufficient for each of them. They missed the lesson that with Jesus, there is more than just what you will need physically to be satisfied.

The Lesson

The disciples knew Who Jesus is. They set out by faith to do what He wanted them to do. But there was supernatural opposition that arose. They tried to overcome that by their own abilities… Rowing harder. I’m certain it was exhausting.

But they didn’t see fit to seek the very real God in the midst of that. Jesus had gone off alone to do that. Even He need it.

Though alone with God, Jesus saw them struggle. He was willing to help. So much so, that He went to them. They didn’t recognize Him at first, until He spoke up. Once they came to their senses, the horrible situation was gone.

You can know God and Jesus. Is not enough just to know. You need to believe. When Jesus says, “I am He.” That is, “I am Jehovah.” Our belief in that is the only thing that saves.

I think the disciples had to grow in faith as we do.

If you’re doing what Jesus wants you to do, even in the midst of some really powerful situations that come against that, there is not just enough to meet the immediate physical need. There is more than enough for all needs readily available in Him.

We have to consume Him. That is, make what we know about Him part of us. He must be in us. His body is broken and now bread. His blood was shed and is now wine. Bread satisfies and sustains life. Wine refreshes and makes life joyful. It’s an intimate fellowship for eternity.

Know that He watches and sees.

Know Him intimately.

Be ready when He comes.

Everyone Who Calls on the Name of the Lord Shall be Saved

On By TimIn Jehovah, Romans 10, SalvationLeave a comment

For Moses writes about the righteousness which is based on the law: “The man who does those things shall live by them.” But the righteousness which is based on faith says, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ down), or, ‘Who will descend into the deep?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart.” This is the word of faith that we preach: that if you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved, for with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes in Him will not be ashamed.”

Romans 10:5–11

In the passage from the epistle to the Romans, Paul cites Deuteronomy 30. He is contrasting two points. Two important things that are relevant to understand.

This commandment which I am commanding you today is not hidden from you, nor is it far off. It is not in heaven, that you should say, “Who will go up for us to heaven and bring it to us, so that we may hear it and do it?” It is not beyond the sea, so that you should say, “Who shall go over the sea for us and bring it to us, so that we may hear it and do it?” But the word is very near to you, in your mouth, and in your heart, so that you may do it.
See, today I have set before you life and prosperity, and death and disaster. What I am commanding you today is to love the Lord your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments and His statutes and His judgments, so that you may live and multiply. Then the Lord your God will bless you in the land which you go to possess.

Deuteronomy 30:11–16

Knowing context, this portion of the text from Moses follows the prophecy he gave of Israel being scattered among the nations for their disbelief. It comes in the promise of restoration. It is not a promise of entering the land from the Exodus.

We who are alive today are a privileged people. We witness the beginnings of this restoration. The return of the Jewish people to their homeland is happening now. It is not a return after the Exodus because they hadn’t yet arrived to the Promised Land from the Exodus. This is a prophecy of both diaspora and a return from it. As astute readers and by virtue of being alive today, we are extended both the privilege to witness it and participate in it during our lives.

Being drawn by God Himself, these disbelieving Israelis will be gathered into the land. They will become the all Israel that is saved when they believe.

As the text in Deuteronomy declares, the idea of believing is not just for a future time and place. In verse 11, Moses tells them that the commandment to believe is available to any whom would have it. They don’t have to go anywhere to get it. They don’t have to wait for some future date to be saved. The word is in their mouth. In other words, salvation doesn’t come by what one does, keeping law, the sprinkling of water on babies, or listening to some pastor. Salvation comes by personal acknowledgment of Jehovah God. A Kinsman Redeemer Who died and rose again, and a personal profession in Him.

Which is exactly what Paul cited in Romans 10. As he is speaking to his Jewish brothers in Rome. He is juxtaposing the inadequate righteousness that comes by law keeping with the Gospel. Keeping law doesn’t save. Believing the Gospel does. That is, salvation doesn’t come by law-keeping. It comes by personal belief and profession issuing forth the “treasures of the heart.”

 But if your heart turns away, so that you do not obey, but are drawn away, and worship other gods and serve them, then I declare to you today that you will surely perish and that you will not prolong your days in the land which you are crossing the Jordan to go in and possess.
I call heaven and earth to witnesses against you this day, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; that you may love the Lord your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days; and that you may dwell in the land that the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them.

Deuteronomy 30:17–20

There are consequences to not believing. Some are temporal, but the worst is eternal. One dies in their sins. That is why Paul encourages everyone to call upon the name of the Lord.

For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is generous toward all who call upon Him. For, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Romans 10:12–13

The future of the world is Jewish. It will be ruled by a rightful Jewish King.

The Demons Believe and Tremble

On By TimIn Faith, James 02Leave a comment

You believe that there is one God; you do well. The demons also believe and tremble.

James 2:19

This is one of those often misunderstood and misapplied verses of the Bible. This is just like the misused idea from the epistle in Revelation 3 where Jesus likens the Church of Laeodicia as lukewarm. There are many that shame and browbeat believers with it. The same idea is true with this matriculate verse in James 2.

It is employed by some as a sort of proof that salvation doesn’t come by belief, when it isn’t speaking to that at all. Some use it to scare believers with loss of salvation. Others use it to shame believers they think haven’t repented in the right way.

None of those things apply in this verse. There is significant reason to demonstrate that.

First, demons have no Kinsman and no Redeemer. They are not eligible for salvation in any way. Their belief has nothing to do with salvation, because they can’t get that. Therefore, salvation isn’t in mind here at all.

Second, the ‘good works’ a demon does earn no merit. But then, demons don’t really do good works, so… A demon’s faith doesn’t lead to good behavior, either.

The importance of what James is saying is an exhortation. Your faith can save you and lead to good things. It is good that it does. James is encouraging believers to do good things.

He is not shaming them for the wrong kind of faith… As this is almost always applied.

But those demons believe and tremble… Why?

Well, as said before… Demons have no Kinsman nor Redeemer. Salvation isn’t for them. Their rebellion has sealed their fate, as sure as Jesus rose again. They know their end in perdition comes quickly.

But a believer’s doesn’t… Ever. On the other hand, an unbeliever will ultimately get the same end as a demon, unless they change their mind.

Don’t fall for the subtle Galatian heresy that one has to do good works commensurate with the law to be saved.

Why Did God Take His People Out of Egypt?

On By TimIn Exodus 29, Holy Spirit, Israel1 Comment

That’s a question that reveals much more than one thinks.

I will dwell among the children of Israel and will be their God. Then they will know that I am the Lord their God who brought them out of the land of Egypt, so that I may dwell among them. I am the Lord their God.

Exodus 29:45–46

God took His people out of Egypt because He could not dwell with them there. This was revealed to Moses as he was given instructions for the people to build the tabernacle. That tent would be the place where the presence of God dwelt among the people.

As Israel wandered in the wilderness, God did dwell with them. When they crossed into the Promised Land, God dwelt with them there. When Solomon built the Temple, God’s presence dwelt in Jerusalem among the people of Israel.

