Over the years of reading and studying the Bible, I have come to understand that all 66 books are indeed Scripture. This is evident because their messages are coherent and they all point to Christ Jesus, whether directly or by inference. I am referring here to internal evidence.
For those who have not yet to recognized this unity, I am providing a link that discusses the authority of the Bible based on external evidence.
I understand that the external evidence regarding the canon of Scripture can be contentious, especially considering the influence of Constantine’s time. GotQuestions.org explains that the term “canon” refers to the books that are divinely inspired and thus belong in the Bible. But how do we determine which books are inspired? Here are some criteria to consider:
Authorship: The identity of the author is crucial.
Dating: The book should have been written before the fall of Jerusalem in AD 70.
General Circulation: The work should have been recognized, used, or circulated by early Christian communities, ideally within the 1st century.
Message: The book should present a unified message that aligns with the fulfillments of Old Testament Scripture.
It’s important to remember Christ’s words: “Then He said to them, ‘These are My words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.’ Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and said to them, ‘Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, 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.’” (Luke 24:44-48)
The Old Testament canon faces little controversy, primarily because both Jesus Christ and the apostles refer to it. For example, Peter writes, “For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty.” Here, Peter serves as a witness, representing New Testament Scripture. He continues, “For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to Him by the Majestic Glory, ‘This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,’ we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with Him on the holy mountain.” Once more, Peter refers to the Gospels, affirming the fulfillment of Old Testament Scripture; Isaiah 42:1 speaks of God delighting in His servant, among other prophecies.
Next, Peter confirmed that they had witnessed the fulfillment of Old Testament Scripture. He continued by stating, “And we have the prophetic word made more fully confirmed, to which you would do well to pay attention, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.” He emphasized, “Knowing this first of all: no prophecy of Scripture comes from an individual’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:16-21).
I personally stand by the internal evidence for the canon of Scripture, hoping to put to rest doubts about the inerrancy of the Bible, particularly the New Testament Scriptures, which have been heavily attacked by critics.
Peter, in the words of Acts 3:6, declared, “I possess neither silver nor gold, but in the name of Jesus Christ, I offer you what I have.” Share freely, for you freely receive. Stay updated by heading to our about page and subscribe directly to receive notifications in your inbox. Blessing!
Jesus Christ in John 10 proclaims, “I am the good shepherd” (John 10:11). This declaration echoes Ezekiel 34:11, where the Lord God declares, “Behold, I, I Myself will search for My sheep and will seek them out.”
Christ Jesus came to fulfill both the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 5:17-18). If He had arrived and left other Old Testament Scriptures unfulfilled for millennia, then His Word would have been deemed incomplete. However, Christ Jesus is the Word (John 1:1-5, 14-18), and He has undoubtedly fulfilled all His promises. Therefore, it is our responsibility to reconcile His teachings with our own.
Being ridiculed by the religious leaders of Israel for mingling with sinners and tax-collectors, Jesus Christ then told them two parables:
“What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.” “Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15:4-10)
In Christ’s parable, the lost sheep represents the sinners and tax collectors who are seeking salvation through His words and teachings. If Jesus Christ fulfills the prophecy in Ezekiel 34 as the Shepherd of God’s flock, then it follows that those who oppose Him and His message are false shepherds.
If God condemned the false shepherds of the Old Testament, would He not do the same today for pastors who do not guide people to His Word?
Christianity centers on God’s Word. Men’s traditions have no authority over God’s Word. Christ Jesus and His Word is the final arbiter of faith and truth.
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!
At its inception, Christianity was not divided. Scripture states, “There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all” (Ephesians 4:4-6). Here, Paul refers to the church as the “body” (Ephesians 1:22-23). However, today we see Christians divided among themselves. Why is this the case? Is it solely due to differences in doctrine? Many Christians tend to avoid discussing theological doctrines in order to maintain the unity of the church.
The real issue is not doctrine itself, but rather false doctrines. This concern is echoed in the letters of Paul, Peter, and other New Testament writers. Therefore, Christians should study the Bible to understand the true doctrines of Scripture and achieve unity in faith. This is precisely the goal of our ministry: to teach Christians how to rightly interpret the Word of God.
Unfortunately, many pastors, despite their seminary training, choose to adhere to the writings of men. It is essential for all Christians to agree that the Bible is the only book inspired by God, inerrant, and the sole source of truth for faith. If God’s workers continue down this path, it is not surprising that Christianity remains fragmented, incohesive, and divided.
I was once told, “Pastor, your ministry might not interest a lot of people.” However, we are not seeking a large audience, but rather individual Christians who are eager to deepen their understanding of Scripture. The apostle Paul instructed, “What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2).
Christians, do not settle for simply listening and hearing. Be like the Bereans; learn to verify teachings against Scripture. Paul warned, “Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by doing so you will save both yourself and your hearers” (1 Timothy 4:16).
