DOCTRINES OF SCRIPTURE
Doctrine 23 / 36: The Word of God
The King James Translators wrote in their prefatory work the following statement demonstrating their thoughts on the Bible. "But now what piety without truth? What truth (what saving truth) without the word of God? What word of God (whereof we may be sure) without the Scripture? The Scriptures we are commanded to search. Joh. 5:39. Isa. 8:20. They are commended that searched & studied them. Act. 17:11 and 8:28, 29. They are reproved that were unskillful in them, or slow to believe them. Mat. 22:29. Luk. 24:25. They can make us wise unto salvation. 2 Tim. 3:15. If we be ignorant, they will instruct us; if out of the way, they will bring us home; if out of order, they will reform us; if in heaviness, comfort us; if dull, quicken us; if cold, inflame us. Tolle, lege; tolle, lege; Take up and read, take up and read the Scriptures."
God has revealed Himself to man with two types of revelation. General Revelation is given to all men. It includes the creation's demonstration that there must be a Creator. It includes the conscience that all men are given so that they know there is good and evil. But General Revelation is limited in regards to the specificity of the message. Special Revelation is when God reaches down and interacts with man in some special or detailed way. He talked with Adam in the Garden. He talked with other ancient fathers verbally. Sometimes He spoke to them in dreams, and sometimes He used His prophets to carry His message to the people. The greatest of His Special Revelation came when He took upon Himself human flesh and dwelt among men. "God, who at sundry times and in diverse manners spake in times past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son..." (Hebrews 1:1-2). This message of Jesus Christ was then given to them that saw Him, in order for them to carry it on to others. God gave those men special signs and wonders to confirm the message that they were preaching (Hebrews 2:3-4). These men, the apostles and prophets, recorded their teachings in writing. These writings, inspired by God, were compiled by the early church into what is now known as the Bible, the foundation of Christians (Ephesians 2:20).
"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable..." (2 Timothy 3:16). God moved men to write His word by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:21). What He wanted people to know for millennia to come, he had these men record. And the textual criticism of the New Testament demonstrates that what exists today is the same as what existed 2,000 years ago. The word of God, what God spoke, must be believed and obeyed. To disregard what the Bible says, is to disregard what God says. "Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17).
"Every word of God is pure" (Proverbs 30:5). "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4). "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away" (Matthew 24:35). God has put great weight on His word. He has promised to keep His word and protect it. Some people would assume that He means that He would protect the message or the general gist of His word. However, as those verses show, He will keep every word. They are His words that are important, not only the message. And truly the message will change if the words change. The reason this is important to bring up is because there are a variety of different translations and versions of the Bible. However, only the train of thought that brings one to the Authorized Version, the King James Version, will be able to maintain that God will preserve each of His words.
The issue of the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible is overflowing with misunderstandings and ignorant claims made from both sides of the issue. Some think that the people that use the KJV do it solely because it is old-fashioned, and they do not want to change. Some think that the people using the modern translations are simply not Bible-believers, and that they are just people that will change the Bible to fit what they want it to say. While that may be true about people in both of those camps, the issue is not about those things. The issue with the modern translations is not simply an issue of changing a couple of words to update the language, as is commonly thought. There are words, phrases and even complete verses or passages missing from the modern translations (Matthew 17:21; 18:11; 23:14; Mark 16:9-20).
The KJV's translation is superior to the modern translations for three overriding reasons as taught by Dr. D. A. Waite. (Dr. Waite teaches a Four-Fold Superiority, including the "Superior Technique" while referring to Formal vs. Dynamic Equivalency. Since that is an issue dealing with fewer of the modern translations than the other two, it is not given as much significance here.) They are: Superior Texts, Superior Translators and Superior Theology. A brief summary of the three are given below.
Superior Texts: This is the heart of the Bible versions debate. The fact that there are 17 verses missing from the New International Version (NIV), New American Standard Version (NASV), and Revised Version (RV) is not because the language fit better with them missing. Rather, these verses are missing because they are not found in the Greek texts underlying their translations. The KJV was translated from the Textus Receptus, so-called because it was the Received Text throughout the age of the church. However, in 1881, a new Greek Text was released by Westcott and Hort in England, along with it was a new Revised Version translated from that Greek text. Their Greek text has been revised numerous times since then, but the latest versions are still being translated from those Greek texts. The sources behind their Greek text were mostly from two ancient manuscripts, Sinaiticus and Vaticanus. These two manuscripts are older and beautiful, but they do not agree with each other in many places, and have been corrected by numerous editors over the centuries. The Received Text is based on more than 95% of the extant Greek manuscripts. The Received Text is superior in that it has the readings that the church has used throughout the centuries, where the Critical Text, based on Westcott and Hort's, has readings that are brand new to the church.
Superior Translators: The scope of this paper limits the ability to do justice to the translators of the KJV. However, they were men that believed the Bible was the inspired word of God as was seen in their preface. They were preachers and missionaries of the gospel. They were men of prayer. Their intellectual capabilities were also beyond those of the general academia today. Not only were they well taught in the universities, but many of these men grew up engrossed in foreign languages. They would read and write in these other languages, and their familiarity with the language was much greater than simply academic. These men were tutors for kings and for queens. About 50 of these men got together in six different cities in England, beginning in 1604. For the following 7 years, these men translated the Bible. They had such a system so that every verse that was translated was looked at by, at the very minimum, 14 different sets of eyes. In 1611, they finished the work, and the version that was authorized to be translated by King James I, was appointed to be read in the churches.
Superior Theology: This superiority deals with the stronger message that is portrayed in the KJV. The deity of Christ is challenged by the Jehovah's Witnesses. Their Bible that they use, the New World Translation (NWT), follows the NIV in a few verses which have a change that weakens the doctrine of the deity of Christ. "Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in a body..." (1 Timothy 3:16 NIV). The KJV reads, "God was manifest in the flesh." The context is Jesus Christ, but it is not a big deal that Jesus appeared in a body. History is obvious that there was a man in a body by the name of Jesus. However, when it reads, God was manifest in the flesh, that changes things. There are other doctrines that also change or are weakened in the modern Bibles. Fasting for spiritual power is omitted (Matthew 17:21; Mark 9:29). Some would argue that while these things are obviously important, you can still be saved from the NIV and other modern versions. While this is true, it is important to remember that the Scripture was given that the man of God may be perfect, not just to the starting point (2 Timothy 3:17).
"Thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name."
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Thesis 22/36: The Spirit World
DOCTRINES OF ESCHATOLOGY
Doctrine 22 / 36: The Spirit World
It is easy today for Christians to mistake what they can see, as being the "real world," while 2 Corinthians 4:18 says that what can be seen is only temporal, but the eternal is invisible. The Christian life is a war, fought against spiritual forces, principalities and powers, which are led by Satan (Ephesians 6:11-12). The warfare is not carnal, but spiritual, and must be recognized as such before it can be fought properly (2 Corinthians 10:3-4).