Knowing the Tanakh, it is clear Israel as a nation stumbled much. The struggles Israel had with sin eventually made it impossible for God to dwell among them. It’s not so much that He couldn’t or wouldn’t… It’s that their sin made them forget about Him.

I’m not saying they forgot He was there or even Who He is, they forgot to maintain that intentional relationship with Him. As even we are prone to do today, even with His presence inside of us. The corrupting influence of sin is real. It suppresses the Truth.

The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth through unrighteousness.

Romans 1:18

Unrighteousness has a dangerous way of interference. With it we tend to forget about the goodness of God. In the place of that comes the reminder of the wrath of God. That knowledge can become burdensome if left to fester. As I said before, this can and does happen to believers today. We become caught in things, forgetting to maintain that relationship, and then procrastinate. The enemy uses it to shame us.

But… There is always a quick cure. Stop and fix it. Run to Him and confess your sins. Keep the tally sheet blank.

The patterns associated with this had some real consequences for the Israeli people. When the advent of their expected King came, they didn’t even know the time of visitation.

When He came near, He beheld the city and wept over it, saying, “If you, even you, had known even today what things would bring you peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes.

Luke 19:41–42

Eventually they were given over to their blindness. Just as the Temple and Jerusalem were sacked and the people taken captive to Assyria and Babylon, it would happen again just as foretold in Daniel.

Though Israel’s lament would eventually become a blessing to the entire world. In the day of her expected visitation, Jesus taught a parable of the vineyard and vinedressers. He used it to show how the leaders of Israel were actively plotting to kill Him. They clearly understood what He said. The relationship between the vineyard owner and the vinedressers was broken, despite all that the owner had done for them. With that in mind, Jesus followed was this declaration to them.

“Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing its fruits.

Matthew 21:43

What did Jesus mean by that?

Well, just as God called His people out of Egypt, He is calling another people out of the nations of the world. All of the privileges of Israel would be taken away and given to another. Paul addressed this.

I am speaking the truth in Christ, I am not lying; my conscience testifies with me in the Holy Spirit, that I have great sorrow and continual anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brothers, my kinsmen by race, who are Israelites, to whom belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the service of God, and the promises, to whom belong the patriarchs, and from whom, according to the flesh, is Christ, who is over all, God forever blessed. Amen.

Romans 9:1–5

One of those privileges is that God dwelt among the people. Another was that they had the privilege to share God with the whole world. The early church in Jerusalem knew this.

God, who knows the heart, approved of them, giving them the Holy Spirit just as He did to us, and made no distinction between them and us, and purified their hearts by faith.

Acts 15:8–9

But unlike in Israel of before the death of Jesus where the presence of God dwelt in a physical place, the presence of God would now be in the individual believer. Each of us is now the temple of the Living God.

He calls all of us out of the world. Egypt is idiomatic of the world. He does that so that He may dwell with us. The Holy Spirit is ours forever. Jesus said it.

I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Counselor, that He may be with you forever: the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, for it does not see Him, neither does it know Him. But you know Him, for He lives with you, and will be in you.

John 14:16–17

Do Not Be Ignorant of the Rapture

On By TimIn 1 Thessalonians 04, Rapture1 Comment

But I would not have you ignorant, brothers, concerning those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and arose again, so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus1.

1 Thessalonians 4:13–14

Yes, this will be yet another post on what the rapture is and what it is not. To begin, take a look at how Paul introduces the concept. First, this is for those who hope in the goodness of the Lord. It is not hope like one thinks contemporarily, that is that all things will work out. The hope here is that confident expectation that God will do what He promises to do. It is the same confidence the believers who have already passed held. And they will see the real promises of God come to be. The certainty of the Christian’s resurrection rests on Jesus Christ’s resurrection.

Contrast that to those who have no hope. People will perish and their bodies will rot in the grave. Perhaps that is the idea that is being considered, as it is probably the case that these Thessalonians knew that the dead bodies of people rotted away. With that knowledge, would come the expectation that these would miss out on the Jesus coming for them and instantly changing their bodies into incorruptible ones. The believers’ dead bodies would have become altogether corrupt. Paul explains that the dead in Jesus have the same sure end… Incorruptibility.

He also connects this hope to resurrection. The text is clearly saying that God will lead away with Jesus Christ those who sleep in Jesus. This tracks in a similar explanation of what the promise of resurrection is in the first part of 1 Corinthians 15. Thought scholars believe this epistle predates the ones to the Corinthians. Where it differs though, is the promise of the sudden change and relocation of the living Holy Ones when Jesus comes to lead them away. That is, this is primarily a relocation event commensurate with Jesus’ promise.

“Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God. Believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places. If it were not so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, you may be also. You know where I am going, and you know the way.”

John 14:1–4

This is all commensurate on that promise Jesus would come and take believers with Him. I know many believe this to be a rapture text. I think it is far more than just that. Jesus promises to receive any believer to Himself. Not only to receive, but to come get them. What I mean is that when someone is dying, Jesus is there to receive that person. The unspoken part between Jesus’ words and what Paul writes in one of his first epistles is the idea that living holy ones would see the coming of Jesus. The other unspoken part is that they would be taken away with Him.

For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will not precede those who are asleep.

1 Thessalonians 4:15

I will again make the case that this is not a resurrection event. Even though predeceased believers are given incorruptible bodies to go with Jesus, it is not the resurrection at the end of the age. Those passed on before have the privilege of being first. There are precise distinctions between what is promised to Israel and church- age holy ones. (That is explored in this post: The Surprising Way that Resurrection Proves Futurism and the Rapture Before the Hour of Testing)

If the resurrection is at the end of the age, those alive in the nations at His second advent enter the millennium. They will be the population of Earth dwellers that Jesus will reign over. They will be believers in human bodies like we have now. They will not be incorruptible. They will be primarily Israelis. Yet believers nonetheless.

Those will not be led away with Jesus, to be with Him. And the world will be ruled from Jerusalem with a rightful King until His enemies have been vanquished. Again, these are two distinct programs. One is for the body of Christ. The other is for Israel.

No Bible passage says there is only one second coming. Likewise, no Bible passage calls Jesus’ return the second coming. The term is coined, and it comes loaded with some baggage. The baggage leads some to ridicule the relocation of the body of church-age holy ones as if it were some secret. Though Paul called it a mystery, it is no secret. The meaning of the Greek word translated as mystery in 1 Corinthians 15:51 is Paul overtly and publicly explaining something that is henceforth no longer hidden. It’s no secret. When someone calls it a secret event, it is for ridicule. It is also to sow seeds of doubt in the mind. It is being dismissive to the text, it is okay to dismiss what they say and correct them.

A real conundrum exists if the rapture occurs at the second advent. The enemies of Jesus consisting of principalities and powers are sequestered away. The living human servants of those powers on earth are summarily vanquished and their souls sequestered away. If believers are glorified, pulled up to meet Jesus and return with Him then… Who populates the millennial kingdom?

To consider the two events as the same one is going to result in some form of replacement theology. Replacement theology teaches that the universal church has replaced Israel. All of the promises of Israel belong to the church. Most use a passage in Romans 9 as the basis of the error. Rest assured, the universal church has not replaced Israel. And praise the Lord for that!

For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.

