Unlearning Tradition, Relearning Scripture

Tag: Errors of modern Christianity

  • 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!

  • Find Your Way

    Inspired by the teachings of Jesus, we must prioritize reaching out to those who are lost rather than getting distracted by the many. If you understand the parable of the lost sheep (Luke 15:1-7), you’ll see my point.

    In Luke 15:1-7, it is important to correctly identify the characters in the story. The religious leaders criticized Jesus for associating with tax collectors and sinners. In the context of Luke, the term “sinners” does not literally refer to lawbreakers; rather, it pertains to Galileans, specifically the ten lost tribes of Israel (as mentioned in Luke 13:1-2).

    To illustrate this point, let’s consider the third parable in Luke 15, which specifically addresses the Pharisees. The Pharisees are depicted by the self-righteous elder son in the parable of the “Two Sons” (Luke 15:11-32). The ten lost tribes, on the other hand, are represented by the lost son, who in the parable was warmly welcomed back by his father after seeking forgiveness from both God and his father (Luke 15:21). Additionally, Jesus, when sending out His disciples, instructed them to go nowhere among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans, but rather to seek out only the lost sheep of the house of Israel (Matthew 10:5-6).

    So similarly, in Luke 15:1-7, the ninety-nine sheep in the open country symbolize the Pharisees and the two tribes of Israel—Judah and Benjamin—that remained in covenant with God after Solomon’s kingdom was divided, as noted in 1 Kings 12:21-24. Moreover, it’s important to mention that only those from the tribes of Judah and Benjamin were involved in the first rebuilding of the temple (Ezra 1:5, 4:1). The one lost sheep represents the ten lost tribes of Israel, whom the Pharisees regarded as sinners. This is reminiscent of Hosea 11:12, which states, “Ephraim has surrounded Me [God] with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit, but Judah still walks with God and is faithful to the Holy One.” Additionally, tax collectors, viewed as traitors by the Jews for collecting taxes on behalf of Rome, are also classified among these so-called sinners.

    Ephraim became the leading tribe of the northern kingdom (Joshua 17:15; Judges 3:27), and the capital, Samaria, was located in Ephraim’s territory. In fact, Scripture sometimes refers to Israel as simply “Ephraim,” due to the size of the tribe (e.g., Isaiah 11:13 and Jeremiah 31:6). – Excerpt from GotQuestions.Org.

    Consequently, always let Scripture be our guide in matters of the church. Before leading someone to Christ Jesus, it’s crucial to acknowledge the current state of the church. Our predicament arises from the fact that Christians primarily relied on writings from early church fathers rather than Scripture. When we examine the history of the church, we tend to focus on the Reformation period and beyond. Instead of the Book of Acts, which chronicles the birth of the church, we concentrate on human writings. In essence, as long as Christians continue to study human writings, the doctrines of Jesus Christ will remain elusive and subject to ongoing debates.

    Considering the various requirements, practices, and regulations in modern Christianity, one could argue that the church resembles the Sanhedrin of Jesus’ time. The Jewish religious authorities had traditions and customs that often diverged from God’s Word. In Mark 7:1-13, Christ makes a crucial point when He says, “You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men” (Mark 7:8). It’s no surprise that today, churches engage in debates about issues like the method of water baptism, forms of church governance, and other practices that are not clearly outlined in Scripture.

    However, we know that repentance is explicitly a prerequisite for baptism. This raises an important question: Why is there so much controversy surrounding infant baptism? Can an infant genuinely repent before being baptized? I think it’s possible that the Reformation’s doctrine of infant baptism was just a response to the Roman Catholic practice of baptism of infants or children. These questions reflect the troubling state of modern Christianity.

    A call to return to the traditions of the Reformation does not necessarily lead to a genuine return to the roots of Christianity. Instead, a true effort to revisit the traditions of the early Church should focus on the teachings found in the Book of Acts. This represents the real essence of “Scripture alone.” Unfortunately, this essence has been obscured by interpretations that incorporate the traditions, practices, and opinions of the early Church fathers. Although proponents may deny it, this approach effectively equates the Bible with the teachings of the Church fathers.

    Moving forward, instead of focusing on reconstructing the current state of the church, let’s begin anew. Many have attempted a second Reformation, but it’s time to start from the beginning. Instead of relying solely on human-created discipleship materials, we should prioritize studying the Bible deeply. The principles of discipleship are clearly outlined in the Gospels by Christ Jesus, Acts, and letters attributed to the immediate apostles of our Risen Lord.

