God judges us all through His words and through our Lord Jesus Christ. Without the reminders and discernment of His words we will always be lost. Our path is never fine without Jesus leading and guiding the way. Truth is always in Him for He is the truth and of the truth. That is why only God can judge us correctly and fairly. Why many still don’t believe Him even up until this day? Because many people continue to believe in lies – an intentional untrue information which is use to deceive many.
Romans 1:25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
The blindness of the heart can be blamed behind it. It is the hardness of our hearts that ultimately leads us to disobedience to God’s will. Our characters and perceptions as a whole was cultivated and nurtured by our cultures, upbringing, several desires and by even more factors around us. We may not receive and accept the truth willfully, negligently, or unintentionally because of our ignorance, foolishness, adverse beliefs and/or maybe there is just no inherent care for the truth. These all contributes to the blindness of our hearts which is not alienated from the general plan of God. And people who may actually believe in lies are part of the tale as casualties or even villains in the story.
John 8: 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
Truth will set you free from the pain of lies. Since most lies comes with deception and evil motives. It transpires unpleasant and hateful results at the end of the road. But we will still need to endure and be diligent about the truth. Considering that the truth does not change, you just have to live with it or accept it all the way. In some instances, you just have to suffer and withstand its consequences and pain.
Jesus is of the truth but it does not mean everyone will believe Him and everyone will be pleased upon hearing Him (John 8:45). Many were offended and hurt with our Lord Jesus Christ telling the truth to everyone. They even called Him devil and threw stones at Him. Telling biblical truths and facts will never make everybody love you but it is quite the opposite. But we are obligated to spread the truth of the gospelno matter what is the outcome. Criticism should be the least of our worries. With our ever changing world, we also need to evolve to be able to share the gospel efficiently and righteously. that is a considerable task.Thus, we have to speak and preach boldly but carefully using His words.
Titus 2:8 – And sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.
Only God can judge us in all the truth. Credit: Freedigitalphotos.net
Only God can judge us. The Holy Scripture is the judge in truth
Stating and declaring biblical facts and believing on them is clearly not judging others. It is the word of God who judges them and it is of the truth. However, if you shared the words of God maliciously with hurtful desires or without sympathy then it is indistinguishable as condemnation and a personal accusation. Only God can judge us and He does that effectively through His words.
2 Timothy 4:2 – Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.
2 Timothy 3:16 – All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
How do we use His words to judge?
The words found in the scriptures can be used as instruments for judging others. His words are powerful and comes with potent authority that can be wielded to subdue anything in this world. It is exceptionally adequate in purpose. It can encourage and discourage. It can rebuke, offend and please anyone. It can teach us righteously and can destroy lives as well. And, all can be done without fail. The Holy Bible is one of the greatest gifts of God to mankind but take heed because even His words are not immune to man’s corruption and perversion. It can be violated as any other tool or weapon.
The scripture is a quick, compellingly powerful and a sharp two edged sword that can be abused and be used in very bad ways. Putting us even farther away from God, quite the contrary to its very essence and purpose. His words are meant for us to know Him more and be closer to Him but it can also be utilized by the enemy to bring us down and turn to each other.
Galatians 4:16 – Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?
Ephesians 4:15 – But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
Judge in truth, everything will end up in our heart and soul.
Why did you do it? No one exactly knows how and why we do things but our own selves. It is only “us” who can answer our own questions. Did I perverse the words of God? Did I spread His words with hidden agenda and malice? We may have said things soundly but God Judges differently. Speak the truth in love then I assure you there will be no mistake in doing that. But I can not assure you that all men will indeed love you. If that happens, count it all as a persecution in faith for which you are entitled to a greater reward.
Speak the truth in love. Let God and His words do the judging. That is the way to go.
The making of rules and laws is necessary for convenience, comfort and orderliness. We should only create church laws by constituting it from the Bible to keep order and proper functions of the different departments of the church. Sufficient arbitration and careful conception should be performed thoroughly before any implementation and approval of any new church laws not found in the scripture. Creation of new moral church laws can always be done but I strongly discourage it. We should avoid making more and new church laws when it concerns our morality and religion (in regards to committing a sin). It becomes a very sensitive and a delicately serious matter. If you can save others, then you can also equally harm others as well with whatever they may hear from you.
1 Timothy 4:16 -Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
Standard rules and regulations on how to keep peace and order in the church organization is substantial and essential on daily activities. It can be revised and provisions can be added anytime without difficulty. But new church laws not specifically found in the Bible that will directly impact our morality and godliness are the ones Im referring to. They may actually cause more harm than good.
Stop making more church laws since we have inner laws written in our hearts
Creating church laws is not that easy and simple. Image courtesy of David Castillo Dominici at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Conscience should be enough in many instances. The general knowledge of what is right and wrong should help us in our decision making. There are almost 200 countries that make up the United Nations. Each country has their own cultures, traditions and festivities. There is no way we can technically understand and assess them correctly. But the people who belong to their community should know the nature of every occasion or tradition. They will generally know what is good and evil for their own families.
Stop making more church laws because the Bible should be enough. The laws in the Bible are enough to judge us righteously.
There are so many things and activities at present day that is not literally written in the scripture like celebrating Halloween, Valentine’s Day, watching movies, going to carnivals, entering politics and voting, and there are so much more all around us. Many conservative Christian churches are forbidding in part or as a whole their members from watching tv, surfing the net or joining social media networks. What then is necessary and going overboard? How can we determine their weight and significance in the society? What will be our grounds of reason based on the scripture? Are we supposed to have ruling on each and everything of them? Are we going to research, study and be a watchdog of every single activity not found in the Bible? We can make rules no questions about that. But who will be the judge of each and everyone of us? No one among us can be qualified to make a “just” rule since every person is unique, perspectively speaking. And absolutely, no man should compare himself to be more righteous than anybody. The Almighty God is the only perfect and righteous judge.
The rule of thumb should be what is generally right and wrong. Let us also include the motive, perception and understanding of an individual, a family and or a society. What is right to you is not necessarily right to other families. And what is wrong to them is not necessarily wrong to you. The generally accepted knowledge of what is good and evil should be our primary basis of our decisions. We can not make rules based on a single person’s perception and understanding. It will not be applicable to all. If we forbid thousands or millions of situations and day to day activities, it would just be a source of confusion and complications to each and everyone’s system of beliefs. It would also cater a lot of disbelief, disagreements and arguments.
These are some of the reasons why we should not make more laws of the church. If it is unavoidable, church laws should be done carefully and only upon necessity or urgency.
1.We are called in liberty. Do not use liberty for the occasion of the flesh. Galatians 5:1 (this law should be enough in so many ways).
2. We have inner laws. Romans 2:15, 2 Corinthians 3:3 & Hebrews 10:16
3. Making more rules does not mean anything to someone unless he understands and accepts it by heart. It all goes down to the belief system of every person.
4. Making more rules or laws does not directly prohibit someone from doing it. Every person decides on his own not the laws or rules. A punishment is not necessarily or always created in such ethical functions. Violator’s actions on most cases may not directly be punishable.
5. More rules means more difficulty and hardships towards being an obedient follower.
6. Creating a standard policy for a single situation by creating a rule or law will just complicate things further. Forbidding in part or as a whole of a single festivity like the Valentine’s day is just the beginning. It will be a cycle of never ending policymaking and revisions. How about birthdays, Independence day or Black Friday, so on and so forth? Think about the hundreds or thousands of holidays and festivities around the globe.
7. More laws means more prejudgment, hatred and hypocrisy. We can not deny people are generally or mostly judgmental. Please analyze this thoroughly. John 8:3-4
8. Introducing and creating more laws, means more restrictions and more violations, Romans 4:15. Productivity and efficiency should be maintained and improved all the time if not – most of the time. This requires more resources, time and effort.
