A Voice in the
Wilderness
order the book
Romans: -Topics
- Chapter 01 - Gospel of God - Wrath of God
- Chapter 02 - Without Excuse
- Chapter 03 - All Under Condemnation
- Chapter 04 - Righteousness of Faith
- Chapter 05 - Peace with God through Jesus Christ
- Chapter 06 - Living in Newness of Life
- Chapter 07 - The Two Laws - Marriage
- Chapter 08 - The Spiritual Life
- Chapter 09 - True Israel and Faith
- Chapter 10 - Israel Rejects the Call to Salvation
- Chapter 11 - Israel's Fall and Restoration
- Chapter 12 - Living the Faith
- Chapter 13 - Living in the World
- Chapter 14 - Judging or Building Up?
- Chapter 15 - Ministering to Believers
- Chapter 16 - P.S. -Beware False Prophets
- Chapter 02 - Without Excuse
Gospel of God - Wrath of God - (Chapter 1)
The "called apostle" Paul's function was to proclaim the Gospel. (vs.1) While there can be many kinds of apostles for whatever ideologies man devises, and Peter led the disciples in the error of selecting Matthias (Acts1), Paul was chosen directly by Jesus Christ. (Acts9:15) As he was the apostle "to the Nations" (Acts28:28,Gal2:8) he writes a treatise to those at Rome. They say "all roads lead to Rome." Rome certainly has become the focal point of the United World Religions, and is its leader. Whatever began at Babel with Nimrod roughly 4500 years ago has culminated in what is today centered at Rome. While Rome claims that "Peter" is their "father" Peter was actually an apostle to the Jews. (Gal2:8) But since Paul is the apostle to the "nations" it is most appropriate that he would have written this book.
The book "to the Romans" is a most comprehensive collection of teachings presenting the Gospel; the need for the Gospel; and once it has been believed and received... how to live. Everything needed for Eternal Life can be found in this book. I wonder if "Rome" has read it...?!
The "Gospel of God."(vs1) The proclamation of the "kingdom of God." (Mt6:33) The "Gospel of Christ" (vs16) is the proclamation "unto salvation." We've considered before, the Gospel Paul preached, summed up in 1Cor 15:3-4. The Gospel "once delivered to the saints" (Jude3) which "you HAVE RECEIVED.." (Gal1:9) and nothing more is needed. That which does not change. (Mal3:6, Heb13:8)
This Gospel was found in the Old Testament. It began in the Garden of Eden at the fall, continued on through Abel, was proclaimed by Enoch and Noah, and spelled out in detail through Abraham, Moses and the prophets.(vs2) One of God's major proofs of Himself was His design to establish it, prophesy it and fulfill it. God's Word is based upon Himself as He says, "the word has gone out of My mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, that to Me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear." (Is45:23) "To whom will you compare Me, and make Me equal, and compare Me, that we may be alike?" (46:5) And to proclaim His uniqueness He explains... "declaring the end from the beginning, and from the past things which were not done, saying, My purpose shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure...I have spoken, I will also cause it to come: I have formed; yes, I will do it." (46:9-11) Fulfillment of prophesy is God's "unique" niche. The best Nostradamus and Toronto Blessing revivalists can claim is 70%. God's prophecies are fulfilled 100%. His "success rate" can be 100% because He founded creation. He purposed and promised. He fulfills.
When God "so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son" (Jn3:16) this "Son" came in human form... "seed of David according to the flesh." (vs3) It is necessary to believe that Jesus was "flesh and blood" (Heb2:14). If a person does not believe this, he cannot experience Eternal Life. (1Jn4:2-3)
Of equal importance is to accept Jesus' "Deity." He was "marked out the Son of God." (vs4) He was revealed "according to the Spirit", when He was baptized by John in the Jordan, to be the "Son of God." (Jn1:30-34) The "Word WAS God." (Jn1:1) He is "..Christ our Lord." (vs3a)
His "resurrection from the dead" (vs4b) was the message proclaimed by the apostles, which the Jews rejected. (Acts4:2) Rome also rejects it by their perpetual sacrifice of the "crucifix" & "eucharist."
It is through Jesus Christ that we "receive grace...to obedience to the faith." (vs5) This grace and faith are a "gift of God". (Eph2:8) We do not accumulate "graces" by works and praying to the Queen of Heaven."Mary" does not save us, because "..there is salvation in no other One; for there is no other name [than "Jesus Christ"] under Heaven given among men by which we must be saved. (Acts4:12)
And those who are of Faith in Christ are "called ones." (vs6) Having been "known" by Him (2Tm2:19) since "before the foundation of the world" (Eph1:4) He "chose" us who believe. Those being thus "ordained" (appointed) to Eternal Life (Acts13:48) God calls and "draws" to Himself. (Jn6:44)
Jesus proclaimed, "For whoever shall be ashamed of Me and of My words, the Son of man shall be ashamed of him when He shall come in His own and in His Father's glory, and that of the holy angels." (Lk9:26) Paul proclaims, "I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes...for in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith...the just shall live by faith." (vs16-17)
Psychology speaks of "shame." Essentially, they try to persuade people to no longer be "ashamed of" their sin. And in the next breath, they reject God's Word as being the worst form of "abuse" to children so taught. But you see, we MUST BE ashamed of our sin. We must "despise" it and repent. (Job42:6) We must implore God for His mercy upon us (Lk18:13) and look to Jesus Christ for His "salvation." (vs16)
Salvation from WHAT? God's WRATH! (vs18) Just as He promised His gospel through the Scriptures, He also "reveals" His wrath from heaven. What is the focus of His wrath? "Ungodliness and unrighteousness."
UNGODLINESS is a rebellion against "God's existence"; His Essence. While God says, "I AM THAT I AM" (Ex3:14) man says, "Where is the promise of His coming?" Since ancient times we have cleverly devised a scheme of multiplied billions of years based on "uniformitarianism" for us to "evolve" to where we are now. (2Pt3:4) The "Big Bang" and mathematically impossible odds are claimed, in order to deny God's existence through evolution. However, things of creation "are CLEARLY SEEN, being realized by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, for them to be without excuse." (vs20) God designed the universe SPECIFICALLY "to show" His power.
UNRIGHTEOUSNESS is rebellion against God's "character". His essence is "righteous." (Ezr9:15,Ps7:9,Dan9:14,etc.) How does man rebel against righteousness? Both intellectually and morally.
"Intellectually" man looks to the created beings, instead of God Himself. They worship animals (vs23) trees (Jer10:3-5) the "host of heaven" (Deu4:19) and man, himself. In this latter pursuit they follow Satan's original lie, "you shall be [just like] God" (Gen3:5) The TV show "Touched by an Angel" proclaims "you're just as good as God." Oprah preaches the divinity within each one of us.
And at the religious level, the "scholars" concoct "translations" of Scripture designed to deny God's Truth. They look to their "scholarship" rather than the Holy Spirit. As such, the Word becomes distorted in order to purposely portray a "different God" than the Most High...since the Scriptures ARE part of God's "essence." The "Word was with God, and the Word [WAS] God." (Jn1:1) "You have the WORDS of eternal life." (Jn6:68) "..the words that I speak to you are Spirit and are life." (Jn6:63) In producing these abominations, they are deliberately "SUPPRESS[ING] the truth in unrighteousness" (vs.18 -nkjv) Jesus proclaimed special "woes" to such.. "But woe to you, scribes...! For you shut up the kingdom of Heaven against men. For you neither go in, nor do you allow those entering to go in. (Mt23:13) Scribes were those who hand-copied the texts of the O.T. Scriptures. "Rome" has been a major repository of the sources of the modern perversions. They forbad the reading of Scripture in years past. In more recent years, since the perversions have proliferated, they now allow their subjects to read them.
And so God "gave them up..." (vs24) ..to "Moral Depravity". Sexual perversion abounds. Women have perverted their purpose in God's design. (vs26) "Dishonorable affections.." Alluring female sexuality pretty much governs ALL aspects of entertainment, business, and socialization. Homosexuality has so pervaded society, that, as someone e-mailed me a list recently...there is hardly a western nation that has not passed laws condoning same-sex marriages. There are those who claim to have "gay-ministries" and will provide all sorts of Scripture, out of context, to "support" their views. But I have yet to receive an acknowledgment from any of them that vs.27 speaks "against" such practices. They like to ignore this verse...perhaps hoping it will go away..? "And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust toward one another, males with males working out shamefulness..." It is quite obvious to even the least literate, that this is talking about homosexuality. And what is the outcome? "Receiving in themselves the recompense which was fitting for their error." Aids is not going away anytime soon, until sin is acknowledged, repented of and forsaken!
And vss 29-31 lists many other such and related sins. But you notice the verdict. Not only do people "do" these things, but they fully "enjoy" the fact that others do them, as well. How else can poles show 80% approval for a depraved president. Or thousands of Mariah Carey fans cheering deafeningly as she cavorts about on stage, practically engaging in sexual activity for all to see...while parents hold their small children in their arms to see it all...teaching them, in so doing, that this all is "acceptable."
This list of intellectual and moral depravity is the definition of the object of God's Wrath. (vs18) But it all boils down, in its simplest form, to the fact that the world has rejected God. They distort His essence in order to not have to "deal with" Him. "All we like sheep have gone astray, we have turned everyone to his own way.." (Is53:6a) God's standards of holiness and created design they spit at, and with all their might live as opposite to His purpose as they can. They enjoy the fact that they are all in it together...cheering each other along in sin. "..every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually." (Gen6:5)
"The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?" (Jer17:9) The depth of wickedness is unfathomable. This is the reason for God's Wrath. But it is also God's mercy which provides "salvation to everyone who believes." (vs16) For those who believe, "God has not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ." (1Th5:9)
Amen!
Without Excuse - (Chapter 2)
Therefore you are without excuse, O man, everyone who judges; for in what you judge another, you condemn yourself, for you who judge do the same things." (vs.1)
Everybody judges. There are the "christian" legalists who hold to sets of laws and guidelines by which they order their lives. They will point to Scripture passages to support their views, and if someone else does not adhere to the same set of "dos and don'ts" they are considered as "heathens." On the other side of the spectrum are those who claim to have "no" guidelines. "Graeeeessss" is the rule. And yet, while they claim that "anything goes" and there are "no absolutes" because of all of Scripture's supposed "gray areas" they READILY RECOGNIZE the legalist, and "absolutely condemn" them as being "judgmental." Their "love and tolerance" and universal acceptance of all ideas does not extend to the legalist "list maker." While they condemn the legalist for being "judgmental", their very condemnation of the judgmental legalist [IS] an act of "judgmentalism".
Is one better than the other? Some of the staunchest preaching against immorality has been carried on by legalists, who ultimately get discovered and exposed for their own affairs. Those that they call "heathen" do the same, although not so secretly. They both have sinned. Sin is sin. God sees them both.
Paul asks the question; You with all your long list of pieties you claim to adhere to, and expect others to obey; do you think God will judge you any less than that "heathen", when you do the same things he does? (vs3) You must understand, God does not judge "according to sight" (what you've been sneaking around, thinking nobody knows about) but with "righteous judgment" (Jn7:24) because He knows the "truth." (vs2)
The legalist would [like to] call God's "fire" down upon the "heathen" to consume him. The legalist has no mercy on "carnality." "God should judge THEM! THEY are such terrible sinners!" Well...just hold on one moment, there! Who do you think you are? Do you not realize that it is God's "MERCY" ...His "forbearance and long-suffering" which leads to repentance? (vs4) God does not answer to YOU regarding judging THEM. But do you not realize that His mercy which leads to the sinner's (THEIR) repentance, is also the same long-suffering which gives YOU time to repent; but if you don't, you are storing up "wrath for yourself in a day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God" (vs5) unless you soften your heart?
What is the basis for God's judgment? Works. (vs6) If you notice the Great White Throne judgment (Rev20:12) the "dead" are judged and sent into the Lake of Fire "according to their works." They got to that judgment by not being found in the Book of Life. But the degree of the severity of their judgment is based on their works. For the Believer, his judgment and/or rewards are based on his works, how he "builds" on the foundation of Jesus Christ. (1Cor3:10-15) We all stand before the "judgment seat" of Christ (Rom14:10) to be judged according to what we've done while in these bodies. (2Cor5:10)
Well, "just a minute" someone will say; "are we not saved by grace...NOT of works"?(Eph2:8-9) That's right. But we are save "..[TO] good works" (vs10) James speaks of the works "showing [the] faith". (Jas2:18) How do we know we are looking at a duck? It waddles, swims and quacks. Thus, Paul speaks of "work out your salvation..." (Phil2:12 -nkjv/kjv) Which is why a more correct rendering is "cultivate your salvation." (mkjv)
Working out or cultivating (with care) that which is of value to our hearts. The legalist and heathen are on equal footing in God's sight. The legalist presumes he has an "advantage" because of his pious "list" he lives by. That "list" is his holy grail. Everything is compared to and judged by...that "list." But you see, it is not the "list" ...the "Law" that God judges. But what a person "does." Sinners are judged, whether they be legalists or heathen. (vs9) But "glory, honor and peace" will be accorded to "every man who works good", whether he be the legalist or heathen. (vs10)
Let us, at this point, label them as Paul does as we progress further. Jew and Greek. What we've just been comparing between legalists and heathen is the same as what was between Jew and Greek. The Jews had the Law, the Greeks (gentile/nations) did not. Jews rested upon and relied upon the Law (and Moses), while breaking it at every turn.