The Bible speaks of angels all the way back in the book of Genesis. Two angels went to Sodom, to pull Lot out of it before they destroyed it (Genesis 19:1, 12-13). They are described as "men" (Genesis 19:12), and throughout the Bible it can be seen that angels can often take the form of ordinary men. So much so, that in Hebrews, Christians are admonished to be hospitable to all men because they may be entertaining angels without knowing it (Hebrews 13:2). Contrary to modern folklore, in the Bible, angels are never described as having wings nor being female. They are incredibly powerful beings. They destroyed the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. One angel is said to have slain 185,000 Assyrians in one night (2 Kings 19:35). An angel smote king Herod so that he died in an instant because he did not give God glory (Acts 12:23). Nowhere does it ever plainly state when angels and other spiritual beings were created, but we do know that they were around when God laid the foundations of the earth, as the angels were there singing at the time (Job 38:4-7).
Angels were created for God's purposes, along with other spiritual beings. However, Isaiah 14 tells the story of one such being that puffed himself up and desired more for himself than God had designed for him. His name is Lucifer (Isaiah 14:12-15). This fall of Satan (Luke 10:18), must have happened before Genesis 3, as he then shows up in the Garden of Eden tempting Eve (Genesis 3:1-6; Ezekiel 28:13). It appears that when Satan fell, he took some of God's angels with him, possibly one third of them (Revelation 12:4). These fallen angels now help Satan with his purposes of lying, murdering, and stealing (John 8:44). Satan still desires the worship that he wanted in Isaiah 14, and he is walking around the earth today seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8).
Satan's fallen angels first show up in Genesis 6, where "the sons of God" came upon the daughters of men and produced giant offspring. This intermixing was one of the reasons that God determined to destroy the world with a flood. These fallen angels show up again in strong force during the Gospels. During the life of Christ and of His apostles, they are found often possessing the bodies of men and women (Matthew 4:24; 8:16; 9:32; 12:22; Acts 8:7; 16:16). They are able to give supernatural strength, they cause men to hurt themselves, and be naked (Mark 5:3-4, 15). However, they are always subject to Jesus' word (Mark 5:8). Also, as Satan himself pretends to be a good thing, "an angel of light," even so do his ministers make a show of being something good to deceive people (2 Corinthians 11:14-15).
Satan himself is not somebody that a Christian ought to take lightly. The Bible describes him as a roaring lion (1 Peter 5:8). He is not someone to make jokes against or to rail on, "Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst no bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee" (Jude 1:9). An angel is able to kill 185,000 men in a night, and Michael is a chief of the angels, an archangel. Yet, Michael himself did not even dare to rail on Satan when disputing over Moses' body, but rather turned it over to the Lord. How foolish are people when they assume that they can rail on evil powers, or to make fun or light of them. Foolish songs such as, "And if the Devil doesn't like it he can sit on a tack," should have no place in the church. The sons of Sceva in Acts 19:13-17 could help teach this lesson. Seven of them came in to exorcise an evil spirit, yet they were overcome and ended up departing "naked and wounded." The spiritual warfare is not a game.
While certain care must be taken in dealing with Satan and spiritual forces, knowing that there is a great war going on between Christians and the Devil, it is necessary to realize that this war is not a war between God and Satan. Dualism teaches that there is an eternal battle between good and evil, between God and Satan, and only time will tell which force will end up being stronger. The fact of the matter is that God created Satan and at times uses him as His tool. There is no contest for God to deal with Satan; simply at His word, the battle would be over. And in fact, His word has already been pronounced in Revelation 20. Satan will be bound for 1,000 years, and then after that will be "cast into the lake of fire... and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever" (Revelation 20:10). God is sovereign over all of His creations, including the spiritual ones. The Christian must look to Him and His power to win the war. Stand in His might (Ephesians 6:10).
"Greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world."
Doctrine 22 / 36: The Spirit World
It is easy today for Christians to mistake what they can see, as being the "real world," while 2 Corinthians 4:18 says that what can be seen is only temporal, but the eternal is invisible. The Christian life is a war, fought against spiritual forces, principalities and powers, which are led by Satan (Ephesians 6:11-12). The warfare is not carnal, but spiritual, and must be recognized as such before it can be fought properly (2 Corinthians 10:3-4).
The Bible speaks of angels all the way back in the book of Genesis. Two angels went to Sodom, to pull Lot out of it before they destroyed it (Genesis 19:1, 12-13). They are described as "men" (Genesis 19:12), and throughout the Bible it can be seen that angels can often take the form of ordinary men. So much so, that in Hebrews, Christians are admonished to be hospitable to all men because they may be entertaining angels without knowing it (Hebrews 13:2). Contrary to modern folklore, in the Bible, angels are never described as having wings nor being female. They are incredibly powerful beings. They destroyed the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. One angel is said to have slain 185,000 Assyrians in one night (2 Kings 19:35). An angel smote king Herod so that he died in an instant because he did not give God glory (Acts 12:23). Nowhere does it ever plainly state when angels and other spiritual beings were created, but we do know that they were around when God laid the foundations of the earth, as the angels were there singing at the time (Job 38:4-7).
Angels were created for God's purposes, along with other spiritual beings. However, Isaiah 14 tells the story of one such being that puffed himself up and desired more for himself than God had designed for him. His name is Lucifer (Isaiah 14:12-15). This fall of Satan (Luke 10:18), must have happened before Genesis 3, as he then shows up in the Garden of Eden tempting Eve (Genesis 3:1-6; Ezekiel 28:13). It appears that when Satan fell, he took some of God's angels with him, possibly one third of them (Revelation 12:4). These fallen angels now help Satan with his purposes of lying, murdering, and stealing (John 8:44). Satan still desires the worship that he wanted in Isaiah 14, and he is walking around the earth today seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8).
Satan's fallen angels first show up in Genesis 6, where "the sons of God" came upon the daughters of men and produced giant offspring. This intermixing was one of the reasons that God determined to destroy the world with a flood. These fallen angels show up again in strong force during the Gospels. During the life of Christ and of His apostles, they are found often possessing the bodies of men and women (Matthew 4:24; 8:16; 9:32; 12:22; Acts 8:7; 16:16). They are able to give supernatural strength, they cause men to hurt themselves, and be naked (Mark 5:3-4, 15). However, they are always subject to Jesus' word (Mark 5:8). Also, as Satan himself pretends to be a good thing, "an angel of light," even so do his ministers make a show of being something good to deceive people (2 Corinthians 11:14-15).
Satan himself is not somebody that a Christian ought to take lightly. The Bible describes him as a roaring lion (1 Peter 5:8). He is not someone to make jokes against or to rail on, "Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst no bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee" (Jude 1:9). An angel is able to kill 185,000 men in a night, and Michael is a chief of the angels, an archangel. Yet, Michael himself did not even dare to rail on Satan when disputing over Moses' body, but rather turned it over to the Lord. How foolish are people when they assume that they can rail on evil powers, or to make fun or light of them. Foolish songs such as, "And if the Devil doesn't like it he can sit on a tack," should have no place in the church. The sons of Sceva in Acts 19:13-17 could help teach this lesson. Seven of them came in to exorcise an evil spirit, yet they were overcome and ended up departing "naked and wounded." The spiritual warfare is not a game.
