Unlearning Tradition, Relearning Scripture

Tag: 2 Corinthians 5:17

  • Lament into Praise

    God works in mysterious ways. Instead of focusing on pent-up frustration, I turned on Spotify to listen to Christian music while reading the verse of the day from a Bible app as a starting point to studying a whole book or passages. This morning it’s Micah 6:8. “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”

    Micah prophesied during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, all kings of Judah—a contemporary of Isaiah. It was a time of prosperity, and Micah denounced the wealthy for oppressing the poor and warned of God’s impending judgment (Micah 1:3-5). The northern kingdom had actually fallen during Micah’s ministry, in 722 BC, and Judah almost did as well (2 Kings 18-20). 

    Micah prophesied against the rulers and prophets of both Judah and Israel, who falsely claimed to speak from God (Micah 3). The highlight of Micah’s prophecy concerns the last days, the arrival of God’s kingdom (Micah 4:1-7; Isaiah 2:2-4; Romans 10:8-18), and Christ Jesus (Micah 5:2-5). Micah 6:6-8 reveals God’s heart and desire for His people: “With what shall I come before the LORD, and bow myself before God on high? Shall I come before Him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?” “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:6-8)

    God changes not. Micah 6:6-8 is precisely reflected in Hosea 6:6, which was quoted twice by Jesus Christ, first in Matthew 9:12-13, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” Christ’s coming was to offer a second chance, a restoration to God.

    The Bible states that everyone is born of Adam, born after Adam had fallen from the grace of God (Romans 5:12). Jesus Christ, therefore, is our only way back to God. He is the mediator of the New Covenant (Hebrews 9:11-12, 15; 12:22-24; Luke 22:19-20; 1 Corinthians 11:25). The Bible states, “For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive (1 Corinthians 15:22).” That’s the essence of our Christian water baptism. We die to Adam and are alive in Jesus, rising out of the water a new person in Christ . But unless we acknowledge being sinners, then Christ’s calling or the Gospel makes no sense to us. And unless we truly have become a new person in Christ, then our water baptism does not mean a thing. Water baptism is just an expression of one’s testimony that the person now belongs to Jesus Christ.

    The second time is in Matthew 12:6-8, “I tell you, something greater than the temple is here. And if you had known what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the guiltless. For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.”

    Jesus Christ is the true temple of God (Matthew 12:6; John 2:19, 21). Christ is the Head, and the church is His body (Colossians 1:18), built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets. Jesus Himself is the cornerstone, and by His death and resurrection, we Christians grow together into a holy temple in the Lord (Ephesians 2). 

    Yes, we Christians, the holy temple in the Lord, is greater than the Old Covenant Jerusalem temple. Hence, Jesus, in John 4 states, “Believe Me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. 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.” (John 4:21-24)

    What does it take to worship God in spirit and truth? Surely, it does not mean simply going to the Sunday worship service or a building where Christians supposedly gather for worship, but to walk the talk. Here’s Paul’s words regarding worship: “I appeal to you (i.e. the church) therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:1-2)

    Let me be clear, Paul, by “your bodies” refers to the church. See Romans 12:5, “So we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.”

    Christ is the Lord of the Sabbath—a declaration Jesus revealed about Himself, making known that He is the God of creation (see Matthew 12:8; Genesis 1:1-2:2). Yes, Genesis creation account isn’t about God’s narration of His creation of all things, though indeed He alone is the creator of all things (Psalm 33:6-9; Colossians 1:16-17). God in Genesis used creation language to reveal His creation of His people. Hence, Paul, in 2 Corinthians 4:6, quotes Genesis 1:3, to explain God’s Old Covenant vis-à-vis the New, and God’s Old Covenant people vis-à-vis the New, His Church.

    John also did the same, quoting Genesis 1:3, and referring it to Jesus, the Word. He even used the same opening phrase in Genesis “in the beginning” to connect the two. See John 1:1-5, “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, and without Him was not any thing made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

    God, through Christ Jesus, creates a new people for Himself, and we—the church—are God’s New Covenant people. (2 Corinthians 5:17-19) But have we truly learned from God’s Word?

    • How is it that Christians are still enticed by the world and its riches, if we have known true riches is only with Jesus Christ?
    • Have we Christians shown justice and mercy to our fellowmen?
    • Have our pastors truly been speaking Christ’s Word? Are we worshipping God and Jesus Christ in truth and in spirit? Why is it there are a lot of nominal Christians?
    • Have we been sharing the faith to our loved ones, fiancés, friends, and children? Why is it many times Christians fear men rather than God?
    • And I have a lot more vented frustrations having seen Christianity in its present mode. Until when will a Christian truly walk by faith? Does everyone need to have a Damascus experience or a denial like that of Peter before walking truthfully with Jesus? Sadly, many have walked the way of Judas, denying Jesus because He doesn’t suit their expectation of the Christ.

