Today's lesson comes from Romans 10: 1-17. A clear picture of Paul's burden for the Jews can be found by reading Romans 9:1-5, 30-33. What a noble spirit Paul had in praying for those who had caused him so much trouble! The Jews leaned upon their own works of righteousness as a means to stand justified before God. many in the church today do the same! Their religious pride kept them from humbling their hearts and admitting their need of a Saviour. Thus, they rejected Christ and the atonement which He provided.
The first portion of the lesson has an emphasis on the "righteousness of God." We need to see that men can stand justified before God by trusting in the provision which He gave in the death of His Son. Verses 5-13 set forth that this salvation is easily accessible, and is universal in its application. In the last portion of the lesson, Paul shows the neccessity of people sharing the gospel with others.This is the personal responsibility of all Christians. We must remember that salvation is not by works, we are saved by the grace of God, and we need to feel others.
Chapter 10 opens with Paul's burden for his countrymen that "they might be saved." The first section is "A Misguided Zeal." vv. 1-4 In verses 1-3, we see Paul's deep concern for the Jews' salvation. A preacher who is right with God will do all he can to bring others to salvation and deliverance from sin, even though it means being understood and persecuted. Why were the Jews rejecting Paul's message? The Jews had great zeal for God but it was misplaced. They were trying to be righteous by their work. They were very conscientious regarding the rites and ceremonies, but they did not see that they were symbolic of what would be fulfilled in Christ.
The Jews had no excuse for their ignorance. Old Testament prophecies had been fulfilled before their very eyes in Christ. However, the Jews would not submit "themselves unto the righteousness of God." They wanted to establish their righteousness by their works. Since they were unwilling to humble themselves and confess they had no merit, they refused to become God-dependent. The Jews failed to see that the law could not deliver from sin. Thus, God sent His Son to destroy sin's hold on men, and to enable them to fulfill the "righteousness of the law." Perfect obedience to the law is not through man's works, but through faith in Jesus Christ. The end of perfectly fulfilling the law and being justified is accomplished through Christ. We are saved by grace through faith, not from anything we have done. Faith in Christ is the end of trying to be justified by the law.
The second section is "By Law or Faith?" vv. 5-13 Paul makes it clear that God has not obscured the truth in mysteries and riddles whose meaning must be sought from distant places. God has made His truth plain and easy to understand. The law was not about salvation. It was put in place to show us our sin and the need of a Saviour. In verse 9-11, the message of salvation is made simple and to the point:
1. What do you do? You must confess with your mouth. "Confess" means "to say the same thing." You are to make a public declaration of agreement with all that God declares.
2. What are you to confess? You are to confess the Lord Jesus. This is very important. You can't be saved unless Jesus is also the Lord of your life. He must be both Jesus and the Lord.
3. After confession, what? You must "believe in thine heart." To believe is to have a sincere, heartfelt faith. It is very personal and real. A heartfelt faith is more than mental assent to the truth. It is resting my entire self, my future, and my salvation upon the Word of God.
4. Believe what? You believe that God hath raised Jesus Christ from the dead. The resurrection of Christ and our justification are inseparably linked. Regardless of your language, customs, or background, salvation is by grace through faith.
The third section is "A Messenger Needed." vv. 14-17 How is saving faith produced? Knowledge of God must precede faith in God. The word "preacher" in verse 14 is not limited to an ordained minister or your pastor. It includes any believer who testifies to their faith in Jesus Christ. Sometimes people may think they don't know enough or speak well enough to share their faith with others. A witness in a courtroom trial is to testify of what they have seen or heard. In the same way, you are to share your faith with others simply by stating what Jesus Christ has done for you and how He has changed your life. You don't need a theology degree to do that. We all have a part in telling others of God's salvation received by faith. While it is sadly true that not everyone who hears will become a Christian, that is not our issue. Our purpose is to testify what God has done for them. We must stay true to the Word of God.
The Golden Text is "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name." (John 1:12) This is an amazing thought when you consider it. Jesus has given us the power to become sons of God. No longer are we destined to hell and destruction. He has given us the assurance of an eternity in heaven with Him. No matter what you may be going through today, there is a better day coming for those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ.
My summary points:
1. Reliance on your own works never brings satisfaction.
2. Salvation is received not achieved.
3. Knowledge of God precedes faith in God.
Next week's lesson: "Living to the Glory of God." Romans 12:1-12
Don't forget to read the Sunday School Beacon for inspiration and encouragement.
Sunday, May 31, 2020
Saturday, May 30, 2020
The Christian Sabbath Part 3: The Changing Jewish Sabbath
THE JEWISH SABBATH CHANGED ANNUALLY
Previously we have noted the twofold teaching of the Bible relative to the Sabbath; first as a universal principle stated by God at creation and confirmed in the Fourth Commandment, and second as a specific memorial day to the nation of Israel. The question under consideration in this chapter is the Jewish memorial Sabbath, was it on a fixed day of the week, or was it observed on a fixed date in the year necessitating a change in the memorial day each year?
From Scripture we gather that the Israelites had two years; a civil year which began about the time of our month of September, and a religious year beginning about the time of the latter part of our month of March. Their Sabbaths, the weekly memorial day, were dated from the first of the religious year (Lev. 23:4-6).
The first Sabbath mentioned in connection with Israel's second year began on the evening of the 14th of the month of Abib and concluded on the 15th (Lev. 23:6), and this feast of Passover, or of unleavened bread, continued seven full days, until the evening of the 21st (Exodus 12:18), concluding on the 22nd; for "from even unto even, shall you celebrate your sabbath" (Lev. 23:32) said God to Israel. Thus two Sabbath dates -- the 15th and 22nd -- are established in the month of Abib, the first month of their religious year. Since the Sabbath principle was, six days of labor before a seventh day of rest or Sabbath, it follows necessarily that Sabbaths also fell on the first and eighth days of the month. This month Abib was the beginning of months (Exodus 13:3, 4), therefore the first week of Israel's first month began on a Sabbath; also in each year, without exception, the first day of the month Abib must be a Sabbath. Thus by Scripture we have located the Sabbaths in the first month of Israel's religious year as being fixed dates in the month rather than being on a fixed day of the week.
In the light of that fact we ask; was this first Sabbath the seventh day of the last week of the old year, or was it the first day of the first week of the new year? By this Jewish Sabbath the sabbath principle given at creation and confirmed in the Fourth Commandment of the Decalogue is followed distinctly, for it is the Sabbath following six days of labor; but also it is the first day of the first week of the new Jewish religious year.
The Jewish memorial Sabbath always began on a fixed date in the year, just like our New Year's and Christmas Days, and not on a given day of the week (Exodus 12:1, 2; 13:3, 4). No method is known for computing the calendar by which a full year may be divided into an equal number of weeks of seven days each. Bible scholars are agreed that it is not possible to know accurately what calendar Israel followed before their captivity. If, as some think, it was a thirteen-month year with twenty-eight days each, this accounts only for 364 days, another day must be added somewhere to fill out the required 365 days. If, as some others think, it was twelve months of thirty days each, five intercalary days must be added to fill out the year. But in either case it is not possible for a regular week of seven days to be observed throughout the year and have the new year begin with a Sabbath, one extra day must be accounted for in order to bring this about. It is also important to note that there was in this first month a fixed work day, the tenth day of the month, when they were to gather the lambs to sacrifice (Exod. 12:3). This could not be a Sabbath, for no such work could be performed on a Sabbath, hence a weekly cycle Sabbath was impossible.
An example of this is our present New Year's Day. This year, 1939, it came on Sunday, but it will be 1950 before it occurs on Sunday again, and between these dates it will fall on all of the other days of the week. So an extra Sabbath had to be inserted in Israel's calendar somewhere to permit their memorial Sabbath to fall upon the first day of the month of Abib, the new year's day of their religious year.
Was this day inserted? Did God plan for its insertion, or was it man made? There are scriptural suggestions that it was inserted and according to the plan of God, and that this change came at the time of the Feast of Pentecost. The date of the Feast of Pentecost was established by counting "from the morrow after the sabbath" (Lev. 23:15-21) at Passover time when the grain harvest began and a wave sheaf was presented to God, "even unto the morrow after the seventh sabbath shall ye number fifty days;" and this "morrow after the seventh sabbath" was Pentecost; a Sabbath celebrating the rest after the labors of grain harvest, for this feast marked the close of the grain harvest when bread made from the freshly harvested grain was presented to God. This Pentecost was a holy convocation or Sabbath in which no servile work was to be done. Thus two Sabbaths, or memorial days, came in consecutive order, making a forty-eight hour Sabbath, which they observed. Since the Sabbath principle demanded six days of labor between Sabbaths, the seventh day or weekly memorial Sabbath would be numbered from Pentecost, and thus it would continue throughout the year. With this forty-eight hour Sabbath the religious year was adjusted to the calendar year and the first of the month of Abib would fall on the Sabbath. Thus it is apparent from the Scriptures that the Jewish memorial weekly Sabbath changed each year at the Feast of Pentecost.
But do not the Jews observe the seventh day of our week, Saturday, as their Sabbath today? They do. How do they reckon this seventh day as the Sabbath? They have adjusted their religious year to the present calendar year. The mode of reckoning time now used by the Jews, we are told, was perhaps perfected by Rabbi Hillel in the year 359 or 360 A.D. Some students place the date of this change as late as 500 A.D. Jewish authorities themselves recognize that there is no direct connection between their present calendar and that used by the original Israelites. In the Jewish encyclopedia these statements are found: "The modern Jewish calendar is adapted to the Greek computation exclusively." "The modern Jewish calendar seems to have been inaugurated in 363 A.D., and Rabbi Hillel appears to have modified it by introducing some innovations."
This present Jewish calendar differs from the original calendar at least in this fact that the Sabbath now has a fixed day in the week (Saturday) and needs not to be adjusted to a fixed date in the year. It is worthy of note that this observance of Saturday as Sabbath by the Jews dates no farther back than the fourth century after Christ. So Saturday is no nearer the original Jewish memorial weekly Sabbath, than Sunday or any other day of the week.
Previously we have noted the twofold teaching of the Bible relative to the Sabbath; first as a universal principle stated by God at creation and confirmed in the Fourth Commandment, and second as a specific memorial day to the nation of Israel. The question under consideration in this chapter is the Jewish memorial Sabbath, was it on a fixed day of the week, or was it observed on a fixed date in the year necessitating a change in the memorial day each year?
From Scripture we gather that the Israelites had two years; a civil year which began about the time of our month of September, and a religious year beginning about the time of the latter part of our month of March. Their Sabbaths, the weekly memorial day, were dated from the first of the religious year (Lev. 23:4-6).
The first Sabbath mentioned in connection with Israel's second year began on the evening of the 14th of the month of Abib and concluded on the 15th (Lev. 23:6), and this feast of Passover, or of unleavened bread, continued seven full days, until the evening of the 21st (Exodus 12:18), concluding on the 22nd; for "from even unto even, shall you celebrate your sabbath" (Lev. 23:32) said God to Israel. Thus two Sabbath dates -- the 15th and 22nd -- are established in the month of Abib, the first month of their religious year. Since the Sabbath principle was, six days of labor before a seventh day of rest or Sabbath, it follows necessarily that Sabbaths also fell on the first and eighth days of the month. This month Abib was the beginning of months (Exodus 13:3, 4), therefore the first week of Israel's first month began on a Sabbath; also in each year, without exception, the first day of the month Abib must be a Sabbath. Thus by Scripture we have located the Sabbaths in the first month of Israel's religious year as being fixed dates in the month rather than being on a fixed day of the week.
In the light of that fact we ask; was this first Sabbath the seventh day of the last week of the old year, or was it the first day of the first week of the new year? By this Jewish Sabbath the sabbath principle given at creation and confirmed in the Fourth Commandment of the Decalogue is followed distinctly, for it is the Sabbath following six days of labor; but also it is the first day of the first week of the new Jewish religious year.
The Jewish memorial Sabbath always began on a fixed date in the year, just like our New Year's and Christmas Days, and not on a given day of the week (Exodus 12:1, 2; 13:3, 4). No method is known for computing the calendar by which a full year may be divided into an equal number of weeks of seven days each. Bible scholars are agreed that it is not possible to know accurately what calendar Israel followed before their captivity. If, as some think, it was a thirteen-month year with twenty-eight days each, this accounts only for 364 days, another day must be added somewhere to fill out the required 365 days. If, as some others think, it was twelve months of thirty days each, five intercalary days must be added to fill out the year. But in either case it is not possible for a regular week of seven days to be observed throughout the year and have the new year begin with a Sabbath, one extra day must be accounted for in order to bring this about. It is also important to note that there was in this first month a fixed work day, the tenth day of the month, when they were to gather the lambs to sacrifice (Exod. 12:3). This could not be a Sabbath, for no such work could be performed on a Sabbath, hence a weekly cycle Sabbath was impossible.
An example of this is our present New Year's Day. This year, 1939, it came on Sunday, but it will be 1950 before it occurs on Sunday again, and between these dates it will fall on all of the other days of the week. So an extra Sabbath had to be inserted in Israel's calendar somewhere to permit their memorial Sabbath to fall upon the first day of the month of Abib, the new year's day of their religious year.
