There are four important ministries and activities in the early Church (Acts 2:42) - The apostles' doctrine, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers. My last posting was "The Goal of our instruction" which essentially concerns the importance of the Apostles's Doctrine. I have also posted two messages concerning the Holy Communion - "Biblical Background of the Bread and the Wine" (April, 21st 2005) and "Biblical Significance of the Holy Communion" (April, 27th 2005).
This message concerns "Fellowship". Notice that the "Breaking of bread" does not mean only the part-taking of the Holy Communion but also concerns the sharing of meals together among believers (Acts 2:46). The needs of sharing among believers, being part of fellowship, will be discussed in this message.
The Basis of Fellowship
The word "fellowship" comes from the Greek word "koinonia" which means "sharing together" or "having things in common".
Paul said, "God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His son, Jesus Christ our Lord" (1 Cor. 1:9, NKJV, emphasis added).
In other words, the main purpose of our salvation is to have fellowship with the Godhead. Notice the phrase "called into" indicates that fellowship is a goal (or an end) and not a means of achieving a goal. The "means" of achieving the goal of fellowship with the Godhead are witnessing and preaching the Gospel to unbelievers.
On this basis, we can define the Gospel as God's invitation to the human race to share the eternal fellowship of the Godhead.
Eternal Fellowship of the Godhead
The Godhead is eternal in nature; God is eternally the Father; He is eternally the Head of Jesus Christ and both of Them have eternal fellowhip in the Holy Spirit. All God's purposes including creation are born out of fellowship of the Godhead.
Here are some examples:
1. Creation of man is a collective decision of the Godhead in counsel:
God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; .... " (Gen. 1:26).
2. Collective decision to drive man out of the Garden of Eden:
The Lord God said, "Behold, the man has become like one of Us, to know good and evil. And now, lest he put out his hand and take also the tree of life, and eat and live forever .... " (Gen. 3:22).
3. Collective decision to confuse men's language:
The Lord said, "Come, let Us go down and there confuse their language, that they may not understand one another's speech" (Gen. 11:7).
4. Collective decision to send Isaiah:
Isaiah heard the Lord said, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us" (Isaiah 6:8).
The Fellowship of Believers with one another and with the Godhead
John said, "..... that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with the Son Jesus Christ. And these thing we write to you that your joy may be full" (1 John 1:3, 4, emphasis added).
In other words, believers' fellowship with the Godhead makes it possible for believers' fellowship with one another. The fullness of joy comes when believers enter into fellowship with the Godhead and with one another.
God's Condition of Fellowship
John said, ".... God is light and in Him is not darkness at all. If we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin" (1 John 1:5, 7).
The condition of fellowshipping with God and with one another is we must walk continuously in the light. The reason being God is light. This is also the reason why believers cannot have fellowship with unbelievers because they walk in darkness before the regeneration of their spirit (2 Cor. 6:14 - 18). This does not mean, however, believers should have nothing to do with unbelievers. Believers can have friendship with them and share the Gospel with them.
The cleansing power of the blood of Jesus is also conditional. If we fail to walk in the light our sins will no be cleansed by the blood of Jesus.
Walking in the light is the test of our relationship with other believers. Here is a spiritual law - Out of fellowship causes the believer to be out of the light. Because the blood of Jesus does not cleanse in the dark, the believer who is out of fellowhip will continue to walk in darkness. The only way to come back into the light is by confession according to 1 John 1:9.
The protection of the blood is continuous if we continue to walk in the light and continue to have fellowship with other believers. This means that if this condition is fulfilled, it is not necessary to plead the blood of Jesus or to apply the blood in every object or situation. The important thing is not to plead the blood of Jesus but to walk in the light. If we fail to walk in the light pleading the blood of Jesus will not help us.
Fellowship is in the Realm of the Spirit
My readers should refer to my earlier postings concerning things of the spirit, soul and body.
Every man is a spirit being; he has a soul and he lives in a body. True fellowship is made possible when the man is born again by the Spirit of God. He is now able to have true fellowship with other born again believers led by the Spirit of God. His fellowship with other believers and with the Godhead is in the realm of the spirit led by the Spirit of God.
Paul said, "Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God" (Eph. 2:19, emphasis added).
All believers belong to God's family. This implies that as Christians we have horizontal and vertical relationships (fellowships). We have God as our Father and we are brothers and sisters one to another. Someone has said, you may choose your friends but you cannot choose your own family members. Therefore, whether we like one another or not we have to get along. Our soul life can be a hindrance to fellowship because we all have different temperaments. We can and will get along if we "see" one another in the spirit realm and when our soul life is under the control of our regenerated spirit led by the Spirit of God. It is the Holy Spirit that binds us together in true fellowship.
The Importance of True Spiritual Fellowship
By careful study of the New Testament Church we discover an important spiritual principle - no fellowship no spiritual birth. In other words, all spiritual births are born out of spiritual fellowship between believers one to another and with the Godhead.
Here are two examples:
1. The Birth of the First Church
I believe the Church was brought forth in a prayer meeting and not on the Day of Pentecost.
There were about 120 people gathered in a prayer meeting in an upper room in Jerusalem.
"These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication , with the women and Mary the mather of Jesus and with His brothers" (Acts 1:14, emphasis added).
The above verse describes a true fellowship between believers. Notice that ture spiritual fellowship always includes prayer. This is obvious because without prayer and supplication God has no part in the fellowship.
2. The First Missionary Assignment
Read Acts 13:1, 2, 3.
A group of believers including prophets and teachers were fellowshipping in the Church at Antioch. They were having fellowship with the Lord, ministering to Him, fellowshipping with one another, fasted and out of that came forth a divine purpose.
The Holy Spirit said, "Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them" (Acts 13:2).
Notice that this divine assignment was born out of spiritual fellowship among God's people and not out of a Church Committee meeting. The end result was that they accomplished the purposes of God as recorded at the end of Acts 14.
They've got the job done because this assignment was born out the Spirit and not out of the flesh (consensus and voting) like many of our local Church programs and projects!
John said, "That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit" (John 3:6).
Notice that "consensus and voting" in the local Church usually brings forth an "Ishmael", a product of the flesh!
John also said, "What ever is born of God overcomes the world" (1 John 5:4).
The lord of the world is Satan. Therefore what is born of God cannot be defeated by Satan. Whatever is born of God must succeed and cannot fail!
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
The Goal of Our Instruction
Every Christian ministry has a goal and there are means to achieve this goal. In general, every believer is involved in teaching in more than one way - in counselling, instruction, exhortation, leading, witnessing, sharing of testimonies and preaching etc. The Bible says, irrespective of the means, the goal of our instruction (or teaching) is love.
The New American Standard is very vivid about this truth:
Paul wrote to Timothy, "But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith" (1 Tim. 1:5, NASV, emphasis added).
"Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus" (2 Tim. 13, NASV).
As a young pastor Timothy was to learn from Paul's example of ministering and teaching believers in love and sincerity. I believe any teaching or instruction of Biblical truth that does not yield love and produce loving people is missing the goal. The goal of our instruction is not only to produce knowledge but love from a pure heart, good conscience and sincere faith. Every true teacher of the Scripture must teach in truth, faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.
Types of Doctrine
This message concerns the teaching of Bible Doctrine. There are two types of doctrine:
1. The Apostles' Doctrine
James said, "My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment" (james 3:1, NKJV).
The word "teacher" comes from the Greek word "didasklos" which describes many types of instructor - communicator, doctor, master and teacher of doctrine. In the context of the above verse James was talking about teachers in general. God places great responsibility and accountability to teachers. They receive a stricter judgment because God's judgment is according to the measure of light and knowledge given to His people (Matt. 11:20 - 24). The teacher of Biblical doctrine, in particular, recieves stricter judgment because other believers' faith depends on hearing the correct or incorrect doctrine from the teacher.
When three thousand believers were added to the Church after they have heard Peter's first sermon - "They continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and prayers" (Acts 2:42).
Notice that, of the four activities of the early Church, the most important one is the learning, obeying and applying the apostles' doctrine continuouly with steadfastness. This is understandable because Paul also places great importance of the correct doctrine for new believers:
".... you are .... members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone" (Eph. 2:19, 20, emphasis added).
If believers fail to uphold the apostles' doctrine, the very foundation of their faith will be greatly weakened and thus open themselves to Satan's deceiption. Therefore I believe whenever a local Church has departed from the apostles' doctrine it will inevitably ends up in trouble and failure. In fact the average contemporary Church has already departed from the apostles' doctrine in various degrees!
2. The doctrines of demons
The counterfeits of God's Doctrine (apostles' doctrine) are the doctrines of demons:
"Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons" (1 Tim. 4:1).
Paul's prophecy is being fulfilled in our days - we are living in the last of the last days. Notice that demons have many doctrines which have their roots from deceiving spirits. Christians who depart from the Christian faith will be deceived by deceiving spirits and they might even "continue steadfastly" in upholding the doctrines of demons without being aware of their problem. I believe one of Satan's major tactics against the Church of Jesus Christ is to produce erroneous doctrines.
In the next two verses (1 Tim. 4:2, 3) Paul lists some of the symptoms of obeying the doctrines of demons - speaking lies in hypocrisy, having no conscience, forbidding to marry and commanding to abstain from various types of food that are sanctified by God.
The Importance of the Apostles' Doctrine
Paul advised Timothy, "Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you" (1 Tim. 4:16).
In other words, Paul was saying, if you are wrong in your personal life the right doctrine would not accomplish what it should. But, if you continue to live right and preach the right doctrine then you will do well - you will save yourself and those who hear you. The reverse is also true. If a Bible teacher does not live right and preaches the wrong doctrines (doctrines of demons) he brings death (spiritual first and followed by physical) to himself and death to those who hear him!
The apostle John gave some good advice to a Christian (elect) lady concerning false teachers of doctrine:
"Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds" (2 John 9 - 11, emphasis added).
What radical statements and what a solemn warning!
Notice that the "doctrine of Christ" means the "doctrine taught by Christ and His apostles" which is the apostles' doctrine steadfastly followed by the early Church.
John pointed out that a teacher who does not teach the correct apostles' doctrine is not a true Christian (one without the Father and the Son) and we must neither greet him nor welcome him in our home or we will share his evil deeds. We must have nothing to do with such a fake "christian" but we usually greet a non Christian and welcome him in our home because he is unlikely to deceive us.
It is good that Christians today heed John's advice. The local Church must be very very careful when inviting preachers to teach the congregation of believers. A preacher who draws a large congregation of hearers does not necessarily mean his doctrine is correct. In fact he should be a suspect of being a teacher of wrong doctrine until he is proven otherwise. He must be tested. The genuine uncompromising apostles' doctrine is unlikely to attract many hearers. It is more likely that many will run away the Church.
The Apostles' Doctrine as a Reproductive Ministry
Teachers of Bible doctrine can be divided into two levels - those who initiate and those who reproduce. The apostles' doctrine is initiated by all the apostles. True Christians are all reproducers of this doctrine.
Paul said to Timothy, "And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also" (2 Timothy 2:2).
Notice that there are four generations of teachers of the apostles' doctrine - Paul taught Timothy; Timothy taught "faithful men" in the Church; these faithful men continued to teach other Christians.
There is reproduction in the teaching of the apostles' doctrine through the overseers (bishops) also:
Paul wrote to Titus concerning the ministry of an overseer, "..... Holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict" (Titus 1:9).
Paul said the overseer is expected to teach (what he was taught) to others sound Biblical doctrine so as to exhort and convict anyone who contradicts. The only sound Biblical doctrine is the apostles' doctrine. Unsound doctrine has no power to exhort and convict anyone who contradicts.
What it takes to teach the Apostles' Doctrine? - Major Requirements
1. Total commitment to the teaching of the Gospel (Col. 1:23 - 25)
Paul's commitment to be the servant of the Gospel was total. Paul's choice is clear; first a servant of the Gospel and second a servant of the Church. As true servants of God we must not do everything the Church wants us to do, and if there is anything found contrary to the Gospel or the apostles' doctrine, we must not obey the Church.
2. Have a comprehensive grasp of the whole Bible (2 Tim. 3:16)
Every Bible teacher must study and seek to understand the whole Bible if he wants to teach the full counsel of God. For example it is not enough just to study Kings but also the Chronicles. The Chronicles explain many things which are not found in Kings. Another example is in the topic of "faith and works" we need to study both Romans and James.
3. Uncompromising
Unfortunately, most of the truth of the Scripture has been obscured by compromising in the contemporary Church. To be uncompromising is a great challenge to our character. Uncompromising teaching of the Scripture can make us unpopular among believers. Not many believers would like to join an uncompromising Church. Many teachers and believers are unable to discern between compromise and love. To many, to compromise is to love and to be without compromise is to be without love. Who wants to go to a "loveless" uncompromising Church? Many believers will not endure sound Biblical doctrine because they have itching ears (1 Tim. 4:3, 4). They want preachers to preach what they want to hear and not what they need to hear!
This truth is well illustrated by the contrast in character of Moses and Aaron. Moses would not compromise in his dealing with Israel. On the other hand, Aaron compromised and pleased men; the result is the Golden Calf (Exodus 32).
In my opinion, it is not difficult to look for "Golden Calf" Churches. They have two things in common - One, they are all large local Churches; and two, they are "purpose driven" to "love" and please people but never warn people about end-time Bible prophecies. They have no eternity in mind. They lead believers into the broad way of destruction (Matt. 7:13)!
The narrow way that leads to life is found in following and obeying the apostles' doctrine in all circumstances. The choice is ours!
The New American Standard is very vivid about this truth:
Paul wrote to Timothy, "But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith" (1 Tim. 1:5, NASV, emphasis added).
"Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus" (2 Tim. 13, NASV).
As a young pastor Timothy was to learn from Paul's example of ministering and teaching believers in love and sincerity. I believe any teaching or instruction of Biblical truth that does not yield love and produce loving people is missing the goal. The goal of our instruction is not only to produce knowledge but love from a pure heart, good conscience and sincere faith. Every true teacher of the Scripture must teach in truth, faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.
Types of Doctrine
This message concerns the teaching of Bible Doctrine. There are two types of doctrine:
1. The Apostles' Doctrine
James said, "My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment" (james 3:1, NKJV).
The word "teacher" comes from the Greek word "didasklos" which describes many types of instructor - communicator, doctor, master and teacher of doctrine. In the context of the above verse James was talking about teachers in general. God places great responsibility and accountability to teachers. They receive a stricter judgment because God's judgment is according to the measure of light and knowledge given to His people (Matt. 11:20 - 24). The teacher of Biblical doctrine, in particular, recieves stricter judgment because other believers' faith depends on hearing the correct or incorrect doctrine from the teacher.
When three thousand believers were added to the Church after they have heard Peter's first sermon - "They continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and prayers" (Acts 2:42).
Notice that, of the four activities of the early Church, the most important one is the learning, obeying and applying the apostles' doctrine continuouly with steadfastness. This is understandable because Paul also places great importance of the correct doctrine for new believers:
".... you are .... members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone" (Eph. 2:19, 20, emphasis added).
If believers fail to uphold the apostles' doctrine, the very foundation of their faith will be greatly weakened and thus open themselves to Satan's deceiption. Therefore I believe whenever a local Church has departed from the apostles' doctrine it will inevitably ends up in trouble and failure. In fact the average contemporary Church has already departed from the apostles' doctrine in various degrees!
2. The doctrines of demons
The counterfeits of God's Doctrine (apostles' doctrine) are the doctrines of demons:
"Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons" (1 Tim. 4:1).
Paul's prophecy is being fulfilled in our days - we are living in the last of the last days. Notice that demons have many doctrines which have their roots from deceiving spirits. Christians who depart from the Christian faith will be deceived by deceiving spirits and they might even "continue steadfastly" in upholding the doctrines of demons without being aware of their problem. I believe one of Satan's major tactics against the Church of Jesus Christ is to produce erroneous doctrines.
In the next two verses (1 Tim. 4:2, 3) Paul lists some of the symptoms of obeying the doctrines of demons - speaking lies in hypocrisy, having no conscience, forbidding to marry and commanding to abstain from various types of food that are sanctified by God.
The Importance of the Apostles' Doctrine
Paul advised Timothy, "Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you" (1 Tim. 4:16).
In other words, Paul was saying, if you are wrong in your personal life the right doctrine would not accomplish what it should. But, if you continue to live right and preach the right doctrine then you will do well - you will save yourself and those who hear you. The reverse is also true. If a Bible teacher does not live right and preaches the wrong doctrines (doctrines of demons) he brings death (spiritual first and followed by physical) to himself and death to those who hear him!