    Jesus Christ, without a doubt, has arrived. His kingdom is a present reality, though it isn’t of this world. When asked by the Pharisees when God’s kingdom would come, Jesus states, “The kingdom of God is not coming in ways that can be observed, nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There!’ for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you.” (Luke 17:20-21)

    The Bible states, “For Jesus must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death” (1 Corinthians 15:25-26). Isn’t death destroyed already? If not, why are pastors saying in wakes, “Our Christian friend is now with the Lord Jesus Christ or in a better place?”

    Christians have misunderstood the concept of death being destroyed. It doesn’t imply that Christians would cease to die physically. Instead, death is no longer an end to life, as Jesus states, “Truly I tell you, anyone who hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not face judgment but has transcended death to life.” (John 5:24)

    Here’s the proof from Scripture that “death has been swallowed up in victory” (1 Corinthians 15:54). The Bible, in 1 Corinthians 15:56 states, “The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.”

    Do we still have the Jerusalem temple standing today? If not, how can the Mosaic Law now be observed? Didn’t Christ’s death make obsolete the Mosaic regulations of animal offerings? With the second and final destruction of the Jerusalem temple, Daniel’s visions of the end came to be fulfilled. Scripture states, “When the shattering of the power of the holy people comes to an end; all these things would be finished (Daniel 12:7)”. The Mosaic law is the power of the Old Testament people (Deuteronomy 7:6-11), and it has become obsolete, fulfilled in Christ Jesus (Matthew 5:17; Hebrews 9; Luke 24:25-26; 24:44). Similarly, we Christians are nobody before God except by faith in Christ Jesus, the mediator of the New Covenant.

    Even Adam’s death no longer holds power over Christians. Paul, in Romans, explains, “Therefore, there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus. The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus (i.e., the Gospel) has set you free from the law of sin and death (i.e., the law of Adam’s death [Genesis 2:16-17]). For what the law (i.e., the Mosaic law) could not accomplish because it was weakened by the flesh, God did. He condemned sin in the flesh by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh as a sin offering, so that the law’s requirement would be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” (Romans 8:1-4)

    Christians, let us live by faith in Jesus Christ, then we shall see the workings of God’s kingdom. And in Him alone will we find peace, and not be frustrated. For Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). Paul states, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. (Let me be clear, with Paul, Jesus is near, but now God’s with us [Matthew 1:23; Revelation 21:1-3].) Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:4-7) Therefore, compared to Paul’s era, today’s Christians have the assurance of God’s peace. Unlike the beliefs and teachings of contemporary Christianity, the promises of Jesus are not delayed or long in coming; instead, they are a present reality.

    Let us therefore turn our lament into praise. That’s how the psalms were written. That’s how prophets of the Old Testament comforted themselves. At the end of our laments, let us learn that God alone is our peace. Therefore, as Paul states, “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” (Colossians 3:1-2)

    All glory be to God and Jesus Christ alone!

    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 this article freely, for you freely receive. Take note, underlines and highlights are clickable links for definitions or Bible references. Stay updated by heading to our about page and subscribe directly to receive notifications in your inbox. Blessings!

  • Sharing Insights from Scripture (Temple & Sabbath)

    Since last week, our study was on Matthew 12:1-8. The focus of Matthew 12 may be seen in verses 6-8. Jesus states,“I tell you, something greater than the temple is here. And if you had known what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the guiltless. For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.” (Matthew 12:6-8)

    Key to understanding Matthew 12 boils down to comprehending its context, Christ’s declarations, and His quote from Hosea 6:6, “For I desire mercy and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.”

    Christ’s Quotation of Hosea 6:6

    Hosea, the last prophet to condemn the Ten Tribes of Israel, particularly the Northern kingdom, delivered his prophecies long after the kingdom’s division during the reign of Rehoboam. Despite its prosperity under Jeroboam’s rule, the Northern kingdom became insecure that Jews from the North might continue to travel to Jerusalem for worship, as per the Law of Moses. Consequently, Jeroboam constructed a rival temple in both Bethel and Dan. (1 Kings 12:25-33) This act marked the beginning of the Northern kingdom’s decline, ultimately leading to its conquest by the Assyrians in 722 BC, fulfilling God’s pronouncement of judgment upon the Ten Tribes – “I will put an end to the kingdom of the house of Israel.” (Hosea 1:4)

    Before Hosea, Amos had already prophesied the downfall of Israel. The LORD declared, “Behold, I am establishing a plumb line in the midst of My people Israel; I will never again pass by them. The high places of Isaac shall be desolate, and the sanctuaries of Israel shall be laid waste, and I will rise against the house of Jeroboam with the sword.” (Amos 7:8-9) Amos repeated this same message of judgment, see Amos 8:2, “The end has come upon my people Israel; I will never again pass by them.”

    Christ’s quotation of Hosea 6:6, “For I desire mercy and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings,” was a pivotal moment. Interestingly, this wasn’t the first time Jesus had quoted this verse. He had done so earlier in Matthew 9:13, highlighting the primary purpose of His coming—to offer redemption (“For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners”).

    Context of Matthew

    The context of Matthew was the arrival of Jesus, the promised Christ (or Messiah) of the Old Testament Scripture. And yet, Jews of Jesus’ days, though acknowledging His signs (John 2:23), refused to acknowledge the truth; they were in denial.