Was this day inserted? Did God plan for its insertion, or was it man made? There are scriptural suggestions that it was inserted and according to the plan of God, and that this change came at the time of the Feast of Pentecost. The date of the Feast of Pentecost was established by counting "from the morrow after the sabbath" (Lev. 23:15-21) at Passover time when the grain harvest began and a wave sheaf was presented to God, "even unto the morrow after the seventh sabbath shall ye number fifty days;" and this "morrow after the seventh sabbath" was Pentecost; a Sabbath celebrating the rest after the labors of grain harvest, for this feast marked the close of the grain harvest when bread made from the freshly harvested grain was presented to God. This Pentecost was a holy convocation or Sabbath in which no servile work was to be done. Thus two Sabbaths, or memorial days, came in consecutive order, making a forty-eight hour Sabbath, which they observed. Since the Sabbath principle demanded six days of labor between Sabbaths, the seventh day or weekly memorial Sabbath would be numbered from Pentecost, and thus it would continue throughout the year. With this forty-eight hour Sabbath the religious year was adjusted to the calendar year and the first of the month of Abib would fall on the Sabbath. Thus it is apparent from the Scriptures that the Jewish memorial weekly Sabbath changed each year at the Feast of Pentecost.
But do not the Jews observe the seventh day of our week, Saturday, as their Sabbath today? They do. How do they reckon this seventh day as the Sabbath? They have adjusted their religious year to the present calendar year. The mode of reckoning time now used by the Jews, we are told, was perhaps perfected by Rabbi Hillel in the year 359 or 360 A.D. Some students place the date of this change as late as 500 A.D. Jewish authorities themselves recognize that there is no direct connection between their present calendar and that used by the original Israelites. In the Jewish encyclopedia these statements are found: "The modern Jewish calendar is adapted to the Greek computation exclusively." "The modern Jewish calendar seems to have been inaugurated in 363 A.D., and Rabbi Hillel appears to have modified it by introducing some innovations."
This present Jewish calendar differs from the original calendar at least in this fact that the Sabbath now has a fixed day in the week (Saturday) and needs not to be adjusted to a fixed date in the year. It is worthy of note that this observance of Saturday as Sabbath by the Jews dates no farther back than the fourth century after Christ. So Saturday is no nearer the original Jewish memorial weekly Sabbath, than Sunday or any other day of the week.
Friday, May 29, 2020
The Christian Sabbath Part 2: The Jewish Sabbath
THE JEWISH SABBATH, A MEMORIAL
The Sabbath principle, namely a sacred day of rest following six days of toil, is revealed by God through scriptural statements made early in human history (Gen. 2:3), and confirmed in the Fourth Commandment of the Decalogue. This principle was emphasized in the previous chapter. In this chapter we shall note how this Sabbath principle was adapted to Israel in the nature of a memorial. The Sabbath principle is fundamental and universal, but the adaptation of this principle to Israel as a memorial in the Jewish Sabbath is not possible of universal application.
The Sabbath principle as emphasized in God's statements following creation and in the Fourth Commandment is, a sacred day of rest following six days of toil. Man is as much obligated to engage in the days of toil as he is to observe the day of rest. "They are told," says Matthew Henry, "what is the day they must observe -- a seventh, after six days' labor; whether this was the seventh by computation from the first seventh, or from the day of their coming out of Egypt, or both, is not certain" in the statement of this Commandment.
However the given time in which Israel's Sabbath commenced and its related purpose to Israel is suggested in God's Word. The beginning of Israel's religious year is stated (Exodus 12:1, 2; 13:3, 4). The Sabbaths of that month (Abib) are mentioned, namely the fifteenth and twenty-second days. And the first observation of that day, the seventh day, seems to be indicated (Exodus 16:10-31). The giving of the manna is evidently the beginning of a cycle of weeks to Israel, and it corresponds to the other requirements given by God for their Sabbath keeping. The detailed instruction given by Moses in connection with the gathering of the manna, the apparent ignorance of the people and the confusion indicated by the number of Israelites who went out to gather manna on the seventh day, is evidence that these Hebrew slaves had not known or kept a Sabbath during their days in Egypt. So here the Sabbath principle of a sacred day of rest after six days of labor definitely becomes part of Israel's life and the given time in which the seventh day cycle commenced is stated.
But the Sabbath was to Israel more than a day of rest following six days of labor; it was a memorial day. It is not primarily a memorial of the finished work of creation as is generally supposed, for in no place is the Sabbath mentioned as a memorial of that creation rest day, although the principle of the Sabbath as revealed by that creation rest day is mentioned in connection with the Sabbath Commandment.
What, then, is the significance of the Jewish Sabbath as a memorial? It is threefold. First, it was a memorial of their deliverance from the bondage of Egypt; "And remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, and that the Lord brought thee out. . . . Therefore the Lord thy God commanded thee to keep the sabbath day" (Deut. 5:12-15). Second, it signified Israel's sacred relation to God and His rulership over them: "Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the Lord that doth sanctify you . . . whosoever doeth any work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death" (Exodus 31:13-15). Third, it was a sign of a perpetual covenant with Israel: "Israel shall keep the sabbath, throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between me and the children of Israel forever" (Exodus 31:16,17).
All of the detailed and ceremonial laws given to Israel, such as the requirement to make no fire on the Sabbath, and the feasts connected with certain Sabbaths, were related definitely to Israel's seventh day memorial Sabbath. These laws were not in any way related to the Sabbath principle, a sacred day of rest after six days of toil, although the principle of a day of rest -- a day in which no servile work was to be done -- ran through the entire requirement of Israel's Sabbath observation. The principle of the Sabbath, a sacred day of rest after six days of toil, is universal; but the Sabbath as a memorial to Israel, the seventh day of Israel's week, the cycle of which began with their deliverance from Egypt, specifically with the giving of the manna, was not universal. It was definitely related to Israel alone and not to other peoples or nations, for God positively stated the Israel memorial Sabbath "is a sign between me and the children of Israel forever." In fact it is impossible to keep the detailed laws of Israel's memorial Sabbath except in restricted areas of the earth. For example, folks in polar regions or in winter of the temperate zones must make fire on the Sabbath, and the making of a fire is strictly forbidden on Israel's memorial Sabbath.
A new cycle for reckoning the seventh day time may be instituted with an altogether different memorial without violating the Sabbath principle stated at creation and confirmed in the Decalogue, (which was a sacred day of rest following six days of toil). The institution of this new cycle with a different memorial does no more violence to the Sabbath principle, than did the institution of Israel's cycle of time reckoned upon their deliverance from Egypt.
The Bible teaching on the Sabbath is twofold; first, a Sabbath principle stated by God at the close of creation, when He rested and blessed the seventh day, and this principle is reiterated and confirmed by God in the Fourth Commandment of the Decalogue. This principle is a sacred day of rest following six days of toil. The second teaching is Israel's memorial Sabbath which is definitely related to the nation of Israel alone. It fell on the seventh day of Israel's week and had specific laws and ceremonies connected with it which could not fit into any universal observation of that special memorial Sabbath day. The principle of the Sabbath is universal and it is the moral obligation of all men, but Israel's memorial Sabbath was binding upon only that nation.
The Sabbath principle, namely a sacred day of rest following six days of toil, is revealed by God through scriptural statements made early in human history (Gen. 2:3), and confirmed in the Fourth Commandment of the Decalogue. This principle was emphasized in the previous chapter. In this chapter we shall note how this Sabbath principle was adapted to Israel in the nature of a memorial. The Sabbath principle is fundamental and universal, but the adaptation of this principle to Israel as a memorial in the Jewish Sabbath is not possible of universal application.
The Sabbath principle as emphasized in God's statements following creation and in the Fourth Commandment is, a sacred day of rest following six days of toil. Man is as much obligated to engage in the days of toil as he is to observe the day of rest. "They are told," says Matthew Henry, "what is the day they must observe -- a seventh, after six days' labor; whether this was the seventh by computation from the first seventh, or from the day of their coming out of Egypt, or both, is not certain" in the statement of this Commandment.
However the given time in which Israel's Sabbath commenced and its related purpose to Israel is suggested in God's Word. The beginning of Israel's religious year is stated (Exodus 12:1, 2; 13:3, 4). The Sabbaths of that month (Abib) are mentioned, namely the fifteenth and twenty-second days. And the first observation of that day, the seventh day, seems to be indicated (Exodus 16:10-31). The giving of the manna is evidently the beginning of a cycle of weeks to Israel, and it corresponds to the other requirements given by God for their Sabbath keeping. The detailed instruction given by Moses in connection with the gathering of the manna, the apparent ignorance of the people and the confusion indicated by the number of Israelites who went out to gather manna on the seventh day, is evidence that these Hebrew slaves had not known or kept a Sabbath during their days in Egypt. So here the Sabbath principle of a sacred day of rest after six days of labor definitely becomes part of Israel's life and the given time in which the seventh day cycle commenced is stated.
But the Sabbath was to Israel more than a day of rest following six days of labor; it was a memorial day. It is not primarily a memorial of the finished work of creation as is generally supposed, for in no place is the Sabbath mentioned as a memorial of that creation rest day, although the principle of the Sabbath as revealed by that creation rest day is mentioned in connection with the Sabbath Commandment.
What, then, is the significance of the Jewish Sabbath as a memorial? It is threefold. First, it was a memorial of their deliverance from the bondage of Egypt; "And remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, and that the Lord brought thee out. . . . Therefore the Lord thy God commanded thee to keep the sabbath day" (Deut. 5:12-15). Second, it signified Israel's sacred relation to God and His rulership over them: "Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the Lord that doth sanctify you . . . whosoever doeth any work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death" (Exodus 31:13-15). Third, it was a sign of a perpetual covenant with Israel: "Israel shall keep the sabbath, throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between me and the children of Israel forever" (Exodus 31:16,17).
All of the detailed and ceremonial laws given to Israel, such as the requirement to make no fire on the Sabbath, and the feasts connected with certain Sabbaths, were related definitely to Israel's seventh day memorial Sabbath. These laws were not in any way related to the Sabbath principle, a sacred day of rest after six days of toil, although the principle of a day of rest -- a day in which no servile work was to be done -- ran through the entire requirement of Israel's Sabbath observation. The principle of the Sabbath, a sacred day of rest after six days of toil, is universal; but the Sabbath as a memorial to Israel, the seventh day of Israel's week, the cycle of which began with their deliverance from Egypt, specifically with the giving of the manna, was not universal. It was definitely related to Israel alone and not to other peoples or nations, for God positively stated the Israel memorial Sabbath "is a sign between me and the children of Israel forever." In fact it is impossible to keep the detailed laws of Israel's memorial Sabbath except in restricted areas of the earth. For example, folks in polar regions or in winter of the temperate zones must make fire on the Sabbath, and the making of a fire is strictly forbidden on Israel's memorial Sabbath.
A new cycle for reckoning the seventh day time may be instituted with an altogether different memorial without violating the Sabbath principle stated at creation and confirmed in the Decalogue, (which was a sacred day of rest following six days of toil). The institution of this new cycle with a different memorial does no more violence to the Sabbath principle, than did the institution of Israel's cycle of time reckoned upon their deliverance from Egypt.
The Bible teaching on the Sabbath is twofold; first, a Sabbath principle stated by God at the close of creation, when He rested and blessed the seventh day, and this principle is reiterated and confirmed by God in the Fourth Commandment of the Decalogue. This principle is a sacred day of rest following six days of toil. The second teaching is Israel's memorial Sabbath which is definitely related to the nation of Israel alone. It fell on the seventh day of Israel's week and had specific laws and ceremonies connected with it which could not fit into any universal observation of that special memorial Sabbath day. The principle of the Sabbath is universal and it is the moral obligation of all men, but Israel's memorial Sabbath was binding upon only that nation.
Thursday, May 28, 2020
The Christian Sabbath Part 1: The Meaning of the Sabbath
BLJ: We are going to spend a few days looking at D.S. Corlette's book "The Christian Sabbath.“ The Sabbath is a very important subject in the Scriptures, but we hear so little about it that I felt the need to post concerning the subject.
THE MEANING OF SABBATH
What is the true Sabbath? Due to the agitation of Sabbatarians and the confusion among Christians resulting from their teachings more inquiries are made concerning the Sabbath question than perhaps any other modern fallacy. Conscientious Christians desire to obey God and keep His commandments regardless of the personal cost to them. Since Sabbatarians make the observing of Sunday as a day of worship a sign of apostasy and the mark of the beast, confusion prevails among those who have been touched by these teachings. The questions summarized are: Is the seventh day of the Fourth Commandment the same as the seventh day of the week of our Gregorian calendar? Are Christians bound to keep the seventh day of the week, our present Saturday, as the Sabbath? In this booklet we will present as clearly as possible answers to these questions, also we will give reasons for Christians observing what is commonly called the first day of the week, or Sunday, as a day of worship.
Different meanings are given to the word "sabbath" in Scripture. Its primary meaning everywhere is "cessation," "to cease to do," or "rest"; also it may mean a division of days. In Scripture the Sabbath is closely connected with the word "seven" or "seventh": the seventh day (Exodus 20:10), or weekly Sabbath, a day of rest; the Sabbatical year, "the seventh year shall be a sabbath" (Lev. 25:4); also "the space of seven sabbaths of years shall be unto thee forty and nine years . . . And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year" (Lev. 25:8-11). Special feast days not occurring on or near the weekly Sabbath were called Sabbath days, such as the Day of Atonement (Lev. 23:27-32). Primarily the word "sabbath" stresses what the day, year, or period was meant to be, namely a day or period of rest, a sacred time, and not necessarily the particular number of a day in the week.
Early in the history of the world the seventh day (it is noteworthy that the word Sabbath does not appear in this connection) is sanctified by God and called a holy or sacred day: "God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because in it he had rested from all his works which God created and made" (Gen. 2:3). In this statement a universal principle is stated, namely, the necessity of a seventh day of rest after a period of six days' of labor and the day is made sacred by God's blessing upon it. This principle is inherent in the nature of man and the universe, hence we have emphasized in Scripture, the day of rest for man and beast on each seventh day after six days of labor, a year of rest for the land after six years of productivity, and the suggestion of a final millennium of Sabbath rest for the whole universe, when everything within the universe is brought into harmony with God and His will.