The apostle John gave some good advice to a Christian (elect) lady concerning false teachers of doctrine:
"Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds" (2 John 9 - 11, emphasis added).
What radical statements and what a solemn warning!
Notice that the "doctrine of Christ" means the "doctrine taught by Christ and His apostles" which is the apostles' doctrine steadfastly followed by the early Church.
John pointed out that a teacher who does not teach the correct apostles' doctrine is not a true Christian (one without the Father and the Son) and we must neither greet him nor welcome him in our home or we will share his evil deeds. We must have nothing to do with such a fake "christian" but we usually greet a non Christian and welcome him in our home because he is unlikely to deceive us.
It is good that Christians today heed John's advice. The local Church must be very very careful when inviting preachers to teach the congregation of believers. A preacher who draws a large congregation of hearers does not necessarily mean his doctrine is correct. In fact he should be a suspect of being a teacher of wrong doctrine until he is proven otherwise. He must be tested. The genuine uncompromising apostles' doctrine is unlikely to attract many hearers. It is more likely that many will run away the Church.
The Apostles' Doctrine as a Reproductive Ministry
Teachers of Bible doctrine can be divided into two levels - those who initiate and those who reproduce. The apostles' doctrine is initiated by all the apostles. True Christians are all reproducers of this doctrine.
Paul said to Timothy, "And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also" (2 Timothy 2:2).
Notice that there are four generations of teachers of the apostles' doctrine - Paul taught Timothy; Timothy taught "faithful men" in the Church; these faithful men continued to teach other Christians.
There is reproduction in the teaching of the apostles' doctrine through the overseers (bishops) also:
Paul wrote to Titus concerning the ministry of an overseer, "..... Holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict" (Titus 1:9).
Paul said the overseer is expected to teach (what he was taught) to others sound Biblical doctrine so as to exhort and convict anyone who contradicts. The only sound Biblical doctrine is the apostles' doctrine. Unsound doctrine has no power to exhort and convict anyone who contradicts.
What it takes to teach the Apostles' Doctrine? - Major Requirements
1. Total commitment to the teaching of the Gospel (Col. 1:23 - 25)
Paul's commitment to be the servant of the Gospel was total. Paul's choice is clear; first a servant of the Gospel and second a servant of the Church. As true servants of God we must not do everything the Church wants us to do, and if there is anything found contrary to the Gospel or the apostles' doctrine, we must not obey the Church.
2. Have a comprehensive grasp of the whole Bible (2 Tim. 3:16)
Every Bible teacher must study and seek to understand the whole Bible if he wants to teach the full counsel of God. For example it is not enough just to study Kings but also the Chronicles. The Chronicles explain many things which are not found in Kings. Another example is in the topic of "faith and works" we need to study both Romans and James.
3. Uncompromising
Unfortunately, most of the truth of the Scripture has been obscured by compromising in the contemporary Church. To be uncompromising is a great challenge to our character. Uncompromising teaching of the Scripture can make us unpopular among believers. Not many believers would like to join an uncompromising Church. Many teachers and believers are unable to discern between compromise and love. To many, to compromise is to love and to be without compromise is to be without love. Who wants to go to a "loveless" uncompromising Church? Many believers will not endure sound Biblical doctrine because they have itching ears (1 Tim. 4:3, 4). They want preachers to preach what they want to hear and not what they need to hear!
This truth is well illustrated by the contrast in character of Moses and Aaron. Moses would not compromise in his dealing with Israel. On the other hand, Aaron compromised and pleased men; the result is the Golden Calf (Exodus 32).
In my opinion, it is not difficult to look for "Golden Calf" Churches. They have two things in common - One, they are all large local Churches; and two, they are "purpose driven" to "love" and please people but never warn people about end-time Bible prophecies. They have no eternity in mind. They lead believers into the broad way of destruction (Matt. 7:13)!
The narrow way that leads to life is found in following and obeying the apostles' doctrine in all circumstances. The choice is ours!
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Understanding Biblical Water Baptism
It is impossible for every believer of Christ to understand fully the mysteries surrounding water baptism. Similarly, it is also impossible for every believer to understand fully all the commands of Christ. But we are not called to understand all the things of God; we are only called to obey. It is the will of God that every God-fearing child of God to believe and to obey every command of Christ found in Scripture. The need of water baptism is such a command (Matthew 28:19).
Moses said to all Israel, "The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, ....." (Deu. 29:29, NKJV).
Solomon said, "It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, but the glory of kings is to search out a matter" (Proverbs 25:2).
John said all believers are made kings and priests (by Christ) to God the Father (Rev. 1:6).
In the light of the above Scripture passages it is good for us to search out the Scripture all the "secret" things of God pertaining to water baptism. We need to identify the problems and controversies concerning the need of water baptism for all believers.
Problems identified
The following are some of the commonly asked questions pertaining to the need of water baptism:
1. Is water baptism just a sacrament (or an ordinance) like the Lord's Table (Holy Communion)?
2. Is it true that a person is not born again (or saved) until he is water baptized? In other words, is water baptism a necessary condition for salvation?
3. Is water baptism simply an outward symbolic sign of an inward spiritual experience? In other words, is water baptism a means of testifying the grace of God?
4. What is the correct mode (or form) of water baptism? Does it matter?
5. What is the correct formula of water baptism? Does it matter?
6. In summary - What is the proper Scripture answer, and what is the apostolic interpretation of the practice of water baptism in all its related areas?
As this message is not a detailed study of the doctrine of water baptism, it is not necessary to have a theological definition of water baptism. It is also not necessary to study the various interpretations of water baptism as a sacrament according to various denomination Churches. We are talking about Biblical water baptism - a Biblical practice supported by the Scripture. Or water baptism according to the apostles' doctrine. Thus we only need to give Biblical answers to the above questions.
Water Baptism and the Ordinance of the Lord's Supper
The only similarity between water baptism and the Lord's Supper is both are the commands of Christ - All believers must be water baptized once, and all must part take of the Lard's Table as often as possible. In the early New Testament Church water baptism was done outside the Church building because believers must be water baptized before they were brought into the fellowship of the local Church. Ordinances (sacraments) only have meaning when these ritualistic activities are carried out in a Church service. There was no mention of the sacrament of water baptism in the early Church because all believers were already baptized. We are told that the activities of the early Church (or Christian community) consist of teaching of the apostles' doctrine, fellowship, breaking of bread (the Lord's Supper and sharing of meals) and prayer (Acts 2:42).
Water baptism as a sacrament is man's idea and not God's. According to Church scholars the act of water baptism seen as a "sacrament" is to relate a physical act to a spiritual reality. Thus Christian water baptism is "an outward and visible sign of an inward spiritual grace". Salvation is a spiritual grace of God; and water baptism is a visible physical act to testify that the person concerned is saved by grace.
Water Baptism and Regeneration (Salvation)
I prefer to use the term "regeneration" rather than the term "saved" to indicate the spiritual condition of a person when he is born again by the Spirit of God. As I have explained in some of my previous messages, "salvation" is not an instant change, but a "journey" to be taken by all believers of Christ because when we are born again only our spirit is born again. We have to wait for the final redemption of our soul and body when Christ comes again.
According to the Scripture when a person is born again by the Spirit of God he needs to be water baptized. By the examples given in the Book of Acts all believers were baptized almost immediately.
The pre-requisites of water baptism in their divine order are:
1. Repentance
The first pre-requisite is repentance. Jesus said that repentance and the remission of sins should be preached in His Name among all nations (Luke 24:47, emphasis added).
Notice that "Repent" was the first word of John the Baptist's message (Matt. 3:2). It is also the first word of Christ's message (Matt. 4:17).
Peter said to those who had listened to his first sermon, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus for the remission of sins; ....." (Acts 2:38, emphasis added).
Paul preached to the Ephesians elders, ".... testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ" (Acts 20:21, emphasis added).
Hence, the first requirement is "repentance" which is a person's change of mind to turn away from sin and to turn toward God.
2. Believe in the Lord Jesus
As in the above verse of Scripture (Acts 20:21) the second pre-requisite of water baptism is faith toward God through Jesus Christ which also means believe in Jesus Christ.
When Philip preached Jesus to the Ethiopian eunuch, they came to some water and the Ethiopian asked Philip if there was anything that hindered him from being baptized. Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may" and he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God" (Acts 8:37).
The Philippian jailor and his household were baptized immediately after they believed in the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 16:31 - 33).
It may be concluded that genuine repentance precedes saving faith. The one who is to be baptized must be a repentant and believing person first. Thus the divine order is - repentance, believing faith and water baptism.
The Mark 16:16 Controversy
According to most English Bible translations Mark recorded that Jesus said to the eleven apostles, "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned" (Mark 16:16, NKJV, emphasis added).
In my opinion, this verse of Scripture is controversial because of two reasons:
1. It appears that the conditions for a person to be saved are "belief" plus "water baptism". Many Christians presumptuously take this verse to mean that without water baptism a person will be condemned eternally. To them water baptism is a decisive act required of a believer to determine his own eternal destiny - spiritual life or death; in heaven or in hell. In other words, anyone who believes but fails to be water baptized before he dies will not be found in heaven. Seen in this "light" salvation cannot be by the grace of God only but by "works" also. A believer needs to earn his savation by the act of water baptism. He is not saved by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ but saved by his own choice - to be water baptized or not.
2. There is footnote concerning the 20 verses of the 16th. Chapter of Mark of the Revised Standard Version of the Bible. It says:
"Some of the most ancient authorities bring the book to a close at the end of verse 8. One authority concludes the book by adding after verse 8 the following: 'But they reported briefly to Peter and those with him all that they had been told. And after this, Jesus himself sent out by means of them, from east to west, the sacred and imperishable proclamation of eternal salvation'. Other authorities include the preceding passage and continue with verses 9 - 20. In most authorities verses 9 - 20 follow immediately after verse 8; a few authorities insert addition material after verse 14".
Notice that, if all versions of translation of Mark 16 do not contain 9 - 20 the question of whether water baptism is a condition of salvation or not will arise. But, as it is, we cannot take Mark 16:16 out of context. In fact we need to exercise caution in the use of this verse as proof-text for the conditions (faith + water baptism) for salvation. It should also be noted that in the second half of the verse the only basis for condemnation is a refusal to believe.
Let us look elsewhere in the Bible in order to arrive at an undisputable Biblical conclusion:
1. No mention of the requirement of water baptism when Jesus said:
"He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God" (John 3:18, NKJV).
"Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life" (John 5:24, NKJV).
2. Paul repeats the same assurance of freedom from condemnation for anyone who believed. Again baptism is not a requirement for freedom from condemnation:
"There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit" (Romans 8:1).
The truth is a true believer lives in Christ Jesus even before he is baptized. If he is condemned when he dies before he dies before he is baptized, then Jesus would be condemned with him!
3. Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness (Romans 4:3). Similarly, a born again believer believes in God and it is also accounted to him for righteousness.
Faith was accounted to Abraham for righteousness before he was circumcised (Romans 4:10). Similarly, a believer's faith was accounted to him for righteousness before he is water baptized.
Therefore the undisputable conclusion is "a believer will not be condemned even if he is not water baptized". The only basis of salvation and freedom from condemnation is belief (have faith in Jesus Christ).
Water Baptism is an Act of Identification with Christ
The following passages of Scripture support the fact that in water baptism a believer is identified with the Lord Jesus Christ in His death, burial and resurrection:
1. The believer is identified with Christ's Death:
"Or do you not know that as many of us were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death" (Romans 6:3, emphasis added)?
2. The believer is identified with Christ's Burial:
"Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, ...." (Romans 6:4, emphasis added).
3. The believer is identified with His Recurrection:
"..... Just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life" (Romans 6:4, emphasis added).
The above is logical - as Jesus became identified with us in His death, burial and resurrection, so we become identified with Him in water baptism in this same death.
The Mode (or Form) of Water Baptism
There is no controversy here. The very word "baptize" implies total immersion. The symbolism view of identification with Christ as explained above indicates that the correct Biblical mode of water baptism is by full immersion. Only full immersion adequately sets forth properly the significance of identification with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection (Romans 6:4 - 6).
You cannot find a single example of other modes of water baptism (pouring or sprinkling) being practiced anywhere in the entire Book of Acts. I believe other modes of water baptism are being practiced because water baptism has become a ritualistic sacrament (or ordinance) in most denomination Churches. This is very unfortunate. It might be argued that, because water baptism is a symbolic act which does not save, there is no significant difference between full immersion and sprinkling. But we must also consider the faith and conscience of the believer being baptized. By failing to minister full immersion baptism to a Christian of "weak" conscience and of little faith, the Church would cause him to stumble. Anyone who causes a brother to stumble in faith, causes him to sin against God:
Paul said, "..... whatever is not from faith is sin" (Romans 14:23).
Notice that Paul would not cause any of his Christian brothers to stumble on anything (1 Cor. 8:13).
The Formula of Water Baptism
What is the right formula? To be baptized "In the Name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit" (Christ's Command - Matt. 28:19) or "In the Name of Jesus"?
Careful study of the Books of Acts shows that everwhere without exception all believers were baptized in the Name of Jesus. Places mentioned were - Jerusalem, Samaria, Gaza Desert, Damascus, Caesarea, Philippi, Corinth and Ephesus.
In my opinion baptism into the Name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit is the same as baptism into the Name of the Eternal Godhead. According to the apostolic interpretation, the Name of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit is fulfilled in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Name of the Lord Jesus Christ is the Name of the Godhead Bodily.
Paul, speaking of the Lord Jesus, says, "For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily" (Col. 2:9).
Paul says, "And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him" (Col. 3:17, emphasis added).
Water baptism involed both words and deed and thus must be carried out in the Name of Jesus.
Who are the Baptizers?
Christians often have the notion that only the pastor or elders of the local Church have the authority to administer water baptism. But I fail to find any example in the Book of Acts or in the epistles that a baptizer must be an apostle or an elder of the Church. It is true that very ofter apostles are the baptizers but it is never a necessary condition. It is common to see Bible teachers debating whether it was possible for Peter and other apostles to baptize all three believers (Acts 2:41) immediately they had received Peter's words and believed. But this is mere speculation.
Water baptism was never self administered and another believer needs to be present to bear witness of the grace of God. The Scripture seems to suggest that just the presence of the baptizer and the one to be baptized are sufficient even though more witnesses might be more desirable.
Even Jesus Himself was baptized by John who was not himself baptized (Matt 3:14). So, the baptizer need not even be someone who is baptized already.
This fact tells me three things:
1. The three thousand who believed the words of Peter baptized one another immediately.
2. The effectiveness of water baptism seems to have depended much more on the spiritual state of the baptized than the baptizer.
3. Christians who are doing evangelism work (this applies to every believer) should baptize immediately with full immersion those who have received Christ as their Lord and Savior. This I believe is the Biblical way of fulfilling the Great Commission. Notice that Matt. 28:19 applies specifically to every believer: Make disciples and baptize them. Nothing in the Bible to say that we should bring them to the Church to get them baptized by the pastor and then make them disciples! A true believer in Christ must not be deceived by this erroneus Church doctrine but uphold the apostles' doctrine at all times.
Conclusion
Water Baptism although by the act itself cannot save must be obeyed because it is a command of Christ. Through water baptism the believer will have "the answer of a good conscience towards God". It is a conscience that is stirred up by the believers' faith towards God. It is a conscience which lines itself up by submission and obedience to the infallible Word of God.
Moses said to all Israel, "The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, ....." (Deu. 29:29, NKJV).
Solomon said, "It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, but the glory of kings is to search out a matter" (Proverbs 25:2).
John said all believers are made kings and priests (by Christ) to God the Father (Rev. 1:6).
In the light of the above Scripture passages it is good for us to search out the Scripture all the "secret" things of God pertaining to water baptism. We need to identify the problems and controversies concerning the need of water baptism for all believers.
Problems identified
The following are some of the commonly asked questions pertaining to the need of water baptism:
1. Is water baptism just a sacrament (or an ordinance) like the Lord's Table (Holy Communion)?
2. Is it true that a person is not born again (or saved) until he is water baptized? In other words, is water baptism a necessary condition for salvation?
3. Is water baptism simply an outward symbolic sign of an inward spiritual experience? In other words, is water baptism a means of testifying the grace of God?
4. What is the correct mode (or form) of water baptism? Does it matter?
5. What is the correct formula of water baptism? Does it matter?
6. In summary - What is the proper Scripture answer, and what is the apostolic interpretation of the practice of water baptism in all its related areas?