God does not look at "heritage" but at each "individual." (vs11) If a person's heritage is Moses and the Law, he is judged from that perspective. If he is a heathen "Greek", God judges him equally...individually.(vs12) You see, there is something greater than the Law which God has endowed each of us with. "CONSCIENCE." (vs15) While there is Moses' law, before Moses ever came along there was already a "law." This law is written "in their hearts." The heathen "by nature" know this law-of-the-heart. They reference it, even though they never heard of Moses. (vs14) By repeated disobedience, most people have "seared" their consciences. (1Ti4:2) When skin is tender and properly moisturized, it has the ability to sense and feel stimuli. Hot, cold, soft, rough. But if the skin becomes calloused, chapped, scabbed from burns or injury; it no longer has its original sensitivity. Same with conscience. When sin is first committed, the battle rages about doing it. But as a person explains it away enough times, and does it repeatedly...pretty soon it becomes "OK" and easier. Eventually, if the person knows Scripture, he has devised some sort of Scriptural explanation for why it is "condoned by God" and thus, he is righteous. To him it's an "explanation", but truth be told, it's an "excuse." (vs15b)
Well, a "day" is coming when "God shall judge the secrets of men..." (vs16)
For the legalist, if his heart is not right, his judgment is more severe. He "boast[s] in the Law" (vs23) but "dishonor[s] God through breaking the Law." As we see, every time another "man of God" is exposed for what he had hoped was a "secret sin" ..."the name of God is blasphemed among the nations because of you.." (vs24) Jesus taught, "And that servant who knew his lord's will and did not...according to His will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he not knowing, and doing things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For to whomever much is given, of him much shall be required. And to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more." (Lk12:47-48) You see...in this case the Law actually brings greater judgment. He knew better, and yet disobeyed. For such a one, "..it would have been better for them not to have fully known the way of righteousness, than fully knowing it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. (2Pt2:21)
So, what about the "Law"? We'll discover in later studies that it was set up to be a "standard" ...a "plumb line" to God's holiness. But the Law, itself, does not save. A person, just because he claims to be a "Law-keeper", is not saved; because he breaks it and transgresses. On the other hand, a person not knowing that something called "the Law" exists, but based on his conscience, obeys the Law written in his heart, he is actually a true "Law-keeper." (vs26) A transgressor, by his transgression, becomes a "heathen." But a heathen, by his obedience, becomes a Law-keeper, even though he doesn't know its proper label.
While this obedience or transgression appears to be "outwardly in flesh" (vs28) ...this is what we humanly see; the True Nature is the "inward" one. When God had given the Law and Israel promised, "All that the Lord has spoken we will do.." (Ex19:8,24:3) God responded, "Oh that there were such a heart in them..." (Deu5:29)
But you see, as we began; in the end there is no excuse when we stand for judgment. The true matter is of the heart. The conscience God put within each one of us. This is separate from the Law. "..he is a Jew [Believer] who is one inwardly, ...of the heart; in spirit and not in letter, whose praise is not from men, but from God." (vs29) Because it is Jesus Christ who sees "even to the dividing apart of soul and spirit...and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in His sight, but all things are naked and opened to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do." (Heb4:12-13) And He "..will render to each according to his works..." (vs6)
Amen!
All Under Condemnation - (Chapter 3)
So, if there is no -real- difference between Jew and Gentile, why even have an entity called "Jew"? Is there an 'advantage' to being a Jew? Well, there is. Primarily "because they were entrusted with the oracles of God." (vs2) The Scriptures. All the Old Testament "Law, Prophets and Psalms" (Lk24:44) were penned and safeguarded by Jews. And until Christ came, it was Jewish scribes who meticulously hand-copied the scrolls. Tradition says that, if in copying, even one tiny error was made, they would throw away the whole thing and start over...so that the copy would be "perfect".
Today we have a similar group. They are the 'legalists' we spoke of last month. And more specifically they have become known as "KJV-only". They meticulously hold to things like "inerrancy" and "manuscript origins." They reject anything tainted by Alexandrian heresy. They like to think they are pure from doctrinal adulterations of Rome. It is quite possible that their militance has ensured the availability of Masoretic-Textus Receptus texts to the translators so that good translations are available. They are certainly a storehouse of knowledge regarding the truth, for those who are seeking. And by reading the results of their research and scholarship it is possible to ascertain the truth regarding the origins of the Scripture translations.
We have already concluded that the Jewish 'law' does not save. Many claim affinity for it outwardly, but break it in their heart. (ch2) Nor does being "KJV-only" save. I know of a person who balked at switching from the NIV (perversion) to KJV/NKJV -because-of- what he saw the KJV-only 'people' to be. The ones he saw; Unregenerate, prideful hypocrites. We have noted in other recent writings how many of them don't even preach the essential salvation doctrine of "repentance." So, "if some did not believe, will not their unbelief nullify the faith of God?" (vs3) If they hold forth God's Word, while at the same time disobeying and blaspheming it (2:24), does this render God helpless? Not hardly! "Let God be true, and every man a liar...that [God] might be justified in [His] sayings, and will overcome when [He] is judged." (vs4) Man's sin may try to thwart God's purpose, but it is His -WORD- which triumphs. When it goes out it "shall" accomplish its purpose. It "shall" do the thing it was sent to do (Is55:11) often, "in spite of" the human agent wielding it; BECAUSE -God- is righteous.
When a sinner is viewed next to God's Word, the sinner is seen to be exceedingly sinful, and God is seen to be righteous. So when God pronounces -wrath- (1:18) against unrighteousness, does this make God "bad" for being so "cruel"? (vs5) If He didn't, how else could there be 'consequences'?
For all things in creation there are consequences. For every action, there is a reaction. You push on a door, either it opens, or you hurt yourself from pushing too hard. If you walk in the direction of the edge of a dock and refuse the exhortations to turn (repent), you will fall into the water. Was it anybody's 'fault' that the dock had an 'edge' or that the water below existed? Was there something intrinsically 'evil' about the builder of the dock? No. Simply, you walked, refusing to heed the warnings, and got wet.
The righteous declaration is "the soul that sins, it shall die.." (Ez18:4) Statement of fact. To Adam and Eve it was stated, 'don't eat of -that- tree and live; eat of it and die." (Gen2:17) God lovingly gave them the warning. They did not heed. They died. Statement of fact. If people die because of sin, that is a righteous statement of fact. Not God's 'cruelty'. God is continually warning and pleading, "Turn, turn from your evil ways; for why will you die...? (Ez33:11)
Furthermore, somebody put up signs warning against getting too close to the edge of the dock. He very meticulously made sure all the correct words were printed out and spelled correctly. Was the sign-maker at fault for making sure it was posted? Were those words of warning terribly 'hateful' and 'judgmental' because they seriously encouraged a 'change' in direction? No. But when you got wet, you discovered the "TRUTH" of the warnings of the sign and of those yelling to you to "look out!" They were all proven to be "right". Supposing the sign maker fell into the water and got wet because he neglected to heed the warning of the sign which he so meticulously made and installed, did that change the message of the sign? No. He's 'wet' just like you are.
Is it necessary for hundreds of people to jump off the dock to prove the "righteousness" of the message of the sign? Will it make the sign -more- "right"? Will it make the dock-builder -more- "correct" in his assessment that a person walking over the edge will get wet? Will the people who heeded the sign, and are "dry" and warm, be any -more- dry because 100 people jumped over, rather than just one? No. But those who fell over are -all- "wet". (vs8) ...thoroughly...
Trouble is... -everybody- is in the water, drowning. (vs10) Nobody heeded the sign. Some didn't know about the sign. Others did. But they're -all- there, nonetheless.
Regarding "sin" notice all the characteristics of the sinner. No one seeks for God. (vs11) This is opposite of modern evangelistic techniques that cajoles everybody to "want" God. "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, each one to his own way.." (Is53:6) There is nothing good about anyone. (vs12) And what comes out of the heart does so in words and actions of all sort. (vs13-17) And they do not "fear" God. (vs18) You see, God does not call us to "love" Him until we have "feared" Him. Yes, we are to love Him. (Deu6:5) But just as we cannot "believe/receive" Christ until we have "repented" to God (Acts20:21); we cannot "love" God until we have "feared" Him. Repentance and fear go together; as do faith and love.
Now that everybody's -in- the water, that 'sign' up on the dock cannot pull anybody out, can it. The law merely gave "knowledge" of sin, but does not save. (vs20) Now, along comes the dock builder. Even though He built it to keep people dry, and warned them against the water, He sees them in the water and wishes to 'rescue' them.
Since the dock is so 'high' above the water, simply throwing a life preserver down to the people will not do. So, the Builder sent His Son (Jn3:16) to swim around, bringing and offering a preserver to each person. (Mt13:3) The procedure then was that the Son would give a 'signal' to the Father (Mt10:32,Rev3:5) that 'this one' is ready to go to the "Father's house" (Jn14:2) so the Holy Spirit keeps tabs on that 'line' (Eph1:13,2Co1:22) so that when the Son goes back up, He will then grab all the lines and "receive [them] to [Himself]" (Jn14:3) as He "raises" them up at the "last day". (Jn6:44,54) Until the Son gathers everybody up, that life preserver is a "redemption..freely" (vs24) As long as the person hangs on to the preserver, the fact that he fell in, no longer matters. It is now in the past and forgiven. (vs25) But salvation will not come unless the flounderer "receives" (Jn1:12) the preserver and in "faith" believes what Jesus is telling him about being pulled up later. (vs26)(1Jn3:3)
So... at this point, what is the difference between the sign-maker and the passer-by? They are -both- in the water, wearing life preservers, with a 'line' being held by the Holy Spirit, waiting for salvation...the "redemption of the body" (Rom8:23) There is nothing either of them can -do- to be saved. (vs27) The legalist has no grounds to stand on "KJV-only" does he. He had it, but didn't heed it. He has to "believe" just like the other.
The sign-maker cannot "boast" (vs27) to everybody, "Hey, everybody! See that sign -up-there- that I made? The Dock-builder gave -me- that project to mount it prominently on its post." So!!?? Big deal!! You're still in the water just like everybody else! When the Son comes around offering a preserver, he cannot pretend that he's -not- 'really' in the water (repentance) and tell the Son that he 'doesn't NEED' the preserver, on account of...he made the sign 'up there' on the dock. After all, he was rather "chummy" with the builder Who commissioned the sign, saying, "the Builder and I are 'bosom buddies'." Nope. He's 'wet' and as such his "mouth [is] stopped" and he's under judgment just like the rest of the world. (vs19)
God is the One who justifies and saves. Faith is the agency of that salvation. But notice a difference between the legalist (Jew) and the other (Gentile). The Jew is justified "by" faith. (vs30) This word "by" carries the notion of "out of, from, away from". You see, they have thought they had it all. They think they -already- have faith. But they are just as lost as the rest. They have to be brought -out-from- this past thinking they've had, in order to be humble to repentance of nothingness. They must get rid of their pride and SELF-righteousness. They have supposed that their 'law' indicated righteousness, not realizing it actually displayed their sin. (vs20) So, they must "come out of her" (Rev18:4) from their past.
On the other hand, the 'other' who has no legalism to boast on has no basis or presumption of what "faith" might be. He is justified "through" faith. "by means of, by reason of." In other words, he is introduced, for the first time, to the concept of faith. He doesn't have to be 'un-taught' the error of self-presumption and partial-truths.
Remember how in ch2 we learned that God judges based on the person's background and knowledge. Well, His process in redeeming the individual is personalized, too. The one must be brought "out of law" (false faith) to come to Christ. The other is "introduced to" Christ. When Paul witnessed to Jews, He "reasoned with them out of the Scriptures." (Acts17:2) When he witnessed to the Greeks, he introduced to them the "unknown God" (Acts17:23) beginning with God the "creator". But the message to both was the same. To the Jew it was "repent" (Acts3:19) and to the Greeks, "repent". (Acts17:30) And God's righteousness is "toward all and upon all those who believe (Jew or Greek). For there is no difference." (vs22)
Is the Law voided because of God's grace (vs24) through faith? (vs28) No. It is established. (vs31) Shown to be truthful and just. An accurate representation of the existing chasm between righteous God and sinful man; and the need for Christ's intervention and redemption. (vs22,24,26b)
Amen!
Righteousness of Faith - (Chapter 4)
Faith vs Works. Law vs Grace. Circumcision or not (Jew vs Gentile). Where does all this discussion begin? How do we know what's what? How can we be sure? While many of these dichotomies existed since Cain and Abel, a firm 'official' demarcation came into being with Abraham. And more specifically with Moses. The "Jew" came into being, and yet we learned that -being- one has no advantage regarding eternal life. So, if we can sort out what happened with Abraham, perhaps we can get this all figured out...
This chapter is about "faith". The great "faith chapter" (Hebrews 11) speaks of Abraham. He "obeyed" and "went out" (vs8) 'works'. He "lived in the land of promise" (vs9) 'works'. He "offered up Isaac" (vs17) 'works'. And our study here begins with "if Abraham was justified by works, he has a boast; but -not- before God." (Rom4:2) Does Scripture contradict itself? Was Abraham righteous before God, or not? Did he 'work' or 'believe'?