While certain care must be taken in dealing with Satan and spiritual forces, knowing that there is a great war going on between Christians and the Devil, it is necessary to realize that this war is not a war between God and Satan. Dualism teaches that there is an eternal battle between good and evil, between God and Satan, and only time will tell which force will end up being stronger. The fact of the matter is that God created Satan and at times uses him as His tool. There is no contest for God to deal with Satan; simply at His word, the battle would be over. And in fact, His word has already been pronounced in Revelation 20. Satan will be bound for 1,000 years, and then after that will be "cast into the lake of fire... and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever" (Revelation 20:10). God is sovereign over all of His creations, including the spiritual ones. The Christian must look to Him and His power to win the war. Stand in His might (Ephesians 6:10).
"Greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world."
Thesis 21/36: The Different Judgments
DOCTRINES OF ESCHATOLOGY
Doctrine 21 / 36: The Different Judgments
Every man will be judged according to his works. That is a truth that is taught throughout the whole gamut of Scripture (Job 33:26; Psalm 62:12; Proverbs 24:29; Jeremiah 17:10; Jeremiah 32:19; Ezekiel 7:27; Ezekiel 18:30; Matthew 16:27; Romans 2:6; 1 Peter 1:17; Revelation 2:23; Revelation 20:12; Revelation 22:12). The common phrase or understanding that each of those verses states is that the Lord will judge every man according to his works.
The Bible teaches that even those that have died already will be raised for the final judgment. At that point some will be raised for everlasting life, and some for everlasting damnation (Daniel 12:2; John 5:29). The judgment will be final, and at that point it will be too late for a man to make a defense for himself. He will be tried according to his works, and unfortunately for man, "All have sinned" (Romans 3:23). Only those that have had Christ's good works, His righteousness, imputed to them (Romans 5:19) will be able to stand on that day of judgment. God will look at them and see Christ's works in place of their own.
The Bible does speak of two different places or sets of judgment. The first is called "The Judgment Seat of Christ." This phrase is found in Romans 14:10 and 2 Corinthians 5:10. Both of these passages are speaking to believers and not to unbelievers. The context in those passages has to do with the works that the Christians are doing for the Lord. The judgment here at the Judgment Seat of Christ appears to be the place where rewards are given out for the good that Christians did for the Lord, and the time spent wasted during life is revealed as having been wasted. 1 Corinthians 3:11-15 speaks of this same judgment where it talks about the things that are added to the foundation of Jesus Christ, proving that it speaks only of Christians. The works there are tried by fire, with the good works lasting through it, and the bad or vain works being consumed. This may be the time when crowns are given to those whom have earned them (1 Corinthians 9:25; 1 Thessalonians 2:19; 2 Timothy 4:8; James 1:12; 1 Peter 5:4).
The Great White Throne Judgment is the second place of spiritual judgment mentioned in the Bible. This is the final judgment referred to throughout the Scriptures, and it refers to the time in Revelation 20:11-15. While the timing of the Judgment Seat of Christ is questionable, the timing the of the Great White Throne Judgment is at the end of the Millennium, and it begins eternity future. The Bible describes this throne as having "the dead, small and great" standing there before God. The dead are judged out of the books according to their works, and whoever is not found written in the book of life is cast into the lake of fire. It can be assumed from the use of the term "the dead" that only those that died without Christ are being judged here at this Great White Throne Judgment (as those that physically die in Christ are said to be asleep in Him). They are judged according to their works, and they are all found guilty before God. They are then sentenced to their eternal destinies. It does not specifically say that believers will not be there at this judgment, nor does it say that they will. If they are there, their works will be found pure with Christ's work in their stead.
"Who will render to every man according to his deeds."
Doctrine 21 / 36: The Different Judgments
Every man will be judged according to his works. That is a truth that is taught throughout the whole gamut of Scripture (Job 33:26; Psalm 62:12; Proverbs 24:29; Jeremiah 17:10; Jeremiah 32:19; Ezekiel 7:27; Ezekiel 18:30; Matthew 16:27; Romans 2:6; 1 Peter 1:17; Revelation 2:23; Revelation 20:12; Revelation 22:12). The common phrase or understanding that each of those verses states is that the Lord will judge every man according to his works.
The Bible teaches that even those that have died already will be raised for the final judgment. At that point some will be raised for everlasting life, and some for everlasting damnation (Daniel 12:2; John 5:29). The judgment will be final, and at that point it will be too late for a man to make a defense for himself. He will be tried according to his works, and unfortunately for man, "All have sinned" (Romans 3:23). Only those that have had Christ's good works, His righteousness, imputed to them (Romans 5:19) will be able to stand on that day of judgment. God will look at them and see Christ's works in place of their own.
The Bible does speak of two different places or sets of judgment. The first is called "The Judgment Seat of Christ." This phrase is found in Romans 14:10 and 2 Corinthians 5:10. Both of these passages are speaking to believers and not to unbelievers. The context in those passages has to do with the works that the Christians are doing for the Lord. The judgment here at the Judgment Seat of Christ appears to be the place where rewards are given out for the good that Christians did for the Lord, and the time spent wasted during life is revealed as having been wasted. 1 Corinthians 3:11-15 speaks of this same judgment where it talks about the things that are added to the foundation of Jesus Christ, proving that it speaks only of Christians. The works there are tried by fire, with the good works lasting through it, and the bad or vain works being consumed. This may be the time when crowns are given to those whom have earned them (1 Corinthians 9:25; 1 Thessalonians 2:19; 2 Timothy 4:8; James 1:12; 1 Peter 5:4).
The Great White Throne Judgment is the second place of spiritual judgment mentioned in the Bible. This is the final judgment referred to throughout the Scriptures, and it refers to the time in Revelation 20:11-15. While the timing of the Judgment Seat of Christ is questionable, the timing the of the Great White Throne Judgment is at the end of the Millennium, and it begins eternity future. The Bible describes this throne as having "the dead, small and great" standing there before God. The dead are judged out of the books according to their works, and whoever is not found written in the book of life is cast into the lake of fire. It can be assumed from the use of the term "the dead" that only those that died without Christ are being judged here at this Great White Throne Judgment (as those that physically die in Christ are said to be asleep in Him). They are judged according to their works, and they are all found guilty before God. They are then sentenced to their eternal destinies. It does not specifically say that believers will not be there at this judgment, nor does it say that they will. If they are there, their works will be found pure with Christ's work in their stead.
"Who will render to every man according to his deeds."
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Thesis 20/36: The Millennium
DOCTRINES OF ESCHATOLOGY
Doctrine 20 / 36: The Millennium
The Millennium refers to a 1,000 year period of time, in which Christ reigns upon the earth and Satan is bound in the bottomless pit. There are different presentations of this millennium in different theological circles, but the literal interpretation of the passage leads to a literal 1,000 year period that follows the return of Christ to the earth. Revelation 20 is where the length of time of this reign is specifically numbered at 1,000 years.
The Amillennial interpretation teaches that there is no physical reign of Christ on the earth. The reign referred to in Revelation 20 was simply a spiritual reign over His church. Augustine taught this position, and it was adhered to by most of the Reformers and subsequent Protestant denominations. Augustine believed in a literal 1,000 year period, however, it would only have been able to last until, at the latest, 1000 AD. After that year past, the 1,000 years had to be taken figuratively to mean a long period of time.
