It’s been more than five centuries since the Reformation Day. Is it still relevant today? I believe the answer to that question is the same as that of the EDSA People Power Revolution in 1986. Is it still relevant today?
The Reformation Day, like the People’s Power of EDSA, would always have its significance. With EDSA, freedom was restored, though compromised from time to time. Reformation, on the other hand, restored the truthful teaching on soteriology—the doctrine of salvation. That is, salvation is by the grace of God through faith in Christ Jesus alone, not by penance or indulgence.
However, both events failed to sustain their goals. The Reformation did not fully restore the truthful teachings of Scripture. It created its traditions. Calvinism also misrepresented Scripture, like that of the doctrine of election. God did not mystically pick and choose people for salvation. Rather, God’s calling and election is always by the preaching and teaching of His Word (Ro 10:14-17). Jesus Christ explained that clearly in His Parable of the Sower. Matthew 13:23 teaches that the “good soil is the one who hears the Word and understands it”.
Ironically, both events, historical as they are, yet their ideas came to a halt because they were left in the hands of men. Never mind that of EDSA, but the Reformation could have been sustained on its course if Christians had kept themselves to Scripture alone.
Should Christians then remember the Reformation? Yes, but only if the goal is to reignite the spirit of reformation. Though it should be back to the Bible alone. Don’t seek to repeat and learn the traditions of the Reformation. Rather, study and learn the traditions of the Scripture as it was taught by the Lord Jesus Christ and His apostles.
The apostle Paul said “So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us [the apostles], either by our spoken word or by our letter.” (2Th 2:15)
And again, Paul wrote, “I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them.” (Rom 16:17)
For as long as Christians follow the writings of uninspired men, though of religious orders, yet are fallible and capable of error, then there will always be a need for a reformation. But if you desire to progress beyond the reformation and keep it, then learn and apply the science of biblical interpretation. Respect always the context, time element, audience relevance, and other disciplines in the exegesis of Scripture.
Peter, in the words of Acts 3:6, declared, “I possess neither silver nor gold, but in the name of Jesus Christ, I offer you what I have.” Share freely, for you freely receive. Stay updated by heading to our about page and subscribe directly to receive notifications in your inbox. Blessing!
Can a Christian claim to believe in Jesus Christ and yet be ignorant of His Word? This is the paradox of modern Christianity.
As John 1:14-18 and John 1:1 make clear, Jesus Christ is the Word. Therefore, a person can’t claim to believe in Jesus Christ and not know His Word. Some have even rejected the teachings of the Bible while simultaneously claiming to be Christians.
Shouldn’t Christians always be honest and straightforward? If someone hasn’t converted yet, we shouldn’t call them Christians. Attending a Sunday gathering doesn’t automatically make someone a Christian, and neither does water baptism if there’s no genuine conversion.
In their efforts to fill up Sunday gatherings, Christians have been misguided in their approach to growing the body of believers. Instead of sharing the Scripture and teaching people the truth first, they’ve prioritized bringing people to join Sunday gatherings. Many times without clear confirmations, they rush them into baptism without ensuring that they’ve truly converted to Christ Jesus and His Word.
True Christianity requires a deep understanding of the Word of God. We should not rush people into baptism or joining a Sunday gathering but rather share the Scripture with them until they demonstrate full submission to Jesus Christ and His Word.
In reality, as I have discussed in my other blog “Sunday Cliché”, modern Christianity has blended together Christians and nominal Christians. Aren’t you then dangerously exposing new Christians to “wolves in sheep’s clothing”?
Conversion into Christianity is a process. It is not like buying somebody a ticket and sending the person for a ride. Recognize that time is essential for studying the Scripture so that we can fully comprehend God’s Word and grow in our faith. Patiently guide a person to Christ Jesus. If you’re not equipped to teach, then you ought to learn first the fundamentals of the faith. The apostle Paul told Timothy, “You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also (2Ti 2:1-2)”. That, and that alone, is the true essence of discipleship.
Ultimately, the best way to determine if someone is a Christian is by observing how they respond to life’s challenges and temptations. If they demonstrate a genuine commitment to Christ and His Word, then they are truly a Christian. As the saying goes, “The proof of the pudding is in the eating.”