    Christ’s Declaration

    In John’s Gospel, Jesus makes a bold declaration: “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” (John 2:19) John clarifies that Jesus is referring to the temple of His body, which is His church. (John 2:21-22) Jesus delves into the theme of the temple in Matthew 12. Let us explore the story.

    Pharisees questioned Jesus for allowing His disciples to pluck grain and eat on the Sabbath. In response, Jesus cited the example of David taking the bread of Presence, which was forbidden to him under the Mosaic Law because it was reserved for the priests. This pointed out their hypocrisy. Jesus then addressed the priests, noting that they were engaged in slaughtering animals for sacrifice on the Sabbath and other days, as per Numbers 28:9-10, yet they were not guilty. To emphasize the truth, Jesus declared, “I tell you, something greater than the temple is here.” He emphasized that if priests were not guilty for performing their duty, then Jesus Christ, who was greater than the temple, was even more deserving of their reverence. He then quoted Hosea 6:6 to support his claim: “Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s offer for redemption, as stated in Hosea 6:1-2: ‘Come, let us return to the LORD; for He has torn us apart so that He may heal us; He has struck us down, and He will bind us up. After two days, He will revive us; on the third day, He will raise us up, so that we may live before Him.’” Consequently, Jesus declared in John 2:19 that He would raise this temple (which, as explained in John 2:21, refers to His body) after three days.

    Understanding the Doctrine of the Church

    Understanding the doctrine of the church begins with recognizing that its establishment is rooted in the proclamation of the Gospel and the resurrection of Christ. Hosea 6:2, “On the third day He will raise us up, that we may live before Him,” holds significant importance in this context. It is essential to grasp that the church is not a physical structure or a place of assembly, but rather God’s people who are saved by grace through faith in Christ’s death and resurrection. As Jesus stated to Peter, “On this rock—referring to the confession of Peter, Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God (Matthew 16:16)—I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will have been loosed in heaven.” (Matthew 16:18-19) Christ Jesus and His Gospel serve as the keys to entrance into God’s kingdom. Jesus further emphasizes, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6)

    Hebrews clearly taught that for as long as the temple in Jerusalem stands, the present age (i.e. the Jewish age, Hebrews 9:8-10) exists, which deals with food and drink and various washings, regulation until the time of reformation. (Hebrews 9:1-10) The reformation here has nothing to do with the reformation of Martin Luther and his contemporaries, but all about God’s workings. Hebrews 2:5 called it “the world to come“, while in 6:5, it’s referred to as the “age to come“. Jesus Christ and Paul spoke of only two ages, the present age and the age to come. See Luke 20:34-36.

    “And Jesus said to them, “The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage, but those who are considered worthy to attain to that age and to the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage, for they cannot die anymore, because they are equal to angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection.” (Luke 20:34-36)

    It’s evident that “the present age or this age” refers to the era before the resurrection of the dead. The age that follows would be the age of the New Heaven and the New Earth. Hebrews 9:8-10 provides a brief reference. The present age encompasses the period when temple regulations and sacrifices were still practiced. The time of Reformation would mark the cessation of the temple and its regulations and offerings. Do you still see the temple standing today?

    Sabbath

    Back on our discussion on Matthew. Jesus Christ further highlights His claim of divinity by declaring “For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath” (Matthew 12:8). “Son of Man” is a reference to the Anointed One, the Christ (or Messiah) of Daniel 7:13-14. The Messiah was tasked with ruling over God’s kingdom.

    “I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a Son of Man, and He came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before Him. And to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him; His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and His kingdom one that shall not be destroyed.” (Daniel 7:13-14)

    As the Lord of the Sabbath, Jesus actually shifted the discussion to His role as the Lord of creation. Genesis begins with God as the Creator (Genesis 1:1). The subsequent passages in Genesis 1 use creation language until Genesis 2:1-2, where God completed all His work and rested on the seventh day, which is the Sabbath. This is the underlying implication of Christ’s assertion that He is the Lord of the Sabbath.

    Creation language was clearly in play when Paul explained in Romans 8:18-23 the expectations and hope of redemption of Israel.

    “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And He who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that He might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom He predestined He also called, and those whom He called He also justified, and those whom He justified he also glorified.” (Romans 8:18-30)

    As I have wrote and explained in several of my articles. Do not be bothered by doctrines such as “foreknowledge”, “predestination”, supposedly supporting the idea of “election”. All these terms applies only to the Old Covenant Israel. See Romans 11:5-8.

    “So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen – Greek word same as “election” – by grace. But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace. What then? Israel failed to obtain what it was seeking. The elect obtained it, but the rest were hardened, as it is written, “God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that would not see and ears that would not hear, down to this very day.”” (Romans 11:5-8)

    Paul made it clear that, despite the election, salvation is still by grace. He reiterated his teaching in Ephesians 2:8-9, stating, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. This is not your own doing; it is a gift from God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

    Now, even with Revelation, the concept of creation language was evident. Jesus Christ, in Revelation 21:5 states, “Behold, I am making all things new.” “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.” (Revelation 21:6)

    John, in Revelation, saw the passing of the first heaven and the first earth, and the coming of the new heaven and a new earth. This connects us back to Genesis 1:1, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth“. So, was it a literal passing away of the physical creation or covenant creation language? Paul, in Romans 8, used creation language to assure believers of God’s covenant redemption. Or in plain words, God’s promised redemption.