1 Thessalonians 4:16

The shout and the voice of the archangel is the command to assemble. It is signified by the trumpet call. It is not helpful to examine the usual apocalyptic literature in the Bible to understand this. Perhaps it has more to do with the first mention of trumpet in the Bible. It is in Exodus. It is connected with Israel at Mount Sinai.

When the trumpet sounds a long blast, they shall come up to the mountain.”

Exodus 19:13b

The trumpet blast is a call to assembly. This pattern was established then. It is also iterated again… This time with a shout!

So on the third day, in the morning, there was thunder and lightning, and a thick cloud on the mountain, and the sound of an exceedingly loud trumpet. All the people who were in the camp trembled. Then Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. Now Mount Sinai was completely covered in smoke because the Lord had descended upon it in fire, and the smoke ascended like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain shook violently. When the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke, and God answered him with a voice.

Exodus 19:16–19

Note how Moses, typifying Jesus, led the people out to meet God where He is. This idea tracks with exactly what Paul is saying.

Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we shall be forever with the Lord.

1 Thessalonians 4:17

Believers are called out to a meeting with the Lord in the air.

At this point, I have to say that there is an external context applied here by some scholars. It has to do with the Greek word translated into English meeting. The Greek word is apantēsis. It is said it could be used to describe the arrival of a visiting dignitary and the custom of the citizens of a city to go outside and meet them.

According to the ancient customs, citizens left the city to meet the honored one and escort him back to their city amidst great celebration. It is said that Paul may have used this image because it would be familiar to his audience. The custom is then used to imply that believers escort Jesus back to earth. In the text, there is no explicit description of either a procession to earth or to heaven. Just the promise that holy ones will be forever with the Lord.

Paul says believers will meet the Lord in the clouds, that space immediately above the earth. To further help this imagery is the implication that Jesus is arriving in the ancient style of god warriors. That is, He is coming in or on the clouds as if believers were meeting Him in His battle space.

While fancy, that cannot be the case. First, Jesus is not mentioned as coming in the clouds in 1 Thessalonians 4. We meet Him in the clouds. Second, Jesus’ battle space is clearly on the Earth.

I saw heaven opened. And there was a white horse. He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on His head are many crowns. He has a name written, that no one knows but He Himself. He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood. His name is called The Word of God. The armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. Out of His mouth proceeds a sharp sword, with which He may strike the nations. “He shall rule them with an iron scepter.” He treads the winepress of the fury and wrath of God the Almighty. On His robe and on His thigh He has a name written:
KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.
And I saw an angel standing in the sun, and he cried with a loud voice to all the birds flying in the midst of heaven, “Come and gather for the supper of the great God, to eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of commanders, the flesh of strong men, the flesh of horses and their riders, and the flesh of all men, both free and slave, both small and great!”
Then I saw the beast and the kings of the earth with their armies gathered to wage war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army. But the beast was captured and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshipped his image. These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with brimstone. The remnant were slain with the sword which proceeded out of the mouth of Him who sat on the horse. And all the birds gorged themselves with their flesh.

Revelation 19:11–21

Third, if all believers are glorified and all unbelievers vanquished… Who populates the Millennial Kingdom?

Taking an external context and imposing it onto the Bible can be troublesome. And in these days when the rapture is mocked and scorn, it is imperative to study the entirety of the text of the Bible. It is going to require comprehensive diligence, but remember the Bible provides the best explanation and context for Itself.

It is easy to learn to parrot a line because it sounds like a plausible way to explain away the pre-trib rapture. In this case, the pre-tribulatioin rapture is introduced amidst some form of ridicule. It’s secret, or it has only been taught for 150 years in the church. As shown, both of those ideas are really lies. Speculation is then added to the Bible to make it say something it does not. This is long before someone produces a Bible text or two.

Often, it is the usual proof texts… Like in Matthew 25 when the bridegroom comes. The bridegroom comes to take those ready away, not to bring them back with him. Or in Acts 28 when Paul is greeted on his way to Rome to be executed. What the text does not say is that the people who met him were taken anywhere else by anyone, let alone with Paul who was in custody.

The rapture is not about us meeting Jesus Christ in the air to escort Him back to earth. It is for the church-age holy one to be forever with Jesus Christ where He is. As demonstrated, the timing necessary to the post-trib rapture does not work. That makes it heterodoxy in nature.

This event outlined by Paul in 1 Thessalonians is not the second advent of Jesus to the nation of Israel. It is the second advent of Jesus to church-age saints. And it is well before He comes at the end of the age..

Cain Draws Back

On By TimIn Genesis 04, SinLeave a comment

Adam had relations with his wife Eve, and she conceived, gave birth to Cain and said, “I have gotten a man with the help of the Lord.” Then she gave birth again to his brother Abel.
And Abel was a keeper of flocks, but Cain was a tiller of the ground.

Genesis 4:1–2

After the creation of the first man and woman, and their fall into sin, these first two humans have relations and conceive. The narration now moves to the first two procreated people… Cain and Abel. For now, there is no mention of any other progeny from the first couple. Yet this account is probably familiar to many.

In the course of time Cain brought an offering to the Lord of the fruit of the ground. Abel also brought the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had respect for Abel and for his offering, but for Cain and for his offering, He did not have respect. And Cain was very angry and his countenance fell.

Genesis 4:3–5

These boys grew up to farm and shepherd as is implied in the text. It is also clear they grew up knowing the Lord personally. They also probably learned to bring offerings to God. Cain, a farmer, brought an offering of what he grew. Abel, a shepherd, gave to God of his flocks. There was an obvious difference in the attitudes behind the offerings. Abel gave the first and best portions of his increase. Because of the heart behind it, God preferred Abel’s offering.

Sometimes, knowledge of the Law of Moses blurs this issue. The law provides for both produce and blood offerings. For that reason what is spoken here may be missed. A cursory reading may also prevent one from understanding that Cain was not careful in what he offered to the Lord. At least he was not as caring as Abel. This made Cain angry. As the account goes, it is clear who bears the focus of his anger, even though Cain’s actions were the source of his own anger.

The Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your countenance fallen? If you do well, shall you not be accepted? But if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. It desires to dominate you, but you must rule over it.”

Genesis 4:6–7

Of course, the Lord approaches Cain and asks him why he is angry. It is not as if God needs information. It is an opportunity offered to Cain for introspection and confession. As it is, Cain has already drawn back from God. This is not unlike the same thing that happened to both Adam and Eve after they sinned. They turned away from the Lord, and the Lord sought them. In like manner, God had some questions for them. But there is a not-so-subtle inference that may be a bit controversial.

When Adam was asked by God, “Have you eaten?” He seemingly blamed the woman God gave to Him. I don’t think of it as all that. I see something else that is clearly there. Adam confessed exactly what happened. He said, “I ate.” In effect, he confessed his sin.

In the same way, God asked the woman, “What have you done?” Her answer also seems to be a total passing off of blame. Yet she too, confessed her sin, “I ate.”

In the Lord’s patient questions to Cain, he never once fessed up to what he did wrong. He could have been more careful in preparing his offering. He now has an opportunity to draw close to God and confess. But it is the goodness of the way the Lord does things, He encourages Cain to do better. He doesn’t coerce a response. This is the same gentle way the Lord leads me at times. It is as if I can really hear the words, “Tim, let’s do better.”