9. Why create more laws when we ourselves should not/cannot judge offenders and violators?We have no right to judge, discriminate and blame even the convicted felons since we don’t know what really happened and their honest thoughts. It is a sensitive and fragile situation that we shouldn’t always dig in. Let us leave the judgment to the involved proper authorities like company management, government agencies or to the judicial body of the land.
10. Whatever we bind in earth will be bound in heaven… God will honor anything that we have decided on. If there are more “no-nos” – more violations, more sins and at the end more sinners. Therefore, heaven will be restricted even more.
Example #1: Removal/Reversal of a law in the scripture (we should never do this)
Law: Adultery will now be permissible.
It means that adultery will not be a sin anymore. Adulterers will also go to heaven. A complete reverse of the scriptural laws.
Example #2: Addition of a law. (We can do this individually, as a family and by company managements but should be avoided by a congregation if possible)
Law: Christians should absolutely never take part in anyway on Halloween celebrations and practices. (This is a real “scary” law to implement.)
Since Halloween is everywhere.
We should be very careful in making church laws and regulations. Image courtesy of Simon Howden at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
If these are all forbidden: wearing a mask/costumes, eating candies from Halloween, giving candies, laughing and getting scared with people who are in Halloween costumes, going trick or treating, going to Halloween parties, watching horror movies and shows, going to stores or buying items during Halloween sale and so much more…. If you violate one of these situations it only means you are a sinner and failed to obey God’s will.
I admit many Halloween practices may not be acceptable considering its ugly origin and history. On the other hand, I can not judge everyone that takes part on it as evil or not a faithful servant of God. I will never say that and should never do that. That is plain judgmental. Most kids nowadays only think of it as a way to see their neighbors and ask for candies. There is nothing wrong with that unless you think you are holier than others. The need for you to condemn and getting annoyed is now over the top. Imagine who will be the disobedient in the sight of God, the kids who just wanted some candies or the Christians who think better of themselves because of the existing law?
Where and how should we draw a line which will apply to everybody
It is really hard to draw a line to distinguish what is right or wrong based only on general information. You have to reconsider your own point of view and understanding as well. In reality you will be the sole responsible to decide and act for your family on what is admissible or not. You will always decide on your own based on your outlook and not solely because of the rules or laws. In short, we could never draw a line that would be perfect for everybody. The Bible cannot even draw a clear line. The real substance of our actions can only be found in the deepest part of our personality and individuality. If the supreme court can make mistakes how much easier a regular Christian or even a mega-church can commit one mistake. There is no exception. Lost time and embarrassments from wrongful judgments and punishments are always irreversible. All judgments should never have the luxury of making mistakes and excuses. Unfortunately in this life, that is sordid and murky.
The Capitol Building
This is how the Bible draws a line – the mark of truthfulness, genuineness and purity of motives. It will never be clear to us, but to God it is crystal clear.
1 Timothy 1:5 – Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:
Recommendation for church laws: Grow a righteous conscience and knowledge in the word of God
On anything common sense is needed. No one knows your family the best but you. You and your family should decide on what is acceptable and not. Do not let anyone decide for you and your family unless you are incapacitated and mentally disabled. But the written laws in the scripture and common sense should be enough. There are so many reasons, policies, provisions and laws that are found in the Bible. They should be more than sufficient like Philippians 4:8.
Conscience can learn and grow the right way. Let us guide believers and Christians alike to improve and teach their conscience according to the scriptures, not against it and never more than what is written. Sins and laws that are written in the Holy Bible should be enough as our foundation and shelter of our personalities and faith. Let us follow the scriptures as it was written clearly. The church should be the best guide of righteousness and should not be the source of confusions and difficulties in obedience.
There are so many laws and commandments in the old testament. There is a reason why Jesus just made it into two main commandments. Let us not make more. Let us not push for more. Let us not put pressure unto making the world full of restrictions. Let us not be blinded by pride and hypocrisy. Whatever rules and laws we may create, at the end it is not us who will judge but Him. Why create more laws when we will be the guilty ones?
May our Lord Jesus Christ bless you today.
NOTE: If I have the right, authority and power to create new laws, I will make as many laws as I could to prevent Christians from being tempted to the works of evil and lust of the flesh. But I fear that the soul of many will be in my hands and that is the worst feeling and position ever. I couldn’t live with that no matter what. I will let God do His job for He is the best in it.
This article is my opinion and suggestion only but should never be taken lightly. I never say that we are free to do anything that we want without any consequences. I never say that we cannot make new laws for the church… I simply say we have to be really careful in doing so. Since the Bible in itself has enough laws to keep us holy and make us receive the promised everlasting life. Laws will never save us but it is the pure goodness of heart and righteousness of faith. You can disobey the law but can still be saved. It is because of His loving kindness and grace. It was never the laws. Romans 5:16
God created everything for Himself. Secondly, God created everything for men. Angels were also created in the service of God’s will. They are created to minister upon men who will serve the purpose of God. Where do we belong then? If angels are servants of God, we should then learn to serve our very purpose to God.
Proverbs 16:4 – the Lord hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.
God created everything including man
From dust to dust again
Ecclesiastes 3:20 – All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again.
Job 10:9 – hast made me as the clay… into dust again?
Job 4:17 – mortal man be more just than God?
Man as children of God
Man was given dominion over all creatures on earth. God created everything for men for a reason.
In the Old testament, man referred to as children of God was mentioned rarely or probably just once. Although technically, those verses are only referring to the children of Israel not exactly to all men.
Deuteronomy. 4:25 -children, and children’s children
Deueronomy. 14:1 – children of the Lord your God
Judges. 6:8, I Kings 11:2, 2 Chron 31:6 – children of Israel
Psalms 12:1, Psalms 53:2 – children of men
Psalms 82:6 – children of the most high
Man in Contrast with the Angels
There was a sudden change of trend in the New testament. God gave a chance to all men. He gave a chance for everyone. He became flesh Himself. Thus, we are given a gracious privilege and right to be considered as the children of God. And now, we may be deserving to call HIM – Our Father. In faith, we are His children through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Mathew 6:9 KJV – After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Galatians 3:26 KJV – For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
verse 28: There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
Mathew 5:45 KJV – That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
In the New Testament – He had given us the chance to be the children of God
I John 3:10 – In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.
Matthew 5:9 – Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
Luke 20:36 – children of God, resurrection
John. 11:52 – children of God that were scattered abroad
Romans 8:21, Romans 9:26 – children of the living God
It all changed, because of a mediator. Bringing forth better promises
Hebrews 8:6 – But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.
Hebrews 9:15 – And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.
In God’s plan, man can be higher than the angels.
Luke 20:36 -Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.
I Corinthians 6:3 -Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?
Revelations 19:10 – And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
Man’s nature compared to the angels:
Men are a little lower than angels. We are mortal. Angels are spirit beings.
Men shouldn’t worship them, fellow servants of God
Men can be equal with the angels.
Men can be higher than the angels. Some men can judge them in the next life.
God created His angels to be His servants. Their very nature is obedience to the will of God.
Galatians 1:8 – But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
Angels give so much importance to the people of God
Luke 15:10 – Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.
Angels are sent forth to minister to the heir of salvation.
Hebrews 1:14 – Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?
Meaning from dictionary related to topic:
Minister – to attend to the needs and comforts of
We should be serious in our quest of truth and salvation. All this things are written for us to give reverence to the Words of God. We shouldn’t boast around and should never feel high and mighty. We are not worthy to any of these. God is just kind, full of mercy and grace.
Colossians 3:12 – Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
We have no reason to gratify ourselves but we all have to reason to stay humble and meek. We have to really work hard and not look onto our salvation lightly. We are just really blessed that God gave us ministers to help and to watch over us.
God created everything but not all have received promises. The creator gave promises to man. Man is the recipient of several promises. Man will receive the greatest promises of God according to the scriptures.
Though we may not be aware of unique promises of God outside the bible. Since the bible is for man’s knowledge and not for spirit beings.