God made some promises to Abraham, and then commands him to be circumcised, along with everybody in his household. (Gen17:11) This 'work' which Abraham performs is a covenant on behalf of God, and -God's- promises to Abraham.
In many ways, circumcision before Christ's death was like the "seal[ing] with the Holy Spirit of promise" (Eph1:13) after. They are, both, about God's promise of eternal life to come in the future. Something which does not now -yet- exist, but it's as good as though it -did- exist because God promised it (vs17), and seals the matter with circumcision/Holy Spirit. Faith is "being fully persuaded that what God [has] promised, He [is] also able to perform." (vs21)
Is Abraham, thus, 'accepted' by God because of this circumcision? You know; later, the Jews would consider this act to be -the- single most important aspect of their collective identity as God's "chosen ones." Just as many today seek a 'special dose' of the 'spirit', and equate the resulting -demonic- spiritual manifestations with God's Holy Spirit. Both; looking to the -physical-.
What does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him for righteousness." (vs3)(Gen15:6) Notice which came first. Abraham -believes- in ch15. Circumcision happens in ch17. The offering of Isaac, in ch22. We see that "faith" came first, before the works. Faith was "reckoned" prior to circumcision.(vs10) This term "reckon" is an accounting term. To "calculate, compute, count, weigh and determine the results." It was 'entered into the ledger' on Abraham's account.
God made promises: "in you shall all families of the earth be blessed" (Gen12:3) This blessing (which included the message of Salvation due to the resultant "Seed" -Gal3:6,29) was further proclaimed in the promise of a -son- from his "own bowels shall be your heir". (Gen15:4) This, to a man almost 100 years old, and his wife waaay past child-bearing age. (vs18-20) God made the promise, and -this- is the point where Abraham "believed in the LORD. And He counted it to him for righteousness." (Gen15:2-6) Abraham's account had "salvation" written into it, when he "paid" -nothing-. When there was no -substance- or -visible results- of the promise. Abraham's faith was the "substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Heb11:1)
Thus, Abraham is the "father (first in a succession) of all those believing...for righteousness to be imputed to them also." (vs11)
This 'imputation' is to those who are -not- circumcised. Gentiles. Because Abraham's faith was -prior- to circumcision. Thus, salvation is not through Law, but through faith. This also proves it is of "grace". (vs16) Since it was not works, there was no substance yet from Abraham's part; it came -from- God. It was a "gift of God" (Eph2:8) for Abraham having -done- absolutely 'nothing'.
However, people -of- the Law come to God also. David, a -Jewish- king was the man "after [God's] own heart." (1Sam13:14) According to the Law, David should have been stoned to death. He committed adultery. Lied to cover the sin. And when that didn't work, murder. Adultery and murder carried the death penalty. And yet he proclaims, "Blessed is the man whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered....the man to whom the LORD does not charge iniquity.." (Ps32:1-2)(vs7-8) Did such forgiveness come from the Law? No. It came from repentance and confession. "O God...according to the multitude of Your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions. Wash me completely from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. Against You, You only, have I sinned...Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me...create in me a clean heart, O God...the sacrifices of God are a broken spirit.." (Ps51)
David understood God's mercy and grace, and his own utter depravity. He came to God totally 'empti-handed'..'without works'. (vs6) Like the song says, "Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to Thy cross I cling."
If a person could keep the Law, then, faith would be nullified (vs14) because the Law is the basis for Wrath. (vs15) While we learned in ch2 that 'conscience' is given to each person, and existed before the Law was given; simple conscience gives no 'teeth' to judgement. If a person was pulled over by the Montana State Patrol for going 100 mph in the day-time, there is no basis for writing a ticket. Montana doesn't have a day-time speed limit. Technically, a person can drive as fast as they wish. The patrol might 'think' the person is going too fast, beyond his capabilities to do so safely. But he cannot issue a citation for "speeding" because there is no law which declares judgement for doing so. The driver's -conscience- might tell him that he is not safe...and he 'knows better'. As a result of driving too fast, he could have an accident and die. "The wages of sin is death" (Rom6:23) But he will not stand before a judge for "speeding". The driver crosses over into Idaho, continuing along at 100 mph, the patrol pulls him over and he gets a ticket. He stands before the judge, and receives a 'judgment' of, typically, a stiff fine. Idaho -does- have speed laws.
Again, -if- a person could keep the law, Faith would be void. Can righteousness be attained through the Law? Yes. "All the commandments which I command you this day shall you be careful to do, that you may live.." (Deu8:1) As Jesus affirms, "..do this and you shall live.." (Lk10:28) Trouble is, as David realized, we are "conceived" and born in iniquity. (Ps51) "The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked..." (Jer17:9) We are NOT -capable- of keeping the Law. Thus, in many ways, Paul talking about the Law "voiding" Faith is an academic hypothesis. The Law -cannot- be kept by sinful man. Thus, the only thing that -is- possible, is "Faith".
However, many people attempt to keep the Law. They try to 'appease' God out of guilt. They hope that -if- they can somehow accumulate enough good deeds, that the ledger will balance out on the 'plus' side. They see this big "debt" (vs4) that is owing. So they approach God like they do their banker. Try to consolidate all their credit cards, mortgages, car payments, etc. into something that they can pay on the 'installment plan'. Trouble is, they're only making $10,000 a year, and their 'debt' with God is in the "Billions" of dollars. The ledger doesn't have enough spaces for all the zeros on their 'debt' side.
The only 'person' who can pay such a debt is God, Himself. He did so when Jesus died on the cross. And even though we do not see Him, we believe in His work of "imputation". (vs22-23) Thus, Abraham is lauded for "believing" in the "Seed" that would come from his loins. (Gal3:16) David, in the middle of that lineage, still 1000 years before Christ, "says of the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness without works." (vs6) Jesus said, "..blessed are they who have not seen and have believed." (Jn20:29)
What does "impute" mean? Same as "reckon" above. Something like a loan contract to buy a car or piano on the installment plan. Initially the papers are drawn up with the "terms" of the contract printed and filled in. Typically, often, the lending institution will provide a payment coupon book. As each payment is made, a coupon goes with it. Now, the "-WORKS- of the Law" (3:20,28) is the faithful payment each month with those coupons. You miss a payment, there is a penalty. Late payment...same thing. But ultimately the loan is paid off. Either for the full term, or early with a lump sum. When the loan is fully paid, the contract is signed and/or stamped, "PAID IN FULL" All this time you've been driving that car, it has technically been the property of the bank. But once you see that "PAID IN FULL" stamp, the title is now "free and clear". If a third party came along and paid your loan, the contract would be stamped "Paid in Full". The third party paid, and the matter was "imputed" to your account...even though you did not make the payment. Once the 'contract' has been thus stamped, the coupon books have no value. You might gloat in showing off your coupons and how you faithfully paid them along the way; but your book still has unpaid coupons in it. In the end, what 'counts' is that stamp or signature on the contract.
The debt that we could not possibly pay, Jesus paid with His blood. (1Pt1:18-19) That is "grace." (vs4) His blood stamped that contract in the -Book of Life- (Rev20:15) "RIGHTEOUS of GOD in CHRIST." (2Cor5:21) With our names in the Book of Life, what has been 'imputed' to us is "Righteousness". God looks at the 'contract' and sees "Righteous" stamped on there, and allows us into heaven. He cares not about the payment coupons.
Faith believes this as being true. It receives (Jn1:12) the gift. (Eph2:8) Not only did Abraham believe; in him "all families of the earth" (Jew and Gentile) are blessed. Those "believing on Him who has raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; who was delivered for our offenses and was raised for our justification." (vs24-25)
Amen!
Peace with God through Jesus Christ - (Chapter 5)
Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we also have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice on the hope of the glory of God." (vs1-2)
What is the one thing that eludes the world? Both globally and individually, people seek for peace. Nations desire peace, but are continually jockeying and positioning themselves, often through war, for some advantage. While the Middle East continually has 'peace talks' some commentators suggest that total peace is not possible in the region, as long as the world is made up the way it is now.
At the individual level people struggle for peace and contentment. People are fearful for the future. They strive to attain riches in the hopes that that will bring peace. But as my ex-wife used to always say, about that "darkness" deep within her; when she left, she did so to serve -her- 'gods'. She left to 'find' that which was "missing" in her life. But without God, she is still lost in that darkness.
"There is no peace, says my God, to the wicked." (Is57:21) You see, in the beginning, God created man in His own "image". (Gen1:26) It was meant to be a 'relationship' of fellowship. But something happened to make us "enemies" of God. (vs10) We -BECAME- "without strength" (vs6) and "sinners". (vs8) Mankind did not start out in this condition, but in perfection. (Gen1:31) God called His creation "Very good".
We are told that "through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death passed on all men inasmuch as all sinned." (vs12) We've talked about the "Law" in past studies, and how that 'speeding ticket' could not be written for speeding if there was no speed-law. God's Law came through Moses. But there were -centuries- of time between Adam and Moses when there was no Law. Just like we spoke of the person driving too fast, crashing and being killed, even though he had not broken any 'speeding laws' so, too, "death reigned from Adam to Moses". (vs14) God had promised, "..in the day you eat of [the fruit], you shall surely die" (Gen2:17) In Gen ch3, Adam and Eve ate of it. And death has reigned ever since. It doesn't matter whether or not there was a Law. Death is death. It is separation from the Holy God. It is enmity. The fellowship God had intended at creation, is not possible. It is not that God 'doesn't want' fellowship. It is the 'sin' "..but your iniquities have come between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you, from hearing." (Is59:2)
How did we get to this place? Adam sinned, and by 'heredity' the whole world is in sin. "Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. (Ps51:5) Why does it seem that everybody is 'fighting' against God? Sin causes us to be "enemies" with God. We have "offended" God. (vs15,17) We are under "condemnation". (vs18) We are guilty. Deserving of God's "wrath". (vs9,1:18) We are in no position to ask God to "come along-side" and become our "friend" as long as we are in sin. He will not countenance us.
However, let us consider what it is that happens when we have "repented toward God"(Acts20:21) and "received" Jesus Christ (Jn1:12) in "faith". (Rom4) How does Jesus Christ bring about "peace" (vs1) and "reconciliation" (vs10) with God?
Jesus "died for the ungodly".(vs6) Let us consider the nature of this sacrifice. Jesus did not die for "friends". People that He was "buddies" with. For those 'equal' to Him. As humans, if we are out with friends and/or family, and one is in peril of some situation, a person might risk life and limb to save that person out of a burning building or from a rushing stream. But if a gutter-bum were on the edge of peril, how many people would jump in to save such a person? But this is what Jesus did for us. We were less-than 'bums'. We were "sinners" and yet God loved us so much that He sent His Son (Jn3:16) Who died for us. (vs8)
What does Jesus' death do? It 1) saves us from God's wrath (vs9), 2) reconciles us to God (vs10), and 3) gives us joy. (vs11)
- Where we were sinners and under condemnation, we are now
"justified". (vs16) Our account has been stamped with "Paid in Full".
Notice, again, that this is not something that -we- 'do'. Jesus did it
with His death. It was all His efforts, love and grace. It is a "GIFT of
righteousness". (vs17,Eph2:8)
While we will go into more detail on this in ch6, we were under the sentence of death, due to the sin of Adam. (vs18) The death of Christ brought about "justification of life". Adam's -life- of 'disobedience' brought about sin unto death, Jesus' -death- in 'obedience' brought about righteousness unto life. (vs19)
- So many preach a false gospel of God being 'reconciled to man'.
Bringing God down to our level. But when Christ died, he made atonement
before God, as our High Priest, by sacrificing Himself "once for all".
(Heb9:28) But He did not stay 'dead'. He rose again, and is presently
seated at God's "right hand" making intercession for us. (Heb7:25) He is
our Advocate. (1Jn2:1) As such, He has brought about reconciliation
(vs10), bringing us before the Father, we can come "boldly" before the
Father (Heb4:16) because He "-IS- our peace" (Eph2:14) as he
"confesses" us (Rev3:5) before the Father. He has broken down the
dividing wall of enmity. The Law that would condemn us. He has made us
a "new man" (Eph2:15,2Cor5:17), and thus, "peace".