As this message is not a detailed study of the doctrine of water baptism, it is not necessary to have a theological definition of water baptism. It is also not necessary to study the various interpretations of water baptism as a sacrament according to various denomination Churches. We are talking about Biblical water baptism - a Biblical practice supported by the Scripture. Or water baptism according to the apostles' doctrine. Thus we only need to give Biblical answers to the above questions.
Water Baptism and the Ordinance of the Lord's Supper
The only similarity between water baptism and the Lord's Supper is both are the commands of Christ - All believers must be water baptized once, and all must part take of the Lard's Table as often as possible. In the early New Testament Church water baptism was done outside the Church building because believers must be water baptized before they were brought into the fellowship of the local Church. Ordinances (sacraments) only have meaning when these ritualistic activities are carried out in a Church service. There was no mention of the sacrament of water baptism in the early Church because all believers were already baptized. We are told that the activities of the early Church (or Christian community) consist of teaching of the apostles' doctrine, fellowship, breaking of bread (the Lord's Supper and sharing of meals) and prayer (Acts 2:42).
Water baptism as a sacrament is man's idea and not God's. According to Church scholars the act of water baptism seen as a "sacrament" is to relate a physical act to a spiritual reality. Thus Christian water baptism is "an outward and visible sign of an inward spiritual grace". Salvation is a spiritual grace of God; and water baptism is a visible physical act to testify that the person concerned is saved by grace.
Water Baptism and Regeneration (Salvation)
I prefer to use the term "regeneration" rather than the term "saved" to indicate the spiritual condition of a person when he is born again by the Spirit of God. As I have explained in some of my previous messages, "salvation" is not an instant change, but a "journey" to be taken by all believers of Christ because when we are born again only our spirit is born again. We have to wait for the final redemption of our soul and body when Christ comes again.
According to the Scripture when a person is born again by the Spirit of God he needs to be water baptized. By the examples given in the Book of Acts all believers were baptized almost immediately.
The pre-requisites of water baptism in their divine order are:
1. Repentance
The first pre-requisite is repentance. Jesus said that repentance and the remission of sins should be preached in His Name among all nations (Luke 24:47, emphasis added).
Notice that "Repent" was the first word of John the Baptist's message (Matt. 3:2). It is also the first word of Christ's message (Matt. 4:17).
Peter said to those who had listened to his first sermon, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus for the remission of sins; ....." (Acts 2:38, emphasis added).
Paul preached to the Ephesians elders, ".... testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ" (Acts 20:21, emphasis added).
Hence, the first requirement is "repentance" which is a person's change of mind to turn away from sin and to turn toward God.
2. Believe in the Lord Jesus
As in the above verse of Scripture (Acts 20:21) the second pre-requisite of water baptism is faith toward God through Jesus Christ which also means believe in Jesus Christ.
When Philip preached Jesus to the Ethiopian eunuch, they came to some water and the Ethiopian asked Philip if there was anything that hindered him from being baptized. Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may" and he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God" (Acts 8:37).
The Philippian jailor and his household were baptized immediately after they believed in the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 16:31 - 33).
It may be concluded that genuine repentance precedes saving faith. The one who is to be baptized must be a repentant and believing person first. Thus the divine order is - repentance, believing faith and water baptism.
The Mark 16:16 Controversy
According to most English Bible translations Mark recorded that Jesus said to the eleven apostles, "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned" (Mark 16:16, NKJV, emphasis added).
In my opinion, this verse of Scripture is controversial because of two reasons:
1. It appears that the conditions for a person to be saved are "belief" plus "water baptism". Many Christians presumptuously take this verse to mean that without water baptism a person will be condemned eternally. To them water baptism is a decisive act required of a believer to determine his own eternal destiny - spiritual life or death; in heaven or in hell. In other words, anyone who believes but fails to be water baptized before he dies will not be found in heaven. Seen in this "light" salvation cannot be by the grace of God only but by "works" also. A believer needs to earn his savation by the act of water baptism. He is not saved by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ but saved by his own choice - to be water baptized or not.
2. There is footnote concerning the 20 verses of the 16th. Chapter of Mark of the Revised Standard Version of the Bible. It says:
"Some of the most ancient authorities bring the book to a close at the end of verse 8. One authority concludes the book by adding after verse 8 the following: 'But they reported briefly to Peter and those with him all that they had been told. And after this, Jesus himself sent out by means of them, from east to west, the sacred and imperishable proclamation of eternal salvation'. Other authorities include the preceding passage and continue with verses 9 - 20. In most authorities verses 9 - 20 follow immediately after verse 8; a few authorities insert addition material after verse 14".
Notice that, if all versions of translation of Mark 16 do not contain 9 - 20 the question of whether water baptism is a condition of salvation or not will arise. But, as it is, we cannot take Mark 16:16 out of context. In fact we need to exercise caution in the use of this verse as proof-text for the conditions (faith + water baptism) for salvation. It should also be noted that in the second half of the verse the only basis for condemnation is a refusal to believe.
Let us look elsewhere in the Bible in order to arrive at an undisputable Biblical conclusion:
1. No mention of the requirement of water baptism when Jesus said:
"He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God" (John 3:18, NKJV).
"Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life" (John 5:24, NKJV).
2. Paul repeats the same assurance of freedom from condemnation for anyone who believed. Again baptism is not a requirement for freedom from condemnation:
"There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit" (Romans 8:1).
The truth is a true believer lives in Christ Jesus even before he is baptized. If he is condemned when he dies before he dies before he is baptized, then Jesus would be condemned with him!
3. Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness (Romans 4:3). Similarly, a born again believer believes in God and it is also accounted to him for righteousness.
Faith was accounted to Abraham for righteousness before he was circumcised (Romans 4:10). Similarly, a believer's faith was accounted to him for righteousness before he is water baptized.
Therefore the undisputable conclusion is "a believer will not be condemned even if he is not water baptized". The only basis of salvation and freedom from condemnation is belief (have faith in Jesus Christ).
Water Baptism is an Act of Identification with Christ
The following passages of Scripture support the fact that in water baptism a believer is identified with the Lord Jesus Christ in His death, burial and resurrection:
1. The believer is identified with Christ's Death:
"Or do you not know that as many of us were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death" (Romans 6:3, emphasis added)?
2. The believer is identified with Christ's Burial:
"Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, ...." (Romans 6:4, emphasis added).
3. The believer is identified with His Recurrection:
"..... Just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life" (Romans 6:4, emphasis added).
The above is logical - as Jesus became identified with us in His death, burial and resurrection, so we become identified with Him in water baptism in this same death.
The Mode (or Form) of Water Baptism
There is no controversy here. The very word "baptize" implies total immersion. The symbolism view of identification with Christ as explained above indicates that the correct Biblical mode of water baptism is by full immersion. Only full immersion adequately sets forth properly the significance of identification with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection (Romans 6:4 - 6).
You cannot find a single example of other modes of water baptism (pouring or sprinkling) being practiced anywhere in the entire Book of Acts. I believe other modes of water baptism are being practiced because water baptism has become a ritualistic sacrament (or ordinance) in most denomination Churches. This is very unfortunate. It might be argued that, because water baptism is a symbolic act which does not save, there is no significant difference between full immersion and sprinkling. But we must also consider the faith and conscience of the believer being baptized. By failing to minister full immersion baptism to a Christian of "weak" conscience and of little faith, the Church would cause him to stumble. Anyone who causes a brother to stumble in faith, causes him to sin against God:
Paul said, "..... whatever is not from faith is sin" (Romans 14:23).
Notice that Paul would not cause any of his Christian brothers to stumble on anything (1 Cor. 8:13).
The Formula of Water Baptism
What is the right formula? To be baptized "In the Name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit" (Christ's Command - Matt. 28:19) or "In the Name of Jesus"?
Careful study of the Books of Acts shows that everwhere without exception all believers were baptized in the Name of Jesus. Places mentioned were - Jerusalem, Samaria, Gaza Desert, Damascus, Caesarea, Philippi, Corinth and Ephesus.
In my opinion baptism into the Name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit is the same as baptism into the Name of the Eternal Godhead. According to the apostolic interpretation, the Name of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit is fulfilled in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Name of the Lord Jesus Christ is the Name of the Godhead Bodily.
Paul, speaking of the Lord Jesus, says, "For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily" (Col. 2:9).
Paul says, "And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him" (Col. 3:17, emphasis added).
Water baptism involed both words and deed and thus must be carried out in the Name of Jesus.
Who are the Baptizers?
Christians often have the notion that only the pastor or elders of the local Church have the authority to administer water baptism. But I fail to find any example in the Book of Acts or in the epistles that a baptizer must be an apostle or an elder of the Church. It is true that very ofter apostles are the baptizers but it is never a necessary condition. It is common to see Bible teachers debating whether it was possible for Peter and other apostles to baptize all three believers (Acts 2:41) immediately they had received Peter's words and believed. But this is mere speculation.
Water baptism was never self administered and another believer needs to be present to bear witness of the grace of God. The Scripture seems to suggest that just the presence of the baptizer and the one to be baptized are sufficient even though more witnesses might be more desirable.
Even Jesus Himself was baptized by John who was not himself baptized (Matt 3:14). So, the baptizer need not even be someone who is baptized already.
This fact tells me three things:
1. The three thousand who believed the words of Peter baptized one another immediately.
2. The effectiveness of water baptism seems to have depended much more on the spiritual state of the baptized than the baptizer.
3. Christians who are doing evangelism work (this applies to every believer) should baptize immediately with full immersion those who have received Christ as their Lord and Savior. This I believe is the Biblical way of fulfilling the Great Commission. Notice that Matt. 28:19 applies specifically to every believer: Make disciples and baptize them. Nothing in the Bible to say that we should bring them to the Church to get them baptized by the pastor and then make them disciples! A true believer in Christ must not be deceived by this erroneus Church doctrine but uphold the apostles' doctrine at all times.
Conclusion
Water Baptism although by the act itself cannot save must be obeyed because it is a command of Christ. Through water baptism the believer will have "the answer of a good conscience towards God". It is a conscience that is stirred up by the believers' faith towards God. It is a conscience which lines itself up by submission and obedience to the infallible Word of God.
Sunday, December 11, 2005
Judgment of God by His Word
I am truly amazed by the humility of God the Father and God the Son. Their divine humility is revealed by their unwillingness to judge men.
God the Father by His sovereign eternal right is the Judge of all men. But, in John 5 Jesus reveals that the Father has chosen in His sovereign wisdom to commit all judgment to the Son:
"For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son, that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him" (John 5:22, 23, NKJV).
"For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself, and has given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of Man" (John 5:26, 27).
The above passages of Scripture reveal two reasons why the Father has committed all judgment to the Son.
1. The Father wants all men to honor the Son just like they honor the Father. This is made possible when the Son becomes the judge. By being the judge Jesus receives the honor due to a judge.
2. The Son being the Son of man as well as Son of God, enables Him to understand the nature of men - the weakness and temptations of the flesh, so that he is able to make allowance in His judgment by His own human experience.
Jesus the Son being gracious and merciful in divine nature, just like the Father is unwilling to administer judgment but in turn transferred the final authority of judgment to God's Word.
Jesus says, "And if anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him, for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him - the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day" (John 12:47, 48).
Therefore, the final authority of all judgment is vested in the Word of God. This is the impartial, unchanging standard to which all men must one day answer.
The Principles of Judgment of God by the Word
The Scripture reveals at least five principles of the Judgment by God's Word:
1. Judgment according to truth
Jesus prayed to the Father concerning His disciples, "Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth" (John 17:17, NKJV).
The standard of God's Word is the revealed truth for very believer.
Paul says, "Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things" (Romans 2:1, 2, NKJV).
Paul was speaking to Christians who judge other people by one standard and themselves by another standard. God's judgment is according to one standard - the revealed truth of God's Word. If we apply the truth of God's judgment to other, we must apply precisely the same truth to ourselves and our own lives.
2. Judgment according to "deeds"
Paul says, "who (God) will render to each one according to his deeds" (Romans 2:6).
Peter says, "And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one's work, conduct youselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear" (1 Peter 1:17, emphasis added).
In the final Great White Throne judgment (for unbelievers) in Revelation we read:
"And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books" (Rev. 20:12).
God uses special "book" or scroll to record the deeds of each person so as to judge him one day.
3. Judgment according to the secret of man's heart
The Scripture makes it clear that God, in His judgment of man, takes into account not merely external actions such as can be observed by other men, but also the deepest and most secret thoughts and motives of the heart.
Paul says, "....... God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel" (Romans 2:16).
Paul says, "Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one's praise will come from God" (1 Cor. 4:5, emphasis added).
The writer of Hebrews confirms that the above judgment will be by the Word of God:
"For the word of God is living and powerful, ...... is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account" (Hebrews 4:12, 13, emphasis added).
4. Judgment without partiality
Paul says, "For there is no partiality with God" (Romans 2:11). The King James version says, "without respect of persons".
In other words, God is not influenced in His judgment by a person's external characteristics which do not necessarily give a correct indication of that person's real character and conduct.
The Lord said to Samuel, "For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart" (1 Sam. 16:7).
5. Judgment according to the light made available to those being judged
Paul says, "For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without law, and as many as have sinned in the law will be judged by the law" (Romans 2:12).
In other words, each person is judged according to the measure of God's Law (moral light and understanding) made available to him. God's Law also includes God's moral standards revealed to the people throught the law of Mosses.
Jesus applied this same principle of judgment according to the light made available to the people of His days (Read Matt. 11:20 - 24).
Jesus said, the cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum will be judged even more severely than Tyre and Sidon because of the higher measure of moral knowledge made available to the cities of His days.
We need to apply this principle to our generation. We will be judged by the measure of moral light and knowledge available available in our generation. I believe countries with a long history of Christianity will be judged with higher standards than countries where Bibles and and other Christian reading materials are not easily obtainable and where professing Christians are being persecuted.
We should take heed of the words of Jesus:
"For everone to whom much is given, from him much will be required, and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more" (Luke 12:48, NKJV).
God the Father by His sovereign eternal right is the Judge of all men. But, in John 5 Jesus reveals that the Father has chosen in His sovereign wisdom to commit all judgment to the Son:
"For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son, that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him" (John 5:22, 23, NKJV).
"For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself, and has given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of Man" (John 5:26, 27).
The above passages of Scripture reveal two reasons why the Father has committed all judgment to the Son.
1. The Father wants all men to honor the Son just like they honor the Father. This is made possible when the Son becomes the judge. By being the judge Jesus receives the honor due to a judge.
2. The Son being the Son of man as well as Son of God, enables Him to understand the nature of men - the weakness and temptations of the flesh, so that he is able to make allowance in His judgment by His own human experience.
Jesus the Son being gracious and merciful in divine nature, just like the Father is unwilling to administer judgment but in turn transferred the final authority of judgment to God's Word.
Jesus says, "And if anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him, for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him - the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day" (John 12:47, 48).
Therefore, the final authority of all judgment is vested in the Word of God. This is the impartial, unchanging standard to which all men must one day answer.
The Principles of Judgment of God by the Word
The Scripture reveals at least five principles of the Judgment by God's Word:
1. Judgment according to truth
Jesus prayed to the Father concerning His disciples, "Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth" (John 17:17, NKJV).
The standard of God's Word is the revealed truth for very believer.
Paul says, "Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things" (Romans 2:1, 2, NKJV).
Paul was speaking to Christians who judge other people by one standard and themselves by another standard. God's judgment is according to one standard - the revealed truth of God's Word. If we apply the truth of God's judgment to other, we must apply precisely the same truth to ourselves and our own lives.
2. Judgment according to "deeds"
Paul says, "who (God) will render to each one according to his deeds" (Romans 2:6).
Peter says, "And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one's work, conduct youselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear" (1 Peter 1:17, emphasis added).
In the final Great White Throne judgment (for unbelievers) in Revelation we read:
"And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books" (Rev. 20:12).
God uses special "book" or scroll to record the deeds of each person so as to judge him one day.
3. Judgment according to the secret of man's heart
The Scripture makes it clear that God, in His judgment of man, takes into account not merely external actions such as can be observed by other men, but also the deepest and most secret thoughts and motives of the heart.
Paul says, "....... God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel" (Romans 2:16).
Paul says, "Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one's praise will come from God" (1 Cor. 4:5, emphasis added).
The writer of Hebrews confirms that the above judgment will be by the Word of God:
"For the word of God is living and powerful, ...... is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account" (Hebrews 4:12, 13, emphasis added).