Scripture also states, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death” (Proverbs 14:12). Follow Jesus Christ and His Word—He alone is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6).
If Christians are united in their faith, there should be minimal conflict. But it has to be the right doctrine and faith. Our ministry’s goal is to strengthen and unify that faith. However, we recognize that this is not always easy, especially within a congregation. Jesus Christ didn’t convert five thousand people at once; He initially started with twelve, one of whom would betray Him. Therefore, it is important to start with individuals or a small group and allow growth to happen naturally.
Jesus Christ told a parable, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.” (Mat 13:31-32)
Paul teaches, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.” (1Co 3:6)
Pastors and Christians need to understand that we are not tasked with building the church; rather, we are called to equip people with the Word of God. It is Christ Jesus alone who builds His church, as stated in Mattew 16:18. Scripture said, “So then you (that is, Gentile believers) are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints (Jewish Christians) and members of the household of God (the church), built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets (Scripture, both New & Old), Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In Him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.” (Eph 2:19-22)
Numbers do not mean anything to God; rather, it is the quality and character of His people that matters.
The Bible teaches, “After this many of His (Jesus Christ’s) disciples turned back and no longer walked with Him. So Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?” Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.” Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the twelve? And yet one of you is a devil.”” (Jhn 6:66-70)
At the end of the day, only those who are truly converted and understand the Scripture well will continue to live in faith and spread the Word.
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!
In John 9, Jesus’ disciples asked Him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.” (John 9:2-3)
What did Jesus mean by “the works of God”? In John 6:29, we see that the work of God is for people to believe in Jesus Christ, whom He has sent.
John 9 is not solely about miracles and healings; rather, John emphasizes that these events are signs of Christ Jesus (John 20:30-31). Before Christ’s coming, the Jews experienced four hundred years of silence from God—where no miracles or words were spoken (What were the 400 years of silence? | GotQuestions.org; I disagree with the last sentence on this site. To understand why, visit my blog site https://unlearningtraditionrelearningscripture.com). Malachi foretold that Israel should anticipate the arrival of a forerunner preceding the coming of Christ Jesus (Malachi 3:1-5; 4:1-6). Thus, the signs performed by Christ announced His arrival (John 7:31). Although recognized by the religious leaders, they ultimately rejected Jesus, misleading Israel and condemning Him to the cross (John 11:47-48).
Are we faithfully bringing Jesus Christ to the awareness of others? Is our teaching about Jesus Christ aligned with Scripture? As Christians, are we living lives that reflect God’s grace?
We must always be vigilant about what we teach. It is essential to convey only the truths found in Scripture. Paul warned against those who teach about another Jesus or another Gospel (Galatians 1:6-7; 2 Corinthians 11:3-4).
“I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him 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.” (Galatians 1:6-7)
“But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. 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 11:3-4)
Let us learn only from the Word of God and not from men. Jesus Christ told a parable: “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when fully trained will be like his teacher.” (Luke 6:39-40)
True teaching of God’s Word is only truly learned when one is thoroughly trained in it. While reading men’s writings can sometimes be helpful, it should always be approached with discernment and discretion. We must be careful not to repeat the mistakes of others, as this could lead us to mislead those we teach. If that happens, can we still claim to be doing the work of God, which is to lead people to believe in Jesus Christ?
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!
According to vocabulary.com, the earliest records of the word “splice” date back to the early 16th century when it was borrowed from the Middle Dutch verb “splissen.” Sailors used this verb to join ropes end to end by interweaving their strands. In 1912, the infant motion-picture industry adopted the word “splice” to describe the cutting and joining of film during the editing process. Ironically, this is precisely what happens to the modern interpretation of the Gospel—it’s spliced and edited.
In my previous blog post titled “The Gospel Heralds God’s Kingdom and the Time of the End,” I discussed how the Gospel relates to the conclusion of Old Covenant Israel and the establishment of God’s kingdom. Unfortunately, this message is no longer what is commonly preached and taught in conventional Christianity. As a result, many Christians feel it is acceptable to disregard the doctrine of the last days and instead focus solely on the grace of God. This has led to disagreements among Christians regarding the doctrine of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.
Watch all three videos in the intended sequence. I generally agree with most of the first two videos, so my criticism lies in his explanation of “the end of the age.”
R.C. Sproul was on the right track until he reached Luke 21:24. Here’s an excerpt of the passage where he deviates from the correct interpretation: “Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.” Although Sproul was able to connect this verse to Paul’s words in Romans 11:25, “A partial hardening has come upon Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in,” his interpretation of both texts don’t align with their context. R.C. Sproul suggested that if there was a time for the Gentiles, there must also be a time for the Jews. However, he conveniently overlooked the fact that he had repeatedly asserted that the “last days” refer to the Jewish age. Therefore, if we follow his reasoning, it implies that the “last days” encompassed the Jewish age—the era of the apostles until the destruction of the temple—followed by the times of the Gentiles, and then returned to the Jewish age.