    The theme of a new heaven and a new earth may be found in Isaiah 65:17-66:24. It speaks of the renewal of God’s people. Hence, “heaven and earth” is covenant language of God’s creation. Proof may be seen in Isaiah 51:16. God declared, “And I have put My words in your mouth and covered you in the shadow of My hand, establishing the heavens and laying the foundations of the earth, and saying to Zion, ‘You are My people.’” (Isaiah 51:16)

    The Bible, particularly in Hebrews 4:4, quotes Genesis 2:1-2. Surprisingly, Hebrews asserts that the Sabbath rest for the people of God is not yet complete. This is evident in Hebrews 4:9-10, which states, “So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God’s rest has also rested from his works as God did from His.” This implies that God is still actively engaged in His creation work. Interestingly, in John’s Gospel, when Jesus was questioned about healing on a Sabbath, he responded, “My Father is working until now, and I am working.” (John 5:17) What was the work that Jesus Christ ought to complete? In Matthew 5:17-18, Jesus states, “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.” The phrase “heaven and earth” refers to the Old Covenant Israel. With the judgment of God against them, destroying the temple and scattering them in AD 70, the Mosaic law, which was the basis of them being instituted as God’s people became the source of their judgment. See Deuteronomy 28:15-68 & Leviticus 26:14-46, but for a quick summary of the Mosaic Covenant on Disobedience, see Deuteronomy 28:58-61.

    “If you are not careful to do all the words of this law that are written in this book, that you may fear this glorious and awesome name, the LORD your God, then the LORD will bring on you and your offspring extraordinary afflictions, afflictions severe and lasting, and sicknesses grievous and lasting. And He will bring upon you again all the diseases of Egypt, of which you were afraid, and they shall cling to you. Every sickness also and every affliction that is not recorded in the book of this law, the LORD will bring upon you, until you are destroyed.”

    John, in Revelation saw the visions of God’s judgment, see Revelation 8:6-9:21; 15-16, 18, and noticed covenant language of God’s punishment from the Law and the Prophets. Paul, in Romans 8 states, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life (i.e. The Gospel of the New Covenant) has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death (Genesis 2:16-17; Romans 5:12-14; 1 Corinthians 15:21-22). For God has done what the law (i.e Mosaic Law), weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” (Romans 8:1-4)

    How was the righteous requirement of the law fulfilled in us? See Hebrews 9:11-12, 15, 28.

    “But Christ has appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come. In the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands (that is, not of this creation), He entered the most holy place once for all time, not by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption.” (Hebrews 9:11-12)

    “Therefore, Jesus is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called might receive the promise of the eternal inheritance, because a death has taken place for redemption from the transgressions committed under the first covenant.” (Hebrews 9:15)

    “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.” (Hebrews 9:28)

    Conclusion

    The temple, the Sabbath, they were all pointing to the fact that mankind remains outside of the Garden of Eden. See Revelation 21:1, with the passing of the first heaven and the first earth, and the arrival of the new heaven and the earth, John saw no temple. Because the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. (Revelation 21:22). No wonder, Paul states, “Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.” (Colossians 2:16-17)

    Moreover, in another vision, but the same context, after God’s judgment on Old Covenant Israel, Scripture states, “Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus. And I heard a voice from heaven saying, ‘Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’ ‘Blessed indeed,’ says the Spirit, ‘that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!‘” (Revelation 14:12-13)

    Isn’t this the fulfillment of God’s promised of Sabbath rest for His people? Scripture states, “For whoever has entered God’s rest has also rested from his works as God did from His” (Hebrews 4:9-10). Henceforth, Christians shouldn’t be bothered by the Sabbath, nor the temple. With the completion of the New Creation, the New Heaven and the New Earth, Scripture states, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God.” (Revelation 21:3)

    No wonder Jesus declares, “Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. 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.” (John 4:21-24)

    Did Jesus just hint at the temple’s impending destruction? Consequently, He told the Samaritan woman, “The hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father.” On the other hand, when Jesus said, “But the hour is coming and is now here,” He declared that henceforth, people should worship God in truth and in spirit because judgment is imminent. The temple, together with all its regulations and practices has become obsolete, see Hebrews 8:13, “In speaking of a new covenant, He makes the first one obsolete. And what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.”

    Is everyone now enjoying God’s Sabbath rest? No, according to the Bible, “Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates. Outside are the dogs, sorcerers, sexually immoral people, murderers, idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.” (Revelation 22:14-15) The preaching of the Gospel remains significant. Scripture states, “Then I saw another angel flying directly overhead, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth, to every nation, tribe, language, and people.” (Revelation 14:6)

    We Christians are called to live by faith and share the Good News of the Bible with those who are outside, not yet part of God’s grace, so that they may also experience the same blessings we have. Unfortunately, many Christians remain confused and don’t understand the blessings they already possess. They often confuse material possessions as indicators of God’s blessings, leading them to be too busy pursuing these possessions and neglecting the need to study the Bible and truly comprehend God’s true riches. They settle for Sunday worship services, which are not as substantial as joining a Bible study group. This is the true reason why the church isn’t growing in Christ Jesus. Take time to reflect on your walk with Jesus Christ. The Bible states, “The things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:18). So, decide which one should be your priority?