The extent of this reconciliation is demonstrated by the Law, which we could not keep. While Adam brought about death, God introduced the Law in order to show how exceeding sinful man is. (vs20) To show -just- 'how far' that chasm is between righteous, holy God; and rotten, sinful man. And, knowing how far separated we are from God due to sin; in turn, we understand 'how far' God reached to save us. How wide and broad His grace was, which entered our account with "Paid in Full." So that we might understand that to the degree "sin has reigned to death", to such a greater degree "grace [reigns] through righteousness to eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord." (vs21)
- Many 'christians' (small "c") do not have "joy", because they have not been saved. If we have truly understood the depths of our sin, and the extent of God's grace, the natural outcome and reaction to the transformation is "joy". When we realize -exactly-what- it is that Christ did for us when He died, then our reactions must echo Peter's words about Him, "..whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory.."(1Pt1:8) If we have not experienced salvation, there is no -basis- for joy, or love for Christ. As Jesus said of the sinful woman who came to Him, "Therefore I say to you, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, he loves little. (Lk7:47)
First of all, there is a 'love' for Christ. As the old song states, "..how can I do less than give Him my best, and live for Him completely..after all He's done for me" The early disciples "[rejoiced] that they were counted worthy to be shamed for His name." (Acts5:41)
There is also a calm growth that occurs as He "disciplines" us (Heb12:5-11) to result in "peaceable fruit of righteousness". Afflictions bring about patience. Patience results in experience. Hope. And when we have been through His training, we have no need to be ashamed. When God deals with us in such a manner, and we have matured, we 'understand' His love for us. He doesn't merely 'save' us and let us wander about any ol' way we please. He nurtures us with His love, and we understand the Holy Spirit which is given to us. (vs4-5)
A little object lesson to illustrate... Years ago my cat got into a scuffle with another cat, who bit him -real-good- in his rear paw. It became infected, and required a vet to clean up the mess and stitch it up. He remained -indoors- for many months while recouperating. 'Had to be carried up and down the stairs to his food and 'box'. When the wraps came off, there was daily soaking for a period of time. Where he had been used to running and climbing at will, for a period of time he was dependent for 'personal' care and nurturing for everything. This healing time also caused a 'bond' to develope between him and me. During the healing as he began to chew on the stitches, when "no" was said a few times, by the 3rd "no" he would leave the stitches alone. He -understood-. When he was healed and now running loose again, when it was time to come in for the night, he would 'come' when called...rather than being out all night. If I walked down the street to visit a neighbor, he would come looking for me, meowing at me to "come home".
Same thing shepherds would do with wayward sheep. Only, they would -purposely- break a lamb's leg. (That's what the 'crook' was for.) Same thing would happen. As the lamb was -personally- nurtured back to health, a 'bond' would develope between shepherd and sheep, and the sheep would no longer run off and get lost.
The cat (and sheep) would be at 'peace', having been through 'affliction', and been nurtured through it. You see, God's salvation through Jesus Christ does not -merely- rescue us from God's wrath. He saved us by His own blood. He also nurtures us. It's a 'full-service' package-deal. His "grace through faith" (Eph2:8) is not anything we do. It is not of works. (vs9) But He does not stop there. "We are His -WORKMANSHIP-, created in Christ Jesus to good works, which God has before ordeained that we should walk in them."(vs10)
So, just as an obedient child who has experienced a parent's nurturing 'looks forward to' the parent's return after being away, and runs into their arms; in the same way the Believer can come "boldly" (Heb4:16) to the Father as Jesus "confesses" us before Him. (Rev3:5) As we have "hope" (vs4) looking foward to His "glorious appearing" (Tit2:13) we are prepared to meet Him with "clear conscience" (1Tm1:5,19) and unashamed. (vs5)
With such an outlook regarding our Holy Father after He has saved us and nurtured us, there is truly "peace with God."
Amen!
Living in Newness of Life - (Chapter 6)
What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin so that grace may abound? Let it not be! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?" (vs1-2) "Shall we sin because we are not under law, but under grace? Let it not be! (vs15)
There is a grievous error being proclaimed today. It goes something like, "God loves you JUST AS YOU ARE. That's why He saw 'worth' in you and saved you. That's graaeeeessss! It doesn't matter what you've been, God doesn't care. And once you're saved, God doesn't care how you live... graeeeessss."
That is NOT what God's 'grace' is about! As we saw last month, His grace saved us when we were worthless sinners. There was nothing desirable in us, and yet He saved us. (5:8) If we truly understand -what- takes place when God justifies us in Christ, we would understand the 'Christian life' better.
When Jesus died for us, -we- died -with- Him. (vs3-4) Before His death Jesus spoke of the 'baptism' that He had to undergo. (Mt20:22) Another label for His crucifixion and death. And so, when we are saved, we are receiving the 'baptism' which Jesus accomplished for us. Dying and being buried. This is not 'water' baptism we are speaking of. This is the REAL THING. The event which the water -merely- outwardly 'symbolizes'. But this event is that which occurs in the heart. (2:29,10:9,Acts8:37)
This event "joins" (vs5) us to Christ. Jesus is the 'head' (Eph5:23), and we join the 'body of Christ'. (Col1:18,2:17) And, no, this is -NOT- 'church membership' to some 'local' body. This is the body of -all- those who "name the name of Christ". (2tm2:19) Part of the larger "family in heaven and earth" who are named in God's name. (Eph3:14-15) This is that 'unity' which Christ accomplished which He prayed about in Jn17, "that they also may be one in Us.."(vs21) the symbolism of "the two..shall be one.." (Eph5:31) as Paul equates the union of Christ and the Church to the marriage bonds of husband and wife.
Just as our 'joy', once saved, is nurtured in 'affliction' (5:3), our 'marriage' in Christ begins with -DEATH-. In order to come to Christ, we DIE. Before we can be "born again" (Jn3:3) the 'seed' which Christ the 'Sower' (Mt13:3) plants must die. (Jn12:24,1Co15:36) Our old self must be "put to death" (Col3:3,5) as we are "crucified with Christ". (vs6,Gal2:20)
And this, right here, separates most modern "invitations, decisions, commitments, etc" as flawed. People want a 'marriage' with flowers, beautiful music, feelings of romance and happiness. They want to take on Jesus, 'add Him' to their lives, for Him to come-along, take their hand, and romance-WITH-them, as they wish to la-dee-da along their way. -THEIR- way. And their songs of Christ are swoony "love songs".
DEATH ?!? Oh, no! That is much too painful and grotesque! It is not 'enlightened'. It does not boost my 'self-esteem'. It means I would have to humble myself and admit that I'm a 'nothing' and worthless. And we can't have that!!
But notice what happens when we join with Christ in His death. Christ was raised from the dead. (vs4,1Cor15:20) "We shall also be [joined] in the likeness of His resurrection." (vs5) John tells us, "we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is." (1Jn3:2) "..we shall also live with Him." (vs8) If we do submit to Him in death we are told, after we've 'mourned and wept', "be humbled before the Lord, and He will lift you up." (Jas4:10) If we are, thus, "in Christ, [we] are a new creature; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." (2Cor5:17)
This 'death' and 'resurrection' now makes us "dead to sin" and "alive to God". (vs10-11) Remember from our previous lessons, death came about due to Adam's sin. We were born in sin. But 'now', due to our death with Christ, and our joining Him in newness of life, there is no more death. "..death no longer has dominion..." (vs9)
Thus, the 'natural' outcome of all this is that we are not going to sin. Why would we? Our new natures are not natures 'of death' (and sin). (Next chapter we will see the struggle between the spirit and the flesh.) But, in our transformation, we are to "count yourselves also to be truly dead to sin, but alive to God in Jesus Christ our Lord." (vs11) This word "count" is the same accounting term we considered in (4:9) as "reckon". We may still, temorarily, be in these "bodies of death" (7:24,1Cor15:50-54), but we are to live as those who are "alive to God".
Therefore, we are exhorted, "do no let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts." (vs12) This is a command. Because our bodies are yet 'mortal' and full of 'corruption' (1Cor15:53) this is a conscious choice we must make. How do we accomplish this?
YIELDING!
It's a matter of fellowship and headship. "Yield your members..." (vs13) To whom do we hand over the controls to our life? Do we go hang out with the old swinging, partying friends? Or do we give ourselves to the Lord, to do with as He chooses, having said, "what will You have me to do?" (Acts9:6) We cannot have it both ways. Remember, Jesus said, "you cannot serve two masters." (Mt6:24) If you wish to live 'both' lives, you will have -defaulted- to "unrighteousness to sin".
This 'yielding' is a 'slavery'. It is 'bondage'. Whether a person wants to admit it or not, if they wish to control their own life, they are in bondage to sin. But when a person dies with Christ, dies -to- sin (repents), he becomes a 'slave' (to obey) to righteousness. This obedience is "from the HEART". (vs17) Humanity has a built-in sense of 'belonging'. Belonging to -some- entity or person.
So, a person might object, "isn't God awfully demanding? See? It's just like everybody says. He has all these 'expectations' of us." Well, when we were in sin, certainly, we were 'free' from God. (vs20) But look at the life in sin. Debauchery, lust, hate, anger, etc. All the things that lead to unhappiness and discontent while in this life; and ultimately leads to death. It was these -things- which your God-given conscience indicated to you as you came to Him in repentance.
But you see, the 'bondage' of Christ leads to life. When Jesus invites, He says, "Come to Me all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Mt11:28) You see, "rest" is the thing God gives to those who yield to Him. When a person comes to Faith in Christ, they "..enter into His rest.." (Heb3:18) One of the characteristics of Eternity with God is "rest from their labors" (Rev14:13) But as long as a person is in sin, he is weighed down.
Thus, Jesus' invitation is "Take my yoke on you.." (Mt11:29) A yoke was a farming instrument to 'connect' the ox or horse to the plow, to do work. But Jesus says, "My yoke is easy, and My burden is light." (vs30) But we must yield to Him. When we do, we understand meekness and humility, as we "learn of" Christ; as we learn to have the mind "in you which was also in Christ Jesus." (Phil2:5) But with this yoke a person finds "rest to your souls."
Yes, it might be "slavery" to God. (vs22) But the fruits are "holiness." We are "free from sin" [and its result ..'death']. The ultimate result is "everlasting life." Furthermore, if you find this to be an impossible situation for you, you didn't really die with Christ. You are not "dead to sin." You were not saved. You were not raised with Him. You are "yet in your sins." (1Cor15:17)
In case you're still struggling with how to proceed with your life, a little reminder: "the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God [while His 'slave'] is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (vs23)
But if you have "died, and your life has been hidden with Christ in God" (Col3:3) and are looking forward to "be[ing] like Him" when He is revealed and we "see Him as He is" ...then "everyone who has this hope on him [will live a pure life], even as He is pure" (1Jn3:2-3) as we "[live] to God" (vs10)
Amen!
The Two Laws - Marriage - (Chapter 7)
If we have died and been buried with Christ through baptism, and the matter of living in "righteousness to God" (6:13) is -simply- a matter of considering ourselves as "dead to sin" and of yielding in submission as slaves to God, how come we still sin? If in being raised with Christ to "newness of life" (6:4) where the new birth (Jn3:3) makes us "new creatures" and everything has "become new" (2Cor5:17) why is it such a STRUGGLE to live pure and righteous lives before God?
As Believers we -want- to be obedient to God and His laws, knowing that His commandments are good. But something draws us away to disobey, and we actually -enjoy- doing those things we "hate". Paul says, "For what I desire, that I do not do; but what I hate, that I do." (vs15,19)
For all this "righteousness of God" which we have, there is "sin that dwells in me." (vs17,20-21) How can this be? John wrote, "Everyone who abides in Him does not sin. Everyone who sins has not seen Him nor known Him." (1Jn3:6) And again, "Everyone who has been born of God does not commit sin, because His seed remains in him, and he -cannot- sin, because he has been born of God." (vs9) Paul says there is sin in us. John says, if you sin you're not of God. Who's right? Does the Bible contradict itself? Oh, but then, John had said earlier, "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us." (1Jn1:8) Well, there you have it! John can't even decide!
[Ed: For John's perspective on this the reader is directed to the website "Library" where you will find a study series on the complete book of 1John]
Paul speaks of "Law". Remember how we -died- to sin, and -arose- to Christ, to newness of life. Just as we die to sin and whoever is in charge of sin, we also die to Law and its jurisdiction. As long as a person is alive, the law can fine, imprison or execute a person. Once a person is dead, there is nothing further the law can do regarding that person.
The marriage "trust" which the two pledge to each other is, "until death do us part." The only form of RE-marriage God ordained was for widow/ers. Where -death- had taken one of the two. God ordained, "two become one". (Gen2:24) And Jesus confirmed that law, "what God has joined, let not man separate." (Mt19:6) Any other form of remarriage, according to Law, is "adultery". (vs1-3)
Now, we have just a bit of a dichotomy about the Law. On one hand, the Law is God's Law. It is holy, just and good. (vs12,16) God had commanded regarding the keeping of it, "And you shall keep My statutes and My judgments, which if a man does, he shall live in them. I am the LORD." (Lev18:5)
However, the Law is also the basis for judgment. If there was no speed-limit law, a person cannot receive a citation for going too fast. In similar fashion, although a person's conscience (2:15) may tell him that lying is wrong, he can't be judged for lying unless there is a law that says, "you shall not lie." When God's only stipulation was, "don't eat of -that- tree" -that- tree became the focus for lust. "But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, worked in me all kinds of lust." (vs8) You see, without the Law, there are no 'teeth' against sin. There is no understanding of something existing called "sin". This is why -that- tree was called the "Tree of the knowledge of good and evil." (Gen2:9) Without a law or the breaking of the law, there is no understanding of the -concept- of sin. Sin does not 'exist'. (vs8) There is no death, as mankind was "alive" once without the law. (vs9)
But as soon as there was the Law, then sin had things to grab on to. Start churning and manipulating. Things to be 'curious' about and 'investigate'; which is what the serpent 'helped' Eve along with. How many little children would not be drowned if there hadn't been a "law" which said, "don't go near the pool." As soon as the law says, don't go there, the attention is turned towards the pool, and then, curiosity, investigation...and 'splash'...they're -in- the pool. Did that make the parents "bad" because they warned, "don't..."? No, the warning was good. Just like God's law, if it was observed, the child would not drown... they would "live".