The Decalogue reiterates this fundamental principle by the statement of the Fourth Commandment: "Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: but the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God" (Exodus 20:8-11). The principle of the commandment is based upon the Sabbath of creation, "For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, . . . and rested on the seventh: wherefore the Lord blessed the seventh day, and hallowed it." Note particularly in this connection that the Sabbath is not stated as being a memorial of a finished creation, it is the reiteration of a fundamental principle revealed at creation; a sacred day of rest following six days of labor.
The Ten Commandments are ten moral principles. They reveal the true fundamentals of social or human life, stressing man's obligation to God and to his fellow beings. These Commandments are true, fundamentally so, and would be true were they not revealed; but being true, God in His infinite goodness has revealed them to us. These moral principles necessarily are binding upon all men without regard to their moral or spiritual state. The Sabbath, a sacred day of rest after six days of labor is as much a moral principle as any of the other Commandments. "The sabbath is made for man," said Jesus. Its requirement is based upon a distinct human need. The rest of the seventh day restores the depleted supply of physical energy consumed during the six working days, the worship on this sacred day gives mental stimulation and spiritual blessing, and man is further rewarded through his recognition of God as a Divine Ruler and by obedience to God's law.
Does this Sabbath principle, the seventh day, mean a specific day in the week of seven days, or does it mean the seventh day after six days of labor? In other words, did God bless a specific day of the week, for example a seventh day, called Saturday, and make it a holy day, or did He bless the seventh day, any day of the week, after six days of labor? "The essence of Sabbath law" says Benjamin Field, in his "Handbook of Christian Theology," "is that one day in seven, the seventh day after six days of labor should be appropriated to sacred uses. Accordingly we find that, in the original institution (Gen. 2:3) it is stated in general terms that God blessed and sanctified the seventh day, which must, undoubtedly, imply the sanctity of every seventh day, at whatever given time the cycle may commence. In the Decalogue it is also mentioned in the same indefinite manner with respect to time. Nothing more being expressedly required than to observe a day of sacred rest after six days of toil. The seventh day is to be kept holy, but not a word is said as to what epoch the commencement of the series is to be referred. It is the seventh day in reference to the six before mentioned."
The earliest references to the Sabbath in Scripture establish it as a fundamental principle, an inherent part of the moral law. For man's benefit and to honor God the principle of a sacred day of rest following six days of labor is given. Nothing more than this is stated or implied and no one has a right to go beyond that which is written.
THE MEANING OF SABBATH
What is the true Sabbath? Due to the agitation of Sabbatarians and the confusion among Christians resulting from their teachings more inquiries are made concerning the Sabbath question than perhaps any other modern fallacy. Conscientious Christians desire to obey God and keep His commandments regardless of the personal cost to them. Since Sabbatarians make the observing of Sunday as a day of worship a sign of apostasy and the mark of the beast, confusion prevails among those who have been touched by these teachings. The questions summarized are: Is the seventh day of the Fourth Commandment the same as the seventh day of the week of our Gregorian calendar? Are Christians bound to keep the seventh day of the week, our present Saturday, as the Sabbath? In this booklet we will present as clearly as possible answers to these questions, also we will give reasons for Christians observing what is commonly called the first day of the week, or Sunday, as a day of worship.
Different meanings are given to the word "sabbath" in Scripture. Its primary meaning everywhere is "cessation," "to cease to do," or "rest"; also it may mean a division of days. In Scripture the Sabbath is closely connected with the word "seven" or "seventh": the seventh day (Exodus 20:10), or weekly Sabbath, a day of rest; the Sabbatical year, "the seventh year shall be a sabbath" (Lev. 25:4); also "the space of seven sabbaths of years shall be unto thee forty and nine years . . . And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year" (Lev. 25:8-11). Special feast days not occurring on or near the weekly Sabbath were called Sabbath days, such as the Day of Atonement (Lev. 23:27-32). Primarily the word "sabbath" stresses what the day, year, or period was meant to be, namely a day or period of rest, a sacred time, and not necessarily the particular number of a day in the week.
Early in the history of the world the seventh day (it is noteworthy that the word Sabbath does not appear in this connection) is sanctified by God and called a holy or sacred day: "God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because in it he had rested from all his works which God created and made" (Gen. 2:3). In this statement a universal principle is stated, namely, the necessity of a seventh day of rest after a period of six days' of labor and the day is made sacred by God's blessing upon it. This principle is inherent in the nature of man and the universe, hence we have emphasized in Scripture, the day of rest for man and beast on each seventh day after six days of labor, a year of rest for the land after six years of productivity, and the suggestion of a final millennium of Sabbath rest for the whole universe, when everything within the universe is brought into harmony with God and His will.
The Decalogue reiterates this fundamental principle by the statement of the Fourth Commandment: "Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: but the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God" (Exodus 20:8-11). The principle of the commandment is based upon the Sabbath of creation, "For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, . . . and rested on the seventh: wherefore the Lord blessed the seventh day, and hallowed it." Note particularly in this connection that the Sabbath is not stated as being a memorial of a finished creation, it is the reiteration of a fundamental principle revealed at creation; a sacred day of rest following six days of labor.
The Ten Commandments are ten moral principles. They reveal the true fundamentals of social or human life, stressing man's obligation to God and to his fellow beings. These Commandments are true, fundamentally so, and would be true were they not revealed; but being true, God in His infinite goodness has revealed them to us. These moral principles necessarily are binding upon all men without regard to their moral or spiritual state. The Sabbath, a sacred day of rest after six days of labor is as much a moral principle as any of the other Commandments. "The sabbath is made for man," said Jesus. Its requirement is based upon a distinct human need. The rest of the seventh day restores the depleted supply of physical energy consumed during the six working days, the worship on this sacred day gives mental stimulation and spiritual blessing, and man is further rewarded through his recognition of God as a Divine Ruler and by obedience to God's law.
Does this Sabbath principle, the seventh day, mean a specific day in the week of seven days, or does it mean the seventh day after six days of labor? In other words, did God bless a specific day of the week, for example a seventh day, called Saturday, and make it a holy day, or did He bless the seventh day, any day of the week, after six days of labor? "The essence of Sabbath law" says Benjamin Field, in his "Handbook of Christian Theology," "is that one day in seven, the seventh day after six days of labor should be appropriated to sacred uses. Accordingly we find that, in the original institution (Gen. 2:3) it is stated in general terms that God blessed and sanctified the seventh day, which must, undoubtedly, imply the sanctity of every seventh day, at whatever given time the cycle may commence. In the Decalogue it is also mentioned in the same indefinite manner with respect to time. Nothing more being expressedly required than to observe a day of sacred rest after six days of toil. The seventh day is to be kept holy, but not a word is said as to what epoch the commencement of the series is to be referred. It is the seventh day in reference to the six before mentioned."
The earliest references to the Sabbath in Scripture establish it as a fundamental principle, an inherent part of the moral law. For man's benefit and to honor God the principle of a sacred day of rest following six days of labor is given. Nothing more than this is stated or implied and no one has a right to go beyond that which is written.
Wednesday, May 27, 2020
Some Truth About God’s Love (Warning: you should skip this post if you like a sugar coated gospel)
We live in times that men and women of God need to proclaim the old time Gospel truths. There is a hell and most people are going there. Only a few will take the narrow path. Most will take the broad way and lots of dishonest preachers will march with them. Today, with the soft preaching of a self-help guru Jesus there to help you live a fun and prosperous life, what do you have to be worried about? God isn’t mad at you. He is not angry with the sinner at all.
Years ago I learned we should preach what the Bible says, not what you would like it to say. Let’s look at what the Bible clearly says:
1. Psalm 5:5 “The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: Thou hates all workers of iniquity.”
2. Psalm 7:11 “God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day.”
3. Psalm 11:5 “The Lord trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.”
4. Romans 9:13 “As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.”
These verses paint a much different picture than some churches have of a heavenly butler hanging on your every word just waiting to give you what you want.
Look at the verses from 1 John:
1. 3:6: “Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.”
2. 3:8: “He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.”
3. 3:9 “Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin....”
The verses in 1 John, because of the tense of the Greek verbs, do not speak about a requirement of sinless perfection. They are talking about a lifestyle of committing sin. The sinner needs to be warned that he or she is in danger of hell fire if they don’t repent and have faith in Jesus Christ. We must preach Christ crucified, that is our message.
Who does Paul say will be going to hell? He gives a list in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10:
1. Fornicators (this includes sexual sin between the unmarried);
2. Idolaters (those that place anything between themselves and God);
3. Effeminate (those who commit perversions);
4. Homosexuals (notwithstanding civil laws created by man, God’s law is clear);
5. Thieves;
6. Covetous;
7. Drunkards;
8. Revilers; and
9. Swindlers.
We need to speak truth in love. I state that it is love to proclaim Bible truths. The determination of love is not decided by the workers of iniquity. Love is determined by whether what is spoken is Scriptural.
So, which path are you on?
Years ago I learned we should preach what the Bible says, not what you would like it to say. Let’s look at what the Bible clearly says:
1. Psalm 5:5 “The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: Thou hates all workers of iniquity.”
2. Psalm 7:11 “God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day.”
3. Psalm 11:5 “The Lord trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.”
4. Romans 9:13 “As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.”
These verses paint a much different picture than some churches have of a heavenly butler hanging on your every word just waiting to give you what you want.
Look at the verses from 1 John:
1. 3:6: “Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.”
2. 3:8: “He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.”
3. 3:9 “Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin....”
The verses in 1 John, because of the tense of the Greek verbs, do not speak about a requirement of sinless perfection. They are talking about a lifestyle of committing sin. The sinner needs to be warned that he or she is in danger of hell fire if they don’t repent and have faith in Jesus Christ. We must preach Christ crucified, that is our message.
Who does Paul say will be going to hell? He gives a list in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10:
1. Fornicators (this includes sexual sin between the unmarried);
2. Idolaters (those that place anything between themselves and God);
3. Effeminate (those who commit perversions);
4. Homosexuals (notwithstanding civil laws created by man, God’s law is clear);
5. Thieves;
6. Covetous;
7. Drunkards;
8. Revilers; and
9. Swindlers.
We need to speak truth in love. I state that it is love to proclaim Bible truths. The determination of love is not decided by the workers of iniquity. Love is determined by whether what is spoken is Scriptural.
So, which path are you on?
Tuesday, May 26, 2020
Doctrinal Study: Christianity and the Future
BLJ: We finish this brief doctrinal study with a look to the future.
75. What is the kingdom of God?
The kingdom of God is a present possession and a future hope; it is the present rule of Christ over His people through the indwelling Holy Spirit, but its full consummation awaits the final rule of Christ, when He "shall deliver up the kingdom to God, even the Father ... that God may be all in all" (I Cor. 15:24-28). "The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you" (Luke 17:20, 21). "For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost" (Rom. 14:17). "The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever" (Rev. 11:15).
76. What do we believe about the second coming of Christ?
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ will come again; that we who are alive at His coming shall not precede them that are asleep in Christ Jesus; but that, if we are abiding in Him, we shall be caught up with the risen saints to meet the Lord in the air, so that we shall ever be with the Lord (Manual, page 30 [11]). "For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent [precede] them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord" (I Thess. 4:15-17).
77. What is the Christian view of death?
"Death for the Christian is the door through which he enters into the new life he receives in the resurrection which follows, a new and glorified body as the eternal habitation of his redeemed soul" (Christian Theology, WILEY) "Death is swallowed up in victory" (I Cor. 15:54). "For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens" (II Cor. 5:1). "We are confident, I say, and willing, rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord" (II Cor. 5:8).
78. What is the meaning of resurrection?
In the resurrection of the dead, the bodies of both the just and the unjust shall be raised to life and united with their spirits (Manual, page 30 [12, sec. 1]). "Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation" (John 5:28, 29).
79. What is glorification?
Glorification is the completion of man's salvation, when Christ shall change our vile body that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body. "For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself" (Phil. 3:20, 21). "Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality" (I Cor. 15:5153).
80. What is the Christian teaching of future judgment?
We believe in future judgment in which every man shall appear before God to be judged according to the deeds done in this life (Manual, page 30 [12, sec. 2]). "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad" (I Cor. 5:10).
81. What is the future destiny of mankind?
We believe that a glorious and everlasting life is assured to all who savingly believe in, and obediently follow, Jesus Christ our Lord; and that the finally impenitent shall suffer eternally in hell (Manual, page 30 [12, sec. 3]). "And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal" (Matt. 25:46).
82. What is heaven?
Heaven is the dwelling place of God and of the holy angels, and the eternal home of the redeemed of this earth. "In heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven" (Matt. 18:10). "To an inheritance, incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you" (I Peter 1:4).
83. What is hell?
Hell is the dwelling place of evil spirits, the place prepared for the devil and his angels, and the eternal abode of the finally impenitent sinner. "If God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell" (II Peter 2:4). "Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels" (Matt. 25:41). "The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God" (Psalm 9:17).
84. What is the final consummation of all things?
The final consummation of all things will be the full victory of Jesus Christ over all evil, the glorious completion of the kingdom of God in a new heaven and a new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness; and the complete rule of God and righteousness in His universe. "Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For he shall reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet" (I Cor. 15:24, 25). "Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness" (II Pet. 3:13). "Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth" (Rev. 19:6)
75. What is the kingdom of God?
The kingdom of God is a present possession and a future hope; it is the present rule of Christ over His people through the indwelling Holy Spirit, but its full consummation awaits the final rule of Christ, when He "shall deliver up the kingdom to God, even the Father ... that God may be all in all" (I Cor. 15:24-28). "The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you" (Luke 17:20, 21). "For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost" (Rom. 14:17). "The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever" (Rev. 11:15).