It’s that leftover unconfessed sin. It hampers Cain’s relationship with God. It does not hamper God’s relationship with Cain. The shame of the sin festers. The effect of that sin causes Cain to draw away from God.

Cain told Abel his brother. And it came about, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him.

Genesis 4:8

That gnawing canker erupts. Cain kills his brother in the field. I was drawn in with the question, what did Cain tell his brother?

The Bible translation I prefer is based on the Masoretic text. As is the King James Version. In fact, the Modern English Version tracks really well with that mainstay translation. What was said seems to be left out of that manuscript collection perhaps by copyist error. Leave it to the Septuagint… Which includes what was said. Cain told Abel, “Let us go out into the field.”

They did go into the field, and then Cain’s anger led him to kill his brother.

Now, as it would be, I have always been told that sin separates one from God. In the way I was led to understand is that God withdraws Himself from sin. I just don’t see that at all in these first few accounts of the Lord walking with His creations. They sin, and He comes to them as they move away. That’s been encountered at least three times in just two chapters of Genesis. It is like a pattern is being established.

The Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?”
He said, “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?”

Genesis 4:9

God approaches Cain with another thought-provoking question designed not to accuse or shame, but to get confession. Confessing sin is for Cain’s sake. It’s to remove the enmity that keeps him from going to God.

Cain’s asinine response was not a confession. But I think there is something more here. It seems Cain knew that God knew already. His response was a pushback on God. The sin that separated him from the Lord continued to work. It pushed Cain further away, increasing the width of the gap. The gap did not exist from God’s side, but it did on Cain’s. And it grew wider. Sin tricks people with shame, deceiving them that God is so far away, and the gap shame makes is insurmountable. This gives us another pattern. One of ungodliness and its effects that Paul expounded upon.

The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth through unrighteousness. For what may be known about God is clear to them since God has shown it to them. The invisible things about Him—His eternal power and deity—have been clearly seen since the creation of the world and are understood by the things that are made, so that they are without excuse.

Romans 1:18–20

Sin pushes people away from God. Cain actively suppressed the truth in unrighteousness. As his sin compounded, his own knowledge and experience of God became suppressed. I mean, imagine that Cain talked to God face-to-face. Yet he still pushed himself away. It is kind of like what happened to the Israelis at Mount Sinai. God wants to draw nigh, but people push themselves away.

As the conversation continues, God lays out the consequences of sin to Cain. I will also point out another controversial point. Just as God did not curse Adam or Eve, He does not curse Cain.

And then He said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood is crying out to Me from the ground. Now you are cursed from the ground which opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand.

Genesis 4:10–11

It is the ground that cries out for vengeance. This introduces a principle reality that will come to light later in the Torah.

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

Blood defiles the land. It cries for vengeance. All this talk of patterns, and there are several to explore. The blood points directly to Jesus. The penalty for sin is death. We know that. It is God Who renders justice. Jesus’ blood was spilled on the ground to satisfy the vengeance.

In another way, it is God Himself Who gives and takes life. There are accounts in the Bible where God is clearly the One responsible for shedding blood. If the ground cries out for vengeance of blood shed on it, how does God bleed to satisfy that? Jesus on the cross answers that question as He reveals Himself uniquely to John.

Revelation 1:17–18 When I saw Him, I fell at His feet as though I were dead. Then He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am He who lives, though I was dead. Look! I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.

Here is Jehovah God saying He died. That is not me saying it.

Back to the topic, the Lord explains the reality to Cain, sin is lying at the door. The enmity Cain has grows. It comes with the shame of sin. But instead of confessing it, he embraces the condemnation. This is clear in his response to the Lord.

Then Cain said to the Lord, “My punishment is more than I can bear. You have driven me out this day from the face of the earth, and from your face will I be hidden; and I will be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth, and it will happen that anyone who finds me will kill me.”

Genesis 4:13–14

Cain could not farm anymore. He is driven from the face of the Earth. He blames God for that when it was the ground itself that cursed Cain. Could it be that Cain would have to find something else to gainfully provide for himself?

That is a question to ponder. In the entire account of Genesis so far, we have been introduced to four people, and one is dead. Cain attests to other people being around by saying anyone who finds him would avenge his brother. There are obviously far more people around than for what the author accounts. What is also unspoken but very apparent is the avenger of blood has to be a kinsman. He would have to be related to Abel. This comes from Deuteronomy 19 and the cities of refuge. The avenger of blood, which is the Hebrew word goel also translates to kinsman and redeemer.

The ideas are right there. Other people exist, and they are brothers (and sisters) of Abel. That answers a common skeptic’s question. Intentionally, there is yet another pattern given that points to the Goel, Jesus.

Cain knows that death haunts him for his sin. Does he confess?

So the Lord said to him, “Therefore whoever kills Cain, vengeance will be taken on him sevenfold.” Then the Lord put a mark upon Cain, so that no one finding him would kill him.

Genesis 4:15

Here is yet another pattern pointing to Jesus. The Lord gives Cain a stay of execution! This points directly to the cross. Jesus spilled His Own blood into the ground satisfying the vengeance sin requires and extending a respite of punishment to all.

It is like Jesus says to all, “You are free to go.” To Cain He did, and Cain took up that freedom.

Then Cain went out from the presence of the Lord and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden.

Genesis 4:16

Cain walks away from God. He walked away from every single time the Lord came to him. This meta-narrative is explained by Paul.

All this is from God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ and has given to us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their sins against them, and has entrusted to us the message of reconciliation.

2 Corinthians 5:18–19

The proof that God is reconciled to men through the work of Jesus Christ is evident even in the beginning. God approached people amid their sin. He extends the opportunity for them to restore fellowship in an instant. Adam and Eve did, but Cain did not.

Consider all that with this seemingly ominous passage from the writer of Hebrews

Therefore, brothers, we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way that He has opened for us through the veil, that is to say, His flesh, and since we have a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse them from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us firmly hold the profession of our faith without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to spur one another to love and to good works. Let us not forsake the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but let us exhort one another, especially as you see the Day approaching.
For if we willfully continue to sin after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment and fiery indignation, which will devour the adversaries.
Anyone who despised Moses’ law died without mercy in the presence of two or three witnesses. How much more severe a punishment do you suppose he deserves, who has trampled under foot the Son of God, and has regarded the blood of the covenant that sanctified him to be a common thing, and has insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine,” says the Lord, “I will repay.” And again He says, “The Lord will judge His people.” It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

Hebrews 10:19–31

That is exactly where Cain is, fearing vengeance. Cain resisted God and let that fearful expectation of judgment and fiery indignation push him away from God. He didn’t reconcile himself to the Lord. God did His part, and patiently tolerated Cain’s sin to pursue Him. It wasn’t for vengeance. Cain left himself to the roaring lion who devours the adversaries.

The Lord is showing there is a way out. It is patient endurance in faith. Cain could have confessed at any time, instead, he chose to draw back into a dark place.