Jesus Christ spoke of only two ages—“in this age and in the age to come,” as mentioned in Matthew 12:32. This concept was also expressed by Christ Jesus in various other passages, such as Mark 10:29-30 and Luke 18:29-30. However, the most profound statement about the two ages can be found in Luke 20:34-36.
“And Jesus said to them [Sadducees], “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.”
Jesus Christ made a clear distinction between the two ages: resurrection, therefore pointing to salvation, becomes a reality only at the age to come. Check and see, Hebrews 9:28 teaches the same truth. Now, to which age do the Sadducees belong? Obviously, it’s the Jewish age. The temple was still standing. Old Testament temple offerings and regulations were still in effect.
Hebrews, written in 68 AD, according to Bible Hub Timeline. The temple was still standing before it was destroyed in 70 AD. Hebrews 8:13 says, “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.” Hebrews was correct; the temple and its regulations were ready to vanish away. Hence, with the destruction of the Jewish temple, all temple regulations halted, and the Jewish age ended.
But R.C. Sproul was suggesting a return of the Jews. He especially mentioned the Jews’ return to Jerusalem in 1948. Also, the Sixth Day War was fought between Israel and a coalition of Arab states, primarily Egypt, Syria, and Jordan, from 5 to 10 June 1967. Yet, despite all these years, since 1948, that the Jews have returned to Jerusalem, the temple was never rebuilt. The Dome of Rock stands today on the exact spot where the former Jewish temple was built, stood, and then was destroyed. Besides, any suggestion of a re-establishment of another Jewish age contradicts Scripture’s clear declaration of God’s working for salvation. See Galatians 3:25-29.
“But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.”
In other words, even with the return of the Jews in 1948, the train has passed them, and they’ve missed the ride. That’s exactly the point of the two passages. Actually, Paul was the authority behind both Luke 21:24 and Romans 11:25, which were connected rightly by R.C. Sproul but were interpreted wrongly.
Let us take a look at both passages within its context.
“They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive among all nations, and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. ‘And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.’” (Luke 21:24-28)
How would the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled? What does Luke mean by “times of the Gentiles”?
Daniel spoke of “times of the Gentiles ruling over Israel”. God revealed the meaning of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. In the dream, there were four Gentile nations to rule over Israel, and it’s on the last or fourth Gentile kingdom when God’s kingdom would be manifested. See Daniel 2:40-46.
“And there shall be a fourth kingdom, strong as iron, because iron breaks to pieces and shatters all things. And like iron that crushes, it shall break and crush all these. And as you saw the feet and toes, partly of potter’s clay and partly of iron, it shall be a divided kingdom, but some of the firmness of iron shall be in it, just as you saw iron mixed with the soft clay. And as the toes of the feet were partly iron and partly clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong and partly brittle. As you saw the iron mixed with soft clay, so they will mix with one another in marriage, but they will not hold together, just as iron does not mix with clay.And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed, nor shall the kingdom be left to another people. It shall break in pieces all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, and it shall stand forever, just as you saw that a stone was cut from a mountain by no human hand, and that it broke in pieces the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver, and the gold. A great God has made known to the king what shall be after this. The dream is certain, and its interpretation sure.” Then King Nebuchadnezzar fell upon his face and paid homage to Daniel, and commanded that an offering and incense be offered up to him.”
We have the advantage of history guiding us in understanding fulfilled prophecies, but that does not mean it cannot be explained internally by Scripture itself. Rome, the fourth Gentile empire after Babylon, succeeded in ruling over Israel. The Stone has repeatedly been interpreted as a reference to Jesus Christ. In Luke 20, Jesus Christ delivered a parable. At the conclusion of his parable, the Bible states, “But He [Jesus Christ] looked directly at them [Jewish religious leaders] and said, ‘What then is this that is written: “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone’? Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces, and when it falls on anyone, it will crush him.’The scribes and the chief priests attempted to seize Him at that very moment, for they recognized that He had uttered this parable in opposition to them, but they were afraid of the people.” (Luke 20:17-19)
In Acts 4, Peter preaching before the Jews said, “This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone.” (Act 4:11)
The “times of the Gentiles” in Luke 21:24 then refer to the end of the Jewish age and the arrival of God’s kingdom. Isn’t that the time when the “resurrection of the last days” should occur? Look at the context. Luke went on to say, “Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads because your redemption is drawing near (Luke 21:28).” Then, again, Luke added, saying, “So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near (Luke 21:31).”
God’s complete redemption of His people would occur only when God’s kingdom has been fully consummated. See 1 Corinthians 15:23-27.
“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 Fatherafter destroying every rule and every authority and power. For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. For “God has put all things in subjection under His feet.” But when it says, “all things are put in subjection,” it is plain that He is excepted who put all things in subjection under Him.”
Now let see Romans 11:25 together with its context.