76. What do we believe about the second coming of Christ?
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ will come again; that we who are alive at His coming shall not precede them that are asleep in Christ Jesus; but that, if we are abiding in Him, we shall be caught up with the risen saints to meet the Lord in the air, so that we shall ever be with the Lord (Manual, page 30 [11]). "For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent [precede] them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord" (I Thess. 4:15-17).
77. What is the Christian view of death?
"Death for the Christian is the door through which he enters into the new life he receives in the resurrection which follows, a new and glorified body as the eternal habitation of his redeemed soul" (Christian Theology, WILEY) "Death is swallowed up in victory" (I Cor. 15:54). "For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens" (II Cor. 5:1). "We are confident, I say, and willing, rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord" (II Cor. 5:8).
78. What is the meaning of resurrection?
In the resurrection of the dead, the bodies of both the just and the unjust shall be raised to life and united with their spirits (Manual, page 30 [12, sec. 1]). "Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation" (John 5:28, 29).
79. What is glorification?
Glorification is the completion of man's salvation, when Christ shall change our vile body that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body. "For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself" (Phil. 3:20, 21). "Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality" (I Cor. 15:5153).
80. What is the Christian teaching of future judgment?
We believe in future judgment in which every man shall appear before God to be judged according to the deeds done in this life (Manual, page 30 [12, sec. 2]). "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad" (I Cor. 5:10).
81. What is the future destiny of mankind?
We believe that a glorious and everlasting life is assured to all who savingly believe in, and obediently follow, Jesus Christ our Lord; and that the finally impenitent shall suffer eternally in hell (Manual, page 30 [12, sec. 3]). "And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal" (Matt. 25:46).
82. What is heaven?
Heaven is the dwelling place of God and of the holy angels, and the eternal home of the redeemed of this earth. "In heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven" (Matt. 18:10). "To an inheritance, incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you" (I Peter 1:4).
83. What is hell?
Hell is the dwelling place of evil spirits, the place prepared for the devil and his angels, and the eternal abode of the finally impenitent sinner. "If God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell" (II Peter 2:4). "Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels" (Matt. 25:41). "The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God" (Psalm 9:17).
84. What is the final consummation of all things?
The final consummation of all things will be the full victory of Jesus Christ over all evil, the glorious completion of the kingdom of God in a new heaven and a new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness; and the complete rule of God and righteousness in His universe. "Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For he shall reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet" (I Cor. 15:24, 25). "Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness" (II Pet. 3:13). "Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth" (Rev. 19:6)
Monday, May 25, 2020
Doctrinal Study: The Christian Life Part 2
BLJ: We conclude today our mini study on the Christian life. Does your life reflect Jesus Christ, or does something else have your affections?
71. What is the Christian's relation to the world?
The Christian is not of the world, but being a member of human society he is not indifferent to his relation to others; especially does he seek to do good to all men, to seek the salvation of sinners and the reformation of society. "They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil" (John 17:14,15). "God ... hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth" (Acts 17:24, 25). "Let us do good unto all men" (Gal. 6:10).
72. What summarizes the Christian's obligation to others?
The second great commandment, "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself" summarizes the Christian's obligation to others; which means that we are to "love all men with the love of good will, the unfortunate and distressed with the love of pity, and good men with the love of complacency" (Christian Theology, Wiley)
73. What are the Christian's obligations to civil authorities?
It is the Christian's obligation to show respect to and pray for the civil authorities, to be a law-abiding citizen, and to exercise his privileges as a citizen in the affairs of government. "Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men ... Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king" (I Peter 2:13-15, 17). "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty" (I Tim. 2:1,2). "Render therefore unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's" (Matt. 22:21).
74. What is a Christian home?
A Christian home is a home where God is worshipped and honored, and where Christian love is the guiding principle in all relationships. "Let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband" (Eph. 5:.33). "Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right ... And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord" (Eph. 6:1,4).
71. What is the Christian's relation to the world?
The Christian is not of the world, but being a member of human society he is not indifferent to his relation to others; especially does he seek to do good to all men, to seek the salvation of sinners and the reformation of society. "They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil" (John 17:14,15). "God ... hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth" (Acts 17:24, 25). "Let us do good unto all men" (Gal. 6:10).
72. What summarizes the Christian's obligation to others?
The second great commandment, "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself" summarizes the Christian's obligation to others; which means that we are to "love all men with the love of good will, the unfortunate and distressed with the love of pity, and good men with the love of complacency" (Christian Theology, Wiley)
73. What are the Christian's obligations to civil authorities?
It is the Christian's obligation to show respect to and pray for the civil authorities, to be a law-abiding citizen, and to exercise his privileges as a citizen in the affairs of government. "Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men ... Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king" (I Peter 2:13-15, 17). "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty" (I Tim. 2:1,2). "Render therefore unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's" (Matt. 22:21).
74. What is a Christian home?
A Christian home is a home where God is worshipped and honored, and where Christian love is the guiding principle in all relationships. "Let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband" (Eph. 5:.33). "Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right ... And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord" (Eph. 6:1,4).
Sunday, May 24, 2020
Eighth Bible Study: More Than Conquerors
Today’s lesson comes from Romans 8: 26-39. The eighth chapter begins with no condemnation and ends with no separation. The chapter describes the blessedness of being a child of God. In the verses before our text, three particulars of the blessing are given:
1. The gospel did what the law could not do;
2. By adoption, the believer joins the family of God;
3. It assures us of Complete and final redemption from all the evils in this life.
In the first section, the lesson focuses on prayer and the Spirit’s ministry for us. In section two, we see that God works all things together for the good of those that love Him. The last two sections cover verses which are filled with questions and answers. Nothing that has been created can separate us from the love of God. Only God could, but God won’t.
The first section is “The Spirit Helpeth.” vv. 26,27 The Holy Spirit not only does what verses 1-16 stated, but He also “helpeth our infirmities.” As flesh and blood, we all have weaknesses and limitations. These include our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects. What a blessing it is to know that the Spirit of God will help us carry the load that we cannot bear alone. Our mental limitations can cause us to not know how we should even pray. Praise God that the Spirit will step in and help us pray. Our words may be less than perfect, but He knows the desireS and attitudeS of our hearts. Since the Spirit’s intercession will be in harmony with the “will of God,” our petitions will be accepted before the throne.
The second section is “All Things Work Together.” vv. 28-30. There is a wonderful promise contained in verse 28. "We Know" that God is going to work everything out, no matter what we are facing, to and for our good. It will cause God's plan for our life to become manifest. God's Providence ensures us that nothing can happen to us that does not first past by the window of heaven. There is no force or power on earth that is not subject to the Providence of God. A miracle occurs when God interferes with natural law to bring about a desired result, e.g., a person being healed with terminal cancer. Providence is when God allows or directs events to occur that He in His wisdom will cause His perfect plan to become manifest. That is the comfort we have when we read verse 28.
Verses 29, 30 deal with the subjects of foreknowledge, predestination, the call of God, justification and glorification. There are some deep theological waters in these verses that people have been arguing over for centuries. Suffice it to say the following about these verses:
1. Before the foundation of the world, God the Father had a plan to save people from a life of sin and restore them to right relationship to Him;
2. He predestined them to be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ;
3. The ones who were predestined, He called through an act of grace in their hearts;
4. The ones who answered the call, would be justified (this is a judicial act being declared not liable for the sins we have committed); and
5. The ones justified would ultimately be glorified and live with God throughout all eternity.
Regardless of one's particular theological persuasion, we can take comfort in that if you are in the family of God through the blood of Jesus Christ, you were predestined before you were born to be a believer. You received a personal call from God to join His family. He has justified you and through the blood of Jesus Christ you have been declared not guilty. Finally, your ultimate destination will be with God forever.
The third section is "If God Be for Us." vv. 31-34 Paul writes in verse 31, "What shall we then say to these things?" In essence, he says what is the conclusion of what I have written. His answer should be a comfort to Christians of all ages, "If God be for us, who can be against us?" The latter phrase means who can triumph over us? The answer is no one! In verse 32, we have proof of God's care for His own.The Father gave up His own Son for us and He will "freely give us all things." The enemy likes to bring a charge against us. Sometimes it is in our minds and sometimes it is the minds of others. Paul counters this with, "Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect?" If your sins have been forgiven and your heart cleansed through entire sanctification, there is nothing else to fear. Jesus is now "at the right hand of God," and is in control of our security in this present world. He will see us through every trial and dilemma if we keep trusting and believing in Him. If God is for us, it doesn't matter who is against us.
The fourth section is "Who Shall Separate Us?" vv. 35-39 In light of what God has done for us, "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?" This is the climax of Paul's argument. Notice that the Apostle does not say he can not separate himself. Salvation does not undermine man's freedom of choice. We came into a relationship by faith and the Scriptures contain several warnings about not allowing your faith to become shipwrecked. The point is that we need never sever our relationship with God. He will never say no to us. Several groups have different opinions on whether you can lose your salvation. Both sides agree that someone living a life of sin is not going to heaven. If that person at one time was a professing believer, the question is did he lose his salvation. One says yes, he backslid. The other side says he never was a real believer, he was a pretender. My point is that someone living in habitual sin is not saved. I don't want to argue over the failures. It doesn't matter for the purposes of this post. The point is that you can through the blood of Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit live a victorious life in Christ. You don't have to backslide and return to sin. God knows the way through every difficulty and He will see you through to the end.
The Golden Text is: "Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ." (2 Corinthians 2: 14) Wwe have the victory. This is not like a sporting event that you hope to win. The final outcome has already been decided. God wins and Satan loses! This is a cause of great joy for the believer. We can walk in victory over the world, the flesh, and the devil. He may act like a roaring lion, but we have the true power to defeat him. No matter what your circumstances are, you have the Word of God, prayer and the Holy Spirit actively working in your life to walk in the victory that has been won for you in Jesus Christ. That is shouting ground!
My summary points:
1. The Holy Spirit works actively in our lives to help us pray and overcome infirmities;
2. No matter what occurs in this life, God works everything out for good;
3. Since God is for us, why should we fear?;
4. Nothing can separate us from God's love.
Next week's lesson: "The Gospel Message." Romans 10: 1-17
Don't forget to read the Sunday School Beacon for inspiration and encouragement.
Verses 29, 30 deal with the subjects of foreknowledge, predestination, the call of God, justification and glorification. There are some deep theological waters in these verses that people have been arguing over for centuries. Suffice it to say the following about these verses:
1. Before the foundation of the world, God the Father had a plan to save people from a life of sin and restore them to right relationship to Him;
2. He predestined them to be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ;
3. The ones who were predestined, He called through an act of grace in their hearts;
4. The ones who answered the call, would be justified (this is a judicial act being declared not liable for the sins we have committed); and
5. The ones justified would ultimately be glorified and live with God throughout all eternity.
Regardless of one's particular theological persuasion, we can take comfort in that if you are in the family of God through the blood of Jesus Christ, you were predestined before you were born to be a believer. You received a personal call from God to join His family. He has justified you and through the blood of Jesus Christ you have been declared not guilty. Finally, your ultimate destination will be with God forever.
The third section is "If God Be for Us." vv. 31-34 Paul writes in verse 31, "What shall we then say to these things?" In essence, he says what is the conclusion of what I have written. His answer should be a comfort to Christians of all ages, "If God be for us, who can be against us?" The latter phrase means who can triumph over us? The answer is no one! In verse 32, we have proof of God's care for His own.The Father gave up His own Son for us and He will "freely give us all things." The enemy likes to bring a charge against us. Sometimes it is in our minds and sometimes it is the minds of others. Paul counters this with, "Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect?" If your sins have been forgiven and your heart cleansed through entire sanctification, there is nothing else to fear. Jesus is now "at the right hand of God," and is in control of our security in this present world. He will see us through every trial and dilemma if we keep trusting and believing in Him. If God is for us, it doesn't matter who is against us.
The fourth section is "Who Shall Separate Us?" vv. 35-39 In light of what God has done for us, "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?" This is the climax of Paul's argument. Notice that the Apostle does not say he can not separate himself. Salvation does not undermine man's freedom of choice. We came into a relationship by faith and the Scriptures contain several warnings about not allowing your faith to become shipwrecked. The point is that we need never sever our relationship with God. He will never say no to us. Several groups have different opinions on whether you can lose your salvation. Both sides agree that someone living a life of sin is not going to heaven. If that person at one time was a professing believer, the question is did he lose his salvation. One says yes, he backslid. The other side says he never was a real believer, he was a pretender. My point is that someone living in habitual sin is not saved. I don't want to argue over the failures. It doesn't matter for the purposes of this post. The point is that you can through the blood of Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit live a victorious life in Christ. You don't have to backslide and return to sin. God knows the way through every difficulty and He will see you through to the end.
The Golden Text is: "Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ." (2 Corinthians 2: 14) Wwe have the victory. This is not like a sporting event that you hope to win. The final outcome has already been decided. God wins and Satan loses! This is a cause of great joy for the believer. We can walk in victory over the world, the flesh, and the devil. He may act like a roaring lion, but we have the true power to defeat him. No matter what your circumstances are, you have the Word of God, prayer and the Holy Spirit actively working in your life to walk in the victory that has been won for you in Jesus Christ. That is shouting ground!
My summary points:
1. The Holy Spirit works actively in our lives to help us pray and overcome infirmities;
2. No matter what occurs in this life, God works everything out for good;
3. Since God is for us, why should we fear?;
4. Nothing can separate us from God's love.
Next week's lesson: "The Gospel Message." Romans 10: 1-17
Don't forget to read the Sunday School Beacon for inspiration and encouragement.