Although it is good, the Law focuses the attention on what is bad, and we tend to do what our attention is focused on. Just like they teach in motorcycle safety classes: If you're maneuvering around objects, or riding near a ditch, or such obstacles; if the attention is focused on that telephone pole or ditch, that's where you're going to end up. What you want to do: You notice the object is there, but focus your attention on where you want the motorcycle to go. Which is why Paul writes about "laying aside" all the obstacles to the Christian life and "sin", focusing our attention instead, "looking unto Jesus..." (Heb12:1-2)
Thing is... there are -two- laws. And correspondingly, two "natures". God's Law is "spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin." (vs14) We maybe have died and risen with Christ, but "evil is present with me." (vs21) This word "present" indicates that this evil is not "part -of-" me, but it's near-by, 'tagging along'. It is not a part of that "new birth" (Jn3:3) or part of Christ. Which is why John wrote, "his -seed- remains in him, and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God." (1Jn3:9) When we are born in Christ, we have Christ's nature, but there is sin which tags along and follows us around. How does it do so?
"..I am carnal". Still in the "flesh". (vs14) I "delight in the law of God according to the -INWARD- man." (vs22) We are 'tripartite' beings. We are comprised of "spirit, soul and body". (1Th5:23) The "inward man" is the 'spiritual'. -That- part has no problem being obedient to God and His laws. But there is -another- law "in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin being in my members." (vs23) While our spirits are saved, our -bodies- are yet in sin. In another recent study with the people on the E-list, we considered how when a person comes to Faith in Christ, that Faith did not change certain -physical- situations about the person. If their body had tattoos or scars prior to salvation, the New Birth did not erase those -physical- features. Nor did it change the status of one's -physical- "marriage bed" in terms of divorce and remarriage.
When we were buried and raised with Christ (6:4) that was -spiritual-. But our -bodies- are yet beset with their carnal frailties. The carnal is yet 'tagging along' and -wanting- its way. And so it contrives to get its way by manipulating the mind. (vs23) If a person thinks about it, temptation to sensual lust, for example, begins with the body. One's own hormones, the visual sensation of that which is "desirable", and everything works on the mind, then, to contrive satisfaction... for the -flesh-.
Notice Paul's great cry, "O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the -BODY- of this death?" (vs24) In Ch8 he will speak of the "redemption of our body." (vs23) At the resurrection/rapture notice that it is "flesh and blood" which will be "changed". (1Cor15:50-51)
As we exist presently, no matter how wonderful the Believer, we CANNOT get to heaven. We may have come to God in repentance and received Jesus Christ as our sole Savior from sin, but we cannot -yet- go to heaven. Because of these -BODIES-. "..flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does corruption inherit incorruption." (1Cor15:50) Our salvation is not yet 'complete' for all three parts of our being. Paul says, "Not as though I had -already- attained, either were already perfect..My brothers, I do not count myself to have -TAKEN- possession..." (Phil3:12-13) But we have the "sealing" with the Holy Spirit of -PROMISE-. (Eph1:13) It is our sure "hope".
This is why Christ's -physical- resurrection is so important. His resurrection insures a "living hope" of the "inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, and unfading, reserved in Heaven for you." Which is why the "security" of God's salvation is so precious. This aspect of our salvation is "ready to be revealed in the last time" (1Pt1:3-5) at His "glorious appearing" (Tit2:13) when Believers are raised from the dead and living ones caught up to "meet the Lord in the air" (1Th4:17) at which time "when He shall be revealed, we shall be like Him" ..because we will have been "changed" as the "corruptible [put on] incorruption" (1Cor15:52) ..as we "see Him as He is." (1Jn3:2)
[Ed: Think about how the "wedding garment" might fit here. (Mt22:11-12) Possibly something different than the "robe of righteousness"? (Isa61:10, Rev7:9)]
But for now "..with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin." (vs25b)
How do I gain victory over the flesh? "I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord!" (vs25a) And -how- is this accomplished? "Oh...just turn it over to the Lord!" ...flutter the eyelids a bit and don a pious expression? Not quite!
Marriage! When we died with Christ, we not only died to sin, but also to the Law which condemned sin. Since we are now "free" from the law and sin, we are "free" to "be married to Another [Christ], even to Him raised from the dead.." (vs4) Thus, Paul exhorts, "stand fast therefore in the liberty with which Christ has made us free, and do not again be held [entangled-nkjv] with the yoke of bondage." (Gal5:1)
When a couple is newly married, in a 'healthy' marriage the two do not necessarily seek out each other as to what "laws/rules" the other -requires- of them. The "law" that now exists is the law of 'love'. The -desire- to 'please' the other; to do what the other wants. Just as wives are "subject to" their husbands (Eph5:22,Col3:18), if we love Him [our "Husband"] we will keep His commandments. (Jn14:15)
And so, if our flesh tempts us to lust away after sin, sin now has a new label. "Adultery". "Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that the friendship of the world is enmity with God?" (Jas4:4) The O.T. prophets spoke much of Israel's "whoredom" against God. In other words, with our "marriage" relationship with Christ, if we are led away into sin, we are being "UNFAITHFUL" to our "Spouse", Jesus Christ.
So, how do we achieve victory over sin? Do we begin to see how the pharisaical approach of "legalism" just doesn't 'cut' it? Is impossible? Legalists judge everything by "law". They look -to- the Law, instead of Christ. They busy themselves with their KJV-derived "appearances" of evil (1Th5:22) in terms of what "looks" good or bad, rather than looking within their own hearts and their relationship with Christ. They forget that the Law was much too cumbersome and impossible to keep. They do not accept the "simplicity that is in Christ" (2Cor11:3), forgetting that He promised, "My yoke is easy, and My burden is light." (Mt11:30)
Victory comes through Jesus Christ our Lord. Through our marriage "Pledge of Faith" to Him. "-ABIDING-" in Him (Jn15:4) and bearing "much fruit" (vs5) "to God". (Rom7:4b) If we in this manner continually "put on" the Lord Jesus (Rom13:14) we won't have time for the flesh.
Amen!
The Spiritual Life - (Chapter 8)
"There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. But the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death." (vs1-2)
Remember that we died with Christ. (6:3) When we died to sin (6:11) we also died to the law which condemned sin. (7:4) We now are under a new law in our "marriage" to Christ (7:4); the "Law of the Spirit of life." (vs2) Since we died to the old law, we are also no longer under its condemnation.
The new life is a "spiritual" life. Yet, we are still in these bodies. But we are given a means by which to bring these bodies in line with the spiritual. The "mind". The flesh is weak, and manifested the weakness of the law. The flesh could not keep the law. By the law was death. Those who mind the things of the flesh do so unto death. (vs5-6) The 'pharisees' who try to live unto God through the Law have a losing battle, because the Law indicates the carnal mind which is enmity against God. When they have their minds on the Law, it is impossible for them to be subject to God. (vs7) The "carnal" mind is similar to the "natural" man who does not receive the things of the Spirit of God..neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." (1Cor2:14) So, if you try to live according to the flesh, you -cannot- please God. (vs8)
This is why Jesus had to "come in the flesh". (1Jn4:2) In so doing, and dying in the flesh on the cross, He "condemned sin in the flesh". (vs3)
So, the life in Christ is a "walk not according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit." (vs4) We set our "minds" according to the "things of the Spirit." (vs5) "Be mindful of things above, not on things on the earth" as we "seek those things which are above..." (Col3:1-2) The Spiritual life is one of "life and peace." (vs6)
In a proper translation you will notice that "Spirit" in this chapter is capitalized; indicating the -Person- of God's Holy Spirit. Jesus had promised His coming in John16. And in this chapter (ch8) we come down to the crux of the Christian life. The nature of the Believer. How do we live for God successfully? We are "not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if the Spirit of God dwells in you." (vs9) How do we live successfully pleasing to God? In the Holy Spirit, because He [the Holy Spirit] dwells -in- you.
Of all the verses in the N.T. this verse (Rom8:9) may quite likely be -THE- KEY to living for the Lord. It tells how to live, and defines a "Believer." A True Believer is one, by definition, who is indwelt by the Holy Spirit. Because, notice, "if anyone has not the Spirit of Christ, this one is not of Him." If you think you're a "Christian", but are also 'waiting' to receive the Spirit, you are not a Christian. At Salvation the Holy Spirit "seals" us with a "promise" (Eph1:13) and indwells us. (1Cor3:16) And so, now that the Spirit indwells us, our living is according to the Spirit, not the flesh.
It is because of the Holy Spirit that our "mortal" bodies can have life. (vs11) Remember: "this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality." (1Cor15:53)
Therefore we are no longer "debtors" to the flesh to live fleshly lives. (vs12) Remember how we are slaves, either to sin or to God? (ch6) When we died to the flesh and the Law, we are no longer bound to the flesh to obey it. We have "freedom" NOT to. Now, if we insist on continuing in the flesh we will die. Paul spoke of "deliver [a deliberately sinning one] to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that the spirit may be saved..." (1Cor5:5) And again, "If anyone defiles the temple [physical body] of God, God shall destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which you are." (1Cor3:17) But the one who "through the Spirit mortifies [kills] the deeds of the body" shall live. (vs13)
We are no longer slaves in the same sense we were "in bondage" to sin, but are "sons of God." (vs14; Gal3:26, Phil2:15) We are no longer "servants" but "friends" of Christ. (Jn15:15) We are no longer slaves who live in little cottages along the periphery of the property, but as "adopted" sons, we can run into the main living quarters and 'jump into His lap' as we cry out "Abba Father!" ...'Daddy, Daddy!' (vs15)
How do we know that we "belong"? Again, the "Holy Spirit." The Holy Spirit Who resides within us (vs9) is the One Who confirms to our heart that we belong. (vs16) Now, if that Spirit does not reside, thus indicating that we don't belong, we will not receive that "witness". If He resides and has given you the "witness", you know it. If you "don't know" or are wondering "what it's like" to know the Holy Spirit "bearing witness", then that's a pretty sure sign you do NOT 'belong'.
And be sure that Satan will give you -imitation- 'experiences' which you will "feel" in your emotions. But those are not the Real Thing. One of the best ways to know the Holy Spirit is through God's Word. The Holy Spirit propelled the writers who wrote it down. If that Word comes "alive" to you, you will know the "witness", because it is the same Holy Spirit Who wrote it in the first place. If you experience an emotional 'high' where Scripture is -specifically- Set Aside in order to conjure up these emotions, you -KNOW- that that experience is -NOT- God's Holy Spirit. This witness will not come through the highly-charged emotional meetings where the Rock band is playing, and people are jumping and swaying as they "praise the Lord"...as the "strong wind, earthquake and -fire-" are stirring you up and bowling you over. But it will come in His "still, small voice" (1Kg19:12) as you are in "your room..shutting your door" with your Father "in secret". (Mt6:6) This "witness" is the very ESSENCE of -true- "prayer".
What is the result of living the Spiritual life? Happy-happy, smiles, swoon, jump up-n-down, clapping the hands?? If we are "joint-heirs" with Christ, we will also "SUFFER with Him." But then, we will also be "glorified together." (vs17) Let us never forget that Jesus never promised a garage full of expensive cars, and earthly mansions with gold-plated fixtures; or that we would "FEEL good". We are promised "sufferings" (vs18) Jesus said, "in this world you -shall- have tribulation..." (Jn16:33) If they persecuted Jesus, they will also persecute the Believer. (15:20) Martyrdom is not the only form of persecution. "Blessed are you when men shall revile you and persecute you, and shall -SAY- all kinds of evil against you falsely, for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for your reward in Heaven is great." (Mt5:11-12) Paul says, "I reckon [it's my opinion] that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the coming glory to be revealed in us." (vs18) Just for one item of comparison: rich people have gold-plated house fixtures, but in Heaven gold is found as -street- composition! ..to be walked [trod] upon.
The sufferings and coming glory apply not only to Believers, but to creation itself. The "whole creation groans and travails in pain together until now" (vs22) because of sin's curse. One of the prophesied characteristics of Christ's coming earthly reign is that earth's violence will cease. No more "thorns" (Is55:13) and predatory animals will be at peace with their former victims. (Is11:6,65:25)
Even these bodies we inhabit will be "redeemed". (vs23) At present we "groan" in these bodies because of the "flesh" which wants us to sin, along with their frailties, illness and mortality. While we currently live in a time when Believers expect the Rapture imminently, those who continue on to physical death do so in "hope". The Hope of the resurrection. (Acts23:6,24:15) But our hope is a "living hope" (1Pt1:3) because of Jesus the "First-fruit". (1Cor15:20) It is called the "blessed hope, and the glorious appearing" of Jesus Christ. (Tit2:13)
How do we 'make it' through these sufferings and frailties? Again, the Spirit. (vs26) We are instructed to "pray" (1Th5:17,Jas5:13a) but the trouble is, we often don't know how to pray. Often, there are no -words- to adequately convey that which is in our hearts. Now, the 'pharisees' again have contrived a whole methodology regarding this, with special formulas and turns of phrase which appear to be "spiritual". And those who are "spiritual" amongst their number 'know' when a fellow-pray-er is praying "spiritually". On the other hand, there are those who claim to receive a special "spiritual language". A "prayer language". They condone themselves in this by distorting Paul's teachings in 1Cor12-14.