The Postmillennial interpretation teaches that Christ will return after this world is brought to righteousness through the power of the Holy Spirit, by the Gospel, using His church as the instruments. Society will change and become a righteous place to live. Then, will Christ return to the earth. The 1,000 year period is again assumed to be figurative of simply a long period of time, and it is not to be taken literally. Many of the Puritans held to this type of interpretation.
The Premillennial interpretation is that Jesus returns before the literal 1,000 years, and reigns on earth. The Premillennial interpretation is the only one that takes the passage in Revelation 20 to refer to a literal, physical reign of Christ on earth. Some of the problems with taking the "long period of time" during the present age is that it is apparent that Satan is alive and well on the earth. In Revelation 20:3, the angel takes Satan and "cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled." However, Paul teaches that Satan is the god of this world. The other problem with the two alternative views is that six times in this passage, is the length of 1,000 years given. A literal interpretation does not allow for a figurative "long length of time."
The time of the Millennium will be a time of peace such as was in the Garden of Eden. Isaiah 11:6-8 speaks of the wolf dwelling with the lamb, and a child playing with an asp and cockatrice. The Millennium will be a time when wild animals are tamed and present no danger. It is a time of reigning for the saints of God (Daniel 7:27; Revelation 20:4). It is a time when righteousness will reign supreme throughout all the earth with Jesus Christ sitting on the everlasting throne of David (Isaiah 9:6-7). The nations are given as an inheritance to Jesus Christ, and He will rule with a rod of iron (Psalm 2:8-9).
"And all dominions shall serve and obey him."
Doctrine 20 / 36: The Millennium
The Millennium refers to a 1,000 year period of time, in which Christ reigns upon the earth and Satan is bound in the bottomless pit. There are different presentations of this millennium in different theological circles, but the literal interpretation of the passage leads to a literal 1,000 year period that follows the return of Christ to the earth. Revelation 20 is where the length of time of this reign is specifically numbered at 1,000 years.
The Amillennial interpretation teaches that there is no physical reign of Christ on the earth. The reign referred to in Revelation 20 was simply a spiritual reign over His church. Augustine taught this position, and it was adhered to by most of the Reformers and subsequent Protestant denominations. Augustine believed in a literal 1,000 year period, however, it would only have been able to last until, at the latest, 1000 AD. After that year past, the 1,000 years had to be taken figuratively to mean a long period of time.
The Postmillennial interpretation teaches that Christ will return after this world is brought to righteousness through the power of the Holy Spirit, by the Gospel, using His church as the instruments. Society will change and become a righteous place to live. Then, will Christ return to the earth. The 1,000 year period is again assumed to be figurative of simply a long period of time, and it is not to be taken literally. Many of the Puritans held to this type of interpretation.
The Premillennial interpretation is that Jesus returns before the literal 1,000 years, and reigns on earth. The Premillennial interpretation is the only one that takes the passage in Revelation 20 to refer to a literal, physical reign of Christ on earth. Some of the problems with taking the "long period of time" during the present age is that it is apparent that Satan is alive and well on the earth. In Revelation 20:3, the angel takes Satan and "cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled." However, Paul teaches that Satan is the god of this world. The other problem with the two alternative views is that six times in this passage, is the length of 1,000 years given. A literal interpretation does not allow for a figurative "long length of time."
The time of the Millennium will be a time of peace such as was in the Garden of Eden. Isaiah 11:6-8 speaks of the wolf dwelling with the lamb, and a child playing with an asp and cockatrice. The Millennium will be a time when wild animals are tamed and present no danger. It is a time of reigning for the saints of God (Daniel 7:27; Revelation 20:4). It is a time when righteousness will reign supreme throughout all the earth with Jesus Christ sitting on the everlasting throne of David (Isaiah 9:6-7). The nations are given as an inheritance to Jesus Christ, and He will rule with a rod of iron (Psalm 2:8-9).
"And all dominions shall serve and obey him."
Monday, March 31, 2008
Thesis 19/36: The Great Tribulation
DOCTRINES OF ESCHATOLOGY
Doctrine 19 / 36: The Great Tribulation
"Daniel's 70th Week," "The Time of Jacob's Trouble," "The Time of Tribulation." These are all titles that are given to a seven year period after God has raptured His saints, and before He returns to the earth to establish His kingdom. This time is a time of God's wrath being poured out on the earth, and is dominated by the rule of the Antichrist.
Throughout the Tribulation, the Bible declares, in the book of Revelation, that there will be many great afflictions. It will be a time of war (6:4). Death will come at one point to the fourth part of man by the sword, hunger and by beasts (6:8). There will be great earthquakes (6:12). There will be signs in the sky such as the sun turning black, the moon turning red, and stars of heaven falling unto the earth (6:12-13). Mountains will be moved (6:14). There will be a time of hail and fire mingled with blood (8:7). A third part of the sea will become blood destroying a third party of the life and of the ships in it (8:8-9). Locusts will be loosed on the earth which sting men like scorpions and cause them to be in pain for five months, to the point that the men will wish that they could die (9:3-6). Four angels will be loosed out of the Euphrates and kill a third of men (9:15). There will be a sore given to all that take the mark of the beast (16:2). Every living soul that is in the sea will die (16:3). And an angel will be given power to scorch men with fire (16:8).
The time of the Tribulation will be divided into two halves. It seems that the first half will be somewhat more peaceful than the second, in that the Antichrist will establish his dominion, and continue to exalt himself with signs and wonders. At the midway point of the Tribulation, the Antichrist will apparently raise in vileness, commit the abomination of desolation by profanely offering on God's altar in Jerusalem, and then waging war on the saints of God. There will also be two witnesses sent by God, apparently Moses and Elijah (Revelation 11:3-12), who will testify against the Antichrist and will also do their own set of miracles. They will be killed, and after three days of enjoying seeing their dead bodies, the people of the earth will be amazed when they are resurrected and ascend into heaven.
The Antichrist and his false prophet will setup a way of controlling all buying and selling, related to the image and mark of the beast. As a result, all people of the earth will have to submit to receiving the mark of the beast, or else they will be unable to buy or sell. However, the result of taking this mark will be sure damnation from God (Revelation 13:17; 19:20).
At the end of the seven years, there will be a battle fought at a place called Armageddon. At this battle, all the kings of the earth will be gathered together to do battle against God (Revelation 16:14-16). Psalm 2 may be directly related to this time when it says, "Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision" (Psalm 2:1-4). God is not worried about the outcome of this battle. He ends the time of Great Tribulation by returning with His saints, and defeating all the enemies in the world. He comes and establishes His reign on earth and rules with a rod of iron.
"Then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world."
Doctrine 19 / 36: The Great Tribulation
"Daniel's 70th Week," "The Time of Jacob's Trouble," "The Time of Tribulation." These are all titles that are given to a seven year period after God has raptured His saints, and before He returns to the earth to establish His kingdom. This time is a time of God's wrath being poured out on the earth, and is dominated by the rule of the Antichrist.