Peter, in the words of Acts 3:6, declared, “I possess neither silver nor gold, but in the name of Jesus Christ, I offer you what I have.” Share freely, for you freely receive. Stay updated by heading to our about page and subscribe directly to receive notifications in your inbox. Blessing!
Jesus performed two feeding miracles. On both occasions, the crowd was gathered with Him in a desolate place: the feeding of the five thousand Jews and the feeding of the four thousand Gentiles (Matthew 15:32-39; Mark 8:1-10). The miracle of feeding the five thousand is mentioned in all four gospels of the New Testament, while only Matthew and Mark record the feeding of the four thousand Gentiles (see Matthew 15:29-38).
“Jesus went on from there and walked beside the Sea of Galilee. And He went up on the mountain and sat down there. And great crowds came to Him, bringing with them the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute, and many others, and they put them at His feet, and He healed them, so that the crowd wondered, when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled healthy, the lame walking, and the blind seeing. And they glorified the God of Israel. Then Jesus called His disciples to Him and said, “I have compassion on the crowd because they have been with Me now three days and have nothing to eat. And I am unwilling to send them away hungry, lest they faint on the way.” And the disciples said to Him, “Where are we to get enough bread in such a desolate place to feed so great a crowd?” And Jesus said to them, “How many loaves do you have?” They said, “Seven, and a few small fish.” And directing the crowd to sit down on the ground, He took the seven loaves and the fish, and having given thanks He broke them and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up seven baskets full of the broken pieces left over. Those who ate were four thousand men, besides women and children.”
Take note of Matthew 15:31 in bold letters. After Jesus fed the four thousand, the crowd recognized that His deeds were from the God of Israel. This indicates that the crowd consisted of Gentiles. In contrast, after the feeding of the five thousand, the crowd acknowledged the significance of Jesus’ sign and said, “This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world!” This statement, found in John 6:14, clearly references the Mosaic Law (Deuteronomy 18:15-18). Hence, Paul said “For Jews, demand signs, and Greeks seek wisdom.” (1Co 1:22)
In Matthew 15:33 again in bold letters, the disciples might seem to have forgotten Jesus’ earlier miraculous feeding of the five thousand. However, that’s unlikely. All of Israel was eagerly anticipating the arrival of the promised Prophet of God. But this was not just any prophet, but the one foretold by Moses in Deuteronomy 18:15: “The LORD your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from among you, from your brothers—you shall listen to Him.” Like Moses, Christ Jesus, the Great Prophet of God, would lead them in a second and final exodus.
If the disciples knew that Christ could perform miraculous feedings at any time, why did they still doubt? Like many Jews of their time, the disciples didn’t expect that the same grace would be offered to the Gentiles. This misunderstanding was detrimental if the disciples were to remain faithful to God’s work. The same applies to our present context. The preaching and teaching of the Gospel cannot be separated from theology. The doctrine of salvation (soteriology), the doctrine of the church (ecclesiology), the doctrine of Christ Jesus (Christology), the doctrine of the last things (eschatology), etc.
Modern Christianity dislike doctrines. They thought its divisive and complex. But the Gospel of Jesus Christ can only be truthfully understood along with the Bible’s doctrines. The doctrines of the Scripture is the unified message of the Gospel and Christ Jesus.
Fast forward to Paul’s ministry. He undoubtedly faced similar challenges from the Jews, who struggled to believe in Christ Jesus. Ironically, their strong bias for Jewish prominence caused them to rely heavily on the Mosaic Law, which became a barrier to accepting God’s grace. This theme is clearly outlined in Paul’s letters to the Romans and the Galatians.
“I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit— that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh. They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises. To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen. But it is not as though the word of God has failed.For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel, and not all are children of Abraham because they are his offspring, but “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as offspring.” (Rom 9:1-8)
Paul argued similarly in Galatians, saying: “Is the law then contrary to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could give life, then righteousness would indeed be by the law. But the Scripture imprisoned everything under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed. So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.” (Gal 3:21-29)
The Jewish people have no justification for being intolerant towards the Gospel. The Old Testament clearly teaches that salvation is available to everyone who believes, regardless of race or ethnicity.