4. Judgment without partiality
Paul says, "For there is no partiality with God" (Romans 2:11). The King James version says, "without respect of persons".
In other words, God is not influenced in His judgment by a person's external characteristics which do not necessarily give a correct indication of that person's real character and conduct.
The Lord said to Samuel, "For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart" (1 Sam. 16:7).
5. Judgment according to the light made available to those being judged
Paul says, "For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without law, and as many as have sinned in the law will be judged by the law" (Romans 2:12).
In other words, each person is judged according to the measure of God's Law (moral light and understanding) made available to him. God's Law also includes God's moral standards revealed to the people throught the law of Mosses.
Jesus applied this same principle of judgment according to the light made available to the people of His days (Read Matt. 11:20 - 24).
Jesus said, the cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum will be judged even more severely than Tyre and Sidon because of the higher measure of moral knowledge made available to the cities of His days.
We need to apply this principle to our generation. We will be judged by the measure of moral light and knowledge available available in our generation. I believe countries with a long history of Christianity will be judged with higher standards than countries where Bibles and and other Christian reading materials are not easily obtainable and where professing Christians are being persecuted.
We should take heed of the words of Jesus:
"For everone to whom much is given, from him much will be required, and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more" (Luke 12:48, NKJV).
Monday, December 05, 2005
Judgment of True Christians
The New Testament Scripture reveals three scenes of Eternal Judgment of God. God being the Judge of all will sit on a different seat at each scene of Judgment. The three scenes of Eternal Judgment are - the Judgment Seat of Christ, the Throne of Christ's Glory and the Great Throne Judgment.
First Scene of Eternal Judgment
The first scene of Eternal Judgment is the judgment of true Christians before the judgment seat of Christ.
"But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. So then each of us shall give account of himself to God" (Romans 14:10 and 12, NKJV, emphasis added).
The above passages of Scripture which contain the phrase "your brother" twice and the phrase "each of us" make it clear that Paul is speaking about judgment of Christians. Paul says it is not right for a Christian to show contempt for another Christian or to judge another with unrighteous judgment because Christ Himself will judge with righteous eternal judgment upon every one of us. Each one of us will have to answer for himself to Christ.
True Christian will be judged first
The principle that true Christians will be judged first is based on Scripture. In fact it is a great honor to be given an opportunity to be judged first because only true Christians will be judged first.
"For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God; Now 'If the righteous one is scarcely saved, where will the ungodly and the sinners appear?'" (1 Peter 4:17, 18, emphasis added).
Notice that the way Peter uses the phrase "those who do not obey the gospel of God" shows that people of this category are not necessarily be unbelievers. This category includes disobedient believers who fail to uphold the truth of the gospel of God. They are not doers of His Word. In God's eyes they do not belong to the house of God. On the basis of this truth they cannot be classified as true Christians.
Furthermore, Peter identifies three groups of people:
1. The righteous - The true Christian who has the righteousness of God imputed to him by faith. He is considered a true believer who whole heartedly obey the gospel of God. But, in the eyes of God he is only "scarcely saved".
2. The ungodly - The so-called Christian who through disobedience and unbelief is considered as an "ungodly" Christian in the eyes of God.
3. The sinners - The unbelievers.
If you should think Peter has given an extremely high standard of requirement of being a true Christian, listen to what Paul has to say!
"... the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ" (2 Thess. 1:7, 8, emphasis added).
The two categories of people the Lord Jesus will take vengeance on are those who do not know God and those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Obviously, those who do not know God are the unbelievers. But, according to Paul (just like Peter) those who do not obey the gospel can also be disobedient believers.
The two groups of Christians (disobedient believers) who will not be judged first are:
1. The so-called Christians (Pastors, preachers and Church leaders) who through disobedience compromise the teaching of the true Gospel of God. They make the gospel messages more "acceptable" to men so as to get more people to the local Church.
2. The so-called Christians who fail to enter the narrow gate (Luke 13:24 - 27). In fact those who compromise the teaching of the true gospel messages are indirectly making God's narrow gate broader for everyone to go in. The broad way is the way to destruction (Matt. 7:13).
True Christians are not condemned
According to the Scripture the judgment of the true Christians will not be a judgment of condemnation. This assurance comes from Jesus Himself:
"He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God" (John 3:18).
The distinction is clear. The true believer in Christ is not condemned; the unbeliever is condemned already on the ground of his unbelief.
Later on Jesus gives the same assurance.
"Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life" (John 5:24).
Notice that Jesus gives a threefold assurance to every believer who accepts in faith His Word:
1. Every believer has everlasting life.
2. He has passed from spiritual death into eternal life.
3. He will never come into judgment for condemnation.
Paul gives the same assurance of freedom from condemnation:
"There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit" (Romans 8:1).
The true believer is living (spiritually) in Jesus and because of this fact he will walk according to the Spirit and not in the flesh. The logical conclusion is that if he is under condemnation, then Jesus will be under the same condemnation with him.
Another area of Biblical truth revealed by the Scripture is that the true believer will be judged not in respect of righteousness but in respect of service rendered to Christ. The reason being, the righteousness of the true believer is not his own but the righteouness of Christ Himself imputed to him by God on the basis of his faith.
"For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him" (2 Cor. 5:21, emphasis added).
At the cross Jesus exchanged our sin with God's righteousness. We all received salvation on this basis of God's righteousness imputed to us. It is obviously illogical for God to judge or to call to question His own righteousness.
The Principles of God's Judgment of the true Christians
Peter says to Christians, "And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one's work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear, ......" (1 Peter 1:17, emphasis added).
In other words, God's judgment is without partiality or in respect of persons and entirely based on the worth of one's work on earth.
Paul says to Christians, "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad" (2 Cor. 5:10, emphasis added).
In other words, the things which will be brought up for judgment will be "the things done in the body". These are the acts, services together with the type of attitude and behavior of every Christian during his life here on earth.
Notice that every act or service performed by a Christian during his earthly life must fall into one of two categories - either good or bad. Every act that is not performed in faith and obedience, for the glory of God, is unacceptable to God and therefore bad. There is no neutrality or grey area. Grey area is the product of compromising Bible teachers or preachers. If a believer's acts or services are good he will receive His reward. If not his works will be burn up and he will suffer loss (1 Cor. 3:13 - 15).
Jesus says, "He who is not with Me is against Me" (Matt 12:30).
Therefore, the purpose of the judgment of Christians will be to assess their rewards.
Judgment of the true believer's service to Christ
God's purpose of judging true Christians is to assess the reward due to each true believer for his service render to Christ while on earth.
Jesus says, "You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, ...." (John 15:16).
In other words, the main purpose of our salvation is to bear fruit for Christ. Christians are chosen by God to be saved and to bear fruit in the ministry of their individual calling.
This truth is set forth by Christ in the form of two parables; the parable of the talents (Matt. 25:14 - 30) and the parable of the minas (Luke 19:11 - 17).
It is beyond the scope of this message to discuss these parables in details. In both parables there are two fruitful servants and an unfruitful servant. The fruitful servants receive their their due rewards in proportion to their fruitfulness. But the unfruitful servant will be rejected and cast out from the presence of the Lord. In both parables the Lord commences his judgment of the unfruitful servant by the phrase "you wicked servant".
An important conclusion we can make out of the studies of these parables is that, by God's standard, wickedness consists not only in actively doing that which is bad, but just as much in the failure to do good when it lies within our power to do it.
"Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin" (James 4:17).
The prophet Malachi explains how God sees the righteous and the wicked in His judgment:
"Then you shall again discern between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him" (Mal. 3:18).
In other words, by God's Standard of judgment the righteous are defined as those who serve Him and the wicked as those who do not serve Him!
First Scene of Eternal Judgment
The first scene of Eternal Judgment is the judgment of true Christians before the judgment seat of Christ.
"But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. So then each of us shall give account of himself to God" (Romans 14:10 and 12, NKJV, emphasis added).
The above passages of Scripture which contain the phrase "your brother" twice and the phrase "each of us" make it clear that Paul is speaking about judgment of Christians. Paul says it is not right for a Christian to show contempt for another Christian or to judge another with unrighteous judgment because Christ Himself will judge with righteous eternal judgment upon every one of us. Each one of us will have to answer for himself to Christ.
True Christian will be judged first
The principle that true Christians will be judged first is based on Scripture. In fact it is a great honor to be given an opportunity to be judged first because only true Christians will be judged first.
"For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God; Now 'If the righteous one is scarcely saved, where will the ungodly and the sinners appear?'" (1 Peter 4:17, 18, emphasis added).
Notice that the way Peter uses the phrase "those who do not obey the gospel of God" shows that people of this category are not necessarily be unbelievers. This category includes disobedient believers who fail to uphold the truth of the gospel of God. They are not doers of His Word. In God's eyes they do not belong to the house of God. On the basis of this truth they cannot be classified as true Christians.
Furthermore, Peter identifies three groups of people:
1. The righteous - The true Christian who has the righteousness of God imputed to him by faith. He is considered a true believer who whole heartedly obey the gospel of God. But, in the eyes of God he is only "scarcely saved".
2. The ungodly - The so-called Christian who through disobedience and unbelief is considered as an "ungodly" Christian in the eyes of God.
3. The sinners - The unbelievers.
If you should think Peter has given an extremely high standard of requirement of being a true Christian, listen to what Paul has to say!
"... the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ" (2 Thess. 1:7, 8, emphasis added).
The two categories of people the Lord Jesus will take vengeance on are those who do not know God and those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Obviously, those who do not know God are the unbelievers. But, according to Paul (just like Peter) those who do not obey the gospel can also be disobedient believers.
The two groups of Christians (disobedient believers) who will not be judged first are:
1. The so-called Christians (Pastors, preachers and Church leaders) who through disobedience compromise the teaching of the true Gospel of God. They make the gospel messages more "acceptable" to men so as to get more people to the local Church.
2. The so-called Christians who fail to enter the narrow gate (Luke 13:24 - 27). In fact those who compromise the teaching of the true gospel messages are indirectly making God's narrow gate broader for everyone to go in. The broad way is the way to destruction (Matt. 7:13).
True Christians are not condemned
According to the Scripture the judgment of the true Christians will not be a judgment of condemnation. This assurance comes from Jesus Himself:
"He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God" (John 3:18).
The distinction is clear. The true believer in Christ is not condemned; the unbeliever is condemned already on the ground of his unbelief.
Later on Jesus gives the same assurance.
"Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life" (John 5:24).
Notice that Jesus gives a threefold assurance to every believer who accepts in faith His Word:
1. Every believer has everlasting life.
2. He has passed from spiritual death into eternal life.
3. He will never come into judgment for condemnation.
Paul gives the same assurance of freedom from condemnation:
"There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit" (Romans 8:1).
The true believer is living (spiritually) in Jesus and because of this fact he will walk according to the Spirit and not in the flesh. The logical conclusion is that if he is under condemnation, then Jesus will be under the same condemnation with him.
Another area of Biblical truth revealed by the Scripture is that the true believer will be judged not in respect of righteousness but in respect of service rendered to Christ. The reason being, the righteousness of the true believer is not his own but the righteouness of Christ Himself imputed to him by God on the basis of his faith.
"For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him" (2 Cor. 5:21, emphasis added).
At the cross Jesus exchanged our sin with God's righteousness. We all received salvation on this basis of God's righteousness imputed to us. It is obviously illogical for God to judge or to call to question His own righteousness.
The Principles of God's Judgment of the true Christians
Peter says to Christians, "And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one's work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear, ......" (1 Peter 1:17, emphasis added).
In other words, God's judgment is without partiality or in respect of persons and entirely based on the worth of one's work on earth.
Paul says to Christians, "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad" (2 Cor. 5:10, emphasis added).
In other words, the things which will be brought up for judgment will be "the things done in the body". These are the acts, services together with the type of attitude and behavior of every Christian during his life here on earth.
Notice that every act or service performed by a Christian during his earthly life must fall into one of two categories - either good or bad. Every act that is not performed in faith and obedience, for the glory of God, is unacceptable to God and therefore bad. There is no neutrality or grey area. Grey area is the product of compromising Bible teachers or preachers. If a believer's acts or services are good he will receive His reward. If not his works will be burn up and he will suffer loss (1 Cor. 3:13 - 15).
Jesus says, "He who is not with Me is against Me" (Matt 12:30).
Therefore, the purpose of the judgment of Christians will be to assess their rewards.
Judgment of the true believer's service to Christ
God's purpose of judging true Christians is to assess the reward due to each true believer for his service render to Christ while on earth.
Jesus says, "You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, ...." (John 15:16).
In other words, the main purpose of our salvation is to bear fruit for Christ. Christians are chosen by God to be saved and to bear fruit in the ministry of their individual calling.
This truth is set forth by Christ in the form of two parables; the parable of the talents (Matt. 25:14 - 30) and the parable of the minas (Luke 19:11 - 17).
It is beyond the scope of this message to discuss these parables in details. In both parables there are two fruitful servants and an unfruitful servant. The fruitful servants receive their their due rewards in proportion to their fruitfulness. But the unfruitful servant will be rejected and cast out from the presence of the Lord. In both parables the Lord commences his judgment of the unfruitful servant by the phrase "you wicked servant".
An important conclusion we can make out of the studies of these parables is that, by God's standard, wickedness consists not only in actively doing that which is bad, but just as much in the failure to do good when it lies within our power to do it.
"Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin" (James 4:17).
The prophet Malachi explains how God sees the righteous and the wicked in His judgment:
"Then you shall again discern between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him" (Mal. 3:18).
In other words, by God's Standard of judgment the righteous are defined as those who serve Him and the wicked as those who do not serve Him!
Monday, November 28, 2005
God's Total Judgment
God being the Judge of All is Righteous in all His Judgments. His total Judgment consists of two stages, judgment in the present time and judgment in eternity. There is a logical and scriptural distinction between God's judgment in time (present time and in history) and God's judgment in eternity. It is of vital importance for believers to understand this distinction, otherwise the Bible can be easily dismissed as being inconsistent. Certain statements of the Old Testment Scripture are quite difficult to reconcile.
God's Judgment in Time
The first stage of God's total judgment is in the judgment in time. This is the judgment which is carried out upon the scene of human history and in the present time.
God gave a warning to Israel when He gave the Ten Commandments:
"You shall not make for yourself any carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep my commandments" (Ex. 20:4 - 6, NKJV).
The prophet Jeremiah prayed and reminded God of both the promise and the warning which He had given to Israel:
"You show lovingkindness to thousands, and repay the iniquity of the fathers into the bosom of their children after them" (Jer. 32:18).
The above passages of Scripture make it clear that in many cases in Israel's history, the sins of one generation did cause the judgment of God to come upon succeeding generations, as far as down to the third or fourth generation. Conversely, the righteousness of one generation could cause the blessing of God to come upon many thousand of their descendants.
Let us study some examples of God's judgment in time and in history:
Judgment os Sodom and Gomorrah
A good example of this type of judgment is God's judgment upon the twin cities Sodom and Gomorrah:
"Then the Lord rained brimstone and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah, from the Lord out of the heavens. So He overthrew those cities, all the plain, all the inhabitants of the cities, and what grew on the ground" (Gen. 19:24, 25).
According to Peter this judgment of God serves as a warning to all those in succeeding generations who might be tempted to follow in sins of the same kind:
"(God) turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them to destruction, making them an example to those who afterward would live ungodly" (2 Peter 2:6, emphasis added).
What were the sins of Sodom? Genesis 19 recorded only the sins of homosexuality and other forms of sexual perversion which has ever been called by the name "sodomy".
It is interesting to read Ezekiel's account of the basic moral and social conditions which led to the decline of Sodom:
"Look, this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom; She and her daughter had pride, fullness of food, and abundance of idleness, and neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy" (Ezek. 16:49, emphasis added).
The Bible does not suggest that the same form of sin will cause every subsequent case be visited with the same severe form of God's judgment. But, it does teach us the unchanging attitude of God toward this form of sin.
In my opinion, the average contemporary Church is in great danger of committing the same form of sins as Sodom and Gomorrah. Furthermore, Jesus reminds us any household or city that would reject the apostles' teaching would receive a worse judgment than Sodom and Gomorrah!
Jesus said to the apostles, "And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet. Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city" (Matt. 10:14, 15, emphasis added)!
It is easy to find many local Churches of large congregations of worshippers, with pastors and preachers in some degree reject the apostles' doctrine. If Chruches do reject the apostles' doctrine, how much more households and cities are expected to do likewise?