Remember the former days, after you were enlightened, in which you endured a great struggle of afflictions. In part you were made a spectacle both by reproaches and afflictions. And in part you became companions of those who were so abused. For you had compassion on me in my chains and joyfully endured the confiscation of your property, knowing that you have in heaven a better and an enduring possession for yourselves. Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which will be greatly rewarded.
For you need patience, so that after you have done the will of God, you will receive the promise.

Hebrews 10:32–36

Cain threw away his confidence in God because of his sin. He didn’t think he could ever get back into the graces of the Lord. His claim to fame was to run from the presence of the Lord. He wanted to rely on himself. That’s what sin does.

For, “In yet a little while,
He who is to come will come, and will not wait.
Now the just shall live by faith; but if anyone draws back, My soul shall have no pleasure in him.”
But we are not of those who draw back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the saving of the soul.

Hebrews 10:37–39

If you are still reading, can I say… You are not like Cain. When God approached Cain, he drew back every single time. That’s not what the Lord wants of anyone. He wanted Cain, just as He wants everyone… Including you and me.

Be bold. Be confident. You can approach the Lord anywhere and at any time. Why wait? Sin is always going to draw you away.

The Truth About Idols

On By TimIn 1 Timothy 03, Spiritual WarfareLeave a comment

Without question, great is the mystery of godliness:
God was revealed in the flesh,
justified in the Spirit,
seen by angels,
preached to the Gentiles,
believed on in the world,
taken up into glory.

1 Timothy 3:16

Paul’s charge to his son in the faith Timothy is to reassure him that he knew how to conduct himself in the house of God. Amidst the instructions for overseers in the local church is this sentence which most think was a hymn or creed of those early Christians. It speaks of the mystery that we now know.

God is revealed in the flesh. The speaks of the incarnation of Jesus. Not that God changed places, but that He is revealed in flesh. This speaks to the Son’s existence before His virgin birth. As Paul wrote in Philippians 2, He being in the form of God. He is the brightness of His glory and the express image of God (Hebrews 1:3.) The Son is Spirit being revealed in the flesh. Jesus taught us that God is Spirit (John 4:24.)

That’s part of the mystery. It continues. Jesus was not justified in the flesh, but justified in the Spirit. That is attested to in His resurrection. When He came back from the dead in a new body, it proved there was no other entity that could lay hold on Him.

He is preached to the Gentiles, basically the truth is being spread to all nations. He is believed on in the world. Many people are saved because He is preached. We know He is taken up into glory. He sits at the right hand of the Father, as God.

Seen by Angels

It is this idea that Jesus was seen by angels, that draws me in. Jesus being seen by the angels means they could identify Him as God readily. But does it entail that He is known by them before being manifest in the flesh?

There seems to be testimony to that fact. It occurs in one of the earliest accounts of Jesus’ ministry in Israel.

Jesus withdrew with His disciples to the sea. And a great crowd followed Him from Galilee and Judea and Jerusalem, and Idumea, and from beyond the Jordan. And those from Tyre and Sidon, a great crowd, when they heard what great things He did, came to Him. He told the disciples to have a small boat ready for Him because of the crowd, lest they should crush Him. For He had healed many, so that all who had diseases pressed on Him to touch Him. When unclean spirits saw Him, they fell down before Him, crying out, “You are the Son of God.” But He sternly ordered them not to make Him known.

Mark 3:7–12

If we take Mark’s Gospel chronologically here, this incident occurred before Jesus selected any of His inner-circle of twelve disciples.

What is clear is that the people around Jesus are the time did not really know they were in the presence of God. Let alone that He is made flesh. Yet those unclean spirits know and testify to the fact right. They could apprehend the spiritual reality readily. But a question comes to mind. Where did they come from?

So many details are not included. I think it safe to assume that Jesus was casting unclean spirits out of people. Those spirits identified Him immediately. And He commanded them to not reveal Who He is. Did the crowd present hear and what did they understand?

I don’t know. I know there were spiritual beings present by witness of the text. Are there any indications that some of those were angels?

The text lends itself to that idea. The Bible reveals that there are two kinds of unclean spirits, fallen angels and demons. Demons are the disembodied spirits from the progeny of some fallen angels, the Nephilim.

The Disembodied Spirits Called Demons

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.

Genesis 6:1–2

Way back toward the beginning of it all, Moses reveals that angels took wives. The language used is not pleasant, and it isn’t without controversy. The term Sons of God is used sparingly in the Tanakh. As it is used in other places, it always means angels. That is direct creations of God and this by that same title given to Adam in Luke 3:38. (There are other resources that delve into this concept, the tag cloud can help in that pursuit.)

The progeny of the fallen angels and their taken human women were called Nephilim. They were the mighty men of old.

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 6:4

It is my opinion that the corrupted human bloodlines from these strange flesh unions were the vast majority of people that died in the flood. That idea comes from the Septuagint translation where it says that Noah was perfect in his generations. The Greek word translated is where the English word generations comes. It reveals a relationship to Noah’s genetics.

In fact, the entire incident of the ark hints that there were corrupted genetics in the human and animal kinds. God chose all the occupants of the ark. If Noah was perfect in his generations, it follows that the animals selected were perfect in theirs.

Now, it becomes a bit clearer that there are many unclean spirits, and kinds such as fallen angel and the disembodied spirits of angel/human hybrids known as demons. It follows that the unclean spirits (both angelic and demon) would see God as He is and readily identify Him in the flesh.

Before the Time

There is another encounter Jesus had with unclean spirits that is important to understand. It reveals yet another concept.

When He came to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met Him two men possessed with demons, coming out of the tombs, extremely fierce, so that no one might pass by that way. Suddenly they cried out, saying, “What have we to do with You, Jesus, Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?”

Matthew 8:28–29

These unclean spirits are specifically identified as demons. They identify Jesus’ divinity readily. Yet it is those two questions. Apparently they knew of certain timings. And they knew of torment, and their consignment to it. One might ask, is there punishment spoken of in the Bible?

It takes a bit of sleuthing to get it out of the Tanakh. So the first stop is the last book of the Torah, Deuteronomy. This particular Chester is full of details on the spiritual reality of Things.

They made Him jealous with strange gods;
with abominations they provoked Him to anger.
They sacrificed to demons, not to God,
to gods whom they knew not,
to new gods that recently came along,
whom your fathers did not fear.

Deuteronomy 32:16–17

Israel went to worship stage gods. These were actually demons. The Hebrew word is shedim, it appears only twice in the Bible.

The Israelis sacrificed to the demons. The text says these were new gods that recently came along. It seems to indicate that these came after creation. This is especially clear as it follows Genesis 6 above.

It bears mentioning that the mythological Golden Age hearkens back to the time when gods lived with humans. This would be before the flood. There is a stark difference between the mythological understanding and what God thinks of the days of Noah. There is a contemporary popular mantra announcing a new Golden Age. The Bible does tell us that the end days will be like the days of Noah. The gods will once again live with men.

There is a definitive judgment coming. And this is what the demons were alluding to about Jesus coming to them before the time. Jeremiah prophesied the demise of those gods.

Thus you shall say to them: The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth, even they shall perish from the earth and from under these heavens.