    Blessings!

    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 this article freely, for you freely receive. Take note, underlines and highlights are clickable links for definitions or Bible references. Stay updated by heading to our about page and subscribe directly to receive notifications in your inbox. Blessings!

  • Don’t Miss the Chance

    Recently, my wife and I took a bus trip to Baguio City. It’s a good idea to buy your tickets in advance because the ticket counters at the station can get really crowded. A lot of people end up standing in line, hoping to get a ticket and board the bus. These people are betting on chance passengers.

    The apostle James says, “Your life is like a mist that vanishes quickly.” (Jas 4:14) Don’t take chances. Always bet on God’s word. Peter says, “As the Scriptures say, ‘People are like grass; their beauty is like a flower in the field. The grass withers and the flower fades. But the word of the Lord remains forever.’ That word is the Good News you heard.” (1Pet 1:24-25, NLT)

    Matthew 9:9-13 tells us about the calling of Matthew, and cross-referencing it to Hosea 6:6 together with its biblical context, as quoted by Matthew (Matt 9:13).

    The Jewish people of the Old Covenant and cohabiting people like the Samaritans, who lived during Jesus’ time, eagerly awaited the arrival of the Christ (John 1:41; 4:25; Luke 2:9-11). However, many of them missed their chance due to their arrogance, not ignorance. Isaiah 10:20-23; 65:1-17 and Daniel 12:4,7-9 prophesied the complete end or the time of the end for Old Covenant Israel. Jesus spoke of the temple’s final destruction (Matthew 23:37-38; 24:2; Luke 21:20-22), fulfilling Zechariah’s prophecy of the New heavenly Jerusalem (Zechariah 14), also described by John in Revelation 21-22. With the temple destroyed for the second and final time, the declaration in Hebrews 8:13, stating that the Old Covenant became obsolete, reached its climax. Old Covenant Israel relied on the Mosaic law rather than the grace offered through Christ Jesus, which caused them to miss their chance. (Galatians 3:10-11)

    Consequently, God through Jesus Christ came to call on the lost, so He replied to the self-righteous Pharisees, who refused to mingle with outcasts, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick” (Matt 9:12). Of course, the context of Matthew 9:9-13 does not involve literally sickly people, but the outcasts and sinners.

    Let me clarify that God does not love sinners; instead, He detests them. Consequently, we witnessed God’s punishment and destruction of all humanity in the Genesis 6-9 account of Noah’s flood, leaving only eight individuals alive. Scripture explicitly states that this was because Noah found grace in God’s sight (Genesis 6:8). Yes, the translated word “favor” in that verse in most modern Bible translations originates from the Hebrew word “grace.” This was because God was fulfilling His covenant to restore His creation that had fallen in Adam through Jesus Christ (Hosea 1:10-11; Romans 9:25-26; 11:1-2, 26-29; 1 Corinthians 15:22).

    Matthew presents himself as the perfect example of the sick—spiritually, of course. He was a tax collector, which in the context of Old Covenant Israel made him a traitor, since he collected taxes from his own countrymen on behalf of their oppressor, Rome.

    Matthew identified those dining with Jesus as tax collectors and sinners (Matthew 9:10). These individuals weren’t known for their blatant sins; rather, they belonged to the lost tribes of Israel, specifically the ten tribes of the Northern kingdom. God had denounced these ten tribes in Hosea 6:6-10. Consequently, they were referred to as sinners in Matthew 9:10 and the lost sheep of the house of Israel in Matthew 10:6. Ephraim was a reference to Israel, the ten northern tribes.

    Like Adam, who was banished from the Garden of Eden for breaking God’s covenant—not to eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:15-16; Genesis 3)—Israel, particularly the ten tribes of the Northern kingdom, was lost. God through Hosea declared, “But like Adam, they (i.e. Israel) transgressed the covenant; there they dealt faithlessly with Me.” (Hosea 6:7)

    Jesus came to restore both Israel and Judah to God, and this truth extends to all humanity. The Bible states, “For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.” (1Co 15:22) Therefore, the Gospel of Jesus Christ is intended for everyone to hear and believe.

    From God’s perspective, being “lost” signifies death. Jesus illustrated this concept in his parable of the prodigal son. The father exclaimed, “For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.” (Luke 15:24) Consequently, like Adam, Israel, or the ten northern tribes, they died covenantally or spiritually. As a result, anyone without Christ Jesus, the last Adam, would not possess eternal life, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 15:45.