Judgment of Ananias and Sapphira
Acts 5:1 - 10 relates the story of God's judgment on Ananias and Sapphira. By pretending that the money which they brought to the apostles represented the full price of the possession which they had sold they had committed the sin of lying and hypocrisy.
It is true that there is no suggestion that God will always judge this kind of behavior by professing Christians in such a severe and dramatic way. But, it does demonstrate the unchanging attitude of God toward lying and hypocrisy and certainly serves as a warning to all succeeding generations of the Church of Jesus Christ.
God's mercy in the midst of judgment
Joshua Chapter 2 and 6 relate the story of Rahab.
From the standpoint of both background and environment, Rahab had everything against her. She was a harlot living in a city appointed to destruction. Yet in humility and faith she dared to cast herself upon the mercy of God, with the result that she and her whole household were spared, and she herself, through marriage to an Israelite, became a member of the direct line from which the genealogy of Christ was derived.
The story of Rahab shows that no matter how corrupt the environment, personal repentance and faith of the part of any individual will cancel God's judgment on one's household and call forth His mercy instead.
Believers must take note that God's judgment may or may not be fully revealed in time. This applies both to the punishment of the wicked and to the reward of the righteous:
Paul warned Timothy, "Some men's sins are clearly evident, preceding them to judgment, but those of some men follow later. Likewise, the good works of some clearly evident, and those that are otherwise cannot be hidden" (1 Tim. 5:24, 25).
Some of God's judgment may pass beyond the scene of time to eternity.
Solomon warned that we must not continue to do evil even if God's judgment is slow in coming:
"Because the sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil" (Eccles. 8:11).
Judgment in Eternity
The second stage of God's total judgment is God's judgments in eternity. The Bible calls this judgment as the "eternal judgment" (Hebrews 6:2).
Let us consider the following message of God to His people Israel through the prophet Ezekiel:
"The word of the Lord came to me again, saying, 'What do you mean when you use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying: 'The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge'? 'As I live,' says the Lord God, 'you shall no longer use this proverb in Israel. Behold, all souls are Mine; the soul of the father as well as the soul of the son is Mine; the soul who sins shall die'" (Ezek. 18:1 - 4, emphasis added).
The people of Israel in the time of Ezekiel blamed their backsliding condition upon the sinfulness of preceding generations. They implied that the national decline of Israel in their day was due to the sins of their ancestors and so God could not justly hold them responsible for their present moral condition. However, God, through this message by Ezekiel, entirely rejects this form of excuse.
God warned the Israelites that He held each one of them individually responsible for his own moral condition and each one of them would be judged (in eternity) solely for his own character and conduct, and not at all for anything that his ancestors might or might not have done. This warning is repeated even more emphatically a little further on:
"The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not bear the guilt of the father, nor the father bear the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself" (Ezek. 18:20, emphassis added).
Notice that this is not the judgment of a nation or a family; this is the judgment of each individual soul. This is the judgment by which the destiny of each soul is settled for eternity.
God's Judgment in Time
The first stage of God's total judgment is in the judgment in time. This is the judgment which is carried out upon the scene of human history and in the present time.
God gave a warning to Israel when He gave the Ten Commandments:
"You shall not make for yourself any carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep my commandments" (Ex. 20:4 - 6, NKJV).
The prophet Jeremiah prayed and reminded God of both the promise and the warning which He had given to Israel:
"You show lovingkindness to thousands, and repay the iniquity of the fathers into the bosom of their children after them" (Jer. 32:18).
The above passages of Scripture make it clear that in many cases in Israel's history, the sins of one generation did cause the judgment of God to come upon succeeding generations, as far as down to the third or fourth generation. Conversely, the righteousness of one generation could cause the blessing of God to come upon many thousand of their descendants.
Let us study some examples of God's judgment in time and in history:
Judgment os Sodom and Gomorrah
A good example of this type of judgment is God's judgment upon the twin cities Sodom and Gomorrah:
"Then the Lord rained brimstone and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah, from the Lord out of the heavens. So He overthrew those cities, all the plain, all the inhabitants of the cities, and what grew on the ground" (Gen. 19:24, 25).
According to Peter this judgment of God serves as a warning to all those in succeeding generations who might be tempted to follow in sins of the same kind:
"(God) turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them to destruction, making them an example to those who afterward would live ungodly" (2 Peter 2:6, emphasis added).
What were the sins of Sodom? Genesis 19 recorded only the sins of homosexuality and other forms of sexual perversion which has ever been called by the name "sodomy".
It is interesting to read Ezekiel's account of the basic moral and social conditions which led to the decline of Sodom:
"Look, this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom; She and her daughter had pride, fullness of food, and abundance of idleness, and neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy" (Ezek. 16:49, emphasis added).
The Bible does not suggest that the same form of sin will cause every subsequent case be visited with the same severe form of God's judgment. But, it does teach us the unchanging attitude of God toward this form of sin.
In my opinion, the average contemporary Church is in great danger of committing the same form of sins as Sodom and Gomorrah. Furthermore, Jesus reminds us any household or city that would reject the apostles' teaching would receive a worse judgment than Sodom and Gomorrah!
Jesus said to the apostles, "And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet. Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city" (Matt. 10:14, 15, emphasis added)!
It is easy to find many local Churches of large congregations of worshippers, with pastors and preachers in some degree reject the apostles' doctrine. If Chruches do reject the apostles' doctrine, how much more households and cities are expected to do likewise?
Judgment of Ananias and Sapphira
Acts 5:1 - 10 relates the story of God's judgment on Ananias and Sapphira. By pretending that the money which they brought to the apostles represented the full price of the possession which they had sold they had committed the sin of lying and hypocrisy.
It is true that there is no suggestion that God will always judge this kind of behavior by professing Christians in such a severe and dramatic way. But, it does demonstrate the unchanging attitude of God toward lying and hypocrisy and certainly serves as a warning to all succeeding generations of the Church of Jesus Christ.
God's mercy in the midst of judgment
Joshua Chapter 2 and 6 relate the story of Rahab.
From the standpoint of both background and environment, Rahab had everything against her. She was a harlot living in a city appointed to destruction. Yet in humility and faith she dared to cast herself upon the mercy of God, with the result that she and her whole household were spared, and she herself, through marriage to an Israelite, became a member of the direct line from which the genealogy of Christ was derived.
The story of Rahab shows that no matter how corrupt the environment, personal repentance and faith of the part of any individual will cancel God's judgment on one's household and call forth His mercy instead.
Believers must take note that God's judgment may or may not be fully revealed in time. This applies both to the punishment of the wicked and to the reward of the righteous:
Paul warned Timothy, "Some men's sins are clearly evident, preceding them to judgment, but those of some men follow later. Likewise, the good works of some clearly evident, and those that are otherwise cannot be hidden" (1 Tim. 5:24, 25).
Some of God's judgment may pass beyond the scene of time to eternity.
Solomon warned that we must not continue to do evil even if God's judgment is slow in coming:
"Because the sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil" (Eccles. 8:11).
Judgment in Eternity
The second stage of God's total judgment is God's judgments in eternity. The Bible calls this judgment as the "eternal judgment" (Hebrews 6:2).
Let us consider the following message of God to His people Israel through the prophet Ezekiel:
"The word of the Lord came to me again, saying, 'What do you mean when you use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying: 'The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge'? 'As I live,' says the Lord God, 'you shall no longer use this proverb in Israel. Behold, all souls are Mine; the soul of the father as well as the soul of the son is Mine; the soul who sins shall die'" (Ezek. 18:1 - 4, emphasis added).
The people of Israel in the time of Ezekiel blamed their backsliding condition upon the sinfulness of preceding generations. They implied that the national decline of Israel in their day was due to the sins of their ancestors and so God could not justly hold them responsible for their present moral condition. However, God, through this message by Ezekiel, entirely rejects this form of excuse.
God warned the Israelites that He held each one of them individually responsible for his own moral condition and each one of them would be judged (in eternity) solely for his own character and conduct, and not at all for anything that his ancestors might or might not have done. This warning is repeated even more emphatically a little further on:
"The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not bear the guilt of the father, nor the father bear the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself" (Ezek. 18:20, emphassis added).
Notice that this is not the judgment of a nation or a family; this is the judgment of each individual soul. This is the judgment by which the destiny of each soul is settled for eternity.
Monday, November 21, 2005
Righteous Judgment and Unrighteous Judgment
One of the most important facets of Biblical truth revealed by the Scripture is God is the Judge of all - in time and in eternity.
Here are some Scripture references:
"Shall not the judge of all the earth do right?" (Gen. 18:25, NKJV).
"May the Lord, the judge, render judgment this day" (Judg. 11:27).
"Surely He is God who judges in the earth" (Ps. 58:11).
The psalmist said to God, "Rise up, O Judge of the earth; render punishment to the proud" (Ps. 94:2).
The writer of Hebrews wrote:
"But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, ..." (Hebrews 12:22 and 23, NKJV, emphasis added).
In other words, God is also the judge of all Christians. The phrase, "You have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God" means, "You are His people (Christians) in the Church of Jesus Christ, the temple of the living God". In Scripture the word "Zion" always refers to the New Testament Church.
What Judgment to Judge?
The Scripture reveals two types of judgment everyone (believer or unbeliever) is judging while living on earth - The righteous judgment and the unrighteous judgment. Even though God is the Judge of all, He has vested righteous judgment for His people to judge.
Our previous study concerning the spirit, soul, and body of a man and how are they related to form the whole personality of a man helps us a great deal in understanding this topic.
Jesus said to the people during a Jewish feast:
"Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment" (John 7:24, NKJV).
In the context, it is obvious that "judge according to appearance" means "judge with unrighteous judgment". Hence, God's people are encouraged to judge with righteous judgment but forbidden to judge with unrighteous judgment.
Judgment According to the Flesh
Later on Jesus said to the Pharisees:
"You judge according to the flesh; I judge no one. And yet if I do judge, My judgment is true; for I am not alone, but I am with the Father who sent Me" (John 8:15 and 16, NKJV).
The Amplified Bible says:
"You (set yourselves up to) judge according to the flesh - by what you see; you condemn by external, human standards. I do not (set Myself up to) judge or condemn or sentence anyone. Yet even if I do judge, My judgement is true - My decision is right; for I am not alone (in making it), but (there are two of Us), I and the Father Who sent Me" (Emphasis added).
Here are a few points worth noting:
1. There is a contrast between the judgment of the Pharisees and the Judgment of Jesus. Pharisees condemn others by judging with external human standards. Jesus does not condemn and His Judgment is true.
2. "Judgment according to appearance" is the same as "judgment according to the flesh". As we have seen before in my many earlier postings, the flesh comes from our unredeemed soul and the five senses of our earthly soulish bodies.
The Bible tells us how to deal with the body and soul - man's carnal, fleshly nature. In Ephesians 4:22 - 24 Paul said Christians are to "put off" the old man with his fleshly lusts and to "put on" the new man in Christ. For Paul's list of "the work of flesh" read Galations 5:17, 19 and 20.
3. Judging according to the flesh is forbidden because this type of judgment comes from our carnal nature and might ends up condemning (or sentencing) others. When a person judges by external human standards he is likely to be prejudice and judges with preconceived opinions.
4. Jesus does not judge or condemn or sentence anyone. But if He does judge, His judgment is worthy to be regarded as true because He is never alone - The Father and Him are One. The next verse (John 8:17) says the testimony of two persons is true.
Unrighteous Judgment
1. An example of unrighteous judgment is the type of judgment Jesus spoke about in His "Sermon on the Mount" (Matthew 7).
"Judge not, that you be not judge" (Matt. 7:1, NKJV).
The Amplified Bible is more vivid:
"Do not judge and criticize and condemn others, so that you may not be judged and criticized and condemned yourselves" (Emphasis added).
For those who do not use the Amplified Bible, the Words of Jesus recorded by Luke confirmed this type of Judgment as unrighteous:
"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven" (Luke 6:37, NIV, emphasis added).
2. Another example of unrighteous judgment is, when a person who judges another person but practices the same things himself:
Paul wrote to the Roman Christians, "Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things" (Romans 2:1, NKJV).
Righteous Judgment
Paul wrote to the Corinthian Christians:
"What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside" (1 Cor. 5:12 and 13, NIV).
Paul's instruction is clear - It is God's business to judge unbelievers but it is a Christian's business to judge other Christians. In other words, if a Christian judges an unbeliever, then, according to the basis of the Scripture, he judges with unrighteous judgment. On the other hand, if he judges another Christian then he judges with righteous judgment.
Paul gave an example on how a righteous judgment should be carried out in the Church:
It was reported that there was a serious case of sexual immorality in the Corinthian Church. Paul was not present but in spirit he had already passed judgment after hearing the news.
Paul said, "Even though I am not physically present, I am with you in spirit. And I have already passed judgment on the one who did this, just as if I were present" (1 Cor. 5:3 and 4, emphasis added).
The punishment following the judgment was excommunication of "the one who did this" with the intention of future restoration (1 Cor. 5:5).
Personally, I have not come across this form of judgment in the contemporary local Church. When we face a similar situation, it is very likely for the leadership of the Church to "leave the judgment to God". Leaders would probably say, "We cannot judge him or we would be judged. None of us is infallible. If God wants to punish him something bad would happen to him and he would leave the Church. In the meantime let us pray for him and love him. The Bible says, love covers a multitude of sins. Jesus did say, 'He who is without sin among you let him throw the first stone!'"
Major differences between Unrighteous Judgment and Righteous Judgment
From our study above, it is clear that unrighteous judgment is the product of our unredeemed soul. It is entirely based on subjective personal opinion. On the other hand, righteous judgment is the product of the recreated spirit man. The recreated spirit gives the believer the ability to discern and to assess a situation in the spirit realm. In other words, righteous judgment is entirely based on the truth of a situation revealed by the Holy Spirit. The apostle Paul always judged with this type of righteous judgment.
Unrighteous judgment brings condemnation to the one who judges others. A person who judges with unrighteous judgment and with wicked intentions will be condemned:
"A good man obtain favor from the Lord, but a man of wicked intentions He will condemned" (Proverbs 12:2, NKJV, emphasis added).
Righteous judgment usually brings conviction and restoration to the one being judged. As in the case of the sexually immoral person, Paul, in his next epistle instructed the Corinthian Church to forgive this person after he was excommunicated for a season. Paul said such punishment was sufficient for that person (2 Cor. 2:6 - 8).
The Consequence of failing to Judge with Righteous Judgment
There are many Church people out there who are under deep deception. Pastors and preachers of "successful" mega local Churches who practice the "love formula" have the notion that all Christians need is love and forgiveness - after all we are never perfect. We are all capable of falling from grace. We are sinners forgiven!
The contemporary Church has forsaken the responsibiliy to judge sin. Leaders are unable to discern between good and evil, truth and error, right Biblical doctrine and doctrines of demons. The Church needs discernment because discernment entails righteous judgment.
The Church has forgotten that Christians are capable of being deceived. Paul reminded Timothy, a young pastor to be watchful in the last days:
"But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived" (2 Tim. 3:13).
Jesus says to the Church of Ephesus:
"You have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars" (Revelation 2:2, emphasis added).
False teachers and preachers are not only "deceiving" others, but are "being deceived" themselves.
Self-deception is a real danger among believers today.
Here are some Scripture references:
"Shall not the judge of all the earth do right?" (Gen. 18:25, NKJV).
"May the Lord, the judge, render judgment this day" (Judg. 11:27).
"Surely He is God who judges in the earth" (Ps. 58:11).
The psalmist said to God, "Rise up, O Judge of the earth; render punishment to the proud" (Ps. 94:2).
The writer of Hebrews wrote:
"But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, ..." (Hebrews 12:22 and 23, NKJV, emphasis added).
In other words, God is also the judge of all Christians. The phrase, "You have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God" means, "You are His people (Christians) in the Church of Jesus Christ, the temple of the living God". In Scripture the word "Zion" always refers to the New Testament Church.
What Judgment to Judge?
The Scripture reveals two types of judgment everyone (believer or unbeliever) is judging while living on earth - The righteous judgment and the unrighteous judgment. Even though God is the Judge of all, He has vested righteous judgment for His people to judge.
Our previous study concerning the spirit, soul, and body of a man and how are they related to form the whole personality of a man helps us a great deal in understanding this topic.
Jesus said to the people during a Jewish feast:
"Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment" (John 7:24, NKJV).
In the context, it is obvious that "judge according to appearance" means "judge with unrighteous judgment". Hence, God's people are encouraged to judge with righteous judgment but forbidden to judge with unrighteous judgment.