Jeremiah 10:11

Remember, in the encounter above that those demons also alluded to torment. That is a reference to eternal fire. Jesus told us the how and what for in that.

“Then He will say to those at the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the eternal fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.

Matthew 25:41

Eternal fire is made for the devil and his angels. By the testimony of the demons in the vicinity of the Gerasenes, they knew of their fate in torment. It follows that eternal fire is for the devil, fallen angels, and demons.

To come full circle, we are still before the time. The time comes in the judgment of the great day. The one reserved for all of the enemies of God, the Great White Throne of Revelation 20.

Idol Talk

This may shock the sensibilities of some. The idols of the Old Testament are real beings. They are not simple creations of carved wood and hammered metals. They are not figments of active imagination. They were and are real entities that take worship to themselves. They have a clear destination.

The loftiness of man shall be humbled,
and the haughtiness of men shall be brought low;
the Lord alone will be exalted in that day;
the idols He shall utterly abolish.

Isaiah 2:17–18

I know that many think idols are the creation of vivid imaginations. They are not. This truth gets further confused because of the allegorization of the idea of an idol. One that reinforces the notion that they are figments of the imagination which take us away from God.

I think that this allegorization has led to many folks putting their guard down. In other words, the west has been trained not to see these things. That makes it harder to understand the stark reality of the enemies against us as a race.

For our fight is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, and against spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

Ephesians 6:12

The truths revealed in the Bible don’t always lend themselves to a personal application. Sometimes, that might obscure the reality. It then seems a bit silly to say that something like football or food becomes an idol for people. It may seem to lend itself that way, but the idols of the Old Testament are clearly real entities. Ones who do not want humans to flourish.

Changing Allegiance

The purpose for this lengthy article is to expose the reality. The hope is for the body of Christ to shake off the silly thinking that idols are imaginary things that keep us from God. The truth is these are real entities who have real power, that is if one extends it to them. When Jesus went to the cross, He removed the bondage. People can be free of these besetting and disabling influences in Jesus’ name.

In the Tanakh, there is no sinners’ prayer. Though the invitation is there as a call to change one’s mind… To repent. The reality is that to leave idols is to change allegiance. To come to God is to change allegiance.

Which leads to an important biblical principle. One that many do not quite grasp. The spirit world tends toward the legalistic. They cannot go where they do not have rights. From the beginning, this principle is laid out. Adam yielded rights to the dominion he was given by God.

This point is personally extended and explained in the New Testament. One yields their members, thus giving rights and permissions to the unclean spirits. Jesus spoke of this in John 8. Paul shows all exactly what it is.

Do not yield your members to sin as instruments of unrighteousness, but yield yourselves to God, as those who are alive from the dead, and your bodies to God as instruments of righteousness.

Romans 6:13

God does not work in anyone until one lets Him do it. Ephesians 1:13 clearly demonstrates this principle. It is a truth that clobbers some fatalistic lies taught by some circles of Christianity. The Bible is clear, one serves who one yields to serve. That is why the Bible uses the term servants and slaves, as these have masters.

I speak in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh, for just as you have yielded your members as slaves to impurity and iniquity leading to more iniquity, even so now yield your members as slaves to righteousness unto holiness. For when you were the slaves of sin, you were free from righteousness. What fruit did you have then from the things of which you are now ashamed? The result of those things is death. But now, having been freed from sin and having become slaves of God, you have fruit unto holiness, and the end is eternal life.

Romans 6:19–22

The problem is that all have sinned. Universally, it is before anyone can know the requirements of the moral law. When that’s explained, the reality is all have missed the mark of perfection necessitated.

The ugly underbelly of that is a person who sins yields themselves to a master. Sin brings more sin, which brings death. Death brings judgment.

Jesus frees all from having to be bound to sin. When anyone repents and believes, God deposits His Spirit in that person freeing them from condemnation. The Spirit becomes a permanent presence and mark in them forever.

Indwelling Unclean Spirits

Another interweaving theme in the Bible suggests that the enemy counterfeits the things of God. It follows that those unclean spirits could also enter a person. There are many such cases detailed in the Scriptures. Consider what Jesus says about that from a different perspective.

“When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, it passes through dry places seeking rest, but finds none. Then it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when it comes, it finds it empty, swept, and put in order. Then it goes and brings with itself seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there. And the last state of that man is worse than the first. So shall it be also with this evil generation.”

Matthew 12:43–45

Even though the principle Jesus is teaching is not necessarily about demon possession. He is using that truth to explain the activities of those who questioned and mocked His divine authority. It is a stern warning against the real dangers of stubborn disbelief. The important consideration being taught is that rejecting Jesus lends one to be more open and vulnerable to the principalities and powers of the air.

Think back to Jesus’ ministry, and the early days of the apostles. Possession of a person by indwelling unclean spirits was real. Jesus, the apostles, and even some others did cast demons out of folks. But did that problem just go away?

From present reality, no. It certainly seems foreign to many in western Christianized nations. It is as if the enemy has subtly hidden himself and his tactics. The activity of unclean spirits recessed in a way to not really be detectable. In modern times, demon possession is really just fodder for ghost stories and scary movies.

It did not just disappear. I see the evidence more frequently than I want to encounter it. And I’ve had personal encounters. I think there is a marked increase as the time quickly approaches. It is a last hurrah.

There are some immediately discernible behavioral indicators of influence and even possession by unclean spirits. These behavioral indicators have increased exponentially in contemporary populations because of the late hour. So… How does this happen?

It certainly does not without a person presenting themselves for the very purpose. Sometimes those rights and permissions are coerced by trauma, whether the trauma is purposed for that or not. Sometimes they are granted when one willfully ingests hallucinogenics into their body. It doesn’t matter if using those substances is legal or not. Others present themselves purposefully, knowing exactly what it is they are doing.

The language I use is indeed nuanced for various reasons. Mainly, I am not yet led to write in further detail on the subject. The point is that there are real unclean spirits and they attempt to influence the world in the same ways they did at the time of Jesus.

Humans are in a real spiritual war!

The Turning Point

There’s a reason why much of this has slipped under the proverbial radar. It is to avoid detection. But why?

Well, that leads to one of my favorite things about what Jesus did at the cross.

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.

Colossians 2:14–15

It was the law that empowered sin because it exposed sin in everyone. At the cross, Jesus took the handwriting, really He took the certificate of indebtedness to sin and destroyed it. In effect, freeing the entire race of humanity from the bondage of sin. The enemies had to go underground. In light of the truth that nobody is bound to yield themselves to their influences.

It is the other part that is more important. He disarmed the authorities and powers. These unclean spirits really have no power, other than what anyone may be extended to them. Because Jesus removed the indebtedness, they have only whatever is willfully volunteered. The truth is that anything given can also be revoked by will. It is done in the name of Jesus Christ. It is by Him that folks are set free.

Concluding Thoughts

This is not meant to elicit fear. On the contrary, because Jesus died there is nothing to fear. As the introductory citation shows, His resurrection is proof of that.

For those who are reading, it may be that God is revealing some things to you. You may have extended rights and privileges you no longer want to do. That is easy to fix. You can revoke them at any time in the name of Jesus.