Throughout the Tribulation, the Bible declares, in the book of Revelation, that there will be many great afflictions. It will be a time of war (6:4). Death will come at one point to the fourth part of man by the sword, hunger and by beasts (6:8). There will be great earthquakes (6:12). There will be signs in the sky such as the sun turning black, the moon turning red, and stars of heaven falling unto the earth (6:12-13). Mountains will be moved (6:14). There will be a time of hail and fire mingled with blood (8:7). A third part of the sea will become blood destroying a third party of the life and of the ships in it (8:8-9). Locusts will be loosed on the earth which sting men like scorpions and cause them to be in pain for five months, to the point that the men will wish that they could die (9:3-6). Four angels will be loosed out of the Euphrates and kill a third of men (9:15). There will be a sore given to all that take the mark of the beast (16:2). Every living soul that is in the sea will die (16:3). And an angel will be given power to scorch men with fire (16:8).
The time of the Tribulation will be divided into two halves. It seems that the first half will be somewhat more peaceful than the second, in that the Antichrist will establish his dominion, and continue to exalt himself with signs and wonders. At the midway point of the Tribulation, the Antichrist will apparently raise in vileness, commit the abomination of desolation by profanely offering on God's altar in Jerusalem, and then waging war on the saints of God. There will also be two witnesses sent by God, apparently Moses and Elijah (Revelation 11:3-12), who will testify against the Antichrist and will also do their own set of miracles. They will be killed, and after three days of enjoying seeing their dead bodies, the people of the earth will be amazed when they are resurrected and ascend into heaven.
The Antichrist and his false prophet will setup a way of controlling all buying and selling, related to the image and mark of the beast. As a result, all people of the earth will have to submit to receiving the mark of the beast, or else they will be unable to buy or sell. However, the result of taking this mark will be sure damnation from God (Revelation 13:17; 19:20).
At the end of the seven years, there will be a battle fought at a place called Armageddon. At this battle, all the kings of the earth will be gathered together to do battle against God (Revelation 16:14-16). Psalm 2 may be directly related to this time when it says, "Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision" (Psalm 2:1-4). God is not worried about the outcome of this battle. He ends the time of Great Tribulation by returning with His saints, and defeating all the enemies in the world. He comes and establishes His reign on earth and rules with a rod of iron.
"Then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world."
Thesis 18/36: The Antichrist
DOCTRINES OF ESCHATOLOGY
Doctrie 18 / 36: Basic Information Concerning the Antichrist
The Antichrist is the second most written about personality in the Bible, whether it be direct statements about him or types and anti-types. The time of his public life, as far as the Bible is concerned, is during Daniel's 70th week, also known as the Great Tribulation (Daniel 9:27). In this time he sets up a covenant, and mid-way through the seven year time, breaks that covenant with the "abomination of desolation" (Daniel 9:27; 12:11; Matthew 24:15).
2 Thessalonians 2 gives a summary of this Antichrist. In the passage, he is given the titles: "man of sin," "the son of perdition," and "that Wicked." He is said to receive his power from Satan himself so that he can do "all power and signs and lying wonders." With these powers, he will deceive the people of the world into believing that he, in fact, is the "Messiah." The Antichrist exalts himself above all gods, and presents himself as being God. He even sits in God's temple.
Revelation 13 also sheds some light on this figure. He is the beast that has seven heads and ten horns. The dragon, Satan, is he who gives power unto this beast, as was seen in 2 Thessalonians 2:9. The Antichrist receives an apparently mortal head wound, yet this wound is healed, and it causes many more to believe in him. Verse 7 of Revelation 13 says that he makes war with the saints (these are those that convert during the Tribulation, as the church is raptured out before). He blasphemes against God and his tabernacle.
In summary, it appears that the Antichrist is a man that rises to great political power at the beginning of a seven year period of Tribulation. This rise of political power is marked with a peace agreement that for 3 1/2 years brings a certain level of peace in the earth. His power increases so much that people begin to look at him as God Himself, and they worship him as such. He sits in God's temple, and begins to profane the temple in the mid-way point of the seven years. It appears that this breaks the time of peace, and he begins a war against God's people, and at the same time, the time of Great Tribulation begins.
"Then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume."
Doctrie 18 / 36: Basic Information Concerning the Antichrist
The Antichrist is the second most written about personality in the Bible, whether it be direct statements about him or types and anti-types. The time of his public life, as far as the Bible is concerned, is during Daniel's 70th week, also known as the Great Tribulation (Daniel 9:27). In this time he sets up a covenant, and mid-way through the seven year time, breaks that covenant with the "abomination of desolation" (Daniel 9:27; 12:11; Matthew 24:15).
2 Thessalonians 2 gives a summary of this Antichrist. In the passage, he is given the titles: "man of sin," "the son of perdition," and "that Wicked." He is said to receive his power from Satan himself so that he can do "all power and signs and lying wonders." With these powers, he will deceive the people of the world into believing that he, in fact, is the "Messiah." The Antichrist exalts himself above all gods, and presents himself as being God. He even sits in God's temple.
Revelation 13 also sheds some light on this figure. He is the beast that has seven heads and ten horns. The dragon, Satan, is he who gives power unto this beast, as was seen in 2 Thessalonians 2:9. The Antichrist receives an apparently mortal head wound, yet this wound is healed, and it causes many more to believe in him. Verse 7 of Revelation 13 says that he makes war with the saints (these are those that convert during the Tribulation, as the church is raptured out before). He blasphemes against God and his tabernacle.
In summary, it appears that the Antichrist is a man that rises to great political power at the beginning of a seven year period of Tribulation. This rise of political power is marked with a peace agreement that for 3 1/2 years brings a certain level of peace in the earth. His power increases so much that people begin to look at him as God Himself, and they worship him as such. He sits in God's temple, and begins to profane the temple in the mid-way point of the seven years. It appears that this breaks the time of peace, and he begins a war against God's people, and at the same time, the time of Great Tribulation begins.
"Then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume."
Thesis 17/36: Rapture versus Second Coming
DOCTRINES OF ESCHATOLOGY
Doctrine 17 / 36: The Difference in the Rapture and Second Coming
The second-oldest recorded prophecy in the Scripture, next to God's prophecy of a seed in Genesis 3:15, is actually found in the book of Jude. "And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds..." (Jude 1:14-15). This prophecy, probably made during the life of Adam, was a prophecy regarding the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, when He returns to execute judgment. Throughout the Old Testament, the Jews were looking for this coming Messiah to restore order in the earth and to establish the kingdom.
The Bible consistently talks about when Jesus comes back and brings judgment to the world (Matthew 16:27; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9). His Second Coming is accompanied by His saints, and is the establishment of His earthly kingdom (Daniel 7:9-10). His Coming is described as being with a white horse, wearing clothes that are "dipped in blood," followed by His armies on white horses, bringing with Him the "fierceness and wrath of Almighty God" (Revelation 19:11-15). After this coming, He rules the nations with a rod of iron. All eyes in the world shall see this return (Revelation 1:7).
Before this coming of the Lord, there is a period described of Great Tribulation. This period is the time of the reign of the Antichrist, and of God's pouring out of His wrath. Which brings to bear the question, "What of His people, the church, during this time of God's wrath?" Some would answer that by saying that He protects His church during this time of tribulation. However, there are Scriptures that teach that rather than protecting His church upon the earth during this time, He actually catches them up before this time.