“Lest you be wise in your own sight, I do not want you to be unaware of this mystery, brothers: a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. And in this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written, “The Deliverer will come from Zion, He will banish ungodliness from Jacob”; “and this will be My covenant with them when I take away their sins.” As regards the gospel, they are enemies for your sake. But as regards election, they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers.” (Rom 11:25-28)
Let’s examine Paul’s statement: “I don’t want you to be unaware about this mystery.” What mystery? That’s the Jew and Gentile are both under God’s New Covenant. Check out Ephesians 2:11-3:6.
Now, from the context of Romans 11, Paul clearly was now addressing the Gentile Christians, Paul said, “Now I’m speaking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry (Rom 11:13).”
In his letter to the believers in Rome, Paul addressed both Jewish and Gentile Christians. However, at this point, he was specifically speaking to Gentile Christians. What was the issue? The Gentile Christians seemed to have misunderstood, thinking that God was done with Israel. They believed they were destined for destruction. To clarify this, Paul explained, “No, not yet. Not until Christ Jesus returns with the fullness of God’s kingdom, they still have a chance.” To support his point, he quoted Scripture, specifically Psalm 14:7 and Isaiah 59:20-22, saying, “In this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written, ‘The Deliverer will come from Zion, He will banish ungodliness from Jacob’, “and this will be My covenant with them when I take away their sins.” (Romans 11:26-27)
Who would be saved according to Paul, in Romans 11? It’s the remnant of Israel saved by grace (Romans 11:5-7). That’s also the elect of Paul’s era (Romans 11:25-32), properly applied—“It’s the Jews who responded to the Gospel of Christ Jesus (1 Thess 1:4-5) before the fullness of the Gentiles has come in”, the fulfillment of Daniel’s prophecy (Daniel 2:40-46), and the consumation of God’s kingdom (1Co 15:23-26).
Furthermore, R.C. Sproul proposed the possibility of two comings after the incarnate coming of Christ Jesus—one in judgment of Israel (70 AD), and the latter in fulfillment of all Scripture, especially that of National Israel coming to faith. That’s exactly what Paul has been arguing from Romans 9-11. All is not lost for Israel. See Romans 11:1-6, Paul explained, “I ask, then, has God rejected His people? By no means! For I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not rejected His people whom He foreknew. Do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he appeals to God against Israel? “Lord, they have killed your prophets, they have demolished your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life.” But what is God’s reply to him? “I have kept for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal. So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace. But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.”
So here is where Paul and Sproul differed. Paul said “at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace.” Obviously Paul didn’t mean sometime in his distant future, but at the present time. That’s Paul’s era, so it was Israel’s last days before judgment comes. Sproul on the other hand, suggested the exact opposite, that there is another round of grace for Israel—a second act of grace from God. That has always been the achilles heel of futurism. (Click highlight to see explanation on futurism. I agree with most of the explanation of GotQuestions.Org on futurism except for the last paragraph.)
See Romans 13:11, Paul promises the church, saying, “Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.” By “you and us”, Paul refers to him and the Christians in Rome of his era, not us today. Romans was written in 57 AD. Paul came to faith in 34 AD. So it has been more than two decades since Paul became a Christian. The destruction of Jerusalem and the temple came in 70 AD, the end of the Jewish age. Isn’t Paul indeed closer to salvation, because after the end of the Jewish age—that’s AD 70—comes the time for eternal life? See again Christ’s words regarding the two ages.
Scripture said, “And He [Jesus Christ] said to them [the apostles], “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who will not receive many times more in this time [Jewish age], and in the age to come eternal life [New Covenant Age].”” (Luke 18:29-30. Also Mark 10:29-30, and etc)
Respecting context, audience and time revelance is key in understanding the Bible. R.C. Sproul was a prominent figure from the Reformed traditions and yet, he did not argue from the confessions or creeds, only by Scripture. I guess, as in the case of many, like me before, his preexisting ideas from the traditional teachings of the Bible may have hindered his understanding on some Scriptural passages. But he will always have my respect, even though I have to disagree with some points he raised in his video teaching “End of the Age”.
I do not claim to be more knowledgeable than R.C. Sproul. I followed his teachings once but had to step away when the doctrines became paradoxical. Perhaps being out of conventional Christianity also has its advantages. You are not pressured to submit to preexisting teachings but can freely exegete Scripture. Conform only to Scripture.
“So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are truly My disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”” (Jhn 8:31-32)
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!
This morning we studied John 7:16-18. Jesus Christ said, “My teaching is not Mine, but His [God the Father] who sent Me. If anyone’s will is to do God’s will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on My own authority. The one who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory; but the one who seeks the glory of Him [God] who sent him is true, and in him there is no falsehood.”
We have had this passage for some time. There is simply a lot to learn and explore in this passage. Christ Jesus calls on us to learn and teach only from that of God the Father and Jesus Christ, which is also that of the Spirit (John 16:13). As an example, we explore the doctrine of election as it has been taught conventionally. We would like to know if it would pass scrutiny of Scripture. We touched on Romans 9, Galatians 4, and Genesis 17.