For those who have never really believed or changed allegiances, you can do that, too. Set your mind to serving God. Believe that Jesus did die. In so doing, demolished the certificate of indebtedness that shackled you. The proof is, He rose again. Believing that is what pleases God.

And without faith it is impossible to please God, for he who comes to God must believe that He exists and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

Hebrews 11:6

The Name: Yours

On By TimIn Isaiah 62, RedemptionLeave a comment

For the sake of Zion I will not keep silent, and for the sake of Jerusalem I will not rest until her righteousness goes forth as brightness and her salvation as a lamp that burns. The nations shall see your righteousness, and all kings your glory. And you shall be called by a new name, which the mouth of the Lord shall name. You shall also be a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord and a royal diadem in the hand of your God. You shall no more be termed Forsaken, nor shall your land be termed Desolate; but you shall be called My Delight Is In Her, and your land Married; for the Lord delights in you, and your land shall be married. For as a young man marries a virgin, so your sons shall marry you; and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so your God shall rejoice over you.

Isaiah 62:1–5

As Isaiah writes, it is easy to see the love that God has for Israel. Even though her disobedience produced many problems and the land became forsaken, God promises restoration. With that restoration also comes another surprising promise. One is this principle I want to explore.

Years ago, I wrote a small series of posts on the idea of The Name. It was to show the importance of names, and specifically related to the promises of God. With redemption and restoration, God gives new names. Just as the one we bear now passed on to us by our parents, the Father will give new names to His children.

Back to Isaiah, the prophet is relating how God perceives Zion. That is, the mountain of God… Jerusalem. Sometimes when names like Zion, Jerusalem, and others are used, it is as a rhetorical device. In this case, Jerusalem is a synecdoche for the people of Israel.

Many years ago, Mark Twain visited the Holy Land and wrote a travelogue entitled “Innocents Abroad.” There is some controversy in quoting him. Some say it is out-of-context to make it appear as some sort of proof of what the Bible says. But much of what he described in his experience of traveling through the Holy Land is that the land did appear forsaken and desolate. He said of the city of Jerusalem, that it could be circumnavigated on foot at a normal pace in about an hour.

That was long before Israel became a nation in the early 20th century. For almost 2,000 years, there was no nation. The Israeli people were scattered among the nations of the world. Even though they retained their national identity in diaspora, it would be apt to describe their plight as forsaken.

We have had and continue to have the privilege to witness firsthand this saga of redemption as God promised would happen. Isaiah wrote much of the future for Israel. There are controversial opinions that the prophecies have been fulfilled, while others think there is yet a future consummation of these. Yet since the birth of the nation in 1948, much seems to bloom as we watch.

The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad, and the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose; it shall blossom abundantly and rejoice even with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the Lord and the excellency of our God.

Isaiah 35:1–2

It is a controversial statement to say that the modern state of Israel made the desert blossom. That’s because the world wants Israel to be thought of by her old names Forsaken and Desolate. Perhaps it is just a bit of jealousy. This seeming increasing favor to Israel becomes a silent portent of urgency. I think deep inside, we all know the time of the end is near. It is Israel that is God’s timepiece.

We mere mortals living now have witnessed an extraordinary move of God in our lifetimes. Some of you may be a bit older than I… Many perhaps younger. But there is no mistake. It is now almost 80 years into the existence of Israel, and the land has had remarkable and noteworthy changes. It is hard not to acknowledge those. It is almost as if Israel were a bride being gussied up for a wedding!

And what happens to a bride when she gets married?

Well, traditionally… She takes on a new name. After all, the name is what I am writing about.

Israel will have a new name. It will be given by the mouth of the Lord. It is a promise of the Lord’s delight in His people.

Recently, in our small group as we study the book of Exodus, we chatted about how most people perceive the God of the Tanakh as different than how Jesus is portrayed. Having read through the Old Testament many times, it is remarkable how quickly one can be disabused of that idea. He is the same God. Jesus attested to the fact.

Then they said to Him, “Where is Your Father?”
Jesus answered, “You know neither Me nor My Father. If you knew Me, you would know My Father also.”

John 8:19

If one knows the Father, they would immediately know Jesus. It follows, if one knows Jesus, they would know the Father. It is an inescapable conclusion that they are the same God with the same purpose.

Some call it the romance of redemption. As Israel is redeemed, a new name will be given. Yet surprisingly, this is a principle that applies to each of us as individuals. God wants to redeem us in the same way He redeems His people collectively. This is one of those promises that is for you.

I know for me, the world programmed my inner voice to go along with the names it wanted me to go by… Ugly, Fat, Unimportant… Whatever. But now, since I have been redeemed… God calls me His son. Jesus calls me a brother. Yet I know there is something greater in store. Something that is intimately between God and I.

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written, which no one knows except he who receives it.

Revelation 2:17

There is far more than just getting a new name… Being redeemed means to never perish and to never be forsaken. Things the promise to Israel. It is the same promise that Jesus extends to each of us. Jesus Himself will publicly proclaim the name He gives to me before others.

He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments. I will not blot his name out of the Book of Life, but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.

Revelation 3:5

As extraordinary as all of that sounds, I will also be inscribed with Jesus’ own new name.

He who overcomes will I make a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God, and My own new name.

Revelation 3:12

What does this mean?

Well, I think if you’ve ruined your reputation, there is redemption in Jesus for each of us. I also know, as we watch Israel become more prosperous, it is a reminder of the urgency to be right with God. And that is easy.

Wherever you are, whatever you’re doing… You can stop and acknowledge God right now. Believe that He came to redeem you. He sent His Son Who satisfied your moral failures taking them upon Himself. He died taking them to the grave. And He rose again, giving the gift of eternal life to any who wishes to have it. Then confess that belief out loud. You may also confess your sins and He takes them away.

Salvation is easy…

Acknowledge He is. The Bible calls this repentance.

Believe He died and rose again for you.

Confess, tell others about it.

After Hearing, After Believing, Sealed Forever

On By TimIn Ephesians 01, Eternal SecurityLeave a comment

In Him you also, after hearing the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and after believing in Him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.

Ephesians 1:13–14

Like other parts of the Bible, this is a powerful passage. It debunks a majority of erroneous doctrines. Two that come to mind…

Regeneration before faith is impossible here. Hearing, believing, and sealed are ordered. The tenses of each verb in the Greek are all aorist. The aorist tense is best translated at perfect tenses in English. The best way to describe the tense is once and done, meaning it cannot be undone. After one hears, it cannot be undone. After one believes, it cannot be undone. Once one is sealed, it cannot be undone.

The latter idea is reinforced in the words that describe Who the Holy Spirit is. This debunks the other popular error, that one can somehow lose or forfeit salvation by free will.

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me. For I am meek and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.”

Matthew 11:28–30

Jesus beckoned for all to come unto Him. He promised to give them rest. Not only is that rest from work, it is rest from persevering. It is also rest from worry because He keeps His promises and He keeps His own.

Just as Paul wrote to the Ephesians. If you’ve heard, and then you believed… You are delivered from death and judgment, being sealed by the Holy Spirit Himself. He is given as earnest money guaranteeing the fulfillment. You don’t have to guarantee the fulfillment by work, perseverance, or worry. He does.