When writing to believers, Paul writes, "For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Thessalonians 5:9). The time of tribulation is a time of wrath, yet God did not appoint His church to wrath. He will deliver it from it. One of the most important things to remember when considering the timing of the rapture is the fact that the Tribulation is the time of "Jacob's trouble" (Jeremiah 30:7). It is a time when God focuses His attention back towards the children of Israel, and away from the Gentiles. The church is raptured up from the earth, participates in the "marriage supper of the Lamb," and is then prepared to return to the earth with Christ at His Second Coming. This sequence of events is documented in Revelation 19:8-11.
The word "rapture" comes from a Latin translation of the Greek word harpazo. This word is found several places in the Bible with the most descriptive of the rapture being 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. In this passage, Christians are encouraged to comfort each other because the day will come when all saints, both dead and alive, will be caught up (harpazo) together with the Lord in the clouds, and then they will be forever with the Lord. If the rapture were at the same time as the Second Coming, then the saints would be caught up into the clouds, as they are on their way back to the earth. God takes His saints up to Heaven during the seven years of tribulation on earth, and then He returns to earth with His completely sanctified saints following on their white horses.
"Even so, come, Lord Jesus."
Doctrine 17 / 36: The Difference in the Rapture and Second Coming
The second-oldest recorded prophecy in the Scripture, next to God's prophecy of a seed in Genesis 3:15, is actually found in the book of Jude. "And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds..." (Jude 1:14-15). This prophecy, probably made during the life of Adam, was a prophecy regarding the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, when He returns to execute judgment. Throughout the Old Testament, the Jews were looking for this coming Messiah to restore order in the earth and to establish the kingdom.
The Bible consistently talks about when Jesus comes back and brings judgment to the world (Matthew 16:27; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9). His Second Coming is accompanied by His saints, and is the establishment of His earthly kingdom (Daniel 7:9-10). His Coming is described as being with a white horse, wearing clothes that are "dipped in blood," followed by His armies on white horses, bringing with Him the "fierceness and wrath of Almighty God" (Revelation 19:11-15). After this coming, He rules the nations with a rod of iron. All eyes in the world shall see this return (Revelation 1:7).
Before this coming of the Lord, there is a period described of Great Tribulation. This period is the time of the reign of the Antichrist, and of God's pouring out of His wrath. Which brings to bear the question, "What of His people, the church, during this time of God's wrath?" Some would answer that by saying that He protects His church during this time of tribulation. However, there are Scriptures that teach that rather than protecting His church upon the earth during this time, He actually catches them up before this time.
When writing to believers, Paul writes, "For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Thessalonians 5:9). The time of tribulation is a time of wrath, yet God did not appoint His church to wrath. He will deliver it from it. One of the most important things to remember when considering the timing of the rapture is the fact that the Tribulation is the time of "Jacob's trouble" (Jeremiah 30:7). It is a time when God focuses His attention back towards the children of Israel, and away from the Gentiles. The church is raptured up from the earth, participates in the "marriage supper of the Lamb," and is then prepared to return to the earth with Christ at His Second Coming. This sequence of events is documented in Revelation 19:8-11.
The word "rapture" comes from a Latin translation of the Greek word harpazo. This word is found several places in the Bible with the most descriptive of the rapture being 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. In this passage, Christians are encouraged to comfort each other because the day will come when all saints, both dead and alive, will be caught up (harpazo) together with the Lord in the clouds, and then they will be forever with the Lord. If the rapture were at the same time as the Second Coming, then the saints would be caught up into the clouds, as they are on their way back to the earth. God takes His saints up to Heaven during the seven years of tribulation on earth, and then He returns to earth with His completely sanctified saints following on their white horses.
"Even so, come, Lord Jesus."
Thesis 16/36: Creation versus Evolution
I am officially caught up to where I was over a month ago!
DOCTRINES OF FAITH
Doctrine 16 / 36: Creation versus Evolution
"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth" (Genesis 1:1). The question of whether God created the universe or if it has evolved, is not a question of interpretation of the Bible, but rather, whether the Bible is true or not. Those that reject the fact that God created, reject the fact that the Bible is true.
The Bible teaches that God created this universe out of nothing, by the power of His words. He spoke the worlds into existence before there was any matter (Hebrews 11:3). The Bible teaches that this was done when time began, "in the beginning." In this can be seen the power of God in His ability to create something out of nothing. We see the eternality of God in that He existed "before" time began; He is outside of time and not subject to it. God even gave us the details of how He made the worlds in the first chapter of Genesis. It took Him 6 days to create the world and all that is in it (Exodus 20:11). These are considered 24 hour days in that each of the six days was an "evening and a morning" (Genesis 1:5). During these six days, God created life, as humans and the animals were created on the fifth and sixth days of creation, all of them "after their kind."
The idea of evolution happens when men determine that there is no God. The faith of evolution (and it is a faith, as it is not a theory that can be subjected to the scientific model) is the result of man's refusal to acknowledge that there is a God and that He will judge him one day. The result is a man-made fairy-tale to describe how this universe came into being. And even though there is no proof for evolution, it is easier for a man to live a sinful life if he can get rid of the notion that he will be held accountable for his actions.
The biblical account of creation is completely logical. It assumes an eternal, omnipotent God as the origin. Evolution, on the other hand is illogical. Whereas creation states that God created out of nothing, evolution has no answer for the question "and where did that come from?" Evolution claimed that the universe evolved from an explosion of gases during a "Big Bang." But, about the gases, "where did they come from?" Evolution can not get back to a first beginning. Evolution has to claim that something came from nothing. Some evolutionists would try to assume that "God" must be illogical, as the question could be applied to Him, "Where did God come from?" The answer is in the fact that God is eternal. Science accepts the fact that the universe has a beginning ("Big Bang"), and therefore is not eternal. When evolutionists admit there there is something eternal, they get one step closer to God.
The timing of evolution is also flawed. The theory of evolution says that this universe is billions of years old, and the earth is hundreds of millions of years old. It bases its dates of fossils on what layer of the the geographic layer it is found. However, the geographic layers are dated based upon which fossils are in them. It is a circular reasoning. The Bible teaches that there was a global flood during the days of Noah that did violence to the earth, and this provides satisfactory explanation for different fossils being found in strange places. The other biblical explanation for a world that looks older than it is, is that God created things with appearance of age. That is, when God created Adam, he did not create a day-old baby, but rather a man. The same could be true of the universe.
Evolution also has no answer for the origin of life. For something that is lifeless to bring forth life, is just not something that happens. Science can not explain this, yet it embraces it is fact. One of the major tenants of the theory of evolution, as was explained in Charles Darwin's "Origin of Species," is that should be innumerable examples of fossils showing the transition of the lower life form into the higher life form. However, not only are there not found innumerable examples of these, there has yet to be found even one indisputable example. This is one of the greatest flaws in the theory of evolution.
Some people try to rationalize the world's theories, and mix them with Christianity. They make claims such as, God created, yet He created using the evolutionary process. They do not take literally the first three chapters of Genesis, where God says it was six days, and where Adam and Eve were the first two human beings. Their biggest discrepancy is that they can not put the fossils (dead animals) before the time of Adam. The Bible clearly teaches that "by one man's sin, death entered into the world" (Romans 5:12). If death did not exist before Adam, then there could be no fossils older than him. The Bible teaches that Adam was created about 6,000 years ago, not millions.
"The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God."