Philippians 4:19 – But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Luke 18: 30 – Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting.
John. 6 :27 – Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.
2 Peter 3:13 – Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
When He became flesh, He became a man and not an angel.
Philippians 2:7 – But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likenessofmen:
Psalms 8:5 – For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.
God created everything. All things were also created for mankind.
Let us not forget, it is also because of Man.
Before the creation, God saw man beforehand. He was fascinated with the idea of creating something – that has emotions and attitudes, free will, has natural abilities (capability), to reason out (rationale) and think (comprehend) and plan (contemplate), aptitude skills, and to interact not just instinctively but physically….. almost the same like Him but in a corruptible and much more restricted form. He adores the idea of creating a special creature like Him. Genesis 1:26-27
Abraham as a man
Abraham was not equal with God, not as pure as God. But Abraham was able to pleased God beyond our imagination. God was totally astounded and blown away with what man can do. And that is the beginning of God’s promises to man. We could say that Abraham was the greatest man that ever lived next to our Lord Jesus Christ.
Man can be a friend of God and Abraham proved it. It was possible. Abraham became the friend of God. God looked at Abraham as His equal, that is one of the greatest triumph a man can attain.
God gave the best promise to Abraham. God swore by Himself. Let us try to digest the magnitude of it. God the creator of all, made a promise to a mere man. A promise that all of his descendants will be saved. Because of that promise God needed to die. For God to die, He became a man. Since the promise will only be valid when He dies.
Hebrew 6:13 – For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself,
Hebrews 9:16 – For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.
Romans 11:26 – And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob
Isaiah 45:17 – But Israel shall be saved in the Lord with an everlasting salvation: ye shall not be ashamed nor confounded world without end.
James. 2:23 – And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
What Abraham achieved was a milestone of God’s purpose. God created Him and thus He was God’s glory just like Jesus Christ. Abraham is the greatest glory of men while Jesus is the greatest glory of God.
2 Corinthians 4:6 – the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ
John 17:5 – glorify thou me with thine own self
John 13:32 – glorified in him
Galatians 3:29 – then are ye Abraham’s seed and heir according to the promise
Romans 4:3, 16 – he believed God and counted unto him for righteousness…who is the Father of us all
We love Him, because He First loved us. I John 4:19
When did He start loving us?When did He first loved us? Did He loved us before we are born…before our parents met? or even before our grandparents were born?…Why did He loved us? Did He see something on us worth loving for…Do you think we are worth loving for? How did He first loved us? Do you even feel a hint of His wonderful love?
Who will have all men to be saved… I Timothy 2:4
There is the intention of God to save all men.
Meaning from dictionary that relates to our topic:
Will – the power to control one’s action, a deliberate or fixed desire or intention
1). He did everything, with all His power and authority to make all men to be saved.
Ephesians 3:9 – to make all men see
Ephesians 2:8 – ye are saved through faith…not of yourselves: it is the gift of God
2 Peter 3:9 – not slack concerning his promise… that all should come to repentance.
2). He had given us all the chances He could ever give…But not all will be able to comprehend and accept Him. Because man has a free will. Many man themselves resist the power and ordinances of God.
Proverbs 16:9 – man’s heart deviseth his way
Romans 13:2 – resist the power and the ordinance of God
Acts 7:51 – stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears
2 Corinthians 4:4 – the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them
Ephesians 4:18 – ignorance that is in them… blindness of their heart
He saw us before hand in His divine plan. He thought about us carefully. He deliberated and decided, that He will create everything including JESUS – FOR US. Jesus died for us. God laid down His life for us.
Ephesians 1: 4 – He hath chosen us before the foundation of the world.
1). He created the earth, nature, animals and the heavens for man.
He made men the ruler of all His creations on earth.
Daniel 2:38 – given unto thine hand, made thee ruler over them all
Psalms 8:6-8 – dominion over the works of thy hand.
2) Even the angels, were created to guard, protect and help in the execution of His WILL for men
Heb. 1:14 – sent forth to minister…be heirs of salvation
Rev. 7:3 – hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees
3). Even in the creation of Jesus Christ, we are included in His purpose. He died for us. He redeemed us at the cross. He died for men not for any other animals or being.
I Peter. 3:18 – Christ once suffered for sins
Romans 5:8 – God commended His love toward us… Christ died for us
John 3:16 – He gave us His only begotten son.
I Corinthians 6:20 – ye are bought with a price
Romans 8:1 – now no condemnation to them which are in Christ
Why did He made man ruler over all His creations? He has great plans and purpose for us. Men can be considered as His greatest created creatures. While Jesus is His greatest creation of all.
God’s first born of all His creations was Jesus Christ. God saw man thru Jesus Christ, man was one of the most important aspect of His creations. Christ is the savior while man is the one who needs saving. We are one of the greatest reasons of creating everything and creating His role as Jesus Christ. The first was He created everything for His pleasure. Revelations 4:11, including Jesus Christ Ephesians 1:9. His pleasures are just, honorable and righteousness. Isaiah 42:2. We might be the next greatest reason because He loved us so much, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come. Nothing mentioned shall be able to separate us from the love God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38 – For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
God’s relationship to man is unique and nothing to be compared with. The love of God to man is so great. Angels, things present nor things to come – these things will not make Him to stop from doing His own will. He wants to gather and to be with His own. God faced the greatest ordeals and trouble but nothing stopped Him from doing what He wants. God created everything to do His own will and for His pleasure.
All things were created for Jesus for us to be saved. Without Jesus we will not be saved. We will never exist and if we do exist we will just be a vapor with nothing.
The creation of Jesus ( God becoming of a man) grants God the power to gather together in one all things in Christ which are scattered in the dimensions of time. Ephesians 1:10.
The origin of love was God but as you discover the life and the purpose of Jesus Christ when he was in flesh… You will witness and testify the greatest of love of God to us that we found And discovered. The love that was showed and given to us by His First creation – Jesus Christ.
Topical and Bible Study Guide: Baptism and Salvation by Apostolic Faith
By: Pastor P. Siao, 1970’s Minor Revisions: MOTG
“ye do err, not knowing the Scriptures…”
[Matthew 22:29]
Apostolic Faith on Baptism
Baptism, full immersion in water. It does not matter if the water is murky or crystal clear. Your soul will be cleansed as white as the clouds. Water Baptism – Full immersion.
Nowadays; too many doctrinal preaching and practices are done in the name of God. But most of these denominations are in the conception- “BELIEVE in the Lord Jesus Christ and you are save!” Just this simple and you are assured of heavenly glory without having to go through baptism [either water or spiritual]. And the example they will give is the thief on the cross who never went through baptism [initial act of faith] but was saved!
Simple faith without baptism is not by the apostolic faith
In the Old Testament- yes; this is the only way to salvation, through simple faith or belief in the coming or promised Messiah without works of the Mosaical law [Genesis 18:14, Jeremiah 31:31, Hebrews 8:8, Romans 4:16, Hebrews 11:13 ]. Why Because nobody ever complied or fulfilled the ten commandments for whosoever shall keep the whole law yet offend in one is guilty of all . [Deuteronomy 28: James 2:10-11 Romans 7:10]! So all our fore fathers have sinned from Abraham – [who went out to fight and to rescue Lot] including David and Solomon [thousand wives] etc. All then came under the curse of the law [Deuteronomy 11:26-28 Galatians 3:10] and as started aforehand were saved from damnation by believing only.