Judgment According to the Flesh
Later on Jesus said to the Pharisees:
"You judge according to the flesh; I judge no one. And yet if I do judge, My judgment is true; for I am not alone, but I am with the Father who sent Me" (John 8:15 and 16, NKJV).
The Amplified Bible says:
"You (set yourselves up to) judge according to the flesh - by what you see; you condemn by external, human standards. I do not (set Myself up to) judge or condemn or sentence anyone. Yet even if I do judge, My judgement is true - My decision is right; for I am not alone (in making it), but (there are two of Us), I and the Father Who sent Me" (Emphasis added).
Here are a few points worth noting:
1. There is a contrast between the judgment of the Pharisees and the Judgment of Jesus. Pharisees condemn others by judging with external human standards. Jesus does not condemn and His Judgment is true.
2. "Judgment according to appearance" is the same as "judgment according to the flesh". As we have seen before in my many earlier postings, the flesh comes from our unredeemed soul and the five senses of our earthly soulish bodies.
The Bible tells us how to deal with the body and soul - man's carnal, fleshly nature. In Ephesians 4:22 - 24 Paul said Christians are to "put off" the old man with his fleshly lusts and to "put on" the new man in Christ. For Paul's list of "the work of flesh" read Galations 5:17, 19 and 20.
3. Judging according to the flesh is forbidden because this type of judgment comes from our carnal nature and might ends up condemning (or sentencing) others. When a person judges by external human standards he is likely to be prejudice and judges with preconceived opinions.
4. Jesus does not judge or condemn or sentence anyone. But if He does judge, His judgment is worthy to be regarded as true because He is never alone - The Father and Him are One. The next verse (John 8:17) says the testimony of two persons is true.
Unrighteous Judgment
1. An example of unrighteous judgment is the type of judgment Jesus spoke about in His "Sermon on the Mount" (Matthew 7).
"Judge not, that you be not judge" (Matt. 7:1, NKJV).
The Amplified Bible is more vivid:
"Do not judge and criticize and condemn others, so that you may not be judged and criticized and condemned yourselves" (Emphasis added).
For those who do not use the Amplified Bible, the Words of Jesus recorded by Luke confirmed this type of Judgment as unrighteous:
"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven" (Luke 6:37, NIV, emphasis added).
2. Another example of unrighteous judgment is, when a person who judges another person but practices the same things himself:
Paul wrote to the Roman Christians, "Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things" (Romans 2:1, NKJV).
Righteous Judgment
Paul wrote to the Corinthian Christians:
"What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside" (1 Cor. 5:12 and 13, NIV).
Paul's instruction is clear - It is God's business to judge unbelievers but it is a Christian's business to judge other Christians. In other words, if a Christian judges an unbeliever, then, according to the basis of the Scripture, he judges with unrighteous judgment. On the other hand, if he judges another Christian then he judges with righteous judgment.
Paul gave an example on how a righteous judgment should be carried out in the Church:
It was reported that there was a serious case of sexual immorality in the Corinthian Church. Paul was not present but in spirit he had already passed judgment after hearing the news.
Paul said, "Even though I am not physically present, I am with you in spirit. And I have already passed judgment on the one who did this, just as if I were present" (1 Cor. 5:3 and 4, emphasis added).
The punishment following the judgment was excommunication of "the one who did this" with the intention of future restoration (1 Cor. 5:5).
Personally, I have not come across this form of judgment in the contemporary local Church. When we face a similar situation, it is very likely for the leadership of the Church to "leave the judgment to God". Leaders would probably say, "We cannot judge him or we would be judged. None of us is infallible. If God wants to punish him something bad would happen to him and he would leave the Church. In the meantime let us pray for him and love him. The Bible says, love covers a multitude of sins. Jesus did say, 'He who is without sin among you let him throw the first stone!'"
Major differences between Unrighteous Judgment and Righteous Judgment
From our study above, it is clear that unrighteous judgment is the product of our unredeemed soul. It is entirely based on subjective personal opinion. On the other hand, righteous judgment is the product of the recreated spirit man. The recreated spirit gives the believer the ability to discern and to assess a situation in the spirit realm. In other words, righteous judgment is entirely based on the truth of a situation revealed by the Holy Spirit. The apostle Paul always judged with this type of righteous judgment.
Unrighteous judgment brings condemnation to the one who judges others. A person who judges with unrighteous judgment and with wicked intentions will be condemned:
"A good man obtain favor from the Lord, but a man of wicked intentions He will condemned" (Proverbs 12:2, NKJV, emphasis added).
Righteous judgment usually brings conviction and restoration to the one being judged. As in the case of the sexually immoral person, Paul, in his next epistle instructed the Corinthian Church to forgive this person after he was excommunicated for a season. Paul said such punishment was sufficient for that person (2 Cor. 2:6 - 8).
The Consequence of failing to Judge with Righteous Judgment
There are many Church people out there who are under deep deception. Pastors and preachers of "successful" mega local Churches who practice the "love formula" have the notion that all Christians need is love and forgiveness - after all we are never perfect. We are all capable of falling from grace. We are sinners forgiven!
The contemporary Church has forsaken the responsibiliy to judge sin. Leaders are unable to discern between good and evil, truth and error, right Biblical doctrine and doctrines of demons. The Church needs discernment because discernment entails righteous judgment.
The Church has forgotten that Christians are capable of being deceived. Paul reminded Timothy, a young pastor to be watchful in the last days:
"But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived" (2 Tim. 3:13).
Jesus says to the Church of Ephesus:
"You have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars" (Revelation 2:2, emphasis added).
False teachers and preachers are not only "deceiving" others, but are "being deceived" themselves.
Self-deception is a real danger among believers today.
Monday, November 14, 2005
The Cross, the Soul and the Body
In my previous postings I have mentioned many times that in our Christian walk we need to have our soul and body come under the control of our recreated spirit. Jesus and Paul have a lot to say about our soul and body.
The Teaching of Jesus
Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it" (Luke 9:23 and 24, NKJV, emphasis added).
"Life, soul and mind" in the King James' translation derived from a single Greek word "psuche".
The phrase "deny himself" can be translated as "deny his soul". The phrase "his life" can be translated as "his soul".
When a person denies himself he essentially says "no" to himself or says "no" to what his soul dictates him to do. That means his soul life is completely yielded to God.
Figuratively speaking, our will and God's will represent two pieces of wood for building the cross. When these two pieces of wood are placed parallel to each other, we are not walking in the will of God. To "take up his cross daily" means to "let his will and God's will cross at the meeting point daily". In other words, the disciple has to do God's will on a daily basis.
So, the above verse can be paraphrased as below:
"If anyone desires to be My disciple, he must say "no" to his soul, do My Will daily and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his soul will lose it, but whoever loses his soul for My sake will save it".
In other words, in order to follow Jesus and be His disciple, a person's soul life must be surrendered to Him, bring it to the cross to be crucified daily. If he does that, his soul shall be saved in eternity.
The Teaching of Paul
Paul's epistles are written to Christian Churches for individual Christians and all his teachings are meant for Christians. Here is a sample of Paul's teachings related to the topic of our discussion.
Submitted Body and Transformed Mind
Paul wrote to the Roman Christians:
"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will" (Romans 12:1 and 2, NIV, emphasis added).
The above passages of Scripture is Paul's instruction to Christians on how to close the door to Satan in their lives. Paul told them they would have to do something with their bodies and minds (souls). He was telling believers if they offer their bodies as living sacrifices to God as an act of worship He will see to it that their minds are renewed. There will be a transformation of their whole personality when their minds are renewed. Satan would not be able to confuse or deceive them. And as they keep their bodies subject to their recreated spirit, they will be able to discern God's perfect will for them.
Paul said our mind is Satan's battle ground:
"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, ..... bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ" (2 Cor. 10:4 and 5).
With every thought of our mind taken captivity by the spirit man there is no way Satan could deceive us through our soul realm.
God wants submitted bodies and He wants transformed minds. He knows that is our greatest defense against Satan.
The Spirit brings the Body into Subjection
Paul wrote to the Church at Corinth:
"But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others I myself should become disqualified" (1 Cor. 9:27, NKJV, emphasis added).
The word "I" means the real spiritual man inside Paul. He called his body "it". Paul was saying his inner spiritual man had to bring his body into subjection. In other words, Paul would not let his body do everything it wanted to do. Paul knew that his soul could not discipline his body and bring it into subjection. If Paul failed to bring his body into subjection by his recreated spirit then his soul would take over and he would not be qualified to preach to others. Paul knew that his preaching must come with the revelvation of God's Word and God's power (1 Cor. 2:4). He must not preach according to the wisdom of man. Soulish and compromising preaching would not be acceptable to God because it could not minister to the recreated spirit of the hearer. Neither could such preaching convict the natural man (unbeliever) of sins. Soulish preaching were more likely to condemn sinners instead! True Biblical preaching ministers directly to the spirit of the hearers.
If the contemporary Church is to adhere to Paul's standard strictly, not many of us are truly qualified to preach!
Instruments of Righteousness
Paul wrote to the Roman Christians:
"Do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God" (Romans 6:13, emphasis added).
The word "members" derives from the Greek word "melos" meaning members of our body - Our five senses, our hands and feet etc. The word "instruments" derives from the Greek word "hoplon" meaning our armor or weapons. The phrase "alive from the dead" speaks of the born again or regeneration experience. When a person's dead spirit is regenerated or recreated he is made alive again. He is now able to take control of his unregenerated soul.
Therefore, according to Paul when a person is born again he has the ability to make the members of his body as weapons of righteouness to God. His recreated spirit enables him to take control of his soul and body to do righteous acts for God.
Consequences of not heeding Jesus' and Paul's teachings
One amazing thing about the Scripture is that many things are prophetic. God, being the creator, knows the human heart. He writes the scenario for His people and for His Church. He knows that in the last days, most of His people would find the conditions He laid down for righteous living quite unattainable.
Paul, under the anointing of the Holy Spirit, wrote two epistles to Timothy to warn him about what is going to happen to the Church in the days to come. Paul's words are prophetic. These things are now happening right before our eyes!
"Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth" (1 Timothy 4:1 to 3, emphasis added).
Why do Christians depart from the Christian faith and follow doctrines of demons? There might be many reasons for this. But, I believe the main reason being Christians become soulish and fail to have their soul and body under the subjection of their regenerated spirit. Satan has no difficulty in planting his foothold on the unredeemed soul and body of God's people!
Paul's other message to Christians is:
"But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come; for men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unforgiving, slanders, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away" (2 Timothy 3:1 to 5, emphasis added).
Paul listed 18 moral blemishes due to degeneration of human character, conduct and behavior. These people are not unbelievers, but are religious Christians and churchgoers who show "a form of godliness" but deny the power of holy living. This is the condition of the apostate church. Why? The reason is the same; people tend to love soulish living. Keeping the "form" of the Christian faith is considered more important than having a Spirit-to-spirit relationship with the Head of the Church, our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Teaching of Jesus
Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it" (Luke 9:23 and 24, NKJV, emphasis added).
"Life, soul and mind" in the King James' translation derived from a single Greek word "psuche".
The phrase "deny himself" can be translated as "deny his soul". The phrase "his life" can be translated as "his soul".
When a person denies himself he essentially says "no" to himself or says "no" to what his soul dictates him to do. That means his soul life is completely yielded to God.
Figuratively speaking, our will and God's will represent two pieces of wood for building the cross. When these two pieces of wood are placed parallel to each other, we are not walking in the will of God. To "take up his cross daily" means to "let his will and God's will cross at the meeting point daily". In other words, the disciple has to do God's will on a daily basis.
So, the above verse can be paraphrased as below:
"If anyone desires to be My disciple, he must say "no" to his soul, do My Will daily and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his soul will lose it, but whoever loses his soul for My sake will save it".
In other words, in order to follow Jesus and be His disciple, a person's soul life must be surrendered to Him, bring it to the cross to be crucified daily. If he does that, his soul shall be saved in eternity.
The Teaching of Paul
Paul's epistles are written to Christian Churches for individual Christians and all his teachings are meant for Christians. Here is a sample of Paul's teachings related to the topic of our discussion.
Submitted Body and Transformed Mind
Paul wrote to the Roman Christians:
"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will" (Romans 12:1 and 2, NIV, emphasis added).
The above passages of Scripture is Paul's instruction to Christians on how to close the door to Satan in their lives. Paul told them they would have to do something with their bodies and minds (souls). He was telling believers if they offer their bodies as living sacrifices to God as an act of worship He will see to it that their minds are renewed. There will be a transformation of their whole personality when their minds are renewed. Satan would not be able to confuse or deceive them. And as they keep their bodies subject to their recreated spirit, they will be able to discern God's perfect will for them.
Paul said our mind is Satan's battle ground:
"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, ..... bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ" (2 Cor. 10:4 and 5).
With every thought of our mind taken captivity by the spirit man there is no way Satan could deceive us through our soul realm.
God wants submitted bodies and He wants transformed minds. He knows that is our greatest defense against Satan.
The Spirit brings the Body into Subjection
Paul wrote to the Church at Corinth:
"But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others I myself should become disqualified" (1 Cor. 9:27, NKJV, emphasis added).
The word "I" means the real spiritual man inside Paul. He called his body "it". Paul was saying his inner spiritual man had to bring his body into subjection. In other words, Paul would not let his body do everything it wanted to do. Paul knew that his soul could not discipline his body and bring it into subjection. If Paul failed to bring his body into subjection by his recreated spirit then his soul would take over and he would not be qualified to preach to others. Paul knew that his preaching must come with the revelvation of God's Word and God's power (1 Cor. 2:4). He must not preach according to the wisdom of man. Soulish and compromising preaching would not be acceptable to God because it could not minister to the recreated spirit of the hearer. Neither could such preaching convict the natural man (unbeliever) of sins. Soulish preaching were more likely to condemn sinners instead! True Biblical preaching ministers directly to the spirit of the hearers.
If the contemporary Church is to adhere to Paul's standard strictly, not many of us are truly qualified to preach!
Instruments of Righteousness
Paul wrote to the Roman Christians:
"Do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God" (Romans 6:13, emphasis added).
The word "members" derives from the Greek word "melos" meaning members of our body - Our five senses, our hands and feet etc. The word "instruments" derives from the Greek word "hoplon" meaning our armor or weapons. The phrase "alive from the dead" speaks of the born again or regeneration experience. When a person's dead spirit is regenerated or recreated he is made alive again. He is now able to take control of his unregenerated soul.
Therefore, according to Paul when a person is born again he has the ability to make the members of his body as weapons of righteouness to God. His recreated spirit enables him to take control of his soul and body to do righteous acts for God.
Consequences of not heeding Jesus' and Paul's teachings
One amazing thing about the Scripture is that many things are prophetic. God, being the creator, knows the human heart. He writes the scenario for His people and for His Church. He knows that in the last days, most of His people would find the conditions He laid down for righteous living quite unattainable.
Paul, under the anointing of the Holy Spirit, wrote two epistles to Timothy to warn him about what is going to happen to the Church in the days to come. Paul's words are prophetic. These things are now happening right before our eyes!
"Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth" (1 Timothy 4:1 to 3, emphasis added).
Why do Christians depart from the Christian faith and follow doctrines of demons? There might be many reasons for this. But, I believe the main reason being Christians become soulish and fail to have their soul and body under the subjection of their regenerated spirit. Satan has no difficulty in planting his foothold on the unredeemed soul and body of God's people!
Paul's other message to Christians is:
"But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come; for men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unforgiving, slanders, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away" (2 Timothy 3:1 to 5, emphasis added).
Paul listed 18 moral blemishes due to degeneration of human character, conduct and behavior. These people are not unbelievers, but are religious Christians and churchgoers who show "a form of godliness" but deny the power of holy living. This is the condition of the apostate church. Why? The reason is the same; people tend to love soulish living. Keeping the "form" of the Christian faith is considered more important than having a Spirit-to-spirit relationship with the Head of the Church, our Lord Jesus Christ.
Monday, November 07, 2005
Soul and Soulish Activities
You cannot find the word "soulish" in any English translation of the Bible or in any English dictionary. I use this word to describe the activities in the soul realm. The closest Greek word equivalent to the non-existent English word "soulish" is "psuchikos" meaning "natural", "earthly" or "sensual".
Paul in his discourse about the resurrection of the dead wrote:
"The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption. It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is spiritual body" (1 Cor. 15:42 and 44, NKJV, emphasis added).
The phrase "natural body" translated from Greek means "earthly body", "sensual body" or "soulish body". So, every person on earth (Christian or non-christian) has a soulish body and we all live in this soulish body.