Saturday, May 23, 2020
Doctrinal Study: The Christian Life Part 1
BLJ: We will spend two days examining the nature of the Christian life and what it looks like practically.
64. What is the standard of Christian living?
The standard for Christian living is the moral law revealed in the Holy Scriptures; hence Christians are to live upright, sober and godly lives, ever seeking to glorify God in all phases of life. "That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit" (Rom. 8:4). "Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world" (Titus 2:12). "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God" (I Cor. 10:31).
65. How may the Christian glorify God in his body?
The Christian may glorify God in his body by realizing constantly that his body is the temple of the Holy Ghost, by devoting his whole life to the doing of the will of God, and by refraining from such practices, habits, adornments and associations as are not to the glory of God. (See Manual, General Rules, page 33 to 36). "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's" (I Cor. 6:19, 20). "Abstain from all appearance of evil" (I Thess. 5:22). "Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price" (I Peter 3:3, 4) "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers ... Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty" (II Cor. 6:14, 17, 18)
66. What are the obligations for Christian growth?
Our people should give careful heed to the development of holiness in the fear of the Lord, and to the development of the Christian graces in the heart and of their manifestation in daily life (Manual, page 46 [38]). "But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ" (II Peter 3:18).
67. What are the means for Christian growth?
The means of Christian growth are faithful attendance upon the fellowship of public worship, the consistent practice of devotional exercises, such as the reading and study of the Word, private prayer and spiritual meditation, and personal activity in Christian service. "And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together" (Heb. 10:24,25). "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby" (I Peter 2:2). "When thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly" (Matt. 6:6) "Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting [progress, R. V.] may appear to all" (I Tim. 4:15). "Ye shall be witnesses unto me" (Acts 1:8).
68. What is the place of the Holy Spirit in the Christian's life?
The Holy Spirit is the source of all Christian life and growth; the Inspirer of all Christian virtues; the Helper in the development of character, giving power for service, help in the prayer life, comfort in sorrow, and strength in trials; His presence and sealing is the constant assurance of present salvation and the confidence of eternal life. "The Spirit of life in Christ Jesus" (Rom. 8:2). "The fruit of the Spirit... " (Gal. 5:22). "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter [Helper]" (John 14:16). "... the Spirit ... maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God" (Rom. 8:27). "After that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory" (Eph. 1:13, 14)
69. What is Christian Stewardship?
Christian stewardship is the recognition of God's ownership of all things and of man's trusteeship -- that we are but stewards of our own lives and in the use of our time, means, and other possessions; and that we are under the sacred obligation of systematic and proportionate giving of our time and means for the support of Christian work, and of holding and using all possessions sacredly unto the Lord. (Manual, page 46 [391) "... the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth" (Gen. 14:19). "... He giveth to all life, and breath, and all things" (Acts 17:25). "As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God" (I Peter 4:10). "It is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful" (I Cor. 4:2). "Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the first fruits of all thine increase" (Prov. 3:9).
70. What is the Christian's obligation in the support of the church?
It is the Christian's duty to contribute to the support of the church according to the ability which God gives. We believe that the scriptural method of gathering money for the support of the church is by means of tithes and offerings (Manual, page 43 [34]). "Even so the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel" (I Cor. 9:14). "Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him" (I Cor. 16:2). "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house" (Mal. 3:10). "Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver" (II Cor. 9:7).
64. What is the standard of Christian living?
The standard for Christian living is the moral law revealed in the Holy Scriptures; hence Christians are to live upright, sober and godly lives, ever seeking to glorify God in all phases of life. "That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit" (Rom. 8:4). "Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world" (Titus 2:12). "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God" (I Cor. 10:31).
65. How may the Christian glorify God in his body?
The Christian may glorify God in his body by realizing constantly that his body is the temple of the Holy Ghost, by devoting his whole life to the doing of the will of God, and by refraining from such practices, habits, adornments and associations as are not to the glory of God. (See Manual, General Rules, page 33 to 36). "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's" (I Cor. 6:19, 20). "Abstain from all appearance of evil" (I Thess. 5:22). "Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price" (I Peter 3:3, 4) "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers ... Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty" (II Cor. 6:14, 17, 18)
66. What are the obligations for Christian growth?
Our people should give careful heed to the development of holiness in the fear of the Lord, and to the development of the Christian graces in the heart and of their manifestation in daily life (Manual, page 46 [38]). "But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ" (II Peter 3:18).
67. What are the means for Christian growth?
The means of Christian growth are faithful attendance upon the fellowship of public worship, the consistent practice of devotional exercises, such as the reading and study of the Word, private prayer and spiritual meditation, and personal activity in Christian service. "And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together" (Heb. 10:24,25). "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby" (I Peter 2:2). "When thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly" (Matt. 6:6) "Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting [progress, R. V.] may appear to all" (I Tim. 4:15). "Ye shall be witnesses unto me" (Acts 1:8).
68. What is the place of the Holy Spirit in the Christian's life?
The Holy Spirit is the source of all Christian life and growth; the Inspirer of all Christian virtues; the Helper in the development of character, giving power for service, help in the prayer life, comfort in sorrow, and strength in trials; His presence and sealing is the constant assurance of present salvation and the confidence of eternal life. "The Spirit of life in Christ Jesus" (Rom. 8:2). "The fruit of the Spirit... " (Gal. 5:22). "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter [Helper]" (John 14:16). "... the Spirit ... maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God" (Rom. 8:27). "After that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory" (Eph. 1:13, 14)
69. What is Christian Stewardship?
Christian stewardship is the recognition of God's ownership of all things and of man's trusteeship -- that we are but stewards of our own lives and in the use of our time, means, and other possessions; and that we are under the sacred obligation of systematic and proportionate giving of our time and means for the support of Christian work, and of holding and using all possessions sacredly unto the Lord. (Manual, page 46 [391) "... the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth" (Gen. 14:19). "... He giveth to all life, and breath, and all things" (Acts 17:25). "As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God" (I Peter 4:10). "It is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful" (I Cor. 4:2). "Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the first fruits of all thine increase" (Prov. 3:9).
70. What is the Christian's obligation in the support of the church?
It is the Christian's duty to contribute to the support of the church according to the ability which God gives. We believe that the scriptural method of gathering money for the support of the church is by means of tithes and offerings (Manual, page 43 [34]). "Even so the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel" (I Cor. 9:14). "Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him" (I Cor. 16:2). "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house" (Mal. 3:10). "Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver" (II Cor. 9:7).
Friday, May 22, 2020
Doctrinal Study: The Christian Church Part 2
BLJ: We continue looking at the church, divorce and the Sabbath.
55. What are other institutions of Christianity?
The Christian Sabbath and Marriage are other institutions of Christianity.
56. What is the Sabbath?
The Sabbath is the seventh day, a sacred day of rest, following six days of secular employment. The Sabbath principle was revealed by God at the time of creation and is confirmed in the Ten Commandments. "And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it; because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made" (Gen. 2:3). "Remember the sabbath day to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work: but the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God" (Exod. 20:8-10).
57. What was the Jewish Sabbath?
The Jewish Sabbath was the sabbath principle adapted by God as a weekly memorial of God's perpetual covenant with Israel and of their deliverance from Egypt As such it was a shadow of things to come which Christ took out of the way in His death. "Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between me and the children of Israel forever" (Exod. 31:16,17). "Keep the sabbath day to sanctify it, as the Lord thy God hath commanded thee ... And remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, and that the Lord thy God brought thee out thence through a mighty hand and by a stretched out arm: therefore the Lord thy God commanded thee to keep the sabbath day" (Deut. 5:12, 15). "Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; and having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it. Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of a holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ" (Col. 2:1417).
58. What is the Christian Sabbath?
It is the sabbath principle adapted by the Christian Church to the first day of the week as a weekly memorial of the resurrection of our Lord and of the advent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. "Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week ... came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you ... After eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas was with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you" (John 20:19, 26). And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them" (Acts 20:7) "Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come" (I Con 16:2)
59. How are we to keep the Sabbath day holy?
We keep the Sabbath day holy by devoting the day chiefly to the worship and service of God, and by refraining from all secular occupations and recreations, except works of mercy and necessity.
60. Is marriage a divine institution?
The institution of marriage was ordained of God in the time of man's innocency, and is, according to apostolic authority, "honorable in all"; it is the mutual union of one man and one woman for fellowship, helpfulness and the propagation of the race (Manual, page 44 [36, sec. 1]). "Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, and said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh" (Matt. 19:4-6). "Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled" (Heb. 13:4). Marriage is between one man and one woman. (BLJ)
61. Is the marriage covenant binding?
The marriage covenant is morally binding as long as both shall live, and, therefore, may not be dissolved at will (Manual, page 45 [36, sec. 1]). "What therefore God hath joined together, let no man put asunder" (Mark 10:9). "For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband" (Rom. 7:2).
62. Is divorce and remarriage ever allowable?
There may exist such causes and conditions as justify divorce under civil law, yet only adultery will supply such ground as may justify the innocent party in remarrying. (Manual, page 45 [36, sec. 2]). "And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery" (Matt. 19:9).
63. What is. the church's teaching on divine healing?
We believe in the Bible doctrine of divine healing and urge our people to seek to offer the prayer of faith for the healing of the sick. Providential means and agencies when deemed necessary should not be refused (Manual, page 31 [15]). "Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let him pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: and the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him" (James 5:14, 15).
55. What are other institutions of Christianity?
The Christian Sabbath and Marriage are other institutions of Christianity.
56. What is the Sabbath?
The Sabbath is the seventh day, a sacred day of rest, following six days of secular employment. The Sabbath principle was revealed by God at the time of creation and is confirmed in the Ten Commandments. "And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it; because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made" (Gen. 2:3). "Remember the sabbath day to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work: but the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God" (Exod. 20:8-10).
57. What was the Jewish Sabbath?
The Jewish Sabbath was the sabbath principle adapted by God as a weekly memorial of God's perpetual covenant with Israel and of their deliverance from Egypt As such it was a shadow of things to come which Christ took out of the way in His death. "Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between me and the children of Israel forever" (Exod. 31:16,17). "Keep the sabbath day to sanctify it, as the Lord thy God hath commanded thee ... And remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, and that the Lord thy God brought thee out thence through a mighty hand and by a stretched out arm: therefore the Lord thy God commanded thee to keep the sabbath day" (Deut. 5:12, 15). "Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; and having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it. Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of a holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ" (Col. 2:1417).
58. What is the Christian Sabbath?
It is the sabbath principle adapted by the Christian Church to the first day of the week as a weekly memorial of the resurrection of our Lord and of the advent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. "Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week ... came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you ... After eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas was with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you" (John 20:19, 26). And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them" (Acts 20:7) "Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come" (I Con 16:2)
59. How are we to keep the Sabbath day holy?
We keep the Sabbath day holy by devoting the day chiefly to the worship and service of God, and by refraining from all secular occupations and recreations, except works of mercy and necessity.
60. Is marriage a divine institution?
The institution of marriage was ordained of God in the time of man's innocency, and is, according to apostolic authority, "honorable in all"; it is the mutual union of one man and one woman for fellowship, helpfulness and the propagation of the race (Manual, page 44 [36, sec. 1]). "Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, and said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh" (Matt. 19:4-6). "Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled" (Heb. 13:4). Marriage is between one man and one woman. (BLJ)
61. Is the marriage covenant binding?
The marriage covenant is morally binding as long as both shall live, and, therefore, may not be dissolved at will (Manual, page 45 [36, sec. 1]). "What therefore God hath joined together, let no man put asunder" (Mark 10:9). "For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband" (Rom. 7:2).
62. Is divorce and remarriage ever allowable?
There may exist such causes and conditions as justify divorce under civil law, yet only adultery will supply such ground as may justify the innocent party in remarrying. (Manual, page 45 [36, sec. 2]). "And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery" (Matt. 19:9).
63. What is. the church's teaching on divine healing?
We believe in the Bible doctrine of divine healing and urge our people to seek to offer the prayer of faith for the healing of the sick. Providential means and agencies when deemed necessary should not be refused (Manual, page 31 [15]). "Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let him pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: and the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him" (James 5:14, 15).
Thursday, May 21, 2020
Churches and COVID-19 Part 2
I am currently enrolled in a course seeking another degree. The name of one of the texts is “Anointed Expository Preaching” by Stephen F. Olford with David L. Olford. I read this on Wednesday:
The Congregation of the Saints
“And they continued steadfastly in the ...fellowship” (v. 42). The word fellowship is a precious one. It is used again and again for participation in living, loving, giving, and serving in the church. However, in this immediate context it’s reference is primarily to that of the assembling of God’s people. Without the congregation of the saints there is no purpose in the exposition of the Scriptures. This is why the writer to the Hebrews exhorts believers of all time to forsake not “the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much more as [we] see the Day approaching” (Heb. 10:25). There is something God does in our lives when we gather together that cannot be achieved in any other way. This is why the electronic church is no substitute for the congregation of the saints. (Emphasis BLJ)
BLJ: When the government forbids churches to assemble, I personally believe that violates the US Constitution. When the government allows the churches to reopen, but church leadership prevents their congregations from gathering together, something is seriously wrong. I believe church leaders that vote against reopening should get a copy of “Foxes Book of Martyrs” and see how Christians acted when they faced death. I’m glad my former denomination made it required reading before ordination. God did not put any exceptions around Hebrews 10:25.
Why would a church refuse to re-open? I suspect it is for safety concerns. There are many believers that perhaps don’t have great faith, but a mustard seed is all that is needed to face a sickness with a 99% survival rate. God says in His Word that we are to assemble. If you disagree, give me a verse. Remember every verse has one interpretation, with many applications, so make sure the verse is interpreted correctly.