But notice Paul's teaching on this matter. We do not even -do- the praying! We don't know -how- to pray "as we ought." Therefore the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us. And these "groanings" are -NOT- uttered. (vs26) And notice Who else is in this prayer "partnership". The One "searching the hearts." Who is that? The "Word of God" [Jesus Christ] -Who- knows us down to our soul and spirit, our thoughts and intents. (Heb4:12-13) It is Christ Whose present "job" is that of -interceding- for us. (vs34) Not only does Christ -know- us, He also knows the "mind of the Spirit" Who is in us. Between the two of Them, our prayer comes before the Father.
With this kind of "Spiritual" life, nothing goes wrong with our lives. God "chose" us (vs29) and does a "workmanship" in us. (Eph2:10) He does not abandon us. He sees to it that "all things work together for good". (vs28) Yes, there may be sufferings, and we will make wrong choices along the way, but God knows the end from the beginning (Is46:10) He called, justified and glorified us. (vs30) So if He -did- all these things -for- us, how can anything come against us? (vs31) If God went to all the trouble to break up the fellowship of the God-head in order to "crush" Jesus in judgment (Is53:10) to inflict His wrath upon Him for our salvation; surely He is not going to abandon us to failure, but will "freely give us all things." (vs32) God "so loved" that He gave His only begotten Son. (Jn3:16) If the Lord and Creator of the universe went to all this trouble to save us, will He not also guarantee and assure our safe-keeping!
Notice the 'list' of adversities that will try us. (vs35-39) We will have trials and afflictions from earthly things and spiritual forces. But even Satan, himself (principalities-powers) cannot separate us from the "love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (vs39) Who can condemn us before God? It is God, Himself, Who justifies us. (vs33) And we've got the best "litigator" in the business Who "also intercedes for us" (vs34) since He is our "Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." (1Jn2:1)
The Spiritual life is a win-win situation. The Holy Spirit indwells us. He assures us through His "witness" that we belong. We are "adopted" as "joint-heirs" with Christ. We have the "hope" of the redemption of our bodies out of this flesh. Communion with the Father is jointly with the Holy Spirit and Jesus Christ. And we are safely kept in His love, and guarded against any force which would try to remove us from our standing with God.
Our only "work" in all this is to be "spiritually minded" (vs6) and allow God to "conform" us "to the image" of Jesus Christ. (vs29) And when "hope" is fulfilled, we anticipate being "like Him" when we "see Him as He is." (1Jn3:2) A person with such a "hope..purifies himself, even as [Christ] is pure." (vs3)
Amen!
True Israel and Faith - (Chapter 9)
I tell the truth in Christ...that I have great heaviness and continual pain in my heart. For I myself was wishing to be accursed from Christ for my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh, who are Israelites..." (~vs1-4)
What a level of love that most of us do not understand! For all the accusations and persecutions the Jews hurled upon Paul, he says here that he would not only give his life, but that if Israel would be saved as a result, he would even give up his salvation for their sake.
How many of us even 'care' about those we know who are in the "church"? The relationship Paul had with Israel is the same as many Believers have with the "church". Paul was a "Jew" of the tribe of Benjamin, had participated in all the Jewish rituals, and was an up-n-coming Pharisee. (Phil3:5) Israel had been given all of God's blessings. Salvation was "of the Jews" (Jn4:22b) The Law came through them. (vs4) They were keepers of the Scriptures. (3:2) Worship of God was required to happen from Jerusalem at the temple. (vs4,Deu16:5-6) And it was through Israel that Christ came "according to flesh" as "humanity". (vs5,1Jn4:2-3)
But he notes, "..not all those of Israel are Israel." (vs6) What does he mean? Is this a bunch of double-talk? Isn't red red? 2 equals 2. Israel is Israel. Right? Well, no. There are two -kinds- of "Israel". Many who confuse the "Church" and "Israel" as being the same misunderstand this. Even Israel misunderstood this.
There is Israel, the physical, genetic descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The physical bodies and souls of the Israeli nation/race. The -people-. And then, there is "Spiritual" Israel. Those who are of the "faith of Abraham". (4:16) Those who are of "promise". (vs8-9)
All of Israel, physically, left Egypt and ate manna in the wilderness. They all heard God's voice from Sinai. They all went through the Red Sea. They all received the Law. They all participated in the rituals of worship to God. And yes, they followed Christ (figuratively). "But with many of them God was not well pleased, for they were scattered in the wilderness." (1Cor10:1-5) If you read in the Law, any "foreigner" who wished to worship God had to participate in Jewish ritual and be circumcised. Essentially, a person who believed in and worshiped God was labeled a "Jew". If you wanted to worship God, you followed Jewish ritual. Even in exile, although Daniel called Him the "God in Heaven" (Dan2:28) He became known as the "God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego." (Dan3:29) The Jewish God. And again, the "God of Daniel." (Dan6:26)
Again, it's a difference between the physical and the heart. The -Spiritual- Israel is "not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that outwardly in flesh..." (2:28) This is what the Jews who killed Jesus looked to. Their fleshly rituals. But God did not call out Abraham and make all the promises just to have a unique, distinct 'race' of people, genetically. God's call was for the purpose of providing "Salvation" to sinful man as a provision because of Adam and Eve's sin at Eden. If it is merely a "racial" question, God made all mankind equally of "one blood". (Acts17:26) But "Israel" was a chosen race (1Pt2:9) for the purpose of providing salvation to the whole world (Jn3:16) through them. (Gen12:3b) The "whole point" in having Israel, at all, was for Salvation. Thus, the true understanding is that "he is a Jew who is one inwardly, and circumcision is of the heart; in spirit and not in letter, whose praise is not from men, but from God." (2:29)
So, we see "..not all those of Israel are Israel." (vs6) In other words, Not all those who are physical descendants of Abraham are Believers in God. You see, while most of Babylon looked at the "God of Israel", Nebuchadnezzar was humbled by God and received "understanding" and then "blessed the Most High, and I praised and honored Him who lives forever, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom..." (Dan4:34) He became a Believer and said, "Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and exalt and honor the King of Heaven.." (vs37) It was no longer "Jew" to him, but a personal Faith in the Most High.
So, Paul looks at those labeled "Israel" with the realization that they were not all "Believers", and says "I have great heaviness and continual pain in my heart.." for them.
Today we have a similar entity. It has the Scriptures, doctrine and worship of God. They make certain claims to Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Something called the "Church" comprised of "Christians". Let's adapt Paul's words, 'for not all those of the church are the Church'. Or, in other words, 'not all christians are Christians'.
Over the years I have been blessed to have been in a lot of churches. As a missionary kid on furlough in deputation meetings. Concert tours ministering to many churches. Participating in crusades musically. That's a -lot- of people. But in recent years that "blessing" has become a curse. A heaviness on the heart. As a realization of the true state of the "church" has burdened my heart, I have often spent entire mornings, while working, in mourning, with tears; realizing that those hundreds (or thousands) of people I have known of in some manner, are not the "Church" (capital "C"). Many of them are not only deceived, but as Paul wrote, "For many are walking, of whom I have told you often and now tell you even weeping, as the enemies of the cross of Christ;" (Phil3:18) The tears come because of the knowledge that their "end is destruction.." (vs19)
Even though God is "not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" (2Pt3:9) how is the determination made as to "who" is going to be saved? There are some who follow some of the past "great men of God" and declare a grievous error from this chapter. They suppose that God goes 'eeny, meeny, mynee, mo' ... I'm gonna pick you, you, and you. But the rest of you I'm gonna cast away. And that His "picking" is something the person has "no choice" about. A person who is going to be saved can't help BUT be saved, and the lost has no choice BUT to be doomed. That those thus saved come as a result of "irresistible grace". After all, vs18 says, "He has mercy on whom He will have mercy, and whom He will, He hardens."
Let's look at what God had to 'work with' for a moment. Even though Noah and family had been saved through the flood, the ensuing world became corrupt again, immediately, because "all the world lies in evil" (1Jn5:19) "Jehovah looked down from Heaven on the sons of men, to see if there were any who understood and sought God. All have gone aside, together they are filthy; there is none who does good, no, not one." (Ps14:2-3) He had, essentially, NOTHING to work with. Just lumps of clay. Worthless. So He 'picked' a particular lump, Abraham. On what basis did He do so? "Foreknowledge" "Whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son.." (8:29) And regarding Israel, He "foreknew" them. (11:2) You see, while all we see is "lumps" of clay, "God looks on the heart". (1Sam16:7) He sees clear into the "dividing apart of soul and spirit" (Heb4:12) He knows all things (Jn2:24,18:4) and the "end from the beginning" (Is46:10)
Did God's 'choosing' of Jacob in the womb hinder Esau? (vs13) No. Esau had no "place for repentance". (Heb12:17) Did God's choosing of Jacob's "seed" condemn Esau's descendants? No. Job was Esau's descendent (Job1:1, Gen36:28, Lam4:21), and was a righteous man before God. (Job1:8,42:7,12)
When God 'chose' Pharaoh (vs17) to show His power, was Pharaoh an "innocent victim" of God's wrath? (vs19) Not hardly! God said, "I will harden Pharaoh's heart" (Ex7:3) But notice that he (Pharaoh) had ALREADY hardened his -own- heart when he retorted, "Who is Jehovah, that I should obey His voice? I know not the Lord..." (Ex5:2) He had already made his choice. So, God took what was already determined, augmented and used it to show forth His glory.
When God uses a "lump" as a "vessel..to dishonor" (vs21) does He do so with glee, without them having a chance to repent or soften their hearts? No. He "[endures] with much long-suffering". (vs22) His "long-suffering" is because He is "not willing that any should perish". (2Pt3:9) He does not wish to punish sinners. Through the prophet He asks the question, "Do I actually delight in the death of the wicked? says the Lord Jehovah. Is it not that he should turn from his ways and live?" (Ez18:23)
So, we come back to Israel. God chose Abraham and Jacob. The nation of Israel. A national entity through whom to bring "blessing" to the world. (Gen12:3,28:14) Israel, as a nation and label, the 'avenue' to Salvation. But even though God chose them -nationally-, on an -individual- level they were not all "Israel", even though they could trace their blood lineage back to Abraham. There is "free-will". People who espouse "predestination" without understanding "free-will" need to understand this. God "chose", "elected" and "predestined" Israel, but for the most part they rebelled. God had chosen to create Adam and Eve in perfection, but He also gave them the -ability- to disobey. The ones of Israel who are "not Israel" are thus because of "unbelief". (Heb3:19) They think they are Israel because of the "works of the Law." But they are not "of faith". (vs32)
But God has selected "vessels to honor". In His foreknowledge He "prepared" them "before" so that He could "make known the riches of His glory" (vs23) This was true of Israel where He assured Elijah, "Yet I have left seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed to Baal.." (1Kg19:18) The same is true today of the Church. This entity, the "Church", made up of predominantly Gentiles for a time (we'll discuss this at length in ch11), is presently the Body that worships, serves God, and is recipient of His promises. (vs4) But just like with Israel, there is a "remnant [that] shall be saved." (vs27)
The end comes quickly. (vs28) What does it take to be part of that "remnant" group; either Israel or Gentile? Israel with all their Law pursued righteousness, but "did not arrive at...righteousness" (vs31) And yet, the Gentiles who didn't have this legacy of "election" nor a national heritage of righteousness "have taken on righteousness". (vs30) How? By faith. Israel, as an entity did not arrive, because all their striving was "not of faith" (vs32) but relied on the -ritual- of the Law. And when Christ came, they "stumbled" as he told what the Law -really- meant (see the study series in Matthew at the website Library) as He "fulfilled" the Law. (Mt5:17) What He taught did not "fit" their preconceptions. They were "offended" at Him. (vs33, Mt13:57)
To be a "remnant" the ones "believing on Him shall not be put to shame." (vs33) These are the ones of whom He says, "I will call those not My people, My people; and those not beloved, Beloved." (vs25) It was promised that Israel would be like the "sands of the sea" (vs27, Gen13:16) and the "stars of the sky" (Gen15:5) for multitude. But due to unbelief and rebellion, they were scattered into all the nations, and there have been many attempts to annihilate them. And so even nationally, compared to the rest of the world's populations, they are a "remnant" in the land; and presently, still, in unbelief. If it weren't for God's mercy on them, they wouldn't even exist as an entity, but would be like Sodom and Gomorrah. (vs29) But God's promises for Israel's future restoration are sure. They will be called, "sons of the living God." (vs26)
Amen.
Israel Rejects the Call to Salvation - (Chapter 10)
Brothers, truly my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is for its salvation." (vs1)
First of all, before we get into the meat of this chapter, we should make an observation from this simple statement. When Paul speaks of "Israel" he is not speaking of the "Church". A definition of the Church is the Body of Christ (1Cor12:27), those who are Disciples. (Acts11:26) The Church consists of both Jews -and- Gentiles. (Eph2:12-16) Those that participate in the "faith of Christ". (Phil3:9) Those that are "saved". (Acts16:31) If a person does not fit into this definition, whether Jew or Gentile, they are not saved. They are not part of the Church.