He that will come [Romans 3:23 Ephesians 2:8-9]. For this reason did God’s Christ come to vindicate us to fulfilling these law given to Moses [Galatians 4:4-5, Mathew 55:18 , John 19:28] that these commandments may pass away and be changes with [2] new ones [Romans 10:4 , Hebrews 7:12 , 1 John 3:23]. In fulfilling and obeying them He was accused of willfully disobeying or blaspheming the 1st and 4th commandments, that is; pretending to be God and disregarding the Sabbath day [John 5:18, 19:7]. Hence: Jesus was crucified. But faith has its own law also [Romans 3:27] or its commandments which we are going to enumerate later. With regards the repentant thief, he was saved because at the time he was there on the cross. Jesus still lives, therefore the NEW TESTAMENT has not taken effect yet! [Hebrews 9:15-17]. And if He is not yet under the new covenant then the subject thief is surely under the old, where simple belief in the Christ as mentioned above is enough to bring him to paradise.
Baptism in the name of Jesus Christ
Under the New Testament – a different set of works or to be explicit –acts of faith is commanded, such as, “Go, teach all nations [not the Jews only] baptizing them in the name.. he that believed and is baptized shall be saved [Mathew 28:19 , Mark 16:16]. And these is what the apostles has precisely done when they were equipped with the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. Peter and the rest of the apostles answered the query, “What shall we do?” with “repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sin and thou shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” [Acts 2:38] . Here you will notice the word baptism which does not appear in the old covenant being preached in the new. Why? What is the meaning of the word?
The first meaning symbolized by immersion in the water of the subject is to be buried like the Lord Jesus [Romans 63-4] that like as Christ is raised from the dead, we should also walk in the newness of life [devoid of sin]. The second is to receive His name [Isaiah 56:5 , John 17:6 ; 26] that we may be His own sons and daughters [Mathew 3:17, Galatians 3:27-29 , 4:7]. The third is to be married to Him [Isaiah 54:5 , Ephesians 5:23] but this cannot occur unless our first husband – sin is dead by burying [Romans 7:1-4’ Hebrews 13:4 Exodus 14:28]. In other words – to be washed of sin Acts 22:16.
So then baptism; either in water or in Spirit is necessary to one’s salvation as taught by the Scriptures [John 3:5, 1 Peter 3:21]. This is part and parcel of believing by fulfilling all acts of righteousness [Mathew 3:15]. This come from the Greek word BAPTIZO meaning ; to immerse or bury, therefore it is inadmissible to sprinkle or hold a cup of water over one’s head to symbolize burial.
Baptism in much water, the Apostolic Faith
Please be referred to the following: John was baptizing in Aenon, because – there is much water there [John 3:23]! If one cupful of water suffices then surely they will not take the trouble of marching to that place where there is abundance of water! Will they? When Jesus was baptized by John they came up out of the water just like Philip and the eunuch who went down and come up ut of the water too [Mark 1:9-10 , Acts 8:38-39]. Again, will you believe that they went down to water to the water just so they could be springkled? Ridiculous id they did! One thing more men cannot have the option of choosing the mode of baptism they wish for this is contrary to the Word of God. When He gave orders to Noah in the building of the ark and to Solomon in the construction of the temple. He stated to littlest detail His wishes [measurement, materials and their specifications – wood, metal or precious stones and even to the curtains!] this is true even- in the building of the ark of the covenant [Genesis 6 , 1 Kings 7, Exodus 37]. In the new testament era, Paul stated This warning. “According to the grace of God given unto me, as a wise master builder, I have laid the foundation , and another builded thereon. But let every man take heed how he builded there upon.” 1 Corinthians 3:10 Remember, it is a crime against the Lord to add or subtract from His word [Deuteronomy 12:32, Revelations 22:18].
Why baptism is essential? Baptism is an initial work of faith.
CONCLUSION: All believers in the new testament are baptized [Acts 2:41, 8:12;28, 10:48, 16:33, 19:5, 22:16] for this is the initial act or work of faith. Faith without works [new testaments’ acts] is dead [James 2:14-26] like a corpse. Satan also believes and trembles yet! But we are sure that he and his cohorts [2 Corinthians 11:13-15] does not do properly or comply with the Lord’s words to deliberately mislead the people of God. To preach, baptize, pray for the sick etc., is utter different from the works of the [10] commandments [Mathew 5, & Romans 12:6-8]. Here many of my colleagues erred for they believe all along that the works stated by James are those of Moses and allied them with Paul’s Romans and Galatians letters. The Bible teaches us to rightly divide the word of truth [2 Timothy 2:1] .
Even Martin Luther offered a fortune to anybody who could reconcile James to Romans! To be blunt; faith applies to the Jews only Just as the [10] commandments are. But when the Messiah came and was crucified and glorified and the Holy Ghost came, then – simple faith passes away. We have already the irrefutable witness of those who have seen! [1 John 1:1-3] Before the old testament people cannot work for they are alone and without the Holy Spirit [except a few] but now the promised of the POWER is assured to all believers so there remains no excuse why we cannot work His new commands ! [Acts 1:8]
Kindly be aware of the (5) virgins (or churches) that were unable to enter the kingdom od God despite their justification from sins or their virginity. This will happen to those churches or individuals who relied on sheer faith without fruit (Mathew 25:15-12). Apostle Paul said, “… but on much more in may absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” (Mathew 25:14-30), the erring servant too is considered a Christian for the Lord entrusted His talent to Him, yet –was he saved? How about the barren fig tree? (Mt 21:18). Where will a useless, unfruitful tree end? In the fire-undoubtedly! Depart from me will be His answer to those pseudo-believers at that day when He comes back, to those who have the habit of pleasing men by watering down the Lord’s will be their own brand or are too lazy to examine their churches’ doctrine or read and study their precious Bibles (Mt 7:23, 15:9 , Luke 6:46, 1 Timothy 4:1, Acts 17:11, I Timothy 3:16)
The times of ignorance God has overlooked… Acts 17:30. We were not called as men pleasers for it we do cannot be God’s ministers (Gal 1:10). Or are we scared of losing our jobs even if thi0s means the los of others’ soul ( Mt 23:13 , Jn 12:42-43 , Fil 3:19). Others belittle the doctrine of baptism yet they perform them! Centuries of human patching-up and misrepresentation of the divine Word has brought the people closer to Satan than to Him. If it is by a very simple profession of , “I accept Christ as my personal Savior!” And no more then – why waste time going to church, tithing yourself, assembling together, if salvation is this so easy?
“YE DO ERR NOT KNOWING THE SCRIPTURES…” Mathew 22:29
Let us go back to the original APOSTOLIC DOCTRINE (Heb 6:2, Jude 3) now!
PROVING THE TRUTH IN THE BIBLE
Another gem of truth indispensable to salvation is the NAME BAPTISM which was lost by so-called Christian primarily through Satan’s machinations through dogmatic hard-headedness of the preachers and laymen (I Sam 15:23, Acts 17:11). Hence; ask anyone in this world, Catholic and Protestant alike, in what name baptism should be and 9,999 out of 10,000 will answer, “In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost.”
Tell them that we baptize in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ as though and practiced by the apostle (Acts 2:38, 8:16 , 10:48 , 19:5) and immediately you sense the wariness on their part. Then the following questions and answers will invariably follow: QUESTION: Didn’t the Lord himself said (citing Mathew. 28:19 quickly) that baptism should be in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost why change it?
ANSWERS: We do not change it, in fact – we fulfill it! The command is to baptize in the NAME (singular) of the calling or titles of God-Father-, Son and Holy- Ghost and Jesus is certainly the NAME (Isaiah 9:6 , Luke 1:31, John 5:43 , 17:26). Father, Son and Holy Ghost are not proper names, hence; unusable. Be referred to what apostle Paul said.”.. were ye baptize in the name Paul.. lest anybody should say I baptize in mine own name.” (I Cor 1:13-15). The NAME alone saves and not the calling or the titles of God (Acts 4:12 , Philippians 2:10 , Luke 24:47).