I leave you with two final thoughts:
1. Sunday morning is a sacred time when the church gathers together to pray, worship and hear the Word. When you stay home, how sacred is your morning? Perhaps you have become accustomed to a lack of the sacred. I haven’t and I pray I never will.
2. A study revealed that 53000 people leave a church every week and never come back. Why would you want to help increase this number by remaining closed?
Be Biblical. Have faith in God. And, don’t forget to assemble together.
The Congregation of the Saints
“And they continued steadfastly in the ...fellowship” (v. 42). The word fellowship is a precious one. It is used again and again for participation in living, loving, giving, and serving in the church. However, in this immediate context it’s reference is primarily to that of the assembling of God’s people. Without the congregation of the saints there is no purpose in the exposition of the Scriptures. This is why the writer to the Hebrews exhorts believers of all time to forsake not “the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much more as [we] see the Day approaching” (Heb. 10:25). There is something God does in our lives when we gather together that cannot be achieved in any other way. This is why the electronic church is no substitute for the congregation of the saints. (Emphasis BLJ)
BLJ: When the government forbids churches to assemble, I personally believe that violates the US Constitution. When the government allows the churches to reopen, but church leadership prevents their congregations from gathering together, something is seriously wrong. I believe church leaders that vote against reopening should get a copy of “Foxes Book of Martyrs” and see how Christians acted when they faced death. I’m glad my former denomination made it required reading before ordination. God did not put any exceptions around Hebrews 10:25.
Why would a church refuse to re-open? I suspect it is for safety concerns. There are many believers that perhaps don’t have great faith, but a mustard seed is all that is needed to face a sickness with a 99% survival rate. God says in His Word that we are to assemble. If you disagree, give me a verse. Remember every verse has one interpretation, with many applications, so make sure the verse is interpreted correctly.
I leave you with two final thoughts:
1. Sunday morning is a sacred time when the church gathers together to pray, worship and hear the Word. When you stay home, how sacred is your morning? Perhaps you have become accustomed to a lack of the sacred. I haven’t and I pray I never will.
2. A study revealed that 53000 people leave a church every week and never come back. Why would you want to help increase this number by remaining closed?
Be Biblical. Have faith in God. And, don’t forget to assemble together.
Wednesday, May 20, 2020
Churches and COVID-19
I wanted to write a personal observation regarding churches re-opening amid the COVID-19 pandemic. First, let me be clear from the start that I in no way intend to minimize the feelings of those legitimately concerned for their health and well-being. The media has done much to frighten people with misconstrued and inaccurate data. Yet, people's feelings are real and they should be respected.
The church I attend did not re-open this past Sunday but continued with online services. They are doing a good job to present messages and worship through media. I believe a media church does have its place, but not as much when people can assemble in person. My wife told me she wanted to travel to a friend's house to pick up a basketball hoop and stand. So on Sunday morning with phone in hand so I could see our services online, we began our journey. It was about forty minutes one way. We passed a number of churches that were closed. It was so sad. I even passed our church and that was the saddest for me. After we picked up the gift, my wife said she wanted to stop by the local Bass Pro Shop to check on something. When we pulled into the parking lot, it was packed. Cars were everywhere and there was no social distancing in the store. These folks that want to hunt and fish had more commitment to their leisure activities than the church people did who canceled services. It was so sad that I wanted to cry. I had to leave the store and went for a walk while my wife and son stayed in the store.
I believe it is wrong to cancel services when the state has said you can re-open with restrictions. If someone does not feel comfortable, then it is their right not to attend. That is perfectly fine. However, it is equally fine if someone (and that includes me) wants to attend services and worship God. Some will say they can worship God at home. Yes, that's true, but the Bible tells us not to forget to assemble together. You cannot assemble together in separate locations. There is no accountability. This virus has an almost 99% survival rate. I refuse to act in fear because of a sickness with that survival statistic. Christians throughout the ages have suffered and died for their faith being tortured, burned alive, beheaded. What must the cloud of witnesses think of the modern Christian who cancels church in the face of a 1% mortality rate?
When church leadership fails to follow the Scriptures, it supplants their wisdom for God's Wisdom. Those that feel that they should continue to shut the church doors, I simply ask what is your Scriptural support for such a decision? I don't want you looking at medical reports with false data and making this decision. I want you in the Holy Bible and in prayer. I don't want your collective wisdom. I want God's Word on the subject. Church leadership needs to reconsider and follow the Word, but if you don't, know that when you finally do agree to open, you might be by yourself.
The church I attend did not re-open this past Sunday but continued with online services. They are doing a good job to present messages and worship through media. I believe a media church does have its place, but not as much when people can assemble in person. My wife told me she wanted to travel to a friend's house to pick up a basketball hoop and stand. So on Sunday morning with phone in hand so I could see our services online, we began our journey. It was about forty minutes one way. We passed a number of churches that were closed. It was so sad. I even passed our church and that was the saddest for me. After we picked up the gift, my wife said she wanted to stop by the local Bass Pro Shop to check on something. When we pulled into the parking lot, it was packed. Cars were everywhere and there was no social distancing in the store. These folks that want to hunt and fish had more commitment to their leisure activities than the church people did who canceled services. It was so sad that I wanted to cry. I had to leave the store and went for a walk while my wife and son stayed in the store.
I believe it is wrong to cancel services when the state has said you can re-open with restrictions. If someone does not feel comfortable, then it is their right not to attend. That is perfectly fine. However, it is equally fine if someone (and that includes me) wants to attend services and worship God. Some will say they can worship God at home. Yes, that's true, but the Bible tells us not to forget to assemble together. You cannot assemble together in separate locations. There is no accountability. This virus has an almost 99% survival rate. I refuse to act in fear because of a sickness with that survival statistic. Christians throughout the ages have suffered and died for their faith being tortured, burned alive, beheaded. What must the cloud of witnesses think of the modern Christian who cancels church in the face of a 1% mortality rate?
When church leadership fails to follow the Scriptures, it supplants their wisdom for God's Wisdom. Those that feel that they should continue to shut the church doors, I simply ask what is your Scriptural support for such a decision? I don't want you looking at medical reports with false data and making this decision. I want you in the Holy Bible and in prayer. I don't want your collective wisdom. I want God's Word on the subject. Church leadership needs to reconsider and follow the Word, but if you don't, know that when you finally do agree to open, you might be by yourself.
Tuesday, May 19, 2020
Doctrinal Study: The Christian Church Part 1
BLJ: Today we look at the institution of the church, as a local body or denomination. Not all of this is necessarily agreed to by all, but it was the opinion of the writer.
42. What is the Church of God?
The Church of God is composed of all spiritually regenerate persons, whose names are written in heaven (Manual, page 31 [16]). "To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven" (Heb. 12:23). "... The Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named" (Eph. 3:14,15).
43. What is the nature of the Church of God?
The Church of God is a spiritual organism into which all believers are incorporated by the Spirit; it is a holy temple in the Lord, an habitation of God through the Spirit. "For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body" (I Con 12:13). "Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular" (I Cor. 12:27). "Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone, in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord; in whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit" (Eph. 2:19-22).
44. What is the relation of the Church to Christ?
The Church belongs to Christ; it is purchased by His blood, it is the spiritual body of which He is the head; it is also called the Bride of Christ. "... the Church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood' (Acts 20:28). "... and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, which is his body" (Eph. 1:22, 23). "I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ" (II Con 11:2).
45. What is the mission of the Church?
The Church is the pillar and ground of the truth, the salt of the earth, and the light of the world; the medium through which the gospel of Christ is proclaimed to the world. "... the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth" (I Tim. 3:15). "Ye are the salt of the earth ... Ye are the light of the world Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your father which is in heaven" (Matt. 5:13, 14, 16). "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15).
46. What are the churches severally?
The churches severally are to be composed of such regenerate persons as by providential permission, and by the leadings of the Holy Spirit, become associated together for holy fellowship and ministries. (Manual, page 32 [17]). "... unto the church of God which is at Corinth" (II Con 1:1) "... to the church in thy house" (Philemon 2) "Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write" (Rev. 2:1).
47. What is the Church of the Nazarene?
The Church of the Nazarene is composed of those persons who have voluntarily associated themselves together according to the doctrines and polity of said church, and who seek holy Christian fellowship, the conversion of sinners, the entire sanctification of believers, their upbuilding in holiness, and the simplicity and spiritual power manifested in the primitive New Testament Church, together with the preaching of the gospel to every creature (Manual, page 32 [18]).
48. What is a sacrament?
A sacrament is an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace.
49. What are the sacraments of the Church?
The sacraments of the Church are the ordinances of Baptism and The Lord's Supper.
50. What is Baptism?
Christian baptism is a sacrament signifying acceptance of the benefits of the atonement of Jesus Christ, to be administered to believers, as declarative of their faith in Jesus Christ as their Saviour, and full purpose of obedience in holiness and righteousness (Manual, page 130 [13]). "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins" (Acts 2:38). "Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?" (Acts 10:47). "See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God" (Acts 8:36, 37).
51. How may baptism be administered?
Baptism is administered by water; by sprinkling, pouring or immersion, according to the choice of the applicant; in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Ghost (Manual, adapted, page 31). "... baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost" (Matt. 28:19).
52. What is The Lord's Supper?
The Memorial and Communion Supper instituted by our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, is essentially a New Testament sacrament, declarative of His sacrificial death, through the merits of which believers have life and salvation, and promise of all spiritual blessings in Christ (Manual, page 31 [14]). "The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread" (I Con 10:16, 17).
53. What are the emblems of this sacrament?
The broken bread and unfermented wine are the sacramental emblems of the broken body and shed blood of Jesus Christ. "... Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; for this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins" (Matt. 26. 26-28).
54. Who are to partake of The Lord's Supper?
It is distinctly for those who are prepared for reverent appreciation of its significance, and by it they show forth the Lord's death till He come again. Being the communion feast, only those who have faith in Christ and love for the saints should be called to participate therein. (Manual, page 31 [14]). "For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death till he come. Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body" (I Con 11:26-29).
42. What is the Church of God?
The Church of God is composed of all spiritually regenerate persons, whose names are written in heaven (Manual, page 31 [16]). "To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven" (Heb. 12:23). "... The Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named" (Eph. 3:14,15).
43. What is the nature of the Church of God?
The Church of God is a spiritual organism into which all believers are incorporated by the Spirit; it is a holy temple in the Lord, an habitation of God through the Spirit. "For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body" (I Con 12:13). "Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular" (I Cor. 12:27). "Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone, in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord; in whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit" (Eph. 2:19-22).
44. What is the relation of the Church to Christ?
The Church belongs to Christ; it is purchased by His blood, it is the spiritual body of which He is the head; it is also called the Bride of Christ. "... the Church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood' (Acts 20:28). "... and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, which is his body" (Eph. 1:22, 23). "I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ" (II Con 11:2).
45. What is the mission of the Church?
The Church is the pillar and ground of the truth, the salt of the earth, and the light of the world; the medium through which the gospel of Christ is proclaimed to the world. "... the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth" (I Tim. 3:15). "Ye are the salt of the earth ... Ye are the light of the world Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your father which is in heaven" (Matt. 5:13, 14, 16). "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15).
46. What are the churches severally?
The churches severally are to be composed of such regenerate persons as by providential permission, and by the leadings of the Holy Spirit, become associated together for holy fellowship and ministries. (Manual, page 32 [17]). "... unto the church of God which is at Corinth" (II Con 1:1) "... to the church in thy house" (Philemon 2) "Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write" (Rev. 2:1).
47. What is the Church of the Nazarene?
The Church of the Nazarene is composed of those persons who have voluntarily associated themselves together according to the doctrines and polity of said church, and who seek holy Christian fellowship, the conversion of sinners, the entire sanctification of believers, their upbuilding in holiness, and the simplicity and spiritual power manifested in the primitive New Testament Church, together with the preaching of the gospel to every creature (Manual, page 32 [18]).
48. What is a sacrament?
A sacrament is an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace.
49. What are the sacraments of the Church?
The sacraments of the Church are the ordinances of Baptism and The Lord's Supper.
50. What is Baptism?
Christian baptism is a sacrament signifying acceptance of the benefits of the atonement of Jesus Christ, to be administered to believers, as declarative of their faith in Jesus Christ as their Saviour, and full purpose of obedience in holiness and righteousness (Manual, page 130 [13]). "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins" (Acts 2:38). "Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?" (Acts 10:47). "See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God" (Acts 8:36, 37).
51. How may baptism be administered?
Baptism is administered by water; by sprinkling, pouring or immersion, according to the choice of the applicant; in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Ghost (Manual, adapted, page 31). "... baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost" (Matt. 28:19).
52. What is The Lord's Supper?
The Memorial and Communion Supper instituted by our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, is essentially a New Testament sacrament, declarative of His sacrificial death, through the merits of which believers have life and salvation, and promise of all spiritual blessings in Christ (Manual, page 31 [14]). "The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread" (I Con 10:16, 17).
53. What are the emblems of this sacrament?
The broken bread and unfermented wine are the sacramental emblems of the broken body and shed blood of Jesus Christ. "... Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; for this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins" (Matt. 26. 26-28).
54. Who are to partake of The Lord's Supper?
It is distinctly for those who are prepared for reverent appreciation of its significance, and by it they show forth the Lord's death till He come again. Being the communion feast, only those who have faith in Christ and love for the saints should be called to participate therein. (Manual, page 31 [14]). "For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death till he come. Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body" (I Con 11:26-29).
Monday, May 18, 2020
Doctrinal Study: The Way of Salvation Part 2
BLJ: Part 2 of this important topic teaches on the witness of the Spirit and entire sanctification. These are two very important topics. One should never presume he or she was saved or sanctified without the witness of the Holy Spirit.