When Paul expresses his desire and prayer regarding Israel, that they be saved; BY DEFINITION, they are not the Church. If they were, they would be "saved" and he would not have made such a statement. And conversely, the Church is not Israel. He is referring to the Israel that is not Israel. (9:6) The genetic descendants who make up Israel, nationally. Those who are yet in "unbelief". (Heb3:19) This is a good thing to keep in mind when confronted by some who apply prophesies and promises meant for Israel, to the Church. They take passages like Gal3:29 "if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed and heirs according to the promise", thinking this makes the Church -into- Israel and thus recipients of Israel's benefits; not understanding that Israel that -is- Israel, is so through "promise". (Rom9:8) They become Abraham's "seed" in Faith. (4:3) And in this sense, being more than -merely- Abraham's seed, but Christ's seed (1Jn3:9) through the new birth. God had promised Abraham, "in your Seed [capital "S"] shall all the nations of the earth be blessed." (Gen22:18, Gal3:16) This Seed was Christ. So, when Paul speaks of "Abraham's seed" in Gal3:29, he is actually speaking of being "in Christ". (2Cor5:17) Being "Israel" of Israel. (Rom9:6) Being a [C]hristian christian.
Israel, just like much of the 'church', has been zealous for God. They work hard to measure up to some standard. The Law. But Paul expresses the same thing we have noted in our Matthew studies, that the law they kept was often of their own contrivances and efforts. When they would ask Jesus about the Law, He would speak of His "fulfilling" the Law (Mt5:17). And yet, when confronted by the Law's specifics, many of them would find themselves as coming up short of its requirements. And on the other hand, they would condemn Jesus for not observing -their- 'idea' of the Sabbath laws. (Jn9:16)
Paul now defines their problem. They didn't take God's Law to heart; but instead set "about to establish their own righteousness". (vs3) If they had truly kept the Law, they would have "lived". (vs5,Lev18:5) But their rebellious hearts did not understand, nor submit to the "Spirit" of God's Law. (Acts7:51, Rom2:29, 2Cor3:6)
And ultimately they rejected Jesus Christ, the "end of the Law for righteousness for everyone who believes." (vs4) Remember Abraham's "Seed". And then, the whole Law was set up to look -ahead- to Christ; beginning with Passover. Christ came as the "[Passover] lamb without blemish and without spot.." (1Pt1:19b) Now, if the Law looked ahead -to- Christ, and Christ has now come; what further need is there for the Law? There isn't. That's why He is the "end of the Law.." We'll come back to this momentarily...
Just another thought about the Law which they misunderstood. They tried to set about to "observe" the Law; but they did not understand the "keeping" of it. Perhaps I'm nit-picking with words, here, but... They were like many legalists today; busy, busy, busy trying to "do" the Law, or "not do" its prohibitions. Missing entirely the "fellowship" aspect of the relationship God desired with them. They were the "pupil of His eye" (Deu32:10,Zec2:8) as He dwelt among them in the pillar of fire and smoke. And then, when the temple was dedicated, His "glory" filled the temple (2Chr7:1) indicating His "presence" among them. When the Law was given, Moses exhorted that the Law was not something meant to be insidious and vicious, or difficult. But it was something to be kept in one's heart. "This commandment..is not hidden from you..but the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, so that you may do it." (Deu30:11-14) Remember how Paul begins Romans when he speaks of the "conscience". (2:15) This conscience is -already- in the heart. The Law merely enumerates into words, what a person already innately knows. So, this is just another explanation of the fact that Israel's problem was a -heart- problem. The 'Law' was merely an excuse and symptom.
So, naturally, if they rejected the Law already in their hearts, they also rejected the "End" of the Law, Jesus Christ.
But now we're talking about the personal 'mechanisms' of being saved. Paul's heart-yearning is that Israel be saved. What he says regarding Israel's salvation is the same 'process' as for anybody; Jew and Gentile, alike. (vs12)
What is this "Word of Faith"? (vs8b) "..with the mouth you confess the Lord Jesus, and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead.." What? "..you shall be saved.." (vs9)
Now, he defines what he has just said. "With the heart one believes unto righteousness." (vs10a) Remember that salvation is "by grace through faith...not of works" (Eph2:8-9) Abraham's 'righteousness' came about when he "believed God". (4:3)
"And with the mouth one confesses unto salvation." (vs10b) Can a person -merely- "believe" and be righteous? Certainly. God knows the heart. But we are also "body and soul" beings. How do -we- know we are saved? Paul often speaks of the "mind". (Rom12:2,Eph4:23) How does our mind know we are saved if that faith doesn't make it "out" to that which the rest of the person understands? The -mouth- confesses. Proclaims. The mouth is a door to the heart. As Jesus said, "the things which come out of the mouth come from the heart.." (Mt15:18) Best way to tell the heart of a man is to be around when he smashes his thumb real hard with a hammer. What comes out of his mouth? Abraham "believed" God, but he proved and proclaimed it when he put his -only- son on the altar. (Jas2:21)
Anyone, Jew or Greek [Gentile] equally, who calls on Him, who does so "believing on Him shall not be put to shame." (vs11) He will not have to 'hang his head' when he stands before God, awaiting judgment; because there is "no condemnation". (8:1)
Now, we come to the favorite passage that used to be used in missions conferences. (Is it still?) If salvation comes about from "calling on the name of the Lord" (vs13, Joel2:32) they obviously have to 'believe' in Him. To believe in Him they need to "hear" of Him to know Who He is. Obviously, somebody needs to "tell" them. And then, naturally, the ones telling need to "go" to where the unsaved are, in order for them to hear.
There's the ol' favorite song with words, "Bring them in, bring them in..." And most churches use the song to stir people up to bring the unsaved in -to- the church meetings. Is that what this passage says? The ones who reach them are "sent" to "preach the gospel of peace.." (vs15) How many churches expect the unsaved to "come in" to the "church" to -then- "get them saved"?
First of all, until the lost are saved, they don't even -belong- in the assembly! In the O.T. God's direction was quite specific about keeping the profane out of God's presence. And they had the gatekeepers "so that the unclean in any way could not go in." (2Chr23:19) Preachers need to be "sent" to the lost, to bring (take) the gospel -to- them.
Not everyone who hears will be saved. "But they have not all obeyed the gospel." (vs16) Even when Jesus came "to His own [Israel]...His own received Him not." (Jn1:11) He -was- "sent" to Israel who was not Israel, and "though He had done so many miracles before them, yet they did not believe on Him" (Jn12:37) fulfilling the prophecy, "Lord, who has believed our report?" (Jn12:38,Isa53:1) And even today Israel rejects Him, even to the refusal to read that prophecy. Isaiah 53 is a "banned" chapter to orthodox Jews. Not only -did- they reject Him then, they still reject the prophecy that foretold their rejection of Him. 'Don't confuse me with facts, I've got my mind made up!'
What is the -basis- for Faith? Experience? Feelings? Emotions? Invitations? "Faith is of hearing, and hearing by the Word of God." (vs17) Do you see why the apostasy LAYS ASIDE God's Word? Why they "tear down the walls" of Doctrine? When they have their "spirit-filled" meetings, just "praising the Lord", preachers are often heard to say, "We won't have Scripture tonight; we've had the spirit." But you see, if it is not the Word of God, it is NOT Salvation! A person cannot be saved without God's Word. When the Ethiopian asked if he could be baptized, what was he doing? He had been reading the Scriptures. (Acts8) And Philip was sent, joined him and "preached the gospel of Jesus" to him.
The Holy Spirit, who propelled the writers of the Scriptures in the first place (2Pt1:21), is the 'conduit' for God's Word, pointing people to God's Word, Jesus Christ. (Jn16:13-15) If the meeting is all about being "spirit-filled" and being blessed "in the spirit", the attention is being focused on whatever "spirit" is being conjured up with their shamanism. If these "spirit-filled" meetings don't include God's Word or doctrine, then, the spirit in that meeting was NOT God's Holy Spirit! The Holy Spirit is not to be the focus, Jesus Christ is. We are not exhorted to be "looking to the spirit" but rather, being "filled with the Spirit" (Eph5:18) and "looking unto Jesus..." (Heb12:2)
By the same token, a "christian concert" (whether rock, classical or gospel), if God's Word is not present, does NOT produce converts to Christ. People may become emotionally worked up, and in tears, because of the power of the music. But if the music was not overflowing with God's Word, those people coming forward are -NOT- "being saved"! Period! No ifs, ands, or buts! The 3000 that came to Christ in Acts2 did not attend a concert. They heard PREACHING of God's Word. (This is one reason I'm no longer a "musician"!)
If you forget everything else from this lesson, remember this one verse! Etch it in your mind and heart! Mark it in your Bible and memorize it! "Faith [Salvation] is of hearing, and hearing by the... what? WORD-of-GOD." (vs17)
But Israel rejected. And God attempted to draw them. "All day long I have stretched forth My hands to a disobeying and gainsaying people." (vs21) He sent His 'preachers' (vs15,18) so they would hear, "rising early and sending them". (Jer25:4) God then turned His attention on the Gentiles, those whose only knowledge of God was as the "unknown God" (Acts17:23), and "became known to [them]" (vs20) as Paul was the "apostle to the Gentiles". (11:13, 2Tm1:11) Even when Jesus preached to them, He compared them and said that if His message and miracles had been presented to Sodom or Tyre and Sidon, that -they- (the heathen) would have listened and repented. (Mt11) Trying every which way to 'get through' to Israel. If they won't hear straight-forward preaching, let's try to stir up their "jealousy" (vs19) by showing them how others are hearing and receiving, or would have.
But they "disobeyed" (vs21) and in "anger" (vs19) cried out, "His blood be on us and on our children" (Mt27:25) and subsequently went into dispersion like "stubble" in the "winds of the wilderness" (Jer13:24) after Paul had made a final proclamation against them, "Therefore be it known to you that the salvation of God is sent to the nations [Gentiles], and they will hear." (Acts28:28)
Amen
Israel's Fall and Restoration - (Chapter 11)
Did not God put away His people? Let it not be! For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin." (vs1)
It continually amazes me when I hear the arguments that say things like, "Israel is gone, it's the church now." They look at prophecies written to and about Israel, apply them to the Church, with the argument that since God cast away Israel, all these things now 'must' apply to the Church. That the Church is "spiritual" Israel. So they teach things like the concept that the Church is to be "purified" before the Lord returns. That the Church is to go through God's wrath of what is often called "the Tribulation". That the rapture of the Church occurs at the -end- of the Tribulation.
Paul gives his own credentials as an "Israelite". He could trace his lineage back to Benjamin. People today should simply "open their eyes" and -LOOK-. Look over in the middle-east. There is a -nation- over there called "Israel". These "church" people who say that Israel is "done for" are no better than the Arab peoples who refuse to label Israel on their maps as "Israel". But after years of being scattered like stubble (Jer13:24), they have again been a nation since 1948. And their military prowess has brought back memories of Joshua and David. And their continual strivings to -negotiate- with people who make no secret of their desire to obliterate Israel off the earth are reminiscent of their peace treaty with Gibeon. (Josh9) Obviously, they are still the same people! They still haven't learned! [Ed: This is being written in August. What new treaties may be in effect by the time this is mailed is hard to say.]
The fact that Israel currently is yet in unbelief (Heb3:19) is apparent. The "Israel My Glory" magazine each issue has a section by Zvi, a Christian Jew living in Israel. His column each time testifies to Israel's blindness to the Gospel, God's Word and their Messiah Whom they rejected 2000 years ago, and still do to this day, as Zvi witnesses to them from the Scriptures. The Temple Mount Faithful movement, while they seek to rebuild the temple, and have many preparations already in the works for that to happen, are in unbelief of their Messiah. Even today, they are "ignorant of God's righteousness and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves to the righteousness of God." (10:3) They are busy doing things "for God" to usher in Messiah's reign. (Just like the "christian" Restorationist movements.) But in their e-mail messages there is nothing about Faith in Christ, their Messiah Who -came-.
The Church is "Abraham's seed...according to the -promise-" (Gal3:29) because they are "Christ's". Jesus Christ Who -is- Abraham's "Seed". (Gen22:18) Israel of Israel. (9:6) Christian christian.
The ones who are purified during God's wrath are the "sons of Levi" (Mal3:3) which is something that is obviously necessary, as God's "woes" were pronounced upon the "shepherds" of Israel. (Jer23:1) Before His crucifixion Jesus pronounced "woe" to the Scribes and Pharisees, the religious leaders. (Mt23:13-39) They even heaped woe upon themselves by crying out, "His blood be on us and on our children". (Mt27:25) So, yes, the "sons of Levi" (Levi, being the religious ruling tribe that was condemned) -need- to be purified. Israel, indeed, -will- go through the time of God's wrath, as only a third of them will survive alive..."refined". (Zech13:8-9)
No, God did not totally obliterate His people "whom He foreknew". (vs2) They were scattered like stubble into the nations. But He has kept them as a distinct people. Just like Elijah didn't think there were any Believers left, God informed him, "I have reserved to Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal" (vs4,1Kg19:18) Even in Paul's day he said there was a "remnant". Perhaps it is safe to say that even today there is a remnant? By his wording it would seem to be some group other than Jews who are part of the "Church"? Jews (by genetic heritage) who are part of the Church through Faith in Christ are united with Christ, together with Gentiles (Eph2:13-16) and will be part of the Rapture. But there obviously has to be some entity God works with when Israel is purified during His Wrath. I don't understand it, but accept that it is so. The "seven thousand" are labeled as ones who had not "bowed to Baal". But it doesn't necessarily say they were faithfully keeping all the Law. What is God's criteria for those making up this remnant? God knows. This remnant that "shall be saved". (vs26) Perhaps it is people like the "Temple Mount Faithful" who are presently "blind" and have not acknowledged their Messiah, but in their own way, they are earnestly -seeking- God? (Jer50:4) Let's continue...