As we have seen in my previous postings the full personality of a man consists of his spirit, soul and body. We are created to have our spirit led by the Holy Spirit, to direct or dictate our soul, and our soul to direct our body. Someone has said, God created our spirit as king, our soul as servant and the body as slave. But, the original God ordained functions of man's personality were changed after the Fall. The spirit died, his soul became the king and his body became the servant and subjected to corruption.
The whole process of salvation puts them in the right order again. But, as we have seen earlier (refer to my posting "The Saving of Souls") our salvation is not complete. Full salavation comes at the resurrection when our soulish or earthly body shall be transformed into a spiritual body. The spiritual body will be directly controled by the our spirit without having to go through the our soul realm (mind and reasoning). Some one has said, at the present age the soul realm is the "bottle neck" of our spirit. Therefore, we still have to deal with our soul life all through our Christian walk. We have to live in this condition.
Activities of the Spirit and Soul
All Christian activites involve the spirit and soul working together with the five senses of the body as channels to act out these activities. But there are differences in activities. Soul activities are activities belong to the soul realm but dictated (controled) by the Holy Spirit. Soulish activities are activities dictated by the rebellious soul of the Christian.
It is interesting to identify some common activities in the Christian life so that we can place these activities in their proper realm. We need to bear in mind that all these activities are good as long as the Christian is truly led by the the Spirit of God and everything works in perfect harmony.
Here are some examples:
Worship
As I have pointed out earlier, worship is an activity of the recreated spirit of man led by the Spirit of God. The natural man simply cannot worship or praise God. In fact, no one can say "Jesus is Lord" except by the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 12:3).
The corresponding activity in the soul realm is praise. When to praise God is a decision of the will of the Christian. He chooses when and how to praise God. He praises God in his understanding and intellect.
Mary greeted Elizabeth at the house of Zacharias said:
"My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my savior ..." (Luke 1:46 and 47, NIV, emphasis added).
Mary's spirit rejoices (a form of worship) in God, but her soul glorifies (a form of praise) God.
The corresponding activity in the body is bowing, lifting up of hands, clapping or dancing.
2 Sam. 6:14 says, "king David danced before the Lord" after he brought back the Ark of God to the City of David. He danced because his spirit rejoiced with gladness. David was led by the Spirit of God to dance.
Revelation
Revelation comes by the Spirit of God.
Paul prayed, "That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him" (Eph. 1:17, NKJV, emphasis added).
Notice that wisdom and revelation are part of the Spirit of God and we can only receive them in the spirit realm. We know God by the Spirit of wisdom and revelation. In other words, our spirit-to-Spirit relationship with God gives us the knowledge of Him.
The corresponding activity in the soul realm is doctrine, theology or theological teaching. I am not saying doctrine and theology are wrong and not good. They are good and needed if they are entirely Bible based and Christ centered. But, they are in the realm of the soul, intellect and reasoning and must be distinguished from spiritual revelation which comes directly from the Spirit of God. No one gets to know God by theology alone.
In my opinion, the average contemporary local Church has a lot of theology but very little revelation. It seems some preachers are frightened of revelation and think it is far more reliable to depend on theology or teaching materials of renowned Christian writers.
Preachers should emulate Paul:
"My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power" (1 Cor. 2:4 and 5, NIV, emphasis).
You cannot find Pual refering to any man-certered doctrine, rules and regulations in any of his epistles. Our faith should rest on the revelation and power of God.
In fact he said, "Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ" (Col. 2:8, emphasis added).
In other words, philosophy and basic principles of the world have no place in the Body of Christ, in preaching or in any Church activity!
Joy
As we have seen from the example of Mary's Prayer (or Song), joy comes from the Spirit of God. The truth is that joy depends entirely on God. Since God never changes (Mal. 3:6) we need not be without joy at any moment of time.
In fact, the Psalmist said, "To God my exceeding joy" (Ps. 43:4).
Think about it; if God is your joy and if you are without joy, then you are either without God or cut off from God. Either way you cannot call yourself a true Christian or a true disciple of Christ!
Furthermore, Christians are instructed by Paul to "Rejoice always" (1 Thess. 5:16).
The last Chapter of Habakkuk gives us a clear picture of what Biblical Joy is.
"Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; though the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food; though the flock may be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls - Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation" (Habakkuk 3:17 and 18, emphasis added).
In the midst of all those calamities Habakkuk chose to rejoice in the Lord. Joy is a decision of the will.
The corresponding activity in the soul realm is happiness. The main difference is, happiness depends entirely on situation or circumstances. It depends on the way people are treating you. It depends on your financial situation and other experiences in life. It is never constant but fluctuates. No one is able to feel happy all the time.
The corresponding activity in the body is how we perceive the situation by our five senses. It is always pleasurable to be joyful or to feel happy.
The Rebellious Soul
Our soul is opened to Satan's prompting and deception.
James said we are tempted when we are drawn away by our own desires (things of the soul) and enticed by Satan (James 1:14).
The soul of a born again, spirit baptized Christian can become soulish if he fails to walk in the Spirit and turns away from God in self-willed rebellion. The result is, in some measure he lost his fervent love towards God. He is no longer the same spiritual person he used to be. He is on the verge of "backsliding". He is not a lost soul, but his soul life becomes soulish. Satan somehow has a foothold on him. He becomes a soulish person if he is no longer led by the Spirit of God. The soulish nature in him produces soulish substitutes of true spiritual activities.
Soulish Substitutes of Spiritual Activities
I have to say that the following comments are entirely subjective. It is my personal evaluation from personal observation and experiences. My readers need not agree with me.
Here are some examples:
Worship
In true spiritual worship the believer gives himself unreservedly to God. He is God focused.
The soulish substitute of worship is entertainment which is self focused. In entertainment the "worshiper" says bless me and give me a good time. His main reason of going to a Church service is to "get blessed" by participating in soulish singing of soulish songs with deafening soulish music. The leaders of their Church know most of the churchgoers have itching ears and could not endure sound doctrine and so they simply give them what they want. Soulish preachers are invited to "preach" man-pleasing compromising "sermons" (1 Tim. 4:3 and 4). Everyone is happy (of the soul) and tells others to come and "get blessed". It is not surprising that these Churches always have large congregations of churchgoers.
Discernment
In true spiritual discernment the believer is led by the Holy Spirit to assess a situation or a another person's conduct or attitude in certain circumstances. We have to be very careful here. Christians who do not understand much about spiritual discernment might think you are judging others. One of the most common misunderstood verses of the Bible taken out of context is Mattew 7:1. Many Christians including Pastors and Church leaders think they have no right to judge at all. Matters pertaining to "Discernment and Judging" is so confusing and at the same time so important that I intend (God helping me) to have a posting on this topic soon.
The soulish substitute is criticism. When Christians are walking in the soulish realm they could not understand things of the Spirit for these are foolishness to them (1 Cor. 2:14). It is a natural tendency to criticize things that seem foolish to them.
Compassion
The show of compassion comes from the realm of the Spirit.
The Gospel tells us that Jesus shows compassion to the lame, the blind, the sick and the demon possessed. He heals and delivers them. In other words, He does something to change the situation.
When Jesus was in the company of Mary and Martha at the death of Lazarus, Jesus wept. But His weeping was the result of His "troubled" Spirit and His showing of compassion towards Lazarus' sisters. The Bible says, "He groaned in the spirit and was troubled" (John 11:33, NKJV). Jesus was never soulish.
It is true that a Christian cannot heal another person's sickness; but he can certainly pray for that person, shares the Gospel to him and ministers to his needs.
The soulish substitute is sympathy or show of pity. A "self-pity" person is always seeking sympthy. Self-pity is a result of self-love. This person is walking in the soulish realm. He desires friends to say "Poor you, I feel sorry for you". This person might feel good for a while but there is little or nothing done by his friends to change the situation.
Job was surrounded by friends who were sympathetic toward him.
Conviction
Conviction of sin is the work of the Holy Spirit (John 16:8). Conviction usually leads to repentance.
The soulish substitute is guilt or condemnation. God never makes people feel guilty but Satan does. Satan is called "the accuser of our brethren" (Rev. 12:10). The last thing that Satan wants is repentance of God's people. He is the thief to come to steal, to kill and to destroy (John 10:10). He does not want God to forgive you through repentance.
No Christian has the right to condemn another Christian.
Paul said, "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, ... (Romans 8:1).
Revelation
All spiritual truth and prophecies are the work of the Holy Spirit. The Scripture says prophecy "never came by the will of man" (2 Peter 1:21) and "all Scripture is given by inspiration of God" (2 Tim. 3:16). In other words, no one knows any spiritual truth unless he receives it by the revelation of the Holy Spirit. The Bible is written by the revelation of the Holy Spirit.
The soulish substitute is manipulation.
A situation might arise at the end of a Christian meeting when the invited preacher says, "God tells me that the gentleman sitting at the back row will give RM5000 to this ministry at the end of the meeting. God will certainly bless him even more abundantly if he gives more!"
It could well be a genuine revelation of the Holy Spirit. But, if it is not , then this is maniputlation or witchcraft in disquise!
In His "Sermon on the mount" Jesus said, "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves" (Matt. 7:15). He said further that "Therefore by their fruits you will know them" (verse 20).
Christians need spiritual discernment to understand what are true spiritual activities and what are soulish substitutes of the real things!
The Church of Jesus Christ needs the Spirit of discernmet in the Last Days!
Paul in his discourse about the resurrection of the dead wrote:
"The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption. It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is spiritual body" (1 Cor. 15:42 and 44, NKJV, emphasis added).
The phrase "natural body" translated from Greek means "earthly body", "sensual body" or "soulish body". So, every person on earth (Christian or non-christian) has a soulish body and we all live in this soulish body.
As we have seen in my previous postings the full personality of a man consists of his spirit, soul and body. We are created to have our spirit led by the Holy Spirit, to direct or dictate our soul, and our soul to direct our body. Someone has said, God created our spirit as king, our soul as servant and the body as slave. But, the original God ordained functions of man's personality were changed after the Fall. The spirit died, his soul became the king and his body became the servant and subjected to corruption.
The whole process of salvation puts them in the right order again. But, as we have seen earlier (refer to my posting "The Saving of Souls") our salvation is not complete. Full salavation comes at the resurrection when our soulish or earthly body shall be transformed into a spiritual body. The spiritual body will be directly controled by the our spirit without having to go through the our soul realm (mind and reasoning). Some one has said, at the present age the soul realm is the "bottle neck" of our spirit. Therefore, we still have to deal with our soul life all through our Christian walk. We have to live in this condition.
Activities of the Spirit and Soul
All Christian activites involve the spirit and soul working together with the five senses of the body as channels to act out these activities. But there are differences in activities. Soul activities are activities belong to the soul realm but dictated (controled) by the Holy Spirit. Soulish activities are activities dictated by the rebellious soul of the Christian.
It is interesting to identify some common activities in the Christian life so that we can place these activities in their proper realm. We need to bear in mind that all these activities are good as long as the Christian is truly led by the the Spirit of God and everything works in perfect harmony.
Here are some examples:
Worship
As I have pointed out earlier, worship is an activity of the recreated spirit of man led by the Spirit of God. The natural man simply cannot worship or praise God. In fact, no one can say "Jesus is Lord" except by the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 12:3).
The corresponding activity in the soul realm is praise. When to praise God is a decision of the will of the Christian. He chooses when and how to praise God. He praises God in his understanding and intellect.
Mary greeted Elizabeth at the house of Zacharias said:
"My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my savior ..." (Luke 1:46 and 47, NIV, emphasis added).
Mary's spirit rejoices (a form of worship) in God, but her soul glorifies (a form of praise) God.
The corresponding activity in the body is bowing, lifting up of hands, clapping or dancing.
2 Sam. 6:14 says, "king David danced before the Lord" after he brought back the Ark of God to the City of David. He danced because his spirit rejoiced with gladness. David was led by the Spirit of God to dance.
Revelation
Revelation comes by the Spirit of God.
Paul prayed, "That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him" (Eph. 1:17, NKJV, emphasis added).
Notice that wisdom and revelation are part of the Spirit of God and we can only receive them in the spirit realm. We know God by the Spirit of wisdom and revelation. In other words, our spirit-to-Spirit relationship with God gives us the knowledge of Him.
The corresponding activity in the soul realm is doctrine, theology or theological teaching. I am not saying doctrine and theology are wrong and not good. They are good and needed if they are entirely Bible based and Christ centered. But, they are in the realm of the soul, intellect and reasoning and must be distinguished from spiritual revelation which comes directly from the Spirit of God. No one gets to know God by theology alone.
In my opinion, the average contemporary local Church has a lot of theology but very little revelation. It seems some preachers are frightened of revelation and think it is far more reliable to depend on theology or teaching materials of renowned Christian writers.
Preachers should emulate Paul:
"My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power" (1 Cor. 2:4 and 5, NIV, emphasis).
You cannot find Pual refering to any man-certered doctrine, rules and regulations in any of his epistles. Our faith should rest on the revelation and power of God.
In fact he said, "Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ" (Col. 2:8, emphasis added).
In other words, philosophy and basic principles of the world have no place in the Body of Christ, in preaching or in any Church activity!
Joy
As we have seen from the example of Mary's Prayer (or Song), joy comes from the Spirit of God. The truth is that joy depends entirely on God. Since God never changes (Mal. 3:6) we need not be without joy at any moment of time.
In fact, the Psalmist said, "To God my exceeding joy" (Ps. 43:4).
Think about it; if God is your joy and if you are without joy, then you are either without God or cut off from God. Either way you cannot call yourself a true Christian or a true disciple of Christ!
Furthermore, Christians are instructed by Paul to "Rejoice always" (1 Thess. 5:16).
The last Chapter of Habakkuk gives us a clear picture of what Biblical Joy is.
"Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; though the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food; though the flock may be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls - Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation" (Habakkuk 3:17 and 18, emphasis added).
In the midst of all those calamities Habakkuk chose to rejoice in the Lord. Joy is a decision of the will.
The corresponding activity in the soul realm is happiness. The main difference is, happiness depends entirely on situation or circumstances. It depends on the way people are treating you. It depends on your financial situation and other experiences in life. It is never constant but fluctuates. No one is able to feel happy all the time.
The corresponding activity in the body is how we perceive the situation by our five senses. It is always pleasurable to be joyful or to feel happy.
The Rebellious Soul
Our soul is opened to Satan's prompting and deception.
James said we are tempted when we are drawn away by our own desires (things of the soul) and enticed by Satan (James 1:14).
The soul of a born again, spirit baptized Christian can become soulish if he fails to walk in the Spirit and turns away from God in self-willed rebellion. The result is, in some measure he lost his fervent love towards God. He is no longer the same spiritual person he used to be. He is on the verge of "backsliding". He is not a lost soul, but his soul life becomes soulish. Satan somehow has a foothold on him. He becomes a soulish person if he is no longer led by the Spirit of God. The soulish nature in him produces soulish substitutes of true spiritual activities.
Soulish Substitutes of Spiritual Activities
I have to say that the following comments are entirely subjective. It is my personal evaluation from personal observation and experiences. My readers need not agree with me.
Here are some examples:
Worship
In true spiritual worship the believer gives himself unreservedly to God. He is God focused.
The soulish substitute of worship is entertainment which is self focused. In entertainment the "worshiper" says bless me and give me a good time. His main reason of going to a Church service is to "get blessed" by participating in soulish singing of soulish songs with deafening soulish music. The leaders of their Church know most of the churchgoers have itching ears and could not endure sound doctrine and so they simply give them what they want. Soulish preachers are invited to "preach" man-pleasing compromising "sermons" (1 Tim. 4:3 and 4). Everyone is happy (of the soul) and tells others to come and "get blessed". It is not surprising that these Churches always have large congregations of churchgoers.
Discernment
In true spiritual discernment the believer is led by the Holy Spirit to assess a situation or a another person's conduct or attitude in certain circumstances. We have to be very careful here. Christians who do not understand much about spiritual discernment might think you are judging others. One of the most common misunderstood verses of the Bible taken out of context is Mattew 7:1. Many Christians including Pastors and Church leaders think they have no right to judge at all. Matters pertaining to "Discernment and Judging" is so confusing and at the same time so important that I intend (God helping me) to have a posting on this topic soon.
The soulish substitute is criticism. When Christians are walking in the soulish realm they could not understand things of the Spirit for these are foolishness to them (1 Cor. 2:14). It is a natural tendency to criticize things that seem foolish to them.