32. What is regeneration?
Regeneration, or the new birth, is that gracious work of God, whereby the moral nature of the repentant believer is spiritually quickened and given a distinctively spiritual life, capable of faith, love, and obedience. (Manual, page 28 [9, sec. 2]). "And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses" (Col. 3:9) "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour" (Titus 3:5, 6). "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God" (John 3:3).
33. What is adoption?
Adoption is that gracious act of God by which 'the justified and regenerated believer is constituted a son of God (Manual, page 28 [9, sec. 3]). "That ye might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba Father" (Gal. 4:5, 6). "Ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry Abba Father" (Rom. 8:15).
34. What is the witness of the Spirit?
The witness of the Spirit is the testimony of the Holy Spirit to the spirit of believers of their sonship and acceptance with God. "The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God" (Rom. 8:16).
35. What is the relation of these experiences to each other?
Justification, regeneration, and adoption are simultaneous in the experience of seekers after God and are obtained upon the condition of faith, preceded by repentance; and to this work and state of grace the Holy Spirit bears witness (Manual, page 29 [9, sec. 4]).
36. What is entire sanctification?
Entire sanctification is that act of God, subsequent to regeneration, by which believers are made free from original sin, or depravity, and brought into a state of entire devotement to God, and the holy obedience of love made perfect. (Manual, page 29 [10]). "And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly" (I Thess. 5:23). "But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life" (Rom. 6:22).
37. How is entire sanctification received?
It is provided by the blood of Jesus, is wrought instantaneously by faith, preceded by entire consecration; and to this work and state of grace the Holy Spirit bears witness (Manual, page 29). "Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate" (Heb. 13:12). "... inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me [Christ]" (Acts 26:18). "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service" (Rom. 12:1).
38. What is the relation of entire sanctification to the baptism with the Holy Spirit?
Entire sanctification is wrought by the baptism with the Holy Spirit, and comprehends in one experience the cleansing of the heart from sin and the abiding indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, empowering the believer {or life and service. (Manual, page 29). "And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; and put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith" (Acts 15:8, 9). "The offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost" (Rom. 15:16).
39. By what other terms is the experience of entire sanctification known?
This experience is also known by various terms representing its different phases, such as "Christian Perfection," "Perfect Love," "Heart Purity," "The Baptism with the Holy Ghost," "The Fullness of the Blessing," and "Christian Holiness" (Manual, page 29).
40. What is the scriptural evidence of this experience?
The evidence of the experience of entire sanctification, or the baptism with the Holy Spirit, is purity of heart and the free manifestation in daily life of the graces or fruit of the Spirit. "Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God" (Matt. 5:8) "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance; against such there is no law" (Gal. 5:22, 23).
41. May a Christian fall from grace?
We believe that man, though in the possession of the experience of regeneration and entire sanctification, may fall from grace and apostatize, and unless he repent of his sin, be hopelessly and eternally lost (Manual, page 28). "Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall" (I Con 10:12). "For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginnings of our confidence stedfast unto the end" (Heb. 3:14). "For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, and have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, if they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame" (Heb. 6:4-6). "But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved" (Matt. 24:13).
32. What is regeneration?
Regeneration, or the new birth, is that gracious work of God, whereby the moral nature of the repentant believer is spiritually quickened and given a distinctively spiritual life, capable of faith, love, and obedience. (Manual, page 28 [9, sec. 2]). "And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses" (Col. 3:9) "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour" (Titus 3:5, 6). "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God" (John 3:3).
33. What is adoption?
Adoption is that gracious act of God by which 'the justified and regenerated believer is constituted a son of God (Manual, page 28 [9, sec. 3]). "That ye might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba Father" (Gal. 4:5, 6). "Ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry Abba Father" (Rom. 8:15).
34. What is the witness of the Spirit?
The witness of the Spirit is the testimony of the Holy Spirit to the spirit of believers of their sonship and acceptance with God. "The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God" (Rom. 8:16).
35. What is the relation of these experiences to each other?
Justification, regeneration, and adoption are simultaneous in the experience of seekers after God and are obtained upon the condition of faith, preceded by repentance; and to this work and state of grace the Holy Spirit bears witness (Manual, page 29 [9, sec. 4]).
36. What is entire sanctification?
Entire sanctification is that act of God, subsequent to regeneration, by which believers are made free from original sin, or depravity, and brought into a state of entire devotement to God, and the holy obedience of love made perfect. (Manual, page 29 [10]). "And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly" (I Thess. 5:23). "But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life" (Rom. 6:22).
37. How is entire sanctification received?
It is provided by the blood of Jesus, is wrought instantaneously by faith, preceded by entire consecration; and to this work and state of grace the Holy Spirit bears witness (Manual, page 29). "Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate" (Heb. 13:12). "... inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me [Christ]" (Acts 26:18). "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service" (Rom. 12:1).
38. What is the relation of entire sanctification to the baptism with the Holy Spirit?
Entire sanctification is wrought by the baptism with the Holy Spirit, and comprehends in one experience the cleansing of the heart from sin and the abiding indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, empowering the believer {or life and service. (Manual, page 29). "And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; and put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith" (Acts 15:8, 9). "The offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost" (Rom. 15:16).
39. By what other terms is the experience of entire sanctification known?
This experience is also known by various terms representing its different phases, such as "Christian Perfection," "Perfect Love," "Heart Purity," "The Baptism with the Holy Ghost," "The Fullness of the Blessing," and "Christian Holiness" (Manual, page 29).
40. What is the scriptural evidence of this experience?
The evidence of the experience of entire sanctification, or the baptism with the Holy Spirit, is purity of heart and the free manifestation in daily life of the graces or fruit of the Spirit. "Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God" (Matt. 5:8) "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance; against such there is no law" (Gal. 5:22, 23).
41. May a Christian fall from grace?
We believe that man, though in the possession of the experience of regeneration and entire sanctification, may fall from grace and apostatize, and unless he repent of his sin, be hopelessly and eternally lost (Manual, page 28). "Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall" (I Con 10:12). "For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginnings of our confidence stedfast unto the end" (Heb. 3:14). "For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, and have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, if they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame" (Heb. 6:4-6). "But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved" (Matt. 24:13).
Sunday, May 17, 2020
Seventh Bible Study: Who Walk After the Spirit
Today's lesson comes from Romans 8: 1-14. Chapter seven was bypassed. In that chapter, Paul describes an unregenerate man who is trying to live up to the demands of the law. But because he is yet carnal, he finds himself doing the things which he knows are wrong, and failing to do those things which are right. Is there something wrong with the law of God which demands righteousness? Paul replies, "no!" The law is good--showing men their sin and lost condition. The problem is not the law; the problem is in the depraved heart of man. How can man be delivered from this corruption? Through Jesus Christ, and a life that has been abandoned to the Holy Ghost.
In his book, "The Establishing Grace, A.M. Hills wrote: "In chapter six, Paul exhibited sanctification and a life of holiness as provided for in the atonement. In this chapter (eight), he reveals it as a personal experience in his own life. Prior to this chapter, the Holy Spirit is mentioned only one time by Paul. In this chapter, the Holy Spirit is referred to nineteen times. Victorious Christian living comes only from the indwelling presence and power of the Spirit of God. That is what today's lesson is about.
The first section is, "Now No Condemnation." vv. 1-4 In chapter seven, we see the struggle of an unregenerate man who is trying to live according to the moral law. However, he finds within himself a sinful carnal nature which frustrates his efforts, leaving him under condemnation. In chapter eight, the picture has changed. Now, we have a man by the grace of God has been set free from the domination of the carnal mind. The work of grace is to be obtained and enjoyed in this present life.
Verse two speaks of two laws: the law of sin and the law of the Spirit. The unsanctified person has an inner influence that is evil and sinful. In the believer, this has been replaced by the law of the Spirit which enables him to live a life above sin. The Holy Spirit sets us free from the "law of sin and death." In verse three, the "law" spoken of is the moral code of the Old Testament. The law set standards but not the ability to obey. The law demonstrated man's sin and the need of salvation. Through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, He not only passed sentence on sin, but also provided the means to remove sin from the heart of the believer. God's purpose in sending His Son was that we might live free from sin, both the acts of sin and the sin nature. When the perfect love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the indwelling Holy Spirit, we are then enabled to keep God's laws, and walk pleasing to Him.
The second section is "The Carnal Mind." vv. 5-8 In these verse, Paul is showing why those that are in the flesh cannot fulfill "the righteousness of the law" and "cannot please God." "Flesh" does not refer to the physical body. Instead, it means the depraved, fallen nature of man. Sometimes it is called the old man, the carnal mind, flesh, or sin nature. It is the depraved part of a person that wars against God. It is present in the unbeliever as well as the unsanctified Christian. "To be carnally minded is death." Sin is a disease that will bring about separation from God. In contrast, those who are "after the Spirit," are under the guidance and influence of the Holy Ghost. Their minds and affections are set on things spiritual: communion with God, service to God and mankind, and eternal realities. To be "spiritually minded" is to be filled and led by the Holy Spirit in the discipline of a holy lifestyle. The result is to be truly alive. The "carnal mind" is not subject to God, is in rebellion against God, and at war with God. "The design of God in the economy of the gospel, is not to weaken, curtail, or lay the carnal principle bonds, but to destroy it. As it is not subject, and cannot be subject to the law of God, it must be destroyed, else it will continue to rebel against God." (Adam Clarke) God does not want His children to have the carnal mind. That is why He has provided a method to have the carnal mind removed and eradicated from the believer. What is that method? Entire sanctification kills the old man and removes him from the heart resulting in holiness and heart purity.
The third section is "Indwelling Spirit." vv. 9-14 What does it take to be a Christian? Is Christianity merely a system of ethics, a body of teaching, or a distinct lifestyle? No, to be a Christian you must have the Spirit of God dwelling in you. The believer is indwell by The Holy Spirit. Due to the fall of Adam, our physical bodies will die. However, if the Spirit of Christ has come into your heart, while your body may die, you will have eternal life. The Holy Spirit gives you spiritual life. The indwelling Spirit enables the believer to "mortify" (means put to death) "the deeds of the body." Prior to conversion, our bodies were instuments through which our carnal mind found expression. After conversion to Jesus Christ, these bodily weaknesses were brought under the control of God's Spirit. Entire sanctification removed the source of the problem (carnal depravity) and enables the sanctified believer to live a life without an internal struggle. The Holy Spirit guides us by His Word, providence, and impressions. The Spirit will always lead in harmony with God's Word, never contrary. A.M. Hills said: "The influence of the Spirit, if followed, would lead every man into the experience of sanctification, and finally to heaven. But when neglected, rejected, or despised, man driven on by his own carnality, makes his final home in hell." To maintain our right relationship with God we must submit to the leadership and authority of the Spirit of God in our lives.
To the reader I ask:
1. Are you unsaved? Is your life characterized by a life of sin? Or,
2. Do you know your sins have been forgiven but your heart struggles with anger, lust, jealousy, gossip, greed, hatred, or other works of the flesh? Or,
3. Do you know that God has saved and sanctified you? If so, you may rejoice that you have been perfected in love and walk in the Spirit.
It is important to be honest and know where you are standing with the Lord. It is holiness or hell. What is your final destination? While you still breathe, you can make an eternal choice and be transformed.
The Golden Text is "Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh." (Galatians 5:16) "If the Spirit of God dwells in and rules your heart, the whole carnal mind will be destroyed; and then, not only carnal ordinances will be abandoned, but also the works and propensities of the flesh." (Adam Clarke) As we walk on the highway of holiness, we will continue to have an adversary that battles us. However, the attack comes from an external foe and finds no friend in our hearts to align with. To remain pure in our evil society, holiness of heart and life is essential to walking in consistent victory.
My summary points:
1. Jesus Christ came to free us from the penalty of sin and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
2. The carnal mind, i.e. the old man, is the sin nature we were born with and it fights against God.
3. There is victory over the carnal mind through the blood of Jesus Christ and the indwelling Holy Spirit.
Next week, "More Than Conquerors." Romans 8: 26-39
Read the Sunday School Beacon for inspiration and encouragement.
In his book, "The Establishing Grace, A.M. Hills wrote: "In chapter six, Paul exhibited sanctification and a life of holiness as provided for in the atonement. In this chapter (eight), he reveals it as a personal experience in his own life. Prior to this chapter, the Holy Spirit is mentioned only one time by Paul. In this chapter, the Holy Spirit is referred to nineteen times. Victorious Christian living comes only from the indwelling presence and power of the Spirit of God. That is what today's lesson is about.
The first section is, "Now No Condemnation." vv. 1-4 In chapter seven, we see the struggle of an unregenerate man who is trying to live according to the moral law. However, he finds within himself a sinful carnal nature which frustrates his efforts, leaving him under condemnation. In chapter eight, the picture has changed. Now, we have a man by the grace of God has been set free from the domination of the carnal mind. The work of grace is to be obtained and enjoyed in this present life.
Verse two speaks of two laws: the law of sin and the law of the Spirit. The unsanctified person has an inner influence that is evil and sinful. In the believer, this has been replaced by the law of the Spirit which enables him to live a life above sin. The Holy Spirit sets us free from the "law of sin and death." In verse three, the "law" spoken of is the moral code of the Old Testament. The law set standards but not the ability to obey. The law demonstrated man's sin and the need of salvation. Through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, He not only passed sentence on sin, but also provided the means to remove sin from the heart of the believer. God's purpose in sending His Son was that we might live free from sin, both the acts of sin and the sin nature. When the perfect love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the indwelling Holy Spirit, we are then enabled to keep God's laws, and walk pleasing to Him.