    It is essential to first learn how to properly interpret Scripture. Remember, God is the true author of each book of the Bible, which means there can only be one correct interpretation of Scripture. It is irresponsible to second-guess the Bible. Our duty is to study and learn so that we can effectively teach the Bible.

    You don’t need to study in seminary to learn how to interpret Scripture properly; this can be done through our online Bible study sessions. However, I wonder how many people are truly interested.

    Nevertheless, for those who yearn to learn, find your way. With a will, there’s always a way. It’s not about not understanding Scripture, it’s about indifference.

    Many years ago, while I was still contemplating entering seminary training, these passages in Scripture guided my decision-making. The Bible said, “And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, yet your Teacher will not hide Himself anymore, but your eyes shall see your Teacher. And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.” (Isaiah 30:20-21) There is no other way to the truth except by the Word of Jesus Christ, our Teacher.

    Lastly, as I mentioned earlier, it’s important to start fresh. Focus on reaching out to those who are not already part of conventional Christianity. Take inspiration from the Bible, specifically Acts 18:5-6, which states, “When Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul was occupied with the word, testifying to the Jews that the Christ was Jesus. When they opposed and reviled him, he shook out his garments and said to them, ‘Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent. From now on, I will go to the Gentiles.’”

    It can be challenging to change deeply ingrained habits or beliefs. Just as some faced risks in the synagogues (as noted in John 9:18-23), many who are entrenched in conventional beliefs may resist new ideas. Therefore, it’s crucial to share the Gospel with those outside of conventional Christianity. Once they have discovered the truth, it will be difficult for anyone to convince them otherwise.

    However, do not completely disregard those who are part of conventional Christianity but are genuinely seeking the truth. Individuals with a sincere passion for the Bible will respect the Scriptures and be open to learning. They just need proper guidance along the way.

    The church’s mandate is not to develop methods that make the Gospel more appealing to the majority. Instead, our responsibility is to teach the truths of the Bible, regardless of the consequences. We do not serve Jesus Christ while seeking the approval of our peers. Rather, we are called to be faithful to the Chief Shepherd of God’s flock (1 Peter 5:4; Matthew 24:31-46). Unfortunately, when it comes to the matter of Christ’s return, many churches have become like the “boy who cried wolf.” If you understand what I mean, bless you!

    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!

  • Confusion is not of God

    Christians who believe that salvation was completed at the cross should take a moment to reexamine Scripture. Consider Paul’s teachings on salvation: “For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then, at His coming, those who belong to Christ. Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule, authority, and power. For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet. The last enemy to be defeated is death.” (1 Corinthians 15:22-26)

    Christ’s reign began with His ascension. Peter confirms this by saying, “This Jesus, whom God raised up, and of whom we all are witnesses. Therefore, being exalted at the right hand of God and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He has poured out what you are now witnessing and hearing. David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself declares, ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand, until I make Your enemies Your footstool.”’ Therefore, let all the house of Israel be assured that God has made Him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” (Acts 2:32-36)

    The outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, as described in Acts 2, was a sign that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and the Second Person of the Holy Trinity. After His resurrection, Christ appeared to His disciples and said, “Thus it is written (quoting Psalm 22), that the Christ should suffer and rise from the dead on the third day. And that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in His name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And behold, I am sending the promise of My Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” (Luke 24:46-49)

    Remember the Jews were about to stone Jesus when He claimed the same, making Himself equal with God the Father. Check out John 10:30-31.

    Once again, Peter testified about the exaltation and reign of Christ, this time before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish Religious Council (Acts 5:27-28). He stated, “The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging Him on a tree. God has exalted Him to His right hand as Leader and Savior, to provide repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.” (Acts 5:30-31)

    Before his martyrdom, Stephen witnessed and declared, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God” (Acts 7:56). In this context, Stephen’s reference to Jesus Christ as the Son of Man was not meant to emphasize His humanity as commonly understood, but rather to highlight His divinity.

    For further reference, consider Daniel 7:13-14, which states: “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” – this phrase refers to divinity, sovereignty, and kingship as noted in Daniel 7:9-10 and 7:22 – “and presented before Him. And to Him was given dominion, 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).

    Now, let’s revisit Paul’s exhortation in 1 Corinthians 15:22-26. He asserted that Christ’s reign would eventually bring everything to a complete and triumphant conclusion, ultimately defeating death. Isn’t that the very essence of salvation? 

    So clearly salvation wasn’t completed at the cross, but only upon His return. To understand what was finished at the cross, click here to read this blog “Was Salvation Completed at the Cross?”