Embracing the conventional teaching on “election” would certainly conclude a “double predestination” – if there are people who are elected to be saved, then there are also people elected to be damned. This has been rejected and debated much. Rightly so, for if God is the God of love and grace, how do we justify saying He picks and chooses those He saves and reprobates others? On the other hand, if “election” is indeed according to the teaching of the Bible – electing and reprobating people for and from salvation – then we ought to find Scripture’s clear teaching on the doctrine. Adhering to confessions, writings of men, would not suffice. Only Scripture is inerrant and infallible.
As We have studied this morning. Paul’s teaching on election was applied to a specific time and people group. In Romans 9, Paul highlighted one Israel by ethnicity, and the other by promise (see Romans 9:6-13). Two Israels, by two sons of Abraham. Galatians said, “One by Hagar, the other Sarah” (see Galatians 4:21-31) – the latter was by God’s unilateral covenant with Abraham (Genesis 17:15-16, 21); the first, on the other hand, was a bilateral covenant by circumcision (Genesis 17:10-14). That’s exactly Paul’s teaching from Galatians 4:21 to 5:10.
Herewith is an excerpt from GotQuestions.Org with an explainer of the two covenants. “A covenant is an agreement between two parties. There are two basic types of covenants: conditional and unconditional. A conditional or bilateral covenant is an agreement that is binding on both parties for its fulfillment. Both parties agree to fulfill certain conditions. If either party fails to meet their responsibilities, the covenant is broken and neither party has to fulfill the expectations of the covenant. An unconditional or unilateral covenant is an agreement between two parties, but only one of the two parties has to do something. Nothing is required of the other party.”
Old Covenant Israel ceased with the destruction of the temple in 70 A.D. Without the temple, together with its regulations gone, then Old Covenant Israel could no longer exist (Hebrews 9:1-10). Rightly so, for Christ Jesus was the true acceptable offering for salvation (Hebrews 9:11-15). In Romans 9, written 57 A.D., the temple was still standing; hence, there were still two Israels: one born by the covenant of circumcision (bilateral) and the other born of the spirit (John 3:3, 5-6), or the covenant of faith or promise.
So before the end of the Jewish Age, Paul explained the reality of God’s election for the salvation of some Jews (Old Covenant Israel). With Paul saying, “So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace.” (Romans 11:5)
The “present time” is not today, but the days of Paul, the era of his generation. So obviously it’s history to us. Paul then concludes in Romans 11:28, saying, “As regards the gospel, they [Old Covenant Israel] are enemies for your sake. But as regards election, they [Israel of Promise] are beloved for the sake of their forefathers [forefathers, referring to God’s covenant to Abraham, Isaac, and Israel or Jacob].”
Therefore, there was no double predestination in reality even then. Old Covenant Israel had been under God’s wrath; hence, they awaited a coming Messiah (Christ Jesus). Look, John the Baptist was announcing exactly that: “Repentance is now, judgment is imminent” (see Matthew 3:2, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand”).
See also Matthew 3:7-10. “But when he [John the Baptist] saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! WHO WARNED YOU TO FLEE FROM THE WRATH TO COME? BEAR FRUIT IN KEEPING WITH REPENTANCE. And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father,’ for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. EVEN NOW THE AXE IS LAID TO THE ROOT OF THE TREES. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”
“Raising children for Abraham from stones” certainly is not by natural conception or birth. Like the incarnate Jesus Christ, His birth was by God’s promise and His Spirit (Gen 3:15; Isa 7:14; Matt 1:23). So that’s the reason Jesus Christ told Nicodemus, “You must be born again [John 3:3], born of the Spirit not of flesh [John 3:5-7].”
Without a doubt, the axe was symbolic of God’s wrath and impending judgment. The trees were to be cut from its roots. Isn’t that a metaphor of an impending cessation of Old Covenant Israel? Just as I shared earlier, without the temple and its ordinances, Old Covenant Israel ceased to exist.
Keep in mind that with the coming of Christ Jesus, God’s grace has been for everyone. There is no more Jew or Gentile in the eyes of God (Galatians 3:26-29).
There is no teaching of double predestination in the Bible. God’s church is the manifestation of God’s unilateral covenant with Abraham. It’s a covenant of promise, which rests in Christ Jesus, so it’s also a covenant of faith. Salvation is in Christ Jesus alone, through faith in Him. Faith in Christ Jesus encompasses His deeds and His Word.
1 Thessalonians 1:4-5 has to be the most interesting and glaring vis-à-vis the conventional teaching on election, a cherry-picking election.
God’s grace has been offered to everyone because all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory (Romans 3:21-23). Isn’t it paradoxical that God offers grace and yet He elects?