QUESTION: Shouldn’t we obey the Lord rather than apostle? ANSWER: A foolish answer, indeed! It is unthinkable that the Lord and His apostle are at variance or contradict each other on this grace matter specially after Pentecost when the Holy Spirit come to abide and speak through them (Acts 1:2 John 14:16-17 Ephesians 3-5). Again, if the Acts of the Apostle were wrong – then it should have been deleted from the Scriptures (II Tim 3:160).
QUESTION: Oh! Either baptism are the same anyway, inasmuch as both are for the glory of the Lord. Don’t you think that baptism of the Holy Ghost is the most important? (Acts 19:1-2 , Ephesians 1:13). ANSWER: Both baptism could not be correct- for there is only one truth (Eph 4:5). You are ordered not to subtract or add from the Word of God (Deuteronomy 12:32 – Rev 22:18). Satan is shrewd and cunning and this is what he wants – to change the Lord’s words that men may be lost! We are commanded to baptize in the NAME and not in the title or calling and you cannot find a single verse in the Bible that baptizes in the Father, Son , Holy Ghost! Yes, we admit that all are for the glory of God yet if one brother baptized in the Father, Son and Holy Ghost while the other baptizes in the name of Jesus will they not create confusion? And God is not the author of confusion but of order and decency (I cor 14:33, 40) . we are ordered to study and rightfully divide the Word of Truth (II Tim 2:15), to be5 noble like the Bereans because they hunt the Scriptures to examine the veracity if the doctrine taught them (Acts 17:10-11). With reference to the Holy Ghost baptism; I personally believe that it is far more important that water baptism yet, the holy scriptures teaches that you cannot take one and drop the other (Ex. Preaching and tithing – Mat 23:33 , Lk 16:10). Cornclius was already baptized with the Holy Ghost, yet he had to be baptized in the name if Jesus in water (Acts 10:45-48). Truly, we must be born of water and Spirit to gain access to the kingdom of heaven (John 3:5).
Question: That is odd, you must be very few that practices such belief, Catholics and nearly all Protestant baptizes in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, Don’t you think that by this overwhelming majority alone is the proof that we are right and you are wrong?
ANSWER: By the standards of men, yes numbers count and has the rule, But with God, it is different for sheer numbers does not convince Him. Listen to these, “He did not set His love in us because we are more in numbers but because we are the fewest of all.. fear not little flock for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” (Deuteronomy 7:7 , Luke 12:32). Yes. We are a peculiar people (Deuteronomy 14:2 , I Pet 2:9) and the difference is while others preach Jesus; they deny Him by their just act or work of faith – by not using His precious – NAME in baptism (Titus 1:16, Acts 4:12)
QUESTION: Why didn’t our Lord simply said, “Go and baptize in my name JESUS” ?
ANSWER: Because He cannot bear witness of Himself! (John 5:31) for it is written that a man who praise himself, measuring themselves by themselves are not wise (Proverbs 27:2) and biblical quotation suggest not just to favor your own dogma. You cannot for the Bible must interpret itself, “Search the Scriptures (the old and the new) and they (prophets and apostles) are they which testify of me.” (John 5:39). “The word of the Lord for them was precept upon precept, line upon line, here a little and there a little that they might be – be broken and snared and taken. ” (Isaiah 28:13).
Two or Three Witnesses Rule
These is the Bible way of proving its truths – the topical process or the two or three witness rule. For example: if we wish to prove the allegation that Simon Peter is the Rock wherein the Church of Christ is built (without resorting to Gr. Petros & Petra), then all we have to do is hear the first witness Moses speaking at Deuteronomy 32:4, “He is the Rock, a God of truth, just and right is He.”
Next we ask brother Paul in I Corinthians 10:4,” .. for they drunk of that spiritual Rock that followed them and that Rock was Christ” From the fore mentioned evidence then is the fact that Jesus Christ is the Rock and not Peter for there exists no proof in the old and new testaments that he is the genuine Rock except the Lord. Now we simply apply this formula as to WHO is the father, Son and Holy Ghost:
FATHER:
Isaiah 9:6 The prophet Isaiah predicted that a boy will be born and will be called “Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace…”
Phil 2:6-8 Paul said, “.. being in the form of God.. made Himself of no reputation when He took upon himself the form of a servant of man.
Mathew 1:23 Matthew testified, “Behold a virgin shall be with a child.. son.. they shall call his name Emmanuel meaning – God is with us.”
John 14:8-9 John wrote,” Jesus answered – Have I been so long 12:4 with you thou hast not know me, Philip? He that has seen me hath seen the Father ans how sayest thou then, shew us the Father?”
SON OR LORD:
Deuteronomy 6:4 – Moses said that God is one Lord
John 13:13 – Jesus admitted or confirmed that He is the Lord
Revelation 1:16 – John prophecied – “Will prove at His second coming when 2, II Corinthians 10:12. Too; the apostles knew Him being instructed (3 1/2) years while walking with Him and then through the Holy Spirit (Mark 4:34 , 10-11 & Ephesians 3:5).
QUESTION: If the NAME of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost is the LORD JESUS CHRIST, then is He the Father, Son & Holy Ghost and how do you prove this?
Baptism in the name of Jesus is the path
ANSWER:Yes, by the infallible and only biblical way – by TWO OR THREE – WITNESS RULE (Deuteronomy 19:15 , Mathew 18:16 II Corinthians 13:1). The roman catholic says that you cannot interpret the Scriptures privately and they are right! (II Pet 1:20). You cannot simply use haphazardly.
He comes with the name : KING of Kings and LORD of Lords.”
HOLY GHOST:
Genesis 1:2 Moses first book says, “The HOLY Spirit exists before the world was!”
John 14:16 John again: The Spirit of truth which the world cannot receive for it does not now Him but you know Him… I will not leave you comfortless, I will come to you!
Ephesians 4:4-6 One faith, one Lord, one baptism, one God and Father of all..
II Corinthians Paul concludes, “.. now the Lord is that Spirit.”
The Lord is the Father (Isaiah 63:16 , 64:8)
Jesus is the Son ( Exodus 23:21 , John 5:43)
Christ is the Holy Ghost (John 1:41 , Acts 2:36, 10:38).
(Christ : this is not a surname but a title or calling of the Lord which means in the Greek language, “to be anointed.”)
For further proof as to the singlenesss or oneness of His other identities, consider the following:
The Lord Jesus created heaven and earth ………. Isaiah 42:5 , John 1:10 , Colosians 1:16
The Lord Jesus is the Almighty God ………. Genesis 17:1 , Revelations 1:8 , 17-18
The Lord Jesus is the great, “I AM” -………. Exodus 3:13 – 14 John 8:24
The Lord Jesus is the First and the Last ………. Isaiah 41:4 , Revelations 1:17-18
The Lord Jesus is the only Saviour ………. Isaiah 43:11 , Titus 1:4
The Lord Jesus will reign forever ………. Psalms 146:10 , Luke 1:33
For in Him dwelleth all the fullness of the GodHead bodily! Colosians 2:9
THEREFORE:IT IS CLEAR AND IRREFUTABLE THAT THE ALMIGHTY GOD OR JEHOVAH OF THE OLD TESTAMENT IS THE SAME LORD JESUS CHRIST OF THE NEW ONE. AS FATHER HE CREATED, AS THE SON HE SAVED , AS THE HOLY GHOST HE PERPETUATED THE WORK THAT HE HIMSELF BEGUN WHILE ON EARTH THROUGH US, AMEN.
As God is one, it is indispensable that our faith should be one, and our baptism one and the Name we are going to preach should also be one and that must be in the NAME OF GOD in the new Testament – JESUS (Isaiah 56:5, John 17:26 , Acts 4:10 , Phil 2:10). To comply then; it is imperative that we must have faith on Jesus only, Preach His name only and baptize in His name only! This is the apostolic faith and way.