    As evident in the opening chapter of Hosea, particularly Hosea 1:4-9, God’s judgment against Israel was consistently clear and reiterated throughout the book. However, in Hosea 2:14-23 and other passages like Hosea 6:1-2, God revealed His restoration through the resurrection of Christ on the third day. Can you comprehend the logical progression from death to resurrection? Adam’s death, which affected all humanity, was spiritual in nature, so the remedy is also spiritual, not physical. Jesus articulated this truth in John 2:18-22 and Matthew 16:18, and Paul reaffirmed it in Ephesians 1:20-23. Paul explained that this restoration would occur through the church, which is a spiritual awakening or renewal of people, just as Jesus had declared to the apostles in Matthew 16:17-18. Furthermore, 1 Peter 2:9-10 indicated that this restoration was already underway. (Incidentally, the correct translation for Matthew 16:18 should be “the gates of Hades,” referring to the place of death, rather than “hell.”)

    In Hosea chapters 3 to 5, God revealed that Israel would continue to disobey Him. However, by His grace, God would call a remnant from Israel to salvation (Hosea 1:10-11; Romans 9-11), which Paul announced was already at work (Romans 9:1-8; 11:1-6, 25-27). Jesus Christ and His Gospel would be the instruments of God’s call (Romans 10:12-17).

    As evident in the Gospel of Matthew, the dominant religious authorities—the Sanhedrin—comprising Sadducees and Pharisees—were mostly self-righteous and adhered to beliefs inconsistent with the Bible. Jesus Christ was primarily rejected because He taught according to the Word of God, not human traditions (Mark 7:1-7). Jesus addressed the unbelieving Jews, stating, “I know that you are descendants of Abraham; yet you seek to kill Me because My word has no place in you.” (John 8:37)

    Christ’s Gospel and teachings were new to the people, causing resistance from the crowd. Consequently, Jesus stressed the significance of entering through the narrow gate, which leads to life, while the wide gate leads to destruction. He explained that the narrow gate is challenging to find and few enter, whereas many pass through the easy, wide gate (Matthew 7:13-14). Here, Jesus was comparing His teachings, which are the narrow gate, to the contemporary teachings of that era—the wide gate. Similarly, during the Reformation era initiated by Martin Luther, he was among a select few who believed and taught correctly from Scripture that salvation is achieved by grace, through faith, not of works. He emphasized that the righteous shall live by faith (Romans 1:16-17).

    The same can be said today. Throughout the millennia, modern Christianity has embraced many teachings and beliefs that are not in accordance with the Bible. Hence, sound doctrine would be heard and believed by a minority; most would suspect it’s a heresy. As the saying goes, “Repeat a lie often, and it becomes the truth”. This was because modern Christianity has focused on the writings of the so-called “early church fathers,” particularly those from one or two centuries after the last apostle of Jesus Christ. Moreover, during the reign of Emperor Constantine, this trend worsened. The Reformation occurred during the 16th century, and yet, it also produced its own flaws. The Bible’s teaching wasn’t fully restored.

    Many claim faith in Jesus but then revert to old routines, with little real change. They attend churches or online services but struggle to distinguish biblical passages or interpret them correctly. They rarely join Bible study groups. This indifference damages faith and stems mostly from discrepancies between church teachings and Scripture.

    The Bible can be confusing. Many say, “I cannot understand Scripture,” and pastors’ explanations differ. These are common feelings among believers. Some, frustrated, become indifferent.

    Matthew’s and the rest of the Gospels were written precisely because of distortions to the Gospel. Paul wrote Galatians before any of the gospels were written, and he states, “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting Him (i.e. God) who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ.” (Gal 1:6-7)

    Both Matthew and Mark were written around the same time as Paul’s letters to the Corinthians. In 2 Corinthians 11:3, Paul addresses the same issue he had mentioned in Galatians. He warns that, just as the serpent deceived Eve with his cunning, their thoughts could be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. Then Paul went on to rebuke them, saying, “For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough.” (2 Corinthians 11:4)

    Paul, in his letter to the Corinthian church, was battling heresy. False teachings can be detrimental to one’s salvation. See Paul’s words to Timothy: “Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers” (1Ti 4:16). Hence, Paul told Christians in Corinth: “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company ruins good morals’” (1Co 15:33).

    We have seen in history how Christianity has been waged through swords. Examples would be the time of the Christian Crusaders. Today, it’s being done in the West, favoring Israel over any of its enemies. This was mainly due to the beliefs and teachings of Christian Zionism and Dispensationalism. The latter is the prevailing belief and teaching of most churches today. It is erroneous and inaccurate. Paul declared in Galatians, “And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise” (Galatians 3:29). Old Covenant Israel missed its chance. Only a remnant of them were saved. They bet on the wrong ticket, the ride came, and they missed it. Jesus is the only ticket to salvation.

    Though Israel ceased to be the chosen people of God (Matt 21:33-45), God’s wrath against the generation that crucified Jesus Christ had already been fulfilled; the temple destroyed (Matt 23:32-38). Nevertheless, the Bible declares, “For God’s anger is but for a moment, and His favor is for a lifetime” (Psalm 30:4-5). God’s word is always true. His anger and vengeance against Old Covenant Israel were fulfilled with the second and final destruction of the Jewish Temple. However, God’s grace is eternal, so there remains hope for modern-day Israel. Like everyone else, they must hear and believe the Gospel of Christ Jesus (Rev 14:6).