Now see 1 Thessalonians 1:4-5. Paul said, “For we know, brothers loved by God, that HE HAS CHOSEN YOU, BECAUSE OUR GOSPEL CAME TO YOU not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.”
Point #1. By “we”, Paul refers to himself and his co-workers. In other words, living Christians of his era. That’s respecting time relevance.
Point #2. The word translated “chosen” was from the Greek word translated “election” in Romans 9 & 11; 2 Peter and Acts. Therefore, it’s the same. Paul was talking about the election of the Thessalonians believers. That’s respecting the context, audience, and time relevance.
Point #3. Therefore, “election or chosen” does not imply or mean God selects, picks, or chooses somebody and outright rejects others. Rather, God elects people by the preaching and teaching of His Word. See 1 Thessalonians 1:4-5 again; Scripture said, “God has chosen you because our Gospel came to you”.
Christ Jesus taught in Matthew 13:18-23 reasons that hinder a person from becoming good soil of His Word. In Matthew 13:23, Jesus Christ concludes, “As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who HEARS THE WORD AND UNDERSTANDS IT. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”
Keep in mind that Jesus Christ is the Sower in His parables (Matt 13:37). He sows the Word of God (Matt 13:18-23).
Lastly, the audience of Paul in 1 Thessalonians were Jewish Christians. Once more, see 1 Thessalonians 2:13-15. Paul said, “And we also thank God constantly for this, that WHEN YOU RECEIVED THE WORD OF GOD, WHICH YOU HEARD FROM US, YOU ACCEPTED IT NOT AS THE WORD OF MEN BUT AS WHAT IT REALLY IS, THE WORD OF GOD, WHICH IS AT WORK IN YOU BELIEVERS. For you, brothers, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea. FOR YOU SUFFERED THE SAME THINGS FROM YOUR OWN COUNTRYMEN AS THEY DID FROM THE JEWS, who killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and drove us out, and displeased God and opposed all mankind.”
Let us learn well the teachings of the Word so that we may silence those who teach from men’s teachings. The point is not to debate, but to explain to those who truly seek God’s Word but were misled.
Truly, there is no double predestination in Scripture, but if anyone misreads Scripture and teaches outside the teachings of the Trinity God, it could end in double the trouble, for you and your hearers. Paul warned, “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.” (1 Timothy 4:16)
Always learn from the Word of God, not men’s teaching. Scripture alone is the arbiter of truth, not men.
Peter, in the words of Acts 3:6, declared, “I possess neither silver nor gold, but in the name of Jesus Christ, I offer you what I have.” Share freely, for you freely receive. Stay updated by heading to our about page and subscribe directly to receive notifications in your inbox. Blessing!
It’s been more than five centuries since the Reformation Day. Is it still relevant today? I believe the answer to that question is the same as that of the EDSA People Power Revolution in 1986. Is it still relevant today?
The Reformation Day, like the People’s Power of EDSA, would always have its significance. With EDSA, freedom was restored, though compromised from time to time. Reformation, on the other hand, restored the truthful teaching on soteriology—the doctrine of salvation. That is, salvation is by the grace of God through faith in Christ Jesus alone, not by penance or indulgence.
However, both events failed to sustain their goals. The Reformation did not fully restore the truthful teachings of Scripture. It created its traditions. Calvinism also misrepresented Scripture, like that of the doctrine of election. God did not mystically pick and choose people for salvation. Rather, God’s calling and election is always by the preaching and teaching of His Word (Ro 10:14-17). Jesus Christ explained that clearly in His Parable of the Sower. Matthew 13:23 teaches that the “good soil is the one who hears the Word and understands it”.
Ironically, both events, historical as they are, yet their ideas came to a halt because they were left in the hands of men. Never mind that of EDSA, but the Reformation could have been sustained on its course if Christians had kept themselves to Scripture alone.
Should Christians then remember the Reformation? Yes, but only if the goal is to reignite the spirit of reformation. Though it should be back to the Bible alone. Don’t seek to repeat and learn the traditions of the Reformation. Rather, study and learn the traditions of the Scripture as it was taught by the Lord Jesus Christ and His apostles.
The apostle Paul said “So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us [the apostles], either by our spoken word or by our letter.” (2Th 2:15)
And again, Paul wrote, “I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them.” (Rom 16:17)
For as long as Christians follow the writings of uninspired men, though of religious orders, yet are fallible and capable of error, then there will always be a need for a reformation. But if you desire to progress beyond the reformation and keep it, then learn and apply the science of biblical interpretation. Respect always the context, time element, audience relevance, and other disciplines in the exegesis of Scripture.
Peter, in the words of Acts 3:6, declared, “I possess neither silver nor gold, but in the name of Jesus Christ, I offer you what I have.” Share freely, for you freely receive. Stay updated by heading to our about page and subscribe directly to receive notifications in your inbox. Blessing!
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!