    Paul further explained in 1 Corinthians 15, “Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep” – i.e. an expression referring to Christians who died; examples as applied to Stephen (Acts 7:60) and Lazarus (John 11:11-13) – “but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: ‘Death is swallowed up in victory.’ ‘O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?’” (1 Corinthians 15:51-55)

    The underlined phrase “but we shall all be changed” refers to the transformation – not of the human physical body but that of the Old Covenant body or creation to that of the New Covenant body or creation. See Paul’s declaration in Philippians: “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like His glorious body, by the power that enables Him even to subject all things to Himself” (Php 3:20-21). I understand, the explanation here could be difficult to comprehend for now. This is mainly due to our preconceived understanding of the passage, as traditionally taught. See Galatians 4:21-5:1, for Paul’s explanation on the topic. Perhaps 2 Corinthians 5:16-17 is easier to comprehend. Paul declared: “From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh” – Paul has repeatedly used the term in reference to law of circumcision, the Old Covenant, see Galatians 5:1-18). “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.” (2Co 5:16-17)

    In conclusion, the Bible teaches that salvation became a complete reality when Jesus Christ returned, as expressed in the phrase, “death is swallowed up in victory.” So, why has the teaching on salvation become confusing, if not misleading? As students of the Bible, we should not feel the need to rationalize because God has revealed everything to us. It simply requires a thorough study of the Scriptures, applying biblical hermeneutics and careful exegesis.

    It’s important to let go of preconceived notions about the end times. Avoid relying on commentaries, renowned scholars, personalities, or even the early church fathers, as they may have erred. The Westminster Confession of Faith, chapter 31.3, notes that “all synods or councils since the apostles’ times, whether general or particular, may err, and many have erred. Therefore, they should not be made the rule of faith or practice, but rather used as a help in both.”

    Scripture alone is infallible and without error. The confusion arises because humans, who are fallible, resist the clear declarations of Christ Jesus and seek alternative interpretations.

    Finally, Paul in Corinthians emphasized, “For God is not a God of confusion but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33). Now, let’s examine the current state of churches regarding the doctrine of the end times. Do you observe order, peace, and unity among them? We have various denominations, including dispensationalist, post-millennial, and amillennial, among others. If there is no peace and unity, then it is not of God. It should be that simple. God cannot fail in His Word. Jesus Christ, the anointed one of God, cannot fail in His words and promises. He told His living apostles that His return would occur in their lifetime. What is so hard to understand about that? Consider Christ’s declarations to His apostles; here are a few examples: Matthew 16:27-28, Mark 8:28-9:1, Luke 9:27, and Matthew 10:23.

    The only way to refute Jesus’ straightforward statements to His immediate and living apostles was to find one among the eleven apostles of Christ alive and among us today, in our present physical state. Alternatively, by insisting otherwise and twisting Christ’s clear declaration, people have made Him a liar and a false prophet. However, He is not false; He is the Great Prophet promised by God to Moses, who said, “It is to Him that everyone should listen.” Check out Deuteronomy 18:15, Acts 3:19-23, Matthew 17:4-5, and Luke 9:35.

    Here’s a fair warning from Christ Jesus: “If they do not heed Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead” (Luke 16:31). “Moses and the Prophets” refers to the entirety of the Old Testament Scriptures. Christ Jesus clearly stated that He came not to abolish the Law or the Prophets, but to fulfill them (Matthew 5:17). He reinforced this message after His resurrection, as seen in Luke 24:25-27: “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into His glory?” Beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He interpreted to them all the Scriptures concerning Himself (Luke 24:25-27).

    Jesus also declared, “These are My words that I spoke to you (referring to the apostles) 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). Therefore, returning to Luke 16:31, Jesus is essentially saying that anyone who rejects Scripture rejects the truths about Him and His Word. Paul expresses a similar sentiment: “And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing” (2 Corinthians 4:3). May God’s grace be upon everyone reading this.

    Enough of the lies. Anyone genuinely seeking to bring people to salvation would verify the information they share and proclaim. Regrettably, the majority of modern churches have fallen into traditions that have been developed over millennia. Honest students of the Bible should agree that it all began with the early church fathers, revered religious figures. The problem arises when our reverence falls into men rather than Jesus Christ. Paul addressed this error in 1 Corinthians 3 to 4 and emphatically applied his rebuke, exhortation, and teaching on the topic in 1Co 4:6, where he declared, “I have applied all these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, that you may learn by us not to go beyond what is written, so that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another.”

    I write my blog not to attack anyone, but to present the truth. My goal is for readers to be able to recognize and distinguish between truth and falsehood, as well as between tradition and Scripture. Jesus Christ stated, “If you abide in My word, you are truly My disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32). To “abide” means to remain steadfast, to continue, and to be fully true to Christ’s teachings. Blessings!