Who are these "remnant" people? God knows. How are they selected? "Election" (vs7) On what merits? Certainly not their own, because they are still "darkened" from seeing. (vs10) Again, does God go "eeny, meeny, mynee, mo?" Remember, they are His people "whom He foreknew". (vs2) While they are still blind, God reaches down with His "grace". (vs5) Until they are "all" saved (vs26), how many of them are merely "Israel", and how many are to be Israel of Israel? God knows.
Israel's fall: was it permanent? (vs11) "Let it not be!" When Paul wrote this, 1948 hadn't yet come around. We have now seen decades of God's working to bring Israel back. So, it should be obvious that God is not finished with her yet.
But when Israel stumbled, it opened the door for "the nations" (mkjv) to receive Salvation. (vs11) Israel rejected Christ. So Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles informed them, "the salvation of God is sent to the nations (Gentiles).." (Acts28:28)
And so, what of the predominantly "Gentile" Church? Who is it related to? What is its foundation? Has it been grafted in "to Israel"? After all, God called Abraham, and those who are in Faith in Christ are "Abraham's seed". (Gal3:29) When the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost, the fledgling Church was "Jewish".
First of all let's consider -logic- from this passage. If the "branches were broken off" (vs19) and "I [am] grafted in", it should be obvious that the "branches" are Israel. Branches grow from a main tree, which in turn grows out of a root. Those who say the Church is grafted in "to Israel" unwittingly are saying that the Church is grafted in to an entity that is "broken off". Something that is broken off is without life... is dead. But the Church is NOT dead!
Jesus said, "I am the vine, you are the branches." (Jn15:5) When Jesus came into Jerusalem Passover Monday, He looked for fruit (Mt21:19) and found none. The fig tree withered up, and He then pronounced woes against the Scribes and Pharisees (Mt23). In similar fashion, the Father, the "Vinedresser" looks for fruit, and prunes away branches not bearing fruit. (Jn15:2) Israel was not bearing fruit, and was pruned from the Vine, Jesus Christ. Ever since their 'birth' in the wilderness, Israel was branched off of Christ. (1Cor10:4) People who say the Church is grafted in to Israel, unwittingly are rejecting the same Christ that Israel rejected; making Israel the "root". Again, like the "sons of Levi" who complained about the "Root" Jesus Christ taking away -their- place and nation. (Jn11:48) But the "foundation" is Jesus Christ. (1Cor3:11)
Gentile Believers, also, should be careful not to be too boastful! In relegating Israel to the garbage heap, they set themselves up in pride. We should never forget that in God's plan of "election" He chose Abraham...and subsequently, Israel. Gentiles were "outcasts" and "foreigners" to God's salvation. (Eph2:12) If Israel, God's "elect", being in the palm of His hand, was rejected due to unbelief and hard hearts; we should beware lest a hard heart cause us to be "cut off". (vs22) If they died "without mercy" we should be careful lest we "[insult] the Spirit of grace". (Heb10:28-29)
In His redemptive plan we are -merely- the "gleanings". (Lev19:9-10,23:22) And yet, He made us into the "glorious Church" (Eph5:27) by His grace. What kind of 'glory' do you suppose Israel will be once they are restored again! (vs15)
But Israel's breaking off was for a purpose. Remember, God is "not willing that any should perish". (2Pt3:9) While He "elected" (vs7) Israel as His special nation (1Pt2:9), He also loved "the world" (Jn3:16) and made provision for the rest of "the nations" to be saved. Since Israel was hoarding it to themselves in unbelief and called the Gentiles "dogs" (Mk7:27-28), their blindness will continue "until the fulness of the nations has come in." (vs25) God desires to have his "house" filled. He is in the process of "compelling them to come in" (Lk14:23)
Ultimately Israel, "all Israel" will be saved. (vs26) Even though they have been at enmity against the Gospel, rejecting Christ, God is going to perform a work in them. He is going to make a new Covenant with them. He is going to change their hearts, putting His Word in their hearts. (Jer31:31-34) While they have been enemies of the Gospel, they are still His "elect". That is their -title-. "Israel My elect, I -entitle- you." (Is45:4 litvŠ1999) So, when God sends His angels to "gather His -elect- from the four winds" (Mt24:31) we know Jesus was talking about "Israel"; NOT the Church.
God is going to do this by His "grace" (vs5) as "free gifts" (vs29). And He will do this without any regrets ['repentance']. This will be the ultimate display of His "mercy". (vs32) A nation who so blatantly rejected His law and His Son, He will "abundantly pardon". (Is55:7)
But... God! You don't know what You are doing! To receive such scoundrels! "Who has known the mind of the Lord, or who became His counselor? Or who first gave to Him, and it will be repaid to him?" (vs34-35) When a person reads Israel's account throughout the Scriptures, how they were in the palm of God's 'hand', and had every blessing; and then rejected Him soooo royally, even to asking God's curse upon their own descendants, in order to crucify God's Son, their Messiah; and as we see their continued unbelief and pride today; to understand how God is going to "change" them, reach into their hearts and soften them so that "all" Israel is saved... it is unsearchable. People claiming to be "Christians" with hard hearts, themselves, refuse to accept that it will happen. They presume that Israel is "done for". Permanently.
"O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out! (vs33) Just a demonstration of His love, grace and mercy! Unbelievers in pride may object to His ways. But "of Him and through Him and to Him are all things; to Him be glory forever! Amen. (vs36)
"They [Israel] shall call on My name, and I will answer them; I will say, It is My people; and they shall say, Jehovah is my God." (Zech13:9b)
Amen!
Living the Faith - (Chapter 12)
"Therefore, brothers, I call on you through the compassions of God to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, pleasing to God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, in order to prove by you what is the good and pleasing and perfect will of God." (vs1-2)
With this chapter we see a division in the book. Up until this point we have had a meticulous, methodical, comprehensive discourse on Salvation. Chapter One begins by laying the foundation of the world's sin and corruption, defining 'what' sin is, and 'how bad' it is. Even those today who attempt to excuse their "alternate lifestyles", run away from and ignore chapter one. It tells them JUST EXACTLY "what" they are. They will distort other Scriptures to excuse their sin, but when confronted with chapter one, they are left speechless. Their mouths are "stopped". (3:19)
The book continues, describing how mankind is without excuse before God. (ch2) That both Jew and Gentile are guilty. That the Law could not bring about salvation. (ch3) That only Jesus Christ could. That He provides the grace and faith necessary to save. (ch4) It then goes on to describe the life of faith, the relationship with God through Christ, via the Holy Spirit. (ch5-8) And finally, a specific addressing of Israel's situation. (ch9-11)
So far, Romans has been all "theoretical" and "Spiritual". "HOW" one is saved. Now it's time to consider the "so what?" aspect. James speaks of the relationship of Faith manifesting itself into Works. (Jas2:14-26) If ch1 describes in detail the nature of sin being acted out; now that we are saved, we need to know how a proper Christian lives in this world. We understand the struggle between the flesh and the spirit (ch7), and we know the solution is to live "according to Spirit". (8:1) But where does the "rubber meet the pavement" in the day-to-day outworkings?
It begins with our attitude. And here we find something totally opposite from the world's ways. Paul says, "therefore..." Therefore, now that you are saved (chs3-11), "I call on you through the compassions of God..." Other translations say "beseech". If we can look at this like children playing in the school yard, and a group of children are involved in the 'game' they are playing. A child has been in detention (sin), but now has been released (saved), and comes to the edge of the playing field, somewhat tentatively; feeling "good" at being outside, "free" from detention; but not quite sure about joining in with the games. So Paul is calling out, C'mon over here and join in the games. And with the "compassions of God" he calms the child who had until recently been under discipline, Things are all right now. It's OK. Come and join with us and let's play together.
Now, here comes the "mind" which has been "transformed" and "renewed". Remember that he says, "If anyone is in Christ...old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new!" (2Cor5:17) Isn't this part of the very definition of "repentance"! The "changing of one's mind". Changing directions. Changing outlook and perspective. The new perspective is one of "proving" what is the good, pleasing and perfect will of God. (vs2) Which is in stark contrast to those who "did not think fit to have God in their knowledge". (1:28) Where sinful man, "conformed to this age", takes God's good things and corrupts them, the transformed mind seeks to do the "will of God". (12:2) The corrupt mind does everything for "self"; and perverts its flesh. But the renewed mind presents its "bodies a living sacrifice". (12:1)
What was the nature of a "sacrifice"? The animal was brought before the priest. It was killed. It's blood was shed. Its body was cut up into pieces. And then placed on the altar where it was burned. NO WONDER Jesus spoke of "count the cost" (Lk14:28) regarding following Him. To be a "living sacrifice" is an -ultimate- situation, isn't it. In other words, the Christian life is not for self. It is not "what I want", -my- plans, -my- life, -my- desires. But rather, as Saul/Paul responded to Jesus when he was saved, "Lord, what do You desire me to do?" (Acts9:6)
Right here we see that most of those claiming to be "Christian" today, are not. This is why they rebel at the concept of "repentance". If they truly repented, it would mean their lives have to change. But they don't want that! They want to keep "their" lives, and -add- Jesus into the equation. So they have distorted the Scriptures to teach "faith only" ...and "repentance isn't necessary". But Jesus taught that you "cannot serve two lords". (Mt6:24)
But also notice that the sacrifice is a -living- sacrifice. The Believer does not actually -physically- die and get cut up into pieces. We have died to sin. (6:11) But our living is a -sacrificial- living. Paul speaks of, "Day by day I die..." (1Cor15:31) While he was speaking this in the context of physical resurrection, and of the physical peril he was in from persecution; he lived his life with -others- first; "To all I have become all things, that in any and every way I might save some. (1Cor9:22b) "..esteeming one another to surpass themselves." (Phil2:3b)
And so, this is the first order of business. If we get this down, the rest of the details will naturally follow. "I say to everyone being among you, not to have high thoughts beyond what is right to think. But set your mind to be right-minded, even as God divided a measure of faith to each." (12:3) You see, here we get back to the -basics- upon which the Law was ordered. The "greatest commandment" was to "Love the Lord your God..." (Deu6:5) And if that is in order, the natural outcome will be "love your neighbor as yourself." (Lev19:18)
If each individual has the right mind-set, then the "members" of the "one body" will smoothly function together with each other. (vs5) But the proper mind-set realizes that not everybody has the same function. (vs4) [See also: 1Cor12] But we function to the fullest in -whatever- is our "gift". Each "different gift" is given "according to the grace" ... "even as God divided a measure of faith to each." (vs6,3) Each member's gift is given by God; just as the "master" gave out the talents before going on the long journey (Mt25:14); He fills out the duty roster as he knows each servant's abilities can fulfill.
If a person is gifted in ministry, he should minister. The one sharing, in simplicity. If you're a leader; lead. As we will see in ch14, we do not look to see "what about this man?" Jesus says, "You follow Me." (Jn21:21-22) Man your post. As though to say with human examples, If you're the pilot, fly the plane; If you're the navigator, don't try to fly the plane...watch your radar scope and charts; If you're the engine mechanic, don't try to load the torpedo tubes. Do that which you are given to do. And DO IT WELL. Even if you're only bringing the pilot his coffee. Do it according to the abilities God gave you. Be diligent; not lazy; fervent. Always remember that, while you may be ministering to people, you are "serving the Lord". (vs11) You may lead a sinner to saving Faith, but you have done so as Christ's "ambassador". (2Cor5:20) The person is not -your- "convert".
Jesus said, "By this all shall know that you are My disciples, if you have love among one another." (Jn13:35) Remember that -love- is a gauge of "being a Christian". If you are a Christian, a natural outcome is "loving" other Christians. If you don't love them, you are not a Christian; you are a "liar". (1Jn4:20) And Paul says, "Let love be without dissimulation" (vs9) In other words, don't hold back with your love. Don't hide it. Let it be seen. "..loving fervently" (vs10)
And there's a whole list of things you can read for yourself in those verses; how to do good, shunning evil. All the different ways and attitudes by which Believers interact, exhort, support, nurture each other. But while we flee the evil, we latch onto and "cleave" to the good. (vs9) We grab the good and don't let go. As one reads these verses of all the various ministries amongst the Body, there is a sense of what one sees watching busy ants, continually on-the-go, swarming; each doing their individual tasks, but also doing it all together. If that dead worm or bug is too big for one, several gather around and get into the act. But they eventually get it into their burrow...working together.
But notice what kind of "love" it is. It does not say, God accepts you "just as you are" along-with-your-sin, being all lovey dovey sweetness; not wanting to "upset" anybody by confronting sin. Fervent love absolutely despises and hates sin. It "hates even the garment having been stained from the flesh." (Jude23b) Remember, our minds are "renewed". If we understand that sin was sending us to hell, anything that reminds us of that life is utterly abhorrent to us! We will "flee" from it (vs9), which is what true repentance naturally leads to; and will seek to "snatch" others from it, as well. (Jude23)
So... what of the world? If you are persecuted, do you talk back? No. "bless, and do not curse." (vs14) Remember, Jesus "gave" Himself to those wh