The second section is "The Carnal Mind." vv. 5-8 In these verse, Paul is showing why those that are in the flesh cannot fulfill "the righteousness of the law" and "cannot please God." "Flesh" does not refer to the physical body. Instead, it means the depraved, fallen nature of man. Sometimes it is called the old man, the carnal mind, flesh, or sin nature. It is the depraved part of a person that wars against God. It is present in the unbeliever as well as the unsanctified Christian. "To be carnally minded is death." Sin is a disease that will bring about separation from God. In contrast, those who are "after the Spirit," are under the guidance and influence of the Holy Ghost. Their minds and affections are set on things spiritual: communion with God, service to God and mankind, and eternal realities. To be "spiritually minded" is to be filled and led by the Holy Spirit in the discipline of a holy lifestyle. The result is to be truly alive. The "carnal mind" is not subject to God, is in rebellion against God, and at war with God. "The design of God in the economy of the gospel, is not to weaken, curtail, or lay the carnal principle bonds, but to destroy it. As it is not subject, and cannot be subject to the law of God, it must be destroyed, else it will continue to rebel against God." (Adam Clarke) God does not want His children to have the carnal mind. That is why He has provided a method to have the carnal mind removed and eradicated from the believer. What is that method? Entire sanctification kills the old man and removes him from the heart resulting in holiness and heart purity.
The third section is "Indwelling Spirit." vv. 9-14 What does it take to be a Christian? Is Christianity merely a system of ethics, a body of teaching, or a distinct lifestyle? No, to be a Christian you must have the Spirit of God dwelling in you. The believer is indwell by The Holy Spirit. Due to the fall of Adam, our physical bodies will die. However, if the Spirit of Christ has come into your heart, while your body may die, you will have eternal life. The Holy Spirit gives you spiritual life. The indwelling Spirit enables the believer to "mortify" (means put to death) "the deeds of the body." Prior to conversion, our bodies were instuments through which our carnal mind found expression. After conversion to Jesus Christ, these bodily weaknesses were brought under the control of God's Spirit. Entire sanctification removed the source of the problem (carnal depravity) and enables the sanctified believer to live a life without an internal struggle. The Holy Spirit guides us by His Word, providence, and impressions. The Spirit will always lead in harmony with God's Word, never contrary. A.M. Hills said: "The influence of the Spirit, if followed, would lead every man into the experience of sanctification, and finally to heaven. But when neglected, rejected, or despised, man driven on by his own carnality, makes his final home in hell." To maintain our right relationship with God we must submit to the leadership and authority of the Spirit of God in our lives.
To the reader I ask:
1. Are you unsaved? Is your life characterized by a life of sin? Or,
2. Do you know your sins have been forgiven but your heart struggles with anger, lust, jealousy, gossip, greed, hatred, or other works of the flesh? Or,
3. Do you know that God has saved and sanctified you? If so, you may rejoice that you have been perfected in love and walk in the Spirit.
It is important to be honest and know where you are standing with the Lord. It is holiness or hell. What is your final destination? While you still breathe, you can make an eternal choice and be transformed.
The Golden Text is "Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh." (Galatians 5:16) "If the Spirit of God dwells in and rules your heart, the whole carnal mind will be destroyed; and then, not only carnal ordinances will be abandoned, but also the works and propensities of the flesh." (Adam Clarke) As we walk on the highway of holiness, we will continue to have an adversary that battles us. However, the attack comes from an external foe and finds no friend in our hearts to align with. To remain pure in our evil society, holiness of heart and life is essential to walking in consistent victory.
My summary points:
1. Jesus Christ came to free us from the penalty of sin and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
2. The carnal mind, i.e. the old man, is the sin nature we were born with and it fights against God.
3. There is victory over the carnal mind through the blood of Jesus Christ and the indwelling Holy Spirit.
Next week, "More Than Conquerors." Romans 8: 26-39
Read the Sunday School Beacon for inspiration and encouragement.
Saturday, May 16, 2020
Doctrinal Study: The Way of Salvation Part 1
BLJ: It is important that believers understand the way of salvation so they will be able to share this life saving message to the lost.
22. What is the ground of salvation?
Jesus Christ, by His sufferings, by the shedding of His own blood, and by His meritorious death on the cross, made full atonement for all human sin, and this atonement is the only ground of salvation (Manual, page 27 [6]) "God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him" (II Con 5:19, 21). "Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit" (I Peter 3:18). "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time" (I Tim. 2:5, 6).
23. Are all men included in the provisions of the atonement?
The atonement is sufficient for every individual of Adam's race; the grace of God through Jesus Christ is freely bestowed upon all men, enabling all who will to turn from sin to righteousness, believe on Jesus Christ for pardon and cleansing from sin, and follow good works pleasing and acceptable in His sight. (Manual, page 27 [6, 7]) "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). "For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved" (Rom. 10:12, 13). "He is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world" (I John 2:2).
24. What relation has the atonement to children and irresponsible persons?
The atonement is graciously efficacious to the salvation of the irresponsible and to the children in innocency, but is efficacious to the salvation of those who reach the age of responsibility only when they repent and believe (Manual, page 27 [6]) "Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of heaven" (Mark 10:14). "Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven" (Matt. 18:3). "We trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe" (I Tim. 4:10).
25. What is sin?
Sin is the lack of conformity to, or the transgression of, the moral law of God. "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Rom. 3:23). "Whatsoever is not of faith is sin (Rom. 14:23). "All unrighteousness is sin" (I John 5:17). "Sin is the transgression of the law" (I John 3:4).
26. What is original sin or depravity?
Original sin, or depravity, is that corruption of the nature of all the offspring of Adam, by reason of which every one is very far gone from original righteousness, or the pure state of our first parents at the time of their creation, is averse to God, is without spiritual life, and is inclined to evil, and that continually; and it continues to exist with the new life of the regenerate, until eradicated by the baptism with the Holy Spirit (Manual, page 27...). "By one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned" (Rom. 5:12). "Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me" (Psalm 51:5). "Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not" (Rom. 7:17, 18). "For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would" (Gal. 5:17).
27. What is salvation?
Salvation means deliverance from sin. There is the present salvation or deliverance from the power of sin in regeneration, from the pollution of sin in entire sanctification, from the practice of sin in daily living; and a future salvation or deliverance from the environment of sin. "For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace" (Rom. 6:14). "The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin" (I John 1:7). "My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not" (I John 2:1). "Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin" (I John 3:9). "Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time" (I Peter 1:5).
28. How may man be saved?
Man may be saved only through repentance of sin and by believing on Jesus Christ as his Saviour. "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost" (Acts 2:38). "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house" (Acts 16:31).
29. What is repentance?
Repentance is a sincere and thorough change of the mind in regard to sin, involving a sense of personal guilt and a voluntary turning away from sin, and is demanded of all who have by act or purpose become sinners against God. The Spirit of God gives to all who will repent the gracious help of penitence of heart and hope of mercy, that they may believe unto pardon and spiritual life. (Manual, page 28). "For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of" (II Cor. 7:10).
30. What is saving faith?
Saving faith is a hearty reliance upon God and His promise for salvation and a definite acceptance of Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord. "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God" (Eph. 2:8).
31. What is justification?
Justification is that gracious and judicial act of God, by which He grants full pardon of all guilt and complete release from the penalty of sins committed, and acceptance as righteous, to all who believingly receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. (Manual, page 28 [9, sec. 1]). "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Rom. 5:1). "That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life" (Titus 3:7).
22. What is the ground of salvation?
Jesus Christ, by His sufferings, by the shedding of His own blood, and by His meritorious death on the cross, made full atonement for all human sin, and this atonement is the only ground of salvation (Manual, page 27 [6]) "God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him" (II Con 5:19, 21). "Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit" (I Peter 3:18). "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time" (I Tim. 2:5, 6).
23. Are all men included in the provisions of the atonement?
The atonement is sufficient for every individual of Adam's race; the grace of God through Jesus Christ is freely bestowed upon all men, enabling all who will to turn from sin to righteousness, believe on Jesus Christ for pardon and cleansing from sin, and follow good works pleasing and acceptable in His sight. (Manual, page 27 [6, 7]) "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). "For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved" (Rom. 10:12, 13). "He is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world" (I John 2:2).
24. What relation has the atonement to children and irresponsible persons?
The atonement is graciously efficacious to the salvation of the irresponsible and to the children in innocency, but is efficacious to the salvation of those who reach the age of responsibility only when they repent and believe (Manual, page 27 [6]) "Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of heaven" (Mark 10:14). "Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven" (Matt. 18:3). "We trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe" (I Tim. 4:10).
25. What is sin?
Sin is the lack of conformity to, or the transgression of, the moral law of God. "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Rom. 3:23). "Whatsoever is not of faith is sin (Rom. 14:23). "All unrighteousness is sin" (I John 5:17). "Sin is the transgression of the law" (I John 3:4).
26. What is original sin or depravity?
Original sin, or depravity, is that corruption of the nature of all the offspring of Adam, by reason of which every one is very far gone from original righteousness, or the pure state of our first parents at the time of their creation, is averse to God, is without spiritual life, and is inclined to evil, and that continually; and it continues to exist with the new life of the regenerate, until eradicated by the baptism with the Holy Spirit (Manual, page 27...). "By one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned" (Rom. 5:12). "Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me" (Psalm 51:5). "Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not" (Rom. 7:17, 18). "For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would" (Gal. 5:17).
27. What is salvation?
Salvation means deliverance from sin. There is the present salvation or deliverance from the power of sin in regeneration, from the pollution of sin in entire sanctification, from the practice of sin in daily living; and a future salvation or deliverance from the environment of sin. "For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace" (Rom. 6:14). "The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin" (I John 1:7). "My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not" (I John 2:1). "Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin" (I John 3:9). "Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time" (I Peter 1:5).
28. How may man be saved?
Man may be saved only through repentance of sin and by believing on Jesus Christ as his Saviour. "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost" (Acts 2:38). "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house" (Acts 16:31).
29. What is repentance?
Repentance is a sincere and thorough change of the mind in regard to sin, involving a sense of personal guilt and a voluntary turning away from sin, and is demanded of all who have by act or purpose become sinners against God. The Spirit of God gives to all who will repent the gracious help of penitence of heart and hope of mercy, that they may believe unto pardon and spiritual life. (Manual, page 28). "For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of" (II Cor. 7:10).
30. What is saving faith?
Saving faith is a hearty reliance upon God and His promise for salvation and a definite acceptance of Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord. "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God" (Eph. 2:8).
31. What is justification?
Justification is that gracious and judicial act of God, by which He grants full pardon of all guilt and complete release from the penalty of sins committed, and acceptance as righteous, to all who believingly receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. (Manual, page 28 [9, sec. 1]). "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Rom. 5:1). "That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life" (Titus 3:7).
Friday, May 15, 2020
Doctrinal Study: The Christian View of Man
BLJ: More basic doctrinal teachings to equip the saint of God to understand fundamental truths.
16. What is the origin of man?
God created man in His own image. He formed the body of man out of the dust of the ground and breathed into him the breath of life, making man a living soul. "And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul" (Genesis 2:7). "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them" (Genesis 1:27). "And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness" (Eph. 4:24).
17. What is the moral responsibility of man?
We believe that man's creation in godlikeness included ability to choose between right and wrong, and that thus he was made morally responsible. (Manual, page 27 [7]). "And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth" (Genesis 1:28). "And the Lord commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die" (Genesis 2:16,17). "I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live" (Deut. 30:19).
18. What is the duty of man?
To fear God and keep His commandments is the whole duty of man. "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man" (Eccl. 11:13).
19. Did man continue in his original moral state?
Man through disobedience of the law of God fell from his original moral state. "And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. And the Lord God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat" (Genesis 3:12, 13). "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned" (Rom. 5:12).
20. What was the result of the fall of man?
Through the fall of Adam, man became depraved so that he cannot now [apart from the grace of God] turn and prepare himself by his own natural strength and works to faith and calling upon God (Manual, page .27 [7]). "The imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth" (Gen. 8:21). "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?" (Jer. 17:9). "The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned" (I Con 2:14). "Therefore, by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin" (Rom. 3:20).
21. What is God's attitude toward fallen man?
God loves man with the compassion of a heavenly Father and has through His Son Jesus Christ made possible a way of salvation for man. "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Rom. 5:8). "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to usward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" (II Peter 3:9) "For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved" (John 3:17).
16. What is the origin of man?
God created man in His own image. He formed the body of man out of the dust of the ground and breathed into him the breath of life, making man a living soul. "And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul" (Genesis 2:7). "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them" (Genesis 1:27). "And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness" (Eph. 4:24).
17. What is the moral responsibility of man?
We believe that man's creation in godlikeness included ability to choose between right and wrong, and that thus he was made morally responsible. (Manual, page 27 [7]). "And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth" (Genesis 1:28). "And the Lord commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die" (Genesis 2:16,17). "I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live" (Deut. 30:19).
18. What is the duty of man?
To fear God and keep His commandments is the whole duty of man. "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man" (Eccl. 11:13).
19. Did man continue in his original moral state?
Man through disobedience of the law of God fell from his original moral state. "And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. And the Lord God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat" (Genesis 3:12, 13). "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned" (Rom. 5:12).
20. What was the result of the fall of man?
Through the fall of Adam, man became depraved so that he cannot now [apart from the grace of God] turn and prepare himself by his own natural strength and works to faith and calling upon God (Manual, page .27 [7]). "The imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth" (Gen. 8:21). "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?" (Jer. 17:9). "The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned" (I Con 2:14). "Therefore, by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin" (Rom. 3:20).
21. What is God's attitude toward fallen man?
God loves man with the compassion of a heavenly Father and has through His Son Jesus Christ made possible a way of salvation for man. "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Rom. 5:8). "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to usward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" (II Peter 3:9) "For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved" (John 3:17).
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