Everyone is born into a tradition one way or the other. The practice of tradition was to keep the status quo. Paul, the apostle of Jesus Christ, spoke of tradition. See 2 Thessalonians 2:13-15.
But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. To this He called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter.
The tradition that which Paul and his co-workers promote, however, was not from man but by the Spirit and the truth of the Gospel of Christ Jesus our Lord. This was not the tradition held by the Jews, though the tradition or truth of the Gospel may be seen through the Old Testament Scripture.
Standing before King Agrippa, Paul, explaining the conviction of his faith, said, “To this day I have had the help that comes from God, and so I stand here testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass:that the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, He would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.” (Acts 26:22-23)
Here is the proof that Paul was telling the truth: Acts 26:23 was a quotation from Isaiah 49:6. But for the purpose of context and clarity, let us see Isaiah 49:1-6.
Listen to Me [Jesus], O coastlands, and give attention, you peoples from afar. The LORD called Me from the womb, from the body of My mother He [God] named My name [cf. Matthew 1:20-21]. He made My mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of His hand He hid Me; He made Me a polished arrow; in His quiver He hid Me away. And He [God the Father] said to Me [Jesus], “You are My servant, Israel, in whom I will be glorified.” But I said, “I have labored in vain; I have spent My strength for nothing and vanity; yet surely My right is with the LORD, and My recompense with My God.” And now the LORD says, He who formed Me from the womb to be His Servant, to bring Jacob back to Him; and that Israel might be gathered to Him— for I am honored in the eyes of the LORD, and My God has become My strength— He [God] says: “It is too light a thing that You should be My servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to bring back the preserved of Israel; I will make You as a light for the nations, that My salvation may reach to the end of the earth.”
On the other hand, Paul described the tradition that should be rejected – those which he previously also held; see Galatians 1:13-14.
For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers.
The Complete Word Study Bible Dictionary defined “Judaism” as the religious system held by the Jews. Its teachings emanate from the Old Testament Scripture, especially from the Law of Moses as found from Exodus 20 through Deuteronomy, and also from the traditions of elders (Mark 7:3-13), some of which the Lord Jesus condemned. The main emphases of Judaism are circumcision and Sabbath-keeping.
Judaism that was from the Old Testament Scripture, if rightly interpreted and applied, should support the New Testament Scripture – the teachings of Jesus Christ and the apostles. It was the tradition of elders that Jesus rejected and condemned. See Mark 7:3-8.
(For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands properly, holding to the tradition of the elders, and when they come from the marketplace, they do not eat unless they wash. And there are many other traditions that they observe, such as the washing of cups and pots and copper vessels and dining couches. ) And the Pharisees and the scribes asked Him, “Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat with defiled hands?” And He said to them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written, “‘This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me; in vain do they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men.”
Washing here was not that of keeping proper hygiene but ceremonial washing, a tradition declaring themselves clean.
Doubtless, circumcision and Sabbath also were important concepts in the Jewish faith. See Genesis 17:1-2,4-7,9-14.
When Abram was ninety-nine years old the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am God Almighty; walk before Me, and be blameless, that I may make My covenant between Me and you, and may multiply you greatly.”
“Behold, My covenant is with you, and you shall be the father of a multitude of nations. No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham, for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations. I will make you exceedingly fruitful, and I will make you into nations, and kings shall come from you. And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you.
And God said to Abraham, “As for you, you shall keep My covenant, you and your offspring after you throughout their generations. This is My covenant, which you shall keep, between Me and you and your offspring after you: Every male among you shall be circumcised. You shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between Me and you. He who is eight days old among you shall be circumcised. Every male throughout your generations, whether born in your house or bought with your money from any foreigner who is not of your offspring, both he who is born in your house and he who is bought with your money, shall surely be circumcised. So shall My covenant be in your flesh an everlasting covenant. Any uncircumcised male who is not circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin shall be cut off from his people; he has broken My covenant.”
It is clear that circumcision was the condition or sign binding God’s covenant with Abraham and the Jewish people, even among foreigners seeking to be in covenant with the LORD. Sabbath, on the other hand, was a covenant binding commandment, see Exodus 20:8-11.
Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates. For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.
The Jews were insistent in observing circumcision and Sabbath, yet Jesus made a case that complicated perfect observance of both; see John 7:21-24.
Jesus answered them [the Jews], “I did one work, and you all marvel at it. Moses gave you circumcision (not that it is from Moses, but from the fathers), and you circumcise a man on the Sabbath. If on the Sabbath a man receives circumcision, so that the law of Moses may not be broken, are you angry with Me because on the Sabbath I made a man’s whole body well? Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.”
Paul explained the true essence of circumcision, see Romans 2:25-29.
For circumcision indeed is of value if you obey the law, but if you break the law, your circumcision becomes uncircumcision. So, if a man who is uncircumcised keeps the precepts of the law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision? Then he who is physically uncircumcised but keeps the law will condemn you who have the written code and circumcision but break the law. For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God.