To prove my point, click to see Genesis 12:1-3; 18:17-18; 22:17-18; three times God reiterated to Abraham that His salvation is for everyone. It is important to note, that Paul’s comprehension of the Gospel cannot be belitted. Apart from being a Pharisee trained in the OT Scripture (Acts 22:3), he received the Gospel through a revelation from Christ Jesus (Gal 1:11-12). So he authoritatively explains in Galatians 3:8-9
“And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you shall all the nations be blessed.” So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.”
And again, in Galatians 3:11-14, Paul said:
“Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.” But the law is not of faith, rather “The one who does them shall live by them.” Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”— so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.”
Doubtless then, that the Gospel is sufficient for everyone who believes. Sadly though, the Jews opted to reject God’s grace and seek their own righteousness (Rom 10:1-4). Presently, a lot of Christians rightly teach that “salvation is by grace alone, through faith in Christ alone”. But they seem to have not learned from the mistakes of the Jews. Once baptized, Christians would be subjected to regulations and rules; like church membership, weekly attendance, etc.
Christ Jesus offers a simplified Christianity. But men, like the Old Covenant Jews, have to complicate it. Isn’t that the reason why Christianity comes in different denominations and forms?
In conclusion, Paul wrote: “If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings?” (Col 2:20-22)
Christ Jesus offered a simplified Christianity, let us therefore keep Christianity simple.
Peter, in the words of Acts 3:6, declared, “I possess neither silver nor gold, but in the name of Jesus Christ, I offer you what I have.” Share freely, for you freely receive. Stay updated by heading to our about page and subscribe directly to receive notifications in your inbox. Blessing!
So they say, “You should go to church on Sundays.” In reply, let me share an excerpt from the song A House is not a Home: A chair is still a chair, even when there’s no one sittin’ there But a chair is not a house and a house is not a home When there’s no one there …
Similarly, a Christian family is a church. A group of Christians meeting together in a church. But a building with no Christians is not a church. A mixed gathering of Christians and nominal Christians is not a church either. So, a church is not a place that Christians need to go on Sundays. Instead, Jesus Christ said, “For where two or three are gathered in My name, there am I among them.” (Mat 18:20)
Consequently, when we gather as a family to study the Bible – with me, a pastor, leading them in the study of the Scripture, together with other people – what then is lacking? Do we need a choir singing to complete our gathering?
Yes, we do meet on Sundays. We meet mostly online – not in the same manner as conventional Christianity does. Sundays just happen to be a common free day for everyone. And my family together at home, others in their respective homes meeting us online, we meet mainly to study the Word of God.
“Greet also the church in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in Asia.” (Rom 16:5)
“The churches of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Prisca, together with the church in their house, send you hearty greetings in the Lord.” (1Co 16:19)
“Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house.” (Col 4:15)
“Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved fellow worker and Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier, and the church in your house:” (Phm 1:1-2)
House church was normative then. It isn’t wrong then, how can it be wrong now? It preserves the sanctity of the church better than mass gatherings. Unless of course, the host of the house church allows false teachers to be part of their gatherings – or worse, was allowed to lead the church. Isn’t that a more dangerous thing among mega-churches today? See all congregations that have opened their doors to the now infamous, late Ravi Zacharias.
The ideal model for house churches is to have, if possible, both parents leading the family in the reading and study of God’s Word. I understand in most cases it’s a son or a daughter who first came to faith. If the family is amicable to learn the faith, then by all means let the matured Christian in their midst lead – whosoever that may be. But if it’s not workable at the moment, then by all means join your pastor online for the study of the Word. Keep in mind that anyone who leads should be properly mentored first and tested, not a recent convert (1Tim 3:6-7). Pastors should focus on the training of believers in the study of God’s Word (Ephesians 4:11-14), not spoon-feeding them but training them to exegete the Scripture.
Worship? Jesus Christ said, “This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me; in vain do they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.” (Mat 15:8-9)
Sure, anyone could offer a song of praise to the Lord. But the idea of recruiting people based on their singing talents just to form a choir and yet unconverted or living in sin should be stopped.
Christ Jesus again teaches: “But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship Him. God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” (Jhn 4:23-24)
The Christian life – that is, living according to the will, purpose, and teachings of Christ Jesus – isn’t that the true essence of worship?