    The Bible alone is infallible, while everything else can be erroneous and proven inaccurate when examined in light of the Scriptures. (WCF 1.4; 31.4)

    Matthew’s Gospel leads us to Christ Jesus. He quoted Old Testament Scriptures to confirm that Jesus is indeed the Christ. We have four Gospels in our Bible and numerous letters from the apostles of Jesus Christ. Why rely on uninspired secondhand sources instead of the Word of God? Let’s seize the opportunity to become Christ’s disciples, learning and teaching solely from His Word (John 8:31-32). Paul exemplified this principle, stating, “Now, brothers and sisters, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying, ‘Do not go beyond what is written.’ Then you will not be puffed up in being a follower of one of us over against the other.’” (1 Corinthians 4:6, NIV)

    Christ Jesus came and inaugurated the New Creation. Paul states, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17) Hebrews declared that the Old Covenant became obsolete (Hebrews 8:13). Jesus Christ ushered in the age of grace, with the Gospel at its core. People must hear and believe the Gospel. It is an eternal gospel (Revelation 14:6); therefore, it is everlasting, contrary to the claims of many.

    Most of the religious leaders during the time of Jesus, Paul, and the rest of the apostles insisted on their prevailing beliefs, and they missed their chance. As the saying goes, “If we have not learned from history, then we are bound to repeat its mistakes.” Missing our chance is a crucial mistake. It will cost us eternity like anyone else who rejected, mingled, muddled, and watered down God’s Word.

    Matthew and the rest of the apostles, except for Judas, adhered to God’s word. Comparing Scriptures with Scriptures, they were saved by grace. Let’s not miss the chance and learn from the Bible.

    So, who are you? Are you a Pharisee or an outcast, like Matthew? Christ Jesus doesn’t care about our past. The Gospel call is for everyone, but only those who recognize Christ and His Gospel would benefit from the message. That’s the lesson in Matthew 9:9-13. However, after we’ve trusted Jesus Christ, we should be different from our past lives. Paul said, “Follow me, as I follow Christ (1 Co 11:1).” Therefore, follow pastors or teachers of the Bible only if they are truly following Jesus Christ. Be a Berean, as the Bible states, “They received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.” (Acts 17:11) Don’t be content with listening; study the Bible on your own and ask questions if needed. Then compare the answers with the Word of God and verify if they’re consistent with the Scriptures.

    We have only one chance in our lifetime to bet on Christ Jesus. Don’t miss this chance.

    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 this article freely, for you freely receive. Take note, underlines and highlights are clickable links for definitions or Bible references. Stay updated by heading to our about page and subscribe directly to receive notifications in your inbox. Blessing!

  • Focus on the Subject

    Some Christian pastors argue that the church vanished after Revelation 3, suggesting that this indicates the rapture of the church. However, consider the photo above: did everything around the mushroom disappear, or was the focus solely on the mushroom? This analogy suggests that the idea of a church rapture is not necessarily valid. Rather, John shifts his focus to the judgment of Old Covenant Israel. This is evident in Revelation 11:15, where the seventh angel blows his trumpet, and heavenly voices proclaim, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever.”

    In John’s Gospel (the Book of Revelation was also written by him), Christ Jesus, confronted by the Sanhedrin, the religious order of the Jews, declared, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would have been fighting so that I might not be handed over to the Jews. But My kingdom is not of this world.” (John 18:36)

    Therefore, the kingdom that Christ Jesus conquered was that of the Old Covenant Israel. In Matthew 21, when confronted by the chief priests and Jewish elders, questioning His signs and authority to teach, Jesus Christ responded, “Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits” (Matthew 21:43). Now, let’s consider the language of imminence that Christ Jesus spoke to the seven churches in Revelation. 

    First, to Ephesus, “Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I WILL COME TO YOU and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I WILL GRANT TO EAT OF THE TREE OF LIFE, which is in the paradise of God.” (Revelation 2:5-7)

    Repentance is only possible during one’s lifetime, not after death, as demonstrated by Christ’s teachings in the story of Lazarus and the rich man (Luke 16:19-31). Therefore, Jesus’ warning is directed at the living church of Ephesus, urging them to repent before His return. Isn’t it logical then that Jesus implied His return would be in their lifetime?

    Second, to Smyrna, “Don’t be afraid of what you’re about to endure. The devil is about to imprison some of you for ten days, testing your faith. Be steadfast until death, and I’ll give you the crown of life. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. THE ONE WHO CONQUERS WON’T BE HARMED BY THE SECOND DEATH.” (Revelation 2:10-11)

    The second death occurred at the final judgment of Christ Jesus, as described in Revelation 20:11-15. Concerning Christ’s deliverance and justice, refer to Luke 18:1-8, where Christ delivers a parable about an unjust judge. Jesus emphasizes the swift and imminent nature of His justice, stating that it would be speedy. I doubt the faithful Christians of Smyrna understood a millennial as the idea of such swift justice. However, it’s important to note that Christ’s teachings in Luke 18:1-8 were delivered in the context of Luke 17:20-31, where Jesus speaks about the coming of His kingdom. More importantly, in Luke 18:8, Jesus implicitly assures His disciples that His swift justice would be with them during their lifetime. Jesus said “Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” (Luke 18:8)