When our Master was queried as to which is the greatest of the commandments, He answered, “Hear O Israel, the Lord thy God is one Lord .. and you should love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy mind and with all thy strength. This is the first commandment” (Mathew 12:29-30). Now if we are going to Love the Father 50%, the Son 30% and the Holy Ghost 20%, do you call that whole love? Thus, if we are truly worshippers of Jesus Christ then He alone should be the recipient of all our soul, heart and strength’s adoration and then and only have we complied with this greatest commandment of all!
QUESTION: Then you deny the deity of the Father if you do everything in the name of Jesus?
ANSWER: No, we do not for it is written, “Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father but he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also … believest thou not that I am in the Father and the Father is in me?” (I John 2:23 , John 14:10) Paul said, “ For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily” (Col 2:9).
QUESTION: Why is it written that Jesus sits at the right hand of God?
ANSWER: Right hand is symbolical and stands for power, judgment and anything good or right. When He comes, he shall separate good from the bad – sheep on the right and the goats on the left (Exodus 15:6 , Mark 14:62 , Mathew 25’23). Consider again the following: For He shall stand at the right hand of the poor. (Psalms 109:31). The Lord is at the right hand of Moses (Isaiah 63:12) . My right hand hath spanned the heavens (Isaiah 48:13). We conclude then that right hand suggests value.
QUESTION: Why did God said, “Let us make man in our image after our likeness!
ANSWER: HE is talking to His angels (meaning: messengers of God – Genesis 24:7 , Daniel 3:28 , Acts 12:8 ). Read also Job 1:6-12 , Luke 22:31. You will notice that God uses His angels, including Satan in the fulfillment of His wishes and talks with them! There are plenty of verses in the Bible where He sends His angels to His people, hence; He was talking to His angels when He said, Let us … (Genesis 1:26). BUT – read the next verse which says, “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created be him!” This proves again the ONENESS of our Lord God.
QUESTION: Why is it that baptism in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost is so widespread when it is incorrect to use?
ANSWER: 325 years after Lord’s departure, all baptisms are done in the original apostolic way – in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. But this was change by that church Rome. This is documented and certificated (Canney Ency p. 53. Dictionary of Bible Ency vol 1 pp 395-396. Johnsons New Universal Ency vol 1 p. 415 & vol 10 p. 3. Brittanica Ency vol 3 pp. 365-366. World Bk. Ency Vol 16 p. 7270 )
CONCLUSION:
There are certain sects that believe that Jesus is like any prophet like Isaiah or Ezekiel and there are others who believe that He is God but delegated Him to a second person of a triune God or trinity. These are incompatible with the apostolic doctrine for they refuse to believe God was reincarnated in the flesh (II John 7) or that he is Lord of all (Acts 10:36). As the Father – He created us; Much could be done to convince all Christian faiths – if all are going to baptized in this NAME unless he or she believes that He is the Father, Son and the Holy Ghost! Yet his grace of salvation was withheld from the world simply because many lean vet on their own understanding and are wise in their own eyes and conceits! (Proverbs 3:5-7 Isaiah 5:21 , I Corinthians 8:2). Some knew the veracity of this baptism but shrug it off because it might costs them their jobs (Philippians 3:19, John 6:26) though it costs somebody else soul. I was surprised one time when a missionary afterwards. “I am sorry but we are Trinitarians.” Bewildered, I mulled it over in my Trinitarian (though not a single word of this appears therein) to be saves or does it teach
“THAT WHATSOEVER YE DO IN WORD OR IN DEED, DO ALL IN THE NME OF JESUS … (Colosians 3:17)”
THESIS ON BAPTISM
The ten (10) commandment are for the Israelites or Jews only but not one of them were able to fulfill it because if you disobey one, You are guilty of all. Jesus came to fulfill or to obey this ten commands so that they passed away.
By the work of the law then no Jew could be justified except by faith that a Messiah or Savior will come an d help him out. Hence; they are save by faith alone and nothing else ! Simple faith is for the Jews only.
But when Jesus came and was seen died and was resurrected, there was no more any excuse for unbelief. Furthermore; He promised to abide (as the Holy Spirit in us) to continue His work, therefore; faith must be substantiated with work (acts of faith) or it cannot exist – being alone! (James 2:7)
Baptism then is necessary under the new testament being the first act of faith and without it belief in Christ is a dead one – like the body without the Spirit. Proof; all those who belied under the new era were in inevitably baptized – Acts 2:28, 41, 8:12-13, 36-39, 10:47-48, 16:31-33, 19:5, 22:16.
Faith alone cannot stand under the N.T. because Christ was already manifested so what is the use of believing yet a hope that was already SEEN, and attested to by so many apostles and disciples! (1 John 1:1-3).
The NAME BAPTISM alone is legal, why? Because the primary meaning of baptism is giving a Name in order that we truly could be called sons of God (Isaiah 56:5, John 17:26, Galatians 3:26-29). True, it does not clean even the flesh as some would say you could be dipped a thousand times and still remain a sinner, but, it is obedience to His will (I Peter 3:21)
There is no sin if you do know. But now there is no more cloak for sin (John 15:22). The times of ignorance God winked at. To him that knoweth to do good doeth it not, to him it is sin (Acts 17:30, James 4:17). For we write none other things unto you, you that what you read …? II Corinthians 1:13.
“FOR WE CAN DO NOTHING AGAINTS THE TRUTH BUT FOR THE TRUTH.” II Corinthians 13:8
We all long for an eternal life. The eternal life that was promised to us by our Lord Jesus Christ to those who will believe and accept Him. It was introduced to us in the new testament by Him. It was an eye opener. The greatest promise to mankind. Granting everlasting life is a part of the grand plan of God. A hope we couldn’t fathom but we appreciate it more than anything. We do good things in hope of an eternal life after death. No one had been there to prove us it really does exist or show us any clue if it’s even possible. Although millions or probably billions around the globe somewhat believe the eternal life and its counterpart – the eternal damnation.
I myself believe more than anything. My world revolves around it as a minister to spread the gospel of Christ. We should all revolve around the belief of it. It is our greatest hope and the best promise of all. Jesus Christ is our genuine proof. He is the best source of testimony. Inarguably, He has no equal to be the author and the finisher of our faith.
John 6:68 – Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.
Ephesian1:10 – That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him.
Hebrews 12:2 – Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
What is eternal? The dictionary can help us. Eternal means lasting forever, always existing and endless. It even means without beginning or end. It directly means forever and everlasting. Probably the most applicable meaning of which would be lasting, something that is enduring for a very long time.
Does eternity or eternal life means literally no end or no beginning?
Eternity has always been attributed to eternal life and to God. God is an eternal being. Jesus Himself said “I am the Alpha and the Omega” in other words there is a beginning and the end. God is the beginning and the end.His beginning is beyond comprehension and His end is beyond anyone’s reach. He was the beginning of all because He created all things. All began because of Him. He is the end as well. Without question, He has the power to end anything and everything. He can end all subjective to His will since He is the Almighty God.
Thus, the literal meaning of eternal can only be attributed to God. He is the eternal God from everlasting to everlasting. He is the absolute eternity. No one and nobody can go together with Him in eternity. He is the only eternity Himself. No one else.
Eternal life as a reward for man has a beginning. For the rest of us, it never even started yet. The beginning of which is still to be determined. The promise was only set to begin so let us wait further until the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Presently, we are yet living in our temporal life and many are still asleep in their perpetual sleep.
I Corinthians 15:52 – In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
Revelations 1: 8 – I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
Revelations 1:18 – I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
Why the Bible uses the word eternal or eternal life?
Although the bible uses the word eternal, everlasting and forever to describe events and moments. Generally, it was used figuratively to elaborate the intensity or showing the probability of immeasurability in man’s language. The bible was written within a great length of time. The knowledge of the writers and prophets are dependent upon their generation. Today, we have calculators that has limits showing only 12 or 16 digits. Imagine 2000 or 3000 years ago what do they use to count? How will they describe numerical values more than what they know. They will end up using the word forever or eternity to express lengthy time or a great event. It doesn’t prohibit them to use such words to express something extremely not ordinary. Consequently, we still use them all the time nowadays, “it seems forever ago since we’ve last talked honestly”.