On the other hand, are you sure everyone going to the Sunday gathering is a Christian? If so, then, there should be no conflicts, evil schemings, and the like. The bigger the congregation, the more complex the gathering becomes, making it far more difficult for a pastor to discern intimately the attendees.
Actually the Bible warns us, saying:
“Do not become partners with those who do not believe, for what partnership is there between righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship does light have with darkness? And what agreement does Christ have with Beliar? Or what does a believer share in common with an unbeliever? And what mutual agreement does the temple of God have with idols? For we are the temple of the living God, just as God said, “I will live in them and will walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people.” Therefore “come out from their midst, and be separate,” says the Lord, “and touch no unclean thing, and I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you will be My sons and daughters,” says the All-Powerful Lord.” (2Co 6:14-18, NET)
Understand that the passage above applies to the context of the church. By extension, it certainly applies to our choices for life partners. Scripture says in marriage the couple becomes one, no longer two separate individuals. Therefore, by carelessly choosing an unbeliever as a partner in life, you knowingly complicate the body of Christ.
The Bible said, “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.” (1Co 3:16-17)
On the other hand, as individual Christians, we shouldn’t isolate ourselves from unbelievers. Otherwise, who are we to reach out and share the Gospel to? Let the light of the Gospel shine before others. Sharing the Gospel is not all talk. Scripture said, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves (Jas 1:22).” Demonstrate your faith by your life and deeds, not words only.
I do not mean to say that everyone going to the Sunday gatherings is not a Christian. Rather, not everyone is a Christian. That’s a fact that cannot be denied, otherwise, you are in denial or worse a hypocrite.
So, why not gather and have fellowship only with those you know and ascertain are Christians? Study the Word of God together. Listen and care for one another, without any fear of judgment or being a target of rumormongering.
On the other hand, for proponents of the church hierarchy, the need for the leadership of presbytery, or the need to meet regularly on a Sunday, kindly provide me clear and straightforward passage in Scripture upholding your positions. If it’s just by inference to tradition, then it’s just a personal conviction, a tradition of men. It does not hold water. Now, if your argument is based on Hebrews 10:25, then it’s evident you don’t know the Scripture.
Learn the discipline of exegesis. Study Hebrews 10:25 from its context. Check the Greek word for “meet together”, cross reference the word within the entire NT writings, and see how it was used and alluded to. After you have done a proper study on the word and have learned its true meaning, surely you would understand how Hebrews 10:25 has been manipulated and misused. This also applies to everyone who insists that Sunday is the Lord’s day, once you have studied it rightly.
The command in Scripture to appoint an elder (Titus 1:3) was to protect the Christian community from false teachings. It does not call on an elder or elders to formulate rules, regulations, or anything similar to govern a congregation, only to rebuke and correct false doctrine.
Modern Christianity has deviated from the Scripture’s model of a church. The church is not an organization formulated and governed by men. The redeemed body of Christ Jesus, the communities of believers, with Christ Jesus alone as the Head of the body – that is the true church of the Scripture.
Keep in mind Christ’s Word: “And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this Rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.” (Mat 16:18)
Christ Jesus will always be the Rock (1Co 10:4), the cornerstone (Acts 4:11) of God’s true temple (Eph 2:19-21), and the church.
Let us not be part of the modern, yet complex Christianity. Turn to Jesus Christ and His Word, and learn Christianity simplified. At the end of the day, it’s all about the faith.
Peter, in the words of Acts 3:6, declared, “I possess neither silver nor gold, but in the name of Jesus Christ, I offer you what I have.” Share freely, for you freely receive. Stay updated by heading to our about page and subscribe directly to receive notifications in your inbox. Blessing!
“The Jews therefore marveled, saying, “How is it that this man [Jesus Christ] has learning, when He has never studied?” So Jesus answered them, “My teaching is not Mine, but His who sent Me. If anyone’s will is to do God’s will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on My own authority. The one who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory; but the one who seeks the glory of Him who sent Him is true, and in Him there is no falsehood.”
So, how do we know that we are learning from Jesus Christ, the Father, and the Holy Spirit, not from men? The teaching should always be in sync with the Scripture. Unlike today, a lot of Christian doctrines are misaligned, opposing each other.