    Third, to Pergamum, “Repent, or I’LL COME TO YOU SOON and wage war against them with the sword of my mouth. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers, I’ll give some of the hidden manna and a white stone with a new name written on it, a name known only to the one who receives it.” (Revelation 2:16-17)

    Jesus prophesied that His coming to Christians in Pergamum would be imminent, not a millennium later. Why do Christians choose to complicate the straightforward statements of Christ Jesus? Keep in mind that Jesus Christ warns not to add or deduct from His Words written in Revelation: “I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book. He who testifies to these things says, ‘SURELY I AM COMING SOON.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:18-20)

    Fourth, to Tyatira, “HOLD ON TO WHAT YOU HAVE UNTIL I RETURN. The one who conquers and keeps My works until the end will receive authority over the nations and rule them with an iron rod, just as I received authority from My Father.” (Revelation 2:25-27)

    Isn’t “until I return” an assurance of imminent arrival? Jesus Christ, once again, assures churches of John’s lifetime that they should keep the faith because He is coming soon.

    Fifth, to Sardis, “remember what you received and heard. Keep it and repent. If you don’t wake up, I WILL COME LIKE A THIEF, and you won’t know when I will attack you again. However, there are still a few names in Sardis, people who haven’t defiled themselves, and they will walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. The one who conquers will be clothed in white garments, and I will never erase his name from the book of life. I will proclaim his name before My Father and before His angels. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” (Revelation 3:3-6)

    The phrase “coming like a thief” suggests that Jesus’ return will be an unexpected event. This underscores the significance of the church’s role during this momentous occasion. If no one is present to witness it, what purpose does it serve for Christ to emphasize to the church that His return will be like a thief in the night? It’s important to remember that this message was addressed to the church during John’s time. In other words, the church wouldn’t have a precise understanding of the exact time of Christ’s return, but it would certainly be within the lifetime of John and his immediate audience.

    Sixth, to Philadelphia, “I AM COMING SOON. Hold on to what you have so that no one can take away your crown. The one who conquers will become a pillar in the temple of My God. They will never leave it, and I will write on them the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which descends from My God from heaven, and My own new name.” (Revelation 3:11-12)

    I suppose this time, it’s quite straightforward to understand. Jesus Christ had promised Christians in Philadelphia that His return would be imminent, not in the distant future of churches during John’s lifetime, but even ours, as futurists have led many to believe.

    Lastly, the seventh, to Laodicea, “Behold, I STAND AT THE DOOR AND KNOCK. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to them and eat with them, and they will eat with Me. The one who conquers will be granted a place with Me on My throne, just as I conquered and sat down with My Father on His throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” (Revelation 3:20-22)

    Jesus Christ was speaking to the church of Laodicea, not to us. This is a recurring theme in John’s writings, referring to churches in his lifetime. Unless you believe that John would remain alive, as John clarified in his Gospel that this was not what Christ had told Peter. Instead, John wrote, “Jesus said to Peter, ‘If it is My will that he (John) remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow Me!’” See John 21:20-25. Can you comprehend Christ’s declaration to Peter? Or have you been blinded by tradition to the point where it seems incomprehensible to you? Jesus Christ implicitly communicated to Peter that His return would occur during John’s lifetime.

    Christ Jesus has fulfilled His purpose and promises. He declared that He alone would establish His church. The church is eternal, and even Hades has no power over it as seen in Matthew 16:18-19. The church is not just a parenthesis to Israel, its fulfillment signals the end of Old Covenant Israel. Keep in mind that “hades and death” were thrown to the lake of fire before John declared the passing of the first heaven and first earth and the coming of the new heaven and new earth (Revelation 21:1). Incidentally, the first heaven and the first earth refer to the Old Covenant, while the New Heaven and New Earth is the New Covenant. Consequently, Paul explained in 2 Corinthians 5:16-17, “From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh (that is, circumcision). Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard Him thus no longer. Therefore, IF ANYONE IS IN CHRIST, HE IS A NEW CREATION. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”

    See Galatians 6:11-15, for a parallel teaching of Paul on circumcision and flesh: “See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. It is those who want to make a good showing IN THE FLESH WHO WOULD FORCE YOU TO BE CIRCUMCISED, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For even those who are circumcised do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. FOR NEITHER CIRCUMCISION COUNTS FOR ANYTHING, NOR UNCIRCUMCISION, BUT A NEW CREATION.”

    I completely understand if my discussion here might have confused you. I was in a similar situation many years ago. However, after being persuaded by Christ’s words, I dedicated myself to a serious and sincere study of God’s word. Today, there is a resurgence of Christians embracing the authentic teachings of the Bible. If you want to understand, all you need to do is to keep your focus, read, and study the Bible. While reading the Bible, avoid getting sidetracked by unnecessary details and focus on the main subject. In God’s own time, you will fully comprehend 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!