    Note: Click on underlines and highlights for definitions or Bible references.

    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!

  • Confused Christianity

    Without a doubt, 21st-century Christianity comes in many shapes and forms. Christians differ in doctrines, but they seem to be unified in believing that the return of Jesus Christ is still in the future, though it has been millennia since Jesus promised His apostles that He would be coming in their generation. See Matthew 16:27-28.

    “For the Son of Man is going to come with His angels in the glory of His Father, and then He will repay each person according to what he has done. Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.””

    The synoptic Gospels – Matthew, Mark, & Luke – have the same assurance concerning the imminent return of Christ:

    “And He (Jesus Christ) said to them (apostles), “Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God after it has come with power.”” (Mark 9:1)

    “For whoever is ashamed of Me (Jesus Christ) and of My words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when He comes in His glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God.”” (Luke 9:26-27)

    Not only that, Jesus Christ sending out the twelve apostles, instructing them on His message, said, “And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’” (Matthew 10:7)

    “At hand” in the original Greek language means “near,” and near cannot by any means be thousands of years and continuing, as suggested by the Futurists. Jesus Christ did not just give them the message to proclaim, but He reinforced the message with the assurance that it was indeed occurring soon. See Matthew 10:23.

    “When they persecute you (the apostles) in one town, flee to the next, for truly, I say to you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.”

    As I researched the validity of Jesus’ words, it’s sad, actually disgusting, to find known Bible scholars saying, “No, Jesus was confused or hallucinating when He uttered those words.” Some dismissed the passages saying, “There must be another meaning for that, but we just have to find out.”

    Funny that for as long as the passages or verses are convenient to their theological position, they adhere to the Words of Christ, but if it doesn’t, then it’s excuses after excuses. Scripture does not need affirmation from men; rather, the Bible is the dispenser of truth because it is the Word of God.

    One of the key disciplines in interpreting Scripture involves recognizing “time statements.” However, Futurists often overlook these time statements in the Bible, particularly in the New Testament, and instead suggest that they refer to the future. It’s important to remember that what the apostles considered “the future” is no longer future to us today.

    Hence, statements like “this generation” in Matthew 24:34 no longer make an impact on the readers, for time statements have been disregarded. See Matthew 24:29-34.

    “29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 30 Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 And He will send out His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. 32 “From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. 33 So also, when you see all these things, you know that He is near, at the very gates. 34 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place.

    So some have suggested “this generation” refers to the generation who saw the literal signs of Matthew 24:29-34. Yet, they miss out on John’s confession in Revelation that he was already in tribulation. See Revelation 1:9.

    “I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.”

    Scripture is a unity. The apostles’ writings cannot be different from the Words of Jesus found in the Gospels, the Book of Acts, or the Book of Revelation. Jesus’ words have their foundation in the Old Testament Scripture. The entire Bible is a cohesive revelation concerning the declaration and fulfillment of God’s words.

    See Luke 24:44.

    Then He (Jesus Christ) said to them (The disciples), “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.”

    In recent years, we have witnessed the rise of fake news online. Most people now get their news from the web, particularly from platforms like Facebook and YouTube. Unfortunately, fake news spreads easily because many individuals click to watch or read without considering the source or the intent of the uploader or poster.

    Even if a Facebook post or YouTube video contains factual information, ignoring the date it was published can severely affect its relevance today. The same principle applies when reading and studying the Bible. It is essential to recognize the audience’s relevance, the timing of statements, and their historical accuracy. Failing to do so can lead to misinterpretations of Scripture, whether by inexperienced readers or poorly informed pastors.

    Jesus Christ warned, “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit?” (Luke 6:39)

    Find someone who can teach you the disciplines of studying Scripture. Avoid using human-tailored Bible study materials, as they often reflect human influence. It’s important to recognize that even within different Bible translations, traces of human interpretation can be found. Let me be clear: the Bible itself is perfect, infallible, and without error; the issues arise with the translations.

    You don’t need to be a scholar of Greek, Hebrew, or Aramaic, but it is beneficial to read the Bible by comparing different translations. Additionally, learning to use language tools, such as lexicons, is essential for in-depth Bible study. There are many free lexicon tools available online or for download. You just need to find someone knowledgeable to guide you in using these tools effectively.

    It’s never too late to start studying Scripture and practicing proper exegesis. Ultimately, Scripture reveals truths about salvation that extend beyond our physical needs and concerns, addressing both our current lives and eternity. Don’t let yourself become part of confused Christianity.

    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!