Example: Christians teach that at the moment of death, believers would go to heaven, and yet they also say Jesus has yet to return. However, Jesus, in John 14:6, said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” Christ beforehand also said, “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, WOULD I HAVE TOLD YOU THAT I GO TO PREPARE A PLACE FOR YOU? AND IF I GO AND PREPARE A PLACE FOR YOU, I WILL COME AGAIN AND WILL TAKE YOU TO MYSELF, THAT WHERE I AM YOU MAY BE ALSO.” (John 14:1-3)
We all know forty days after Jesus’ resurrection [Acts 1:3], He ascended to the Father, thereby fulfilling His promise to prepare and return to take the believers to be with Him in heaven. So, if the Christian teaching today is correct, and He has yet to return, then no one can go to the Father at the moment because Jesus promised and made clear He alone is the way to the Father, and He would return to take the believers to heaven. In other words, before Jesus’ return, heaven should be off-limits to us.
That truth is reinforced by Hebrews 9:28: “So also Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, WILL APPEAR A SECOND TIME, NOT TO BEAR SIN, BUT TO BRING SALVATION TO THOSE WHO ARE WAITING FOR HIM.”
Christians today aren’t the only ones waiting for Christ’s return. The contemporaries of Paul and Peter, Christians before the destruction of the Jerusalem temple, were waiting as well. See passages below.
“so that you are not lacking in any gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1Co 1:7)
“But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Php 3:20)
“For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything. For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.” (1Th 1:8-10)
Paul and his generation of Christians were waiting for Christ’s return. Peter made clear however, the return of Christ Jesus and His salvation would be consummated in his generation. See 1Peter 1:10-13.
“CONCERNING THIS SALVATION, the prophets [OT prophets] who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours [Peter’s contemporary Christians] searched and inquired carefully, inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when He [God] predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. IT WAS REVEALED TO THEM THAT THEY WERE SERVING NOT THEMSELVES [OT prophets] BUT YOU [Peter’s contemporary Christians], in the things that have now been announced to you [Peter’s contemporaries] through those who preached the good news to you [Peter’s contemporaries] by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look. THEREFORE, PREPARING YOUR [Peter’s contemporary Christians] MINDS FOR ACTION, AND BEING SOBER-MINDED, SET YOUR HOPE [Peter’s contemporary Christians] FULLY ON THE GRACE THAT WILL BE BROUGHT TO YOU [Peter’s contemporary Christians] AT THE REVELATION [or appearing] OF JESUS CHRIST.”
Peter, therefore rightly reiterated Jesus’ Word and promise. See Matthew 16:28. “Truly, I say to you [Peter and his fellow apostles], there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.”
Unless perhaps, the then apostles of Christ are still alive today – similar to the conspiracy theory about Elvis Presley being alive still and in hiding somewhere 😝.
If somebody promised to meet you at a specific time then stood you up, what do you make of that person? Trustworthy or not? Oh, maybe you would say perhaps he has a legitimate reason for being remiss of his word? But that can’t be true with Christ Jesus. The promised great prophet of Deuteronomy 18:15-22; Acts 3:22-23; Acts 7:37.
Do you understand the implications of such teaching? Asserting that Jesus Christ is yet to come; contrary to the claim of the Scripture. It opposes the very Word and promise of Christ Jesus. Therefore, futurist preachers today are actually – perhaps unknowingly but still by inference – saying Jesus failed in His Word and promise. The renowned, actually it should be infamous, C.S. Lewis said perhaps Jesus was hallucinating so He said those words to His apostles. Lewis even said, “Matthew 24:34 is the most embarrassing verse in the Bible” because Jesus promised to return to the generation of His apostles, but He did not. [https://www.behindthegospels.com/p/surprised-by-cs-lewis-the-most-embarrassing]
I don’t know about most Christians, but I would always adhere to Jesus Christ and His infallible words. It cannot be that Christ remised on His Word. Rather, if the Bible says one thing and the contemporary teaching opposes it, the Bible being infallible would mean it is always right. It’s our Christian duty to study the Bible until we have reconciled with God’s Word, discerning the truth. If modern Christian teaching does not stand up to the scrutiny of Scripture, then it ought to be disputed and corrected – even if it would invite attacks from critics because they insist on their truth.