DOCTRINES OF FAITH
Doctrine 16 / 36: Creation versus Evolution
"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth" (Genesis 1:1). The question of whether God created the universe or if it has evolved, is not a question of interpretation of the Bible, but rather, whether the Bible is true or not. Those that reject the fact that God created, reject the fact that the Bible is true.
The Bible teaches that God created this universe out of nothing, by the power of His words. He spoke the worlds into existence before there was any matter (Hebrews 11:3). The Bible teaches that this was done when time began, "in the beginning." In this can be seen the power of God in His ability to create something out of nothing. We see the eternality of God in that He existed "before" time began; He is outside of time and not subject to it. God even gave us the details of how He made the worlds in the first chapter of Genesis. It took Him 6 days to create the world and all that is in it (Exodus 20:11). These are considered 24 hour days in that each of the six days was an "evening and a morning" (Genesis 1:5). During these six days, God created life, as humans and the animals were created on the fifth and sixth days of creation, all of them "after their kind."
The idea of evolution happens when men determine that there is no God. The faith of evolution (and it is a faith, as it is not a theory that can be subjected to the scientific model) is the result of man's refusal to acknowledge that there is a God and that He will judge him one day. The result is a man-made fairy-tale to describe how this universe came into being. And even though there is no proof for evolution, it is easier for a man to live a sinful life if he can get rid of the notion that he will be held accountable for his actions.
The biblical account of creation is completely logical. It assumes an eternal, omnipotent God as the origin. Evolution, on the other hand is illogical. Whereas creation states that God created out of nothing, evolution has no answer for the question "and where did that come from?" Evolution claimed that the universe evolved from an explosion of gases during a "Big Bang." But, about the gases, "where did they come from?" Evolution can not get back to a first beginning. Evolution has to claim that something came from nothing. Some evolutionists would try to assume that "God" must be illogical, as the question could be applied to Him, "Where did God come from?" The answer is in the fact that God is eternal. Science accepts the fact that the universe has a beginning ("Big Bang"), and therefore is not eternal. When evolutionists admit there there is something eternal, they get one step closer to God.
The timing of evolution is also flawed. The theory of evolution says that this universe is billions of years old, and the earth is hundreds of millions of years old. It bases its dates of fossils on what layer of the the geographic layer it is found. However, the geographic layers are dated based upon which fossils are in them. It is a circular reasoning. The Bible teaches that there was a global flood during the days of Noah that did violence to the earth, and this provides satisfactory explanation for different fossils being found in strange places. The other biblical explanation for a world that looks older than it is, is that God created things with appearance of age. That is, when God created Adam, he did not create a day-old baby, but rather a man. The same could be true of the universe.
Evolution also has no answer for the origin of life. For something that is lifeless to bring forth life, is just not something that happens. Science can not explain this, yet it embraces it is fact. One of the major tenants of the theory of evolution, as was explained in Charles Darwin's "Origin of Species," is that should be innumerable examples of fossils showing the transition of the lower life form into the higher life form. However, not only are there not found innumerable examples of these, there has yet to be found even one indisputable example. This is one of the greatest flaws in the theory of evolution.
Some people try to rationalize the world's theories, and mix them with Christianity. They make claims such as, God created, yet He created using the evolutionary process. They do not take literally the first three chapters of Genesis, where God says it was six days, and where Adam and Eve were the first two human beings. Their biggest discrepancy is that they can not put the fossils (dead animals) before the time of Adam. The Bible clearly teaches that "by one man's sin, death entered into the world" (Romans 5:12). If death did not exist before Adam, then there could be no fossils older than him. The Bible teaches that Adam was created about 6,000 years ago, not millions.
"The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God."
Thesis 15/36: Prayer
DOCTRINES OF FAITH
Doctrine 15 / 36: Prayer
"Pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17). In the Christian life, prayer and faith go hand in hand. Of all of the spiritual disciplines, secret prayer is the greatest measure of a person's faith. He may read the Bible to gain knowledge and impress his friends; he may give money to receive recognition of people or to feel good about himself; he may fast because of the health benefits. However, secret prayer, time spent in prayer to God of which nobody else knows, has no other benefit in the person's life. Prayer is simply talking to God. Secret prayer is the greatest measure of a person's faith.
What advantage is there in prayer? Primarily, it delights God. "The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight" (Proverbs 15:8). Because prayer is a demonstration of a person's faith, God delights in it. Prayer is saying to God, "God, I can not accomplish something on my own, I am dependent upon You for this request." God is delighted when man shows his reliance upon God.
Prayer does not only delight God, but also advantages the Christian. "Be careful for nothing, but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7). When a Christian brings all of his struggles to God, and lays them at His feet, the result is that a peace, which is beyond understanding, will come upon that person. This happens when God's sovereignty and love is understood. God loves His children and will work all things for good. Therefore when a Christian lays the burden on God, he no longer needs to have care for it.
When Jesus was on the earth, He told his disciples that after His death they were to pray to God in the name of Jesus (John 16:23-24). Praying "in the name of Jesus" does not only mean saying His name at the end of the prayer. Praying in Jesus' name is claiming the prayer in Jesus' behalf, and on account of Jesus' authority. The police officer says, "Stop! in the name of the law." He is saying that the law of the land is telling you to stop right now; he is claiming the authority of the law. Jesus tells His disciples to pray to the Father with the authority of the Son. This is imperative as even the Pharisees recognized that God does not answer the prayers of sinners (John 9:31). Man's iniquities have separated him from God, so that God will not have communion with him. However, when man approaches the Father, and says to Him, "God, I am coming to you on behalf of Your Son, I am coming to you because He told me to come to You, and I am asking for something that He wants," then the Father will hear and will give whatever is requested. The pure and holy Lamb of God, is there before the Father making intercession for Christians, as the Great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16), therefore the Christian can approach God in prayer.
The reason that many prayers go unanswered is because they are not being prayed in Jesus' name. In fact, Jesus promises "Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you" (John 16:23). Therefore, if any prayer goes unanswered, it is certain the prayer was not prayed in Jesus' name, on His behalf, with His authority. Oftentimes that is because the prayer is asked simply to benefit the person praying. "Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts" (James 4:3). Or perhaps the prayer is simply not in accordance with God's sovereign plan in that situation. The closer a Christian grows in communion to God, the more he will see God's plan and pray in accordance with it. If a person is regarding iniquity in their heart, the Lord will not hear him (Psalm 66:18). Another principle that can be derived from James 1:5-6 is that if a person doubts that God can or will answer, then God may not answer. God wants the requests that are made to Him to be asked in faith (Matthew 21:22). Also, the Bible also says that if a husband has a wrong relationship with his wife, that his prayers will be hindered (1 Peter 3:7).
Prayer should be made for all men, for kings, for all that are in authority (1 Timothy 2:1). Prayer should be made to have God send laborers into His fields (Matthew 9:38). Prayer should be made for the ministers of the gospel that they would have boldness to speak, that the word of the Lord would have free course, that doors would be opened for them, and that they would be protected from unbelievers (Romans 15:30, 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2, Colossians 4:3). Prayer should even be made for enemies (Matthew 5:44).
"Thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly."