There are now two witnesses from the Scriptures of this truth. There are more, but one particularly satisfying is from Jesus Himself as recorded by John.

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me shall never hunger, and whoever believes in Me shall never thirst. But I told you that you have seen Me, and yet do not believe. All whom the Father gives Me will come to Me, and he who comes to Me I will never cast out. For I came down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. This is the will of the Father who has sent Me, that of all whom He has given Me, I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day. This is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.”

John 6:35–40

Everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him. It’s not enough to see or hear about Jesus. One has to make the next step, believe in Him to have eternal life. What does that mean?

Jesus explained it to the Pharisees…

Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins. For unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.”

John 8:24

Check the immediate context of that text. Jesus is making the case that He forgive sins. He is the Light. Things that Jewish folks only consider to be of the Father Himself. That is, He is God. That is exactly what He means when He says unless one believes they are still in their sins. Just like those who came to Him in John 6, they saw Him and the miracles… But they did not believe in Him as God.

See and hear of the Son. Then believe His testimony, trusting in Him as God to forgive sins. He will forgive, and give eternal life to anyone who does that.

It’s not Over

On By TimIn Matthew 26, The CrossLeave a comment

When evening came, He sat down with the twelve. And as they were eating, He said, “Truly I say to you, one of you will betray Me.”
They were very sorrowful, and each of them began saying to Him, “Lord, is it I?”

Matthew 26:20–22

I noticed something as I read this. When reclined at what is called The Last Supper, there was a simple exchange of words that reveal a depth of profundity. This Gospel records it succinctly describing that, which would be followed by a meaningful gesture.

Since an Easter Sunday service in Greenville, SC over a decade ago, I cannot ever shake this idea that It Was Unexpected. What I mean is that earlier in the text, Jesus spoke of His being prepared for death and burial.

When Jesus perceived it, He said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? She has done a good work for Me. For you have the poor always with you, but you do not always have Me. In pouring this ointment on My body, she did it for My burial. Truly I say to you, wherever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will be told in memory of her.”

Matthew 26:10–13

As it is always my way of seeing this, the statement seems to go largely ignored. Jesus spoke plainly of His impending demise and resurrection. I get that it’s an argument from silence, but the Gospels clearly demonstrate that Jesus’ talk of death and resurrection wasn’t understood well at all by His followers. It was always with a focus on the death and not the resurrection.

In like manner, there is something similar here. And it also comes with a bit of aloofness in the disciples not quite understanding what is happening.

Lord, is it I?

When Jesus speaks here about betrayal by one of His followers, it was received with sorrow, while they wondered who amongst them who it would be. Yet many times He told them that His betrayal must be, “The Son of Man goes as it is written of Him(.)”

He answered and said, “He who has dipped his hand with Me in the dish will betray Me. The Son of Man goes as it is written of Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.”

Matthew 26:23–24

The meaning is that it was the determination in eternity past that the Son of Man would be betrayed and die for the lot of humanity. It is not that Judas was fatalistically chosen to have this lot. The way Jesus identified that betrayer proves it.

In that time, the sharing of the dipping of bread was a sign of intimate honor. It signified that the one receiving the gesture was really loved. Here, it was offered by the Messiah to the one who would betray Him that there was still time to believe.

The gesture also came with the assurance of reaping what is sown. That moment was not the culmination of a determination that Judas was the man. It was also an assurance that he was not remanded to eternity in perdition. The grace that Jesus gave to Judas included the same idea that God used to approach Cain.

The Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your countenance fallen? If you do well, shall you not be accepted? But if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. It desires to dominate you, but you must rule over it.”

Genesis 4:6–7

I want you to pause reading and really think about that. Judas was given the sop. Cain was given a physical mark on his body. Both of these are signs of the abiding love of God toward both of them. In the moment, they were loved without regard to their future endeavors, by a God Who is present with each of them already IN those yet dastardly future endeavors.

Sin is not to Rule

One can always say no.

Yes, this pokes holes in fatalism and determinism. I am also certain there are going to be silent accusations of open theism. Yet it is the truth that the Bible presents. It’s not over until it’s over.

But the Scripture has confined all things under sin, that the promise through faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.

Galatians 3:22

As long as one is breathing… There is still time to believe. Sin is not the inescapable prison.

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

Romans 11:32

Yes, it brings death. But death is delayed. Why?

Do you despise the riches of His goodness, tolerance, and patience, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?

Romans 2:4

It’s the goodness of God! The grace that is extended to both Cain and Judas exceeds their betrayals.

Sin is Rights

The scriptures say clearly not to give a foothold to the devil. Sin is the foothold. It’s the way he gets in.

From other Gospel narratives, at some point that night Satan entered Judas. He didn’t master his sin and extirpate it with faith. In a way, Satan’s entry into Judas mocks the Spirit God puts in us Christians. The sin Judas held gave foothold to the enemy, Judas extended him that right. One Gospel narrative pinpoints that this sop is the very moment Satan entered him.

Now, recall how the group responded with sorrow and wanted Jesus to point out the betrayer.

Then Judas, who betrayed Him, answered, “Master, is it I?”
He said to him, “You have said it.”

Matthew 26:25

In my mind, I am thinking these are not the words of Judas, but those of the commandant of his body. I can hear the mockery.

The Goodness of God

The history is clear. Cain rebelled and never really sought after the things of God. Judas rebelled to the end.

Considering the grace that is extended in both circumstances. Each lived after their betrayal. They were given stern warnings about the exceeding sinfulness of sin and one reaps what is sown.

Be not deceived. God is not mocked. For whatever a man sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.

Galatians 6:7–8

Giving in to sin reaps death… Always. The fact that death doesn’t come suddenly is proof of the goodness of God. Because one has life after they sin, there is still opportunity to sow to the Spirit and reap eternal life.

The admonition to Judas was to do quickly his intentions. But Judas lived after he did that, proving the goodness of God still gave him time for repentance. Judas still had a choice.

Do not Comply

Though it’s over for them, it’s not over for you.

Yes, Satan entered and rebellion escalated. Judas still had life, he still had opportunity to master sin by faith in what God says.

That’s the message to you. If you’ve read this far, and you’ve embraced the lies of the enemy… That you’re too far gone… There is great hope in Jesus. There is no rebellion that hasn’t been covered at the cross.

Maybe it’s embracing the message “You’re not good enough.” Perhaps it’s, “Nobody likes me.” Or it’s like, “I am not very attractive.” Other struggle are body dysmorphia, where the message is “You are not like ____.” These thoughts runs amok in your mind like an incessantly looping program. You can be free with one word, “Jesus!”

Even if you made a covenant with your own blood, there is a greater covenant that God made with His!

The Bible says He erased the handwriting of ordinances that was against us and nailed it to the cross. Those you’ve made agreements with have been exposed to not have any real power…

And having disarmed authorities and powers, He made a show of them openly, triumphing over them by the cross.

Colossians 2:15

The enemies trick you into giving rights to them. That is the only way they have it. And you have the authority in Jesus’ name to revoke and renounce it at any time.

No longer comply. Resist the devil, he has to flee.