Some biblical examples:
In Genesis, it rained brimstone and fire from heaven to Sodom and Gomorrha. The words eternal fire was used in Jude to describe the greatness of destruction and the wrath of God. Is it still raining fire up to this day?
Jude 1:7 – Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.
King David was chosen as the king forever. Does this literally means he is the king forever? I only know one king who is forever.
I Chronicles 28:4 – Howbeit the Lord God of Israel chose me before all the house of my father to be king over Israel for ever: for he hath chosen Judah to be the ruler; and of the house of Judah, the house of my father; and among the sons of my father he liked me to make me king over all Israel.
Jonas described the greatness of his humbling experience inside the belly of the fish by using the word forever. He only stayed their for about three days.
Jonah 2:6 – I went down to the bottoms of the mountains; the earth with her bars was about me for ever: yet hast thou brought up my life from corruption, O Lord my God.
Everlasting to everlasting. There are two everlastings in the verse. The prior one should end for the other to begin.
Psalms 90:2 – Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.
Paul is just describing how great is the reward compared to our present affliction. There is no eternal weight.
II Corinthians 4:17 – For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
An eternal world is needed for an eternal life.
Eternal life could only be a literal eternity when all the things that surrounds us will also be present for eternity. We need an eternal heaven and earth to exist eternally. All should be eternal for us to exist until eternity.
Mark 10:30 -But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.
God is the only eternal and no one can measure and count the length of His eternity.
I Timothy 1:17 – Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Eternal life was a promise.
Eternal life is the life promised to us by our just, kind and eternal God. A promise to those who will succeed in their present life. A far better and longer life than we currently have. A life not subject to death but to live gracefully under the reign of our savior Jesus Christ. The length of time as of now seems irrelevant and indistinct to elaborate since it cannot be measured. There is no measurement available. Since no one knows how long, only God Himself.
However, eternal life to man can end maybe after numerous thousands or millions of years. Who knows? I don’t know. But it can surely end upon His preordained intention. The length of eternal life solely lies to our God who is the giver and taker of life.
Having an eternal life in paradise does not make us less in need of God. We need God all the time. Our necessity of Him will never be lessened nor shrink. We are solely going to live in His mercy and grace. Without Him life itself couldn’t exist for a moment. How much more can it last forever without His grace?
He has the power to cut off the flow of life anytime we disobey or take Him for granted. He has all the right to end anything as He wishes. Eternal life will and can definitely end. It all depends to our compliance to Him and ultimately, it will all be base upon His discretion. There is no absolute eternity to anyone except to God.
Let us not be blinded by emotions and beliefs. We need to disregard preconception but give way to open mindedness. We should consider reason, logic and the word of God without any inclination. Let the true wisdom and understanding reach and flow to our hearts and minds freely. Because the true wisdom and knowledge of Him will comfort and give us the fullness of joy. God’s love will display the fullest of its power, greatness and potential as we understand the purest and truest meaning of it. Indeed, His love is yet to be discovered and understood by many.
Please hang on tight for more revelations from the MysteryoftheGospel.com in regards to the truth.
We need to understand the way to salvation. Jesus Himself introduce us to the life after death. He is the author and finisher of our faith. Faith couldn’t be finished without His resurrection. He justified faith thru showing us the way to salvation.
Jesus is the way to salvation. The Lord wants all men to be saved and to come into the knowledge of the truth. We need to enter the way to salvation. This is part of the divine plan of salvation of God.
I Timothy 2:4 – Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
His love is incomparable, that even laid His own life for all mankind to redeem us from sin. A man found no guile and not worthy for any punishment. To become flesh was His plan of salvation.
Philippians 2:8 – And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
John 3:16 – For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
However, despite all His divine works and sufferings for the sake of all, many are not willing to obey Him. Unfortunately, not everyone will be saved. How can He save everyone when God is righteous and just? He gives rewards to anybody who is worthy of glory and punishment to whom it should be.
Matthew 7:21- Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
We need to follow exactly the way to salvation.
There is only one track and way to salvation
Luke 6:46 – And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?
John 14:15 – If you love me keep my commandments.
Apostle Paul said. “Look for your salvation with fear and trembling”.
Philippians 2:12 – Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
Biblical events teaching us the way to salvation.
This can be found at John 3:1-5. There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus. A ruler of the Jews. the same came to Jesus by night to know how man can enter the kingdom of Heaven. The Lord answered him. “except a man be born again he cannot see the kingdom of God Nicodemus was puzzled, he asked the Lord again”. How can a man be born when His old? Can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Verily, verily I say unto you, except a man be born of water and of spirit” he cannot enter in to the kingdom of God.
It becomes a requirement to be born of water and spirit to enter into the kingdom of God. The scriptures states that clearly in verse 5.
Another reference is found in Acts 16:30-33. Paul and Silas was asked directly about the way to salvation, how can he be saved. They answered him believed on the Lord Jesus Christ… And that same hour of the night they were all baptized with his household.
Getting baptized was part of the process. Why not wait till tomorrow to get baptized? Why get baptized if baptism is not important? This only proves baptism is necessary as a part of the way to salvation.
Steps of the way to salvation.
Acts 2:38 – What shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Salvation is answered by turning away from our sins and to be born of water and spirit, which is baptism in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Baptism came from the Greek word, “baptizo” which means to immerse or bury. Therefore, to sprinkle or hold a cup of water over one’s head is incorrect in fulfilling the act of baptism, because it does not symbolizes immersion or burial.
Col 2:12 – Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
I Pet. 3:21 – The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
Additional proofs and references of way to salvation.
Baptism is immersion in water. If a cupful of water is sufficient or enough to baptize, then they will not take the trouble of going to the place where there is abundance of water.
John 3:23 – John was baptizing in Aenon, because there is much water there.
Mark 1:9-10 – When Jesus was baptized by John, they came out of the water
Acts 8:38-39 – Philip and the Eunuch went down in to the water for baptism.
Our Lord Jesus Christ was the best example. There is a great need to be baptized in water. He submitted Himself to baptism as an act of all righteousness. If Jesus was baptized why shouldn’t we?
Matthew 3:13 – Jesus walked from Galilee to Jordan just to be baptized
Luke 3:21 – Jesus also being baptized
Baptism is essential for salvation. The Lord Jesus Christ clearly tells us that baptism saves.
Mark 16:16 – those who believes and is baptized shall be saved..
Matthew 28:19 – teach all nation baptizing them…
The Apostle baptized in the water in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Acts 10:47-48 – can any man forbid water that these should not be baptized
Acts 19: 1-5 – Peter baptized them
Acts 8:15-16 – when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the holy Ghost
Luke 3:3 – preaching the baptism of repentance.
Position after baptism
Gal 3:27-29 -For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Ye are all one in Christ Jesus..
Gal 4:7 – Wherefore thou art on more a servant, but son, an heir of God though Christ.
John 1:12 – But as many as received him to them gave the power to become the sons of God…
Changes after baptism
Isaiah 56:5 – new name
Ezekiel 36:26-27 – new heart
II Corinthians 5:17 – new creature
Now is the time to enter the way to salvation.
II Corinthians 6:2 – Behold, now is the accepted time, now is the day.
Proverbs 27:1 – Boast not thyself of tomorrow, for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.
Once you received and believed Jesus Christ as your personal savior you should accept Him right away in baptism.
Who is the one true God? Because there should only be one true God. The world knows many gods according to history and that is just the reality. Let us search, study and know the true god. Now is the time to acknowledge Him in our lives.
There is Only one true God – the Creator of everything
The Almighty God is the one true God. There are so many passages in the Scriptures that teach us God is one, and that there is no other truth in the bible that receives more prominence than the oneness of God. I believe in an absolute oneness of God. I will explain to you next time what it means by absolute oneness.