Compassion
The show of compassion comes from the realm of the Spirit.
The Gospel tells us that Jesus shows compassion to the lame, the blind, the sick and the demon possessed. He heals and delivers them. In other words, He does something to change the situation.
When Jesus was in the company of Mary and Martha at the death of Lazarus, Jesus wept. But His weeping was the result of His "troubled" Spirit and His showing of compassion towards Lazarus' sisters. The Bible says, "He groaned in the spirit and was troubled" (John 11:33, NKJV). Jesus was never soulish.
It is true that a Christian cannot heal another person's sickness; but he can certainly pray for that person, shares the Gospel to him and ministers to his needs.
The soulish substitute is sympathy or show of pity. A "self-pity" person is always seeking sympthy. Self-pity is a result of self-love. This person is walking in the soulish realm. He desires friends to say "Poor you, I feel sorry for you". This person might feel good for a while but there is little or nothing done by his friends to change the situation.
Job was surrounded by friends who were sympathetic toward him.
Conviction
Conviction of sin is the work of the Holy Spirit (John 16:8). Conviction usually leads to repentance.
The soulish substitute is guilt or condemnation. God never makes people feel guilty but Satan does. Satan is called "the accuser of our brethren" (Rev. 12:10). The last thing that Satan wants is repentance of God's people. He is the thief to come to steal, to kill and to destroy (John 10:10). He does not want God to forgive you through repentance.
No Christian has the right to condemn another Christian.
Paul said, "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, ... (Romans 8:1).
Revelation
All spiritual truth and prophecies are the work of the Holy Spirit. The Scripture says prophecy "never came by the will of man" (2 Peter 1:21) and "all Scripture is given by inspiration of God" (2 Tim. 3:16). In other words, no one knows any spiritual truth unless he receives it by the revelation of the Holy Spirit. The Bible is written by the revelation of the Holy Spirit.
The soulish substitute is manipulation.
A situation might arise at the end of a Christian meeting when the invited preacher says, "God tells me that the gentleman sitting at the back row will give RM5000 to this ministry at the end of the meeting. God will certainly bless him even more abundantly if he gives more!"
It could well be a genuine revelation of the Holy Spirit. But, if it is not , then this is maniputlation or witchcraft in disquise!
In His "Sermon on the mount" Jesus said, "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves" (Matt. 7:15). He said further that "Therefore by their fruits you will know them" (verse 20).
Christians need spiritual discernment to understand what are true spiritual activities and what are soulish substitutes of the real things!
The Church of Jesus Christ needs the Spirit of discernmet in the Last Days!
Monday, October 31, 2005
Regeneration and the Baptism in the Holy Spirit
The New Testament Scripture makes it very clear that regeneration of the human spirit and the baptism in the Holy Spirit are two different distinct experiences. This statement might offend many theologians who seem to obscure the distinction. This is very unfortunate. The result of this deception is, many churchgoers believe that when they have repented of their sins, said the "sinner's prayer", saved and genuinely born again they have "got in all" and there is no question that they have not received the Holy Spirit yet! Consequently, they are missing what God has in store for them.
It is interesting to note that according to the Scripture John the Baptist was the forerunner of Jesus in ministry and message; it follows that John's baptism of repentance was also the forerunner of Jesus' baptism in the Holy Spirit:
Jesus said, "John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now" (Acts 1:5, NKJV).
Any Christian who takes Jesus's Word seriously would surely like to be baptized by Him with the Holy Spirit!
When a natural person repents of his sin and turns toward Jesus and confesses Jesus as his Saviour and Lord his spirit is instantly regenerated and his recreated spirit is ready to receive the Holy Spirit.
What happens when a person is regenerated?
Regeneration is the work of the Holy Spirit producing a new nature in the spirit of man. The dead spirit of the natural man is recreated by the incorruptible seed of the Word (Jesus) of God at the time of regeneration. The result of this instant transformation is that the Jesus nature, the Word of God nature is reproduced by the Spirit of God within the believer. This is what happens when a person is born again by the Spirit of God.
Every born again believer is able to say boldly:
"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ live in me; ..." (Gal. 2:20, NKJV).
Every believer knows the mystery (1 Cor. 2:7) of God that has been hidden:
"To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiels: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Col. 1:27, emphasis added).
In other words, when Christ is in you, there is hope of glorifying with Him when He comes again. On the other hand, there is no hope when Christ is not in you because you are not regenerated! This mystery is made known to the regenerated spirit of Gentile believers.
The Temple of the Holy Spirit and the Baptism in the Holy Spirit
The New Testament Scripture says true believers as a body of Christ (worshipers in the Local Church) are collectively the "temple of God and the Spirit of God dwells in them" (1 Cor. 3:16). In other words, God the Spirit dwells in the midst of the local congregation of the true Church of Jesus Christ. The next verse says anyone defiles this temple of God, God will destroy him!
The Scripture also says the physical body of the individual believer is also the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19).
God chooses the physical bodies of regenerated men to do His works on earth. Our earthly bodies belong to God and are created to be holy vessels for His Spirit to dwell in so that we can to do His work effectively. Always remember that whatever work we do for God is accomplished by the Holy Spirit that dwells in us. Without Him we can do nothing (John 15:5). Power in preaching and witnessing (Acts 1:8) are two examples.
The recreated spirit of man is now led by the God's Spirit and is given the privilege of welcoming the Holy Spirit into the body which has become His temple. The baptism in the Holy Spirit is essentially the welcoming of God's Spirit into His temple.
I hope the following Scripture passage will help to make my point clear.
Paul wrote to the Spirit baptized Christians of the Church in Corinth:
"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price" (1 Cor. 6:19, NIV).
There are two important things to take note of:
1. The body of every believer in the Corinthian Church is the temple of the Holy Spirit because all of them are baptized in the Holy Spirit. Everyone has received the Holy Spirit from God and everyone has the Holy Spirit dwelling in his body.
2. Paul is reminding them that they are redeemed by the the blood of Jesus even though at the present time the redemption of their individual body is not complete yet. As I have mentioned before, complete redemption will only come at the resurrection when the believer's body will be transformed into a glorified body. But, Christ's ownership of the believer's body is already established because He has already paid the full price of redemption!
Paul said, "The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also"(1 Cor. 6:13 and 14, NIV, emphasis added).
Notice that the reason why Christ (in His Spirit) dwells in the body of the Spirit baptized believer is because his body is rightfully His! The devil has no claim on the body of the Spirit baptized believer. Furthermore, if our bodies do not belong to the Lord, God would not raise us up - which means no resurrection.
What happens when the Holy Spirit comes into the temple?
I hope the following two examples will throw in some lights:
1. Solomon said, "The spirit of man is the lamp of the Lord, searching all the inner depths of his heart" (Proverbs 20:27).
A lamp needs oil to burn and to give light. The spirit of the un-regenerated person is like a lamp without the oil and without the light. The spirit of the regenerated person is like a lamp with oil but without light. But, when the Holy Spirit comes in and the spirit of the regenerated man is set on fire and becomes the lamp of the Lord searching the inner depths of his heart or belly (King James). So, until you are regenerated and baptized in the Holy Spirit you are in the dark about yourself. You simply do not know what is inside you. But, when the Holy Spirit comes in and the light of God begins to shine inside you, you might be shocked to find out all the unclean and rotten things inside you. This happened to me when I was baptized in the Holy Spirit years ago. I did not know how sinful I was until God's Spirit came to dwell in my body! We must not expect the Holy Spirit to say that we are perfect, for if we are perfect we would not need the Holy Spirit.
2. Jesus was in the company of unbelieving Jews and the Pharisees. They believed in Moses but not in Jesus. They were having some religious festival for several days. At the end of the last day of the feast Jesus stood and cried out to them:
"If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water" (John 7:37 and 38, emphasis added).
The next verse indicates that Jesus was talking about the baptism in the Holy Spirit. Notice that John's record of this incident in the Gospel is prophetic.
"But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified (verse 39, emphasis added).
Notice that the Holy Spirit was sent by God the Father after Jesus was glorified (John 16:7 to 11). This happened in the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2).
Jesus was saying when the believer is baptized in the Holy Spirit, out of his heart (his belly) would flow rivers of living water. Not just one river by rivers! The transformation is simply amazing. Man's spirit is created to relate to God and to receive His Spirit. He has a thirst for God after regeneration. This thirst could only be quenched with the filling of God's Spirit. When he thirsts for God, God will fill him with the Holy Spirit. When he is filled, the "rivers of living water" will flow out from him to touch lives and he will be an effective channel of God's blessings for others.
Notice that religion (comes from the human soul) does not satisfy the thirst of man's spirit. The Jews and the Pharisees were practicing religion during their ritualistic religious festival. They could only understand things of the soul (mind, reasons, theology, rules and regulations) but not things of the Spirit. They failed to understand what Jesus was talking about.
What happens when Spirit baptized believers speak in tonques?
As we have seen in my previous postings when a person is born again, his spirit is recreated and the original purpose and functions of his spirit, soul and body are restored. His spirit, led by the Spirit of God directs his soul and his soul directs his body in this order.
The spirit of man does not normally directly control his body without going through his soul. There is one unique activity of the spirit that does not go through a person's soul. This is speaking in tongue. In speaking or praying in tongue the spirit of the spirit-filled Christian directly controls the five senses of his body without going through his mind and his reasoning. His tongue utters things according to the Spirit of God - things our natural mind, intellect and reasoning could not understand (Romans 8:26).
Paul said, "For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit. For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful" (1 Cor. 14:2 and 14, NIV, emphasis added).
When a person speaks in tonque he speaks to God and not to men. No one understands him because "understanding" comes from the soul realm. In fact, he himself does not understand what was speaking or praying about unless this person has the gift of interpretation of tongues! All these are "mysteries" to men but not to God.
Praying in tongue is the only effective way of praying according to the perfect will of God!
It is interesting to note that according to the Scripture John the Baptist was the forerunner of Jesus in ministry and message; it follows that John's baptism of repentance was also the forerunner of Jesus' baptism in the Holy Spirit:
Jesus said, "John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now" (Acts 1:5, NKJV).
Any Christian who takes Jesus's Word seriously would surely like to be baptized by Him with the Holy Spirit!
When a natural person repents of his sin and turns toward Jesus and confesses Jesus as his Saviour and Lord his spirit is instantly regenerated and his recreated spirit is ready to receive the Holy Spirit.
What happens when a person is regenerated?
Regeneration is the work of the Holy Spirit producing a new nature in the spirit of man. The dead spirit of the natural man is recreated by the incorruptible seed of the Word (Jesus) of God at the time of regeneration. The result of this instant transformation is that the Jesus nature, the Word of God nature is reproduced by the Spirit of God within the believer. This is what happens when a person is born again by the Spirit of God.
Every born again believer is able to say boldly:
"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ live in me; ..." (Gal. 2:20, NKJV).
Every believer knows the mystery (1 Cor. 2:7) of God that has been hidden:
"To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiels: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Col. 1:27, emphasis added).
In other words, when Christ is in you, there is hope of glorifying with Him when He comes again. On the other hand, there is no hope when Christ is not in you because you are not regenerated! This mystery is made known to the regenerated spirit of Gentile believers.
The Temple of the Holy Spirit and the Baptism in the Holy Spirit
The New Testament Scripture says true believers as a body of Christ (worshipers in the Local Church) are collectively the "temple of God and the Spirit of God dwells in them" (1 Cor. 3:16). In other words, God the Spirit dwells in the midst of the local congregation of the true Church of Jesus Christ. The next verse says anyone defiles this temple of God, God will destroy him!
The Scripture also says the physical body of the individual believer is also the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19).
God chooses the physical bodies of regenerated men to do His works on earth. Our earthly bodies belong to God and are created to be holy vessels for His Spirit to dwell in so that we can to do His work effectively. Always remember that whatever work we do for God is accomplished by the Holy Spirit that dwells in us. Without Him we can do nothing (John 15:5). Power in preaching and witnessing (Acts 1:8) are two examples.
The recreated spirit of man is now led by the God's Spirit and is given the privilege of welcoming the Holy Spirit into the body which has become His temple. The baptism in the Holy Spirit is essentially the welcoming of God's Spirit into His temple.
I hope the following Scripture passage will help to make my point clear.
Paul wrote to the Spirit baptized Christians of the Church in Corinth:
"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price" (1 Cor. 6:19, NIV).
There are two important things to take note of:
1. The body of every believer in the Corinthian Church is the temple of the Holy Spirit because all of them are baptized in the Holy Spirit. Everyone has received the Holy Spirit from God and everyone has the Holy Spirit dwelling in his body.
2. Paul is reminding them that they are redeemed by the the blood of Jesus even though at the present time the redemption of their individual body is not complete yet. As I have mentioned before, complete redemption will only come at the resurrection when the believer's body will be transformed into a glorified body. But, Christ's ownership of the believer's body is already established because He has already paid the full price of redemption!
Paul said, "The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also"(1 Cor. 6:13 and 14, NIV, emphasis added).
Notice that the reason why Christ (in His Spirit) dwells in the body of the Spirit baptized believer is because his body is rightfully His! The devil has no claim on the body of the Spirit baptized believer. Furthermore, if our bodies do not belong to the Lord, God would not raise us up - which means no resurrection.
What happens when the Holy Spirit comes into the temple?
I hope the following two examples will throw in some lights:
1. Solomon said, "The spirit of man is the lamp of the Lord, searching all the inner depths of his heart" (Proverbs 20:27).
A lamp needs oil to burn and to give light. The spirit of the un-regenerated person is like a lamp without the oil and without the light. The spirit of the regenerated person is like a lamp with oil but without light. But, when the Holy Spirit comes in and the spirit of the regenerated man is set on fire and becomes the lamp of the Lord searching the inner depths of his heart or belly (King James). So, until you are regenerated and baptized in the Holy Spirit you are in the dark about yourself. You simply do not know what is inside you. But, when the Holy Spirit comes in and the light of God begins to shine inside you, you might be shocked to find out all the unclean and rotten things inside you. This happened to me when I was baptized in the Holy Spirit years ago. I did not know how sinful I was until God's Spirit came to dwell in my body! We must not expect the Holy Spirit to say that we are perfect, for if we are perfect we would not need the Holy Spirit.
2. Jesus was in the company of unbelieving Jews and the Pharisees. They believed in Moses but not in Jesus. They were having some religious festival for several days. At the end of the last day of the feast Jesus stood and cried out to them:
"If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water" (John 7:37 and 38, emphasis added).
The next verse indicates that Jesus was talking about the baptism in the Holy Spirit. Notice that John's record of this incident in the Gospel is prophetic.
"But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified (verse 39, emphasis added).
Notice that the Holy Spirit was sent by God the Father after Jesus was glorified (John 16:7 to 11). This happened in the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2).
Jesus was saying when the believer is baptized in the Holy Spirit, out of his heart (his belly) would flow rivers of living water. Not just one river by rivers! The transformation is simply amazing. Man's spirit is created to relate to God and to receive His Spirit. He has a thirst for God after regeneration. This thirst could only be quenched with the filling of God's Spirit. When he thirsts for God, God will fill him with the Holy Spirit. When he is filled, the "rivers of living water" will flow out from him to touch lives and he will be an effective channel of God's blessings for others.
Notice that religion (comes from the human soul) does not satisfy the thirst of man's spirit. The Jews and the Pharisees were practicing religion during their ritualistic religious festival. They could only understand things of the soul (mind, reasons, theology, rules and regulations) but not things of the Spirit. They failed to understand what Jesus was talking about.
What happens when Spirit baptized believers speak in tonques?
As we have seen in my previous postings when a person is born again, his spirit is recreated and the original purpose and functions of his spirit, soul and body are restored. His spirit, led by the Spirit of God directs his soul and his soul directs his body in this order.
The spirit of man does not normally directly control his body without going through his soul. There is one unique activity of the spirit that does not go through a person's soul. This is speaking in tongue. In speaking or praying in tongue the spirit of the spirit-filled Christian directly controls the five senses of his body without going through his mind and his reasoning. His tongue utters things according to the Spirit of God - things our natural mind, intellect and reasoning could not understand (Romans 8:26).
Paul said, "For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit. For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful" (1 Cor. 14:2 and 14, NIV, emphasis added).
When a person speaks in tonque he speaks to God and not to men. No one understands him because "understanding" comes from the soul realm. In fact, he himself does not understand what was speaking or praying about unless this person has the gift of interpretation of tongues! All these are "mysteries" to men but not to God.
Praying in tongue is the only effective way of praying according to the perfect will of God!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)