In another letter of Paul, he explained further. See Colossians 2:11-14.
In Him [Christ Jesus] also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, having been buried with Him in baptism [death], in which you were also raised with Him [resurrection] through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised Him from the dead. And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This He set aside, nailing it to the cross.
In Christ, circumcision then is no longer of flesh but a circumcision of the heart (Romans 2:29), which requires repentance and the transformation of a person. The Christian man is dead – buried with Christ in baptism – and made alive living a life for the glory of God. Colossians 2:11-12 is no way, as alleged by some, a call for water baptism, specifically that of infant baptism. Paul was calling believers into a new life with Christ Jesus our Lord, so it’s about obedience to the Lord and His Word.
The Jews, by their rejection of Christ Jesus, have corrupted the true teachings of the Old Testament Scripture; hence was rejected and condemned by the Lord. The traditions that they held, Paul said “an empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ” (Colossians 2:8). That was/is the dilemma of tradition – that is, according to man. Therefore, true Christianity should hold on to Scripture alone, nothing more or less, and with a right interpretation. See 2 Timothy 2:15-16.
Do your [Timothy] best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness …
After the ascension of Christ, at the time of the Paul and the other apostles, false teachings have clearly emerged. It was from within the church; see Acts 20:28-30.
Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which He obtained with His own blood. I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock;and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them.
See also 1 John 2:18-21.
Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. Therefore we know that it is the last hour. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us. But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge. I write to you, not because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and because no lie is of the truth.
At the time of Jesus and the early days of Christianity, the opponent of the church was the Judaism but later, it’s the Judaizers. The Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Dictionary defined this sect as the “early converts to Christianity who tried to force believers from non-Jewish backgrounds to adopt Jewish customs as a condition of salvation”. Evidence of this movement within the early church first emerged in A.D. 49, when certain men came from Judea and taught the brethren – ‘Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved’ (See Acts 15:1).
That was the reason why Paul, in his letter to the Galatians, wrote, “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting Him [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.” (Galatians 1:6-7)
Again, on his letter to the Corinthians, Paul wrote, “For I feel a divine jealousy for you, since I betrothed you [the church] to one Husband [Jesus Christ], to present you as a pure virgin to Christ. But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. 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 11:2-4)
Obviously, the enemy of the truth of the Gospel was both from within, as there were from outside the church. In our present time, many call themselves Christians, but it would be interesting to verify if everyone who claims to be of the faith truly has one truth of the Gospel. Especially since, there are a lot of denominations, different claims and interpretation of the Bible. Don’t you think it’s scary that we might have believed the false?
Unlearning Tradition, Relearning Scripture aims to study, learn and teach the absolute truth of the Scripture. It was quite a journey, come to think of the tradition that we previously held. It is traditionally held that Jesus Christ has yet to return, though He repeated hinted that He’s coming in the generation of Jew that crucified Him and of His apostles.
See Matthew 26:63-64.
But Jesus remained silent. And the high priest said to Him, “I adjure You by the living God, tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God.” Jesus said to him, “You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.”
What was that Jesus had said to the high priest? Jesus told the Jewish religious leaders that they would see Him – seated at the right hand of power – come in judgment. The allusion to His coming on the clouds of heaven points to His fulfillment of Daniel 7:13-14.
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.
Obviously the Scripture spoke of a spiritual kingdom; Jesus said, “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:24)
Paul, on the other hand, said, “I appeal to you 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.” (Romans 12:1)
In Matthew 16:27-28, Jesus told His apostles (see Matthew 16:21).
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.
A lot of known theologians, checking on their commentaries and writings, confronted by Matthew 16:27-28 and suggested that Jesus must have lost His mind, either due to the pressure of His ministry or His impending death. Let us be truthful. If we insist that Jesus hasn’t return, though His Words did promise to do so, then we are making Jesus to be a liar and not truthful. That was my moment of transition, knowing that Jesus is trustworthy and true.
In Matthew 10:23, Jesus sent out His apostles (Matthew 10:5), telling them their mission, persecution and suffering (Matthew 10:5-22), and the assurance of His return in their generation saying, “When they persecute you 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.“
The same claim and promise may be seen in Paul’s and the other New Testament writings of the Bible. But many times we may have simply read through without carefully discerning what truly was written. If the Word of God is clear, should we choose to believe otherwise? To do so, again, is the dilemma of tradition.
Allow me then to challenge you to read your Bibles, thoroughly discerning the truthful teaching of the Scripture. Let Scripture alone reveal the truth, not the commentaries – modern or centuries old traditions that were/are according to men. Jesus Christ and His Scripture alone is infallible and trustworthy. Jesus Christ said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word, he will never see death” (John 8:51). Let us seek to be sure then that what we have believe were/are the Words of Christ.
Blessings!
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Unlearning Tradition, Relearning Scripture 