Let me forewarn everyone though, back in the garden of Eden and with the temptation of Jesus Christ, it was the devil who had twisted God’s Word. No wonder, therefore, the unbelieving Jews opposed Christ’s Words, so Jesus refers to them as children of the devil (John 8:44-45). Certainly, we would not want to be in opposition to God’s Word.
In conclusion, Scripture said,
“He [Jesus Christ] was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times [last days] for the sake of you [Peter’s immediate audience or readers] who through Him are believers in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God. Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God;for “All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord remains forever.”And this word is the good news that was preached to you.” (1Pe 1:20-25)
Scripture made clear, that no one was mysteriously born again, but by the unchanging imperishable Word of God. Would you rather trust in man’s teachings or only the Word of God? Seek and discern the source of your learnings. Was it from man’s imagination or the diligent and careful study of God’s Word? Truthful teaching of God’s Word should always adhere to, not oppose, clear and straightforward teachings of the Scripture.
Jesus Christ said, “The Spirit is the one who gives life. The flesh doesn’t help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life.” (John 6:63)
Peter, in the words of Acts 3:6, declared, “I possess neither silver nor gold, but in the name of Jesus Christ, I offer you what I have.” Share freely, for you freely receive. Stay updated by heading to our about page and subscribe directly to receive notifications in your inbox. Blessing!
It’s erroneous to say the incarnate Jesus Christ didn’t know the time of His return. That’s not what Matthew 24:36 and Mark 13:32 were teaching [Click on the highlights to read the passage] because that is borderline, if not already is, Kenosis theory. Such understanding runs opposite to the purpose (John 20:30-31) and opening statements (John 1:1-3, 14-18) of John’s Gospel.
“Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.” (John 20:30-31)
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him [the Word], and without Him was not any thing made that was made.” (John 1:1-3)
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.(John bore witness about Him, and cried out, “This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because He was before me.’”)For from His fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, He has made Him [Jesus Christ] known.” (John 1:14-18)
As to what Matthew and Mark were referring to “the day or that hour that was known only to the Father”? Did Jesus not say, “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30)? So the incarnate Christ Jesus must know.
Here is a clue for Christ Jesus’ declaration in both Matthew 24:36 & Mark 13:32. Always take note of His Word. Jesus Christ said:
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.” (Matthew 5:17-18)
Incidentally, both Matthew 24:36 and Mark 13:32 were preceded by the phrase “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.” Isn’t that precisely what Jesus Christ declared in Matthew 5:18? [Again, click on the highlights to read and see] Jesus Christ came not only to fulfill the OT law but all prophecies as well.
“Then He [Jesus Christ] said to them, “These are My words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.”” (Luke 24:44)
Let Scripture explain Scripture. But to learn that discipline, we must first unlearn traditions that are not supported by Scripture. Once again, keep in mind Christ’s teachings: “It is only by hearing His Word and after we have understood it that we may become good soil.”
“As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”(Matthew 13:23)
So here is my final clue. Christ Jesus in both Matthew 24:36 and Mark 13:32 was quoting an OT prophecy, and declaring the certainty of its fulfillment in the generation of Jews He was speaking to. Click on the highlighted link to see. Always respect the context. In both passages, from the context, Jesus Christ was teaching and asserting the certainty of things He declared to occur within the generation of His disciples.
The grave error of today’s readers of the Scripture is that instead of applying the Scripture to its contextual audience—of course unless specified otherwise by the Scripture—they read the Scripture always like it applies to current events. For millennia, that’s been the erroneous habit of Christian readers of the Scripture. So in every century, perhaps as short as decades, there is a sensational declaration that Jesus Christ is coming soon.
Didn’t Jesus Christ promise the apostle John He was coming soon? Twice at the beginning of Revelation (Rev 1:1; 3:11), and thrice at the end (Rev 22:7; 22:12 ; 22:20).
“Soon” to us can never be “soon” to John. Similarly, if it’s soon to John, then it’s definitely not soon to us. Unless you have a different vocabulary for “soon”.
Peter, in the words of Acts 3:6, declared, “I possess neither silver nor gold, but in the name of Jesus Christ, I offer you what I have.” Share freely, for you freely receive. Stay updated by heading to our about page and subscribe directly to receive notifications in your inbox. Blessing!
Unlearning Tradition, Relearning Scripture 