Deuteronomy 6:4 Hear, O Israel: the Lord our god is one Lord
Isaiah 44:6 … is there a God beside me? Yes, there is no God, I know not any.
Isaiah 45:5 , Isaiah 46:9 , Mark 12:32 , I Corinthians 8:4, Rev. 4:2
A multiplication of God is a contradiction,there is only one true supreme being; who is the true God. The bible assures us that the rest will be untrue . Such being cannot be multiplied, pluralized. There can only be one true God.
The oneness of God is the great truth and message of the Old Testament. The Jews stoned Jesus because he laid claim to deity; and said, “For a good work we stoned thee not” but for blasphemy and because that thou being a man, make thyself of God. The truth in the old testament is never contradicted in the new testament but rather fulfilled. The Jews knew for sure that there is only one God who is true.
Only One True God additional references and proofs:
1. The name of the Father, Son and the Holy Ghost is Jesus.
Isaiah 9:6 – For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, the everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Mathew 1:23 – Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God is with us
This only proves that Jesus Christ was God after all. A God who manifested in flesh I Tim 3:16.What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before? John 6:62 He was God before He became the son.
John 14:8-9 Isaiah 63:16 Isaiah 64:8
Colossians. 2:9 The fullness of Godhead
2. Jesus Christ – The creator of everything.
Isaiah 42:5 John 1:10 Colossians 1:16
3. Jesus Christ is the the Almighty God
Genesis 17:1 Revelations 1:8 Revelations 1:17-18
4. Jesus Christ is the FIRST and the LAST
Isaiah 48:12 Revelations. 1:8 Isaiah 41:4
5. Jesus Christ is the only savior
Isaiah 43:11 Titus 1:4 Acts 4:12
6. Jesus Christ will reign forever.
Psalms 146:10 Luke 1:33
Philippians 2:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow a, of things in heaven, and thing in earth, and things under the earth;
Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery,which from the beginning of the world hath been hid with God,who created all things by Jesus Christ:
Jeremiah 10:10 -But the Lord is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation.Becoming a man to God was the main reason why He created all things. He wanted and decided to become a man. A man needs oxygen to breath, earth to step on, fruits and meat to eat and; all these things He created for man to survive.
John 10:30 – I and my Father are ONE.
Exodus 23:21 – My name is in Him…
John 5:43 I came in my father’s name…
7. Jesus is the Son, He acknowledged it that He is the son
Exodus 23:21 John 5:30, 43
8. Jesus is also the Father before He became the son
There is only one true God. He is the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit – our Lord Jesus Christ.
Our Lord Jesus Christ is the Almighty God and the only one true God. God is a jealous God (Exodus 20:5). Thus, all glory belongs to Him. He does not want to share His glory to anybody. He does not want anybody worshipping others aside from Him (part of 10 Commandments).
It will be a contradiction in the Bible to presume that there is more than one entity or personality of God. He is absolutely just one in number and in everything and; it will be contradictory to prove one does not mean one at all. Our true God is none other than our Lord Jesus Christ.
Gospel Approach: Better to Give Than to Receive (Acts 20:35)
I can say that Apostle Paul was one of the disciples who really knew Jesus Christ. His calling was way different and unique in nature. He was converted late so I doubt they really had a chance to really meet before the crucifixion. However, he had a very personal experience with him as one born out of due time (I Corinthians 15:8) at the Damascus road. (Acts 9)
Better to give than to receive
The intriguing thing about this verse is none of the apostles who was with Jesus for more than 3years had mentioned this excerpt. This is one of most widely used statement about giving. You can now start imagining how different Apostle Paul from the rest (Galatians 1:16). As we all know many of the new testament books are credited to him. His knowledge is almost far-fetched but he was the great teacher of the gentiles.
The topic will be focused more on giving and sharing in a gospel approach.
Acts 20:35I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is better to give than to receive.’
I showed you all things – Apostle Paul
Mystery of the gospel, the knowledge of the son of God and the greatest mystery of all – because it is the mystery of God
He preached and lived by example. He introduced charity in depth.
It is God’s principle: better to give than receive
To always give more to the giver not to the recipient or receiver. That is why it is more blessed to give than to receive. Promises are for the givers not to the recipients. Mark 8:35 – whosoever lose or give his life for my name sake shall save it.
Giving more or offering greater sacrifices means receiving more and greater rewards. Mat. 19:29 –left houses shall receive hundredfold…
Not knowing how to sacrifice and serve correctly will devalue your efforts even you started first or early “that first shall be last…” v. 30
Better to give than to receive: Paul lived as an example
He was loved by his brethren Acts 20:37-38 He worked for his own needs and helped other missionaries in necessities
Acts 20:33-34 He was not burdensome to the ministry II Corinthians. 11:9
Paul worthy of boastings but not boastful
II Corinthians. 12:7 – abundance of revelations
II Corinthians 11:5 – not a whit
He shared the Gospel freely. It is better to give than to receive
He abased himself for preaching the gospel freely
II Corinthians. 11:7
He knows how valuable the gospel is, that he thinks he should be “paid”. But he ended up being cheap – preaching the gospel freely to exalt others for a chance to grow in knowledge and for us attain the salvation as well.
We should preach more the gospel freely as we received it with no charge.
II Corinthians 9:16 – woe unto me if I preach not the gospel
v. 18 – Gospel of Christ without charge
v. 19 – servant unto all that I might gain the more
One of the best way of giving is sharing the Word of God.
Additional Readings:
Romans 1:16 – I am not ashame…it is the power of God unto salvation
Ephesians 3:6 – gentiles should be heirs
2 Corinthians 4:4 – image of God should shine unto them
Two ways how we follow or obey
willingly – greater reward
Forced or obligated – less reward or possibly no reward
I Corinthians 9:17 – willingly, I have a reward
Dispensation of the gospel – he is required and committed to share as a minister
Dispensation of the gospel – refers to the transformation of the gospel through Colossians 1:25 dispensation of God. There is a conclusive gospel, the final gospel that directs us to the everlasting gospel. Why Jesus is the name above all names and became the Almighty God
Basic and Simple Sermon Outline: The Risks and Gains of Having Friends.
If there’s no risk there is no gain? In man’s point of view if we never risk we will never gain anything. I presume that should be acceptable and accurate as well. Since we need to prioritize and pick the most important ones to us. There is an urgency to divide and spend quality time with our love ones.
Here is a simple analogy. Having more oxen means more work for the farmer but more income too. Less or no oxen means no manger to clean but there is no income generated. What do you choose? How do we apply these in our lives?
Proverbs 14:4 – Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox.
To gain a friend we should sacrifice something too.
Proverbs 17:17 – A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
Proverbs 18:24 – A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
Having friends generally mean helping them when they are need and spending time with them to grow the relationship. It gets more difficult when you have your own family, fulltime job and a dog. They all require time. Some friends are so demanding and dependent. They may need you most of the time? What are you willing to risk to gain and nurture a friendship.
Luke 11:5 – Then Jesus said to them, “Suppose you have a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread
Luke 11:8 – I tell you, even though he will not get up and give you the bread because of friendship, yet because of your shameless audacity he will surely get up and give you as much as you need.
Are you willing to take the risk to gain more friends or just lose them all? There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Someone who is ready to give and sacrifice anything when you are in need. Having a friend may well be the best thing for you.
John 15:13 – Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
What risks are we willing to take for we to gain a lot more? In our lives we have so many things to think and worry about. The risks and gains are almost unlimited. It is all up to us to decide. One thing for sure, God should be our first and foremost priority.
To gain everlasting life is not the same as gaining friends. We definitely have to sacrifice more.
Matthew 10:39 – He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.
Serving and trusting Him is not a risk at all, never a lost but a complete gain.
Psalms 91:2-6 …A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee…
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