Doctrine 15 / 36: Prayer
"Pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17). In the Christian life, prayer and faith go hand in hand. Of all of the spiritual disciplines, secret prayer is the greatest measure of a person's faith. He may read the Bible to gain knowledge and impress his friends; he may give money to receive recognition of people or to feel good about himself; he may fast because of the health benefits. However, secret prayer, time spent in prayer to God of which nobody else knows, has no other benefit in the person's life. Prayer is simply talking to God. Secret prayer is the greatest measure of a person's faith.
What advantage is there in prayer? Primarily, it delights God. "The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight" (Proverbs 15:8). Because prayer is a demonstration of a person's faith, God delights in it. Prayer is saying to God, "God, I can not accomplish something on my own, I am dependent upon You for this request." God is delighted when man shows his reliance upon God.
Prayer does not only delight God, but also advantages the Christian. "Be careful for nothing, but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7). When a Christian brings all of his struggles to God, and lays them at His feet, the result is that a peace, which is beyond understanding, will come upon that person. This happens when God's sovereignty and love is understood. God loves His children and will work all things for good. Therefore when a Christian lays the burden on God, he no longer needs to have care for it.
When Jesus was on the earth, He told his disciples that after His death they were to pray to God in the name of Jesus (John 16:23-24). Praying "in the name of Jesus" does not only mean saying His name at the end of the prayer. Praying in Jesus' name is claiming the prayer in Jesus' behalf, and on account of Jesus' authority. The police officer says, "Stop! in the name of the law." He is saying that the law of the land is telling you to stop right now; he is claiming the authority of the law. Jesus tells His disciples to pray to the Father with the authority of the Son. This is imperative as even the Pharisees recognized that God does not answer the prayers of sinners (John 9:31). Man's iniquities have separated him from God, so that God will not have communion with him. However, when man approaches the Father, and says to Him, "God, I am coming to you on behalf of Your Son, I am coming to you because He told me to come to You, and I am asking for something that He wants," then the Father will hear and will give whatever is requested. The pure and holy Lamb of God, is there before the Father making intercession for Christians, as the Great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16), therefore the Christian can approach God in prayer.
The reason that many prayers go unanswered is because they are not being prayed in Jesus' name. In fact, Jesus promises "Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you" (John 16:23). Therefore, if any prayer goes unanswered, it is certain the prayer was not prayed in Jesus' name, on His behalf, with His authority. Oftentimes that is because the prayer is asked simply to benefit the person praying. "Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts" (James 4:3). Or perhaps the prayer is simply not in accordance with God's sovereign plan in that situation. The closer a Christian grows in communion to God, the more he will see God's plan and pray in accordance with it. If a person is regarding iniquity in their heart, the Lord will not hear him (Psalm 66:18). Another principle that can be derived from James 1:5-6 is that if a person doubts that God can or will answer, then God may not answer. God wants the requests that are made to Him to be asked in faith (Matthew 21:22). Also, the Bible also says that if a husband has a wrong relationship with his wife, that his prayers will be hindered (1 Peter 3:7).
Prayer should be made for all men, for kings, for all that are in authority (1 Timothy 2:1). Prayer should be made to have God send laborers into His fields (Matthew 9:38). Prayer should be made for the ministers of the gospel that they would have boldness to speak, that the word of the Lord would have free course, that doors would be opened for them, and that they would be protected from unbelievers (Romans 15:30, 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2, Colossians 4:3). Prayer should even be made for enemies (Matthew 5:44).
"Thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly."
Thesis 14/36: The Will of God
DOCTRINES OF FAITH
Doctrine 14 / 36: The Will of God
There is a universal will for all creatures that God has - to bring Him pleasure (Revelation 4:11). The question becomes, what can His creation to in order to bring about that goal? Beyond this universal, general will, there is also a specific will or plan that God has for everyone as well.
There are seven items mentioned in the New Testament that are said to be God's will for people (First Bible Baptist Church 7:3). These things are universal. These things do not apply only to certain people or groups, but to everyone. They are:
1) Salvation: God is not willing that any should perish (2 Peter 3:9), and His will is that all men be saved (1 Timothy 2:4). This first item is necessary before any of the following items can be achieved. Salvation is the first step to bring pleasure to God.
2) Spirit-Filled: God desires that all men be filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:17-18). However, as was mentioned, a man must be saved before he can walk in the Spirit and be Spirit-filled. God desires that all men live their lives in submission to the Spirit's lead.
3) Thankful: Perhaps this item would be left off of most lists made by people that sit down and think of what God's will is, but God makes it plain, "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" (1 Thessalonians 5:18). God wants people to be thankful for whatever situation comes their way.
4) Sanctification: God's will for the person who gets saved is not that he would simply remain the same person as he was. God wants the Christian constantly to grow and to become more set apart, sanctified, for God's use (1 Thessalonians 4:3). Contained in this teaching is that Christians are to refrain from sin. Paul says in 1 Thessalonians 4:3, "For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication." There is to be a real change in a person's life, where he becomes transformed by the renewing of his mind (Romans 12:1-2).
5) Submissive Servant: One of the amazing characteristics of Jesus Christ was that He humbled Himself and lived a lowly life on earth. Many American Christians today want to have no part in that humility, but rather to be exalted and to retain their perceived rights. Throughout the Scriptures, God tells His people to be submissive, humble, and in particular He says to do it in the master/slave, or employer/employee relationship (Ephesians 6:4-6; 1 Peter 2:13-15).
6) Conformation to the Image of Christ: Ultimately, God has predestined His children to be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ. This entails being completely free from sin, and having a perfect being to please God (Romans 8:29; John 17:20-23). This will only be completed after Christ comes back to call His saints home.
7) Suffering: There are times in a Christian's life that he will have to suffer. It is taught that everyone that desires to live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution (2 Timothy 3:12). God has a divine purpose for suffering, and it is His will that at times the Christian learn by having to go through suffering (1 Peter 4:19).
The above seven things are parts of the will of God that He has for all men. But how can a Christian find out what specific course of action, or life work he should be doing? How can a Christian know what God's plan is for his life?
1) Accordance with the revealed will of God: First of all, while seeking what God's plan is for his life, a Christian ought to pass the decision through the universal will of God. That is, if the decision to be made would cause a person to participate in sin, then it is violating the will of God of sanctification. Therefore he can be sure that God's plan is not for him to participate in that. God's plan for the Christian's life will always be in accordance with what He declares in Scripture. A Christian does not have to ask or wonder whether or not God wants him to do something sinful. He does not.
2) Inner comfort: After the decision has been passed through the filter of the universal will of God, the second question is whether or not the Christian has inner peace about it. Psalm 37:4 says, "Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart." That is, when a Christian is truly looking to do things to bring God pleasure, God will give that person the desires that he should have. Even if the decision requires suffering or persecution, the man can have comfort inside knowing that it is for God's glory. Time of real communion with God through Bible reading and prayer are necessary to make sure this is comfort from God.
3) Open Doors: When God wants His people to do something, He will open the doors to allow it to happen. Whether it is providing finances for the task, providing laborers, or whatever is needed, God will make sure that the resources are there and the opportunity is present to accomplish His will. At the same time, there will be occasions where God does not want a course of action to be taken, and He may close doors. In Acts 16:6, the Holy Ghost forbade Paul and his company to preach in a certain area. That was in accordance to the universal will of God, yet God did not want it done at that time in that place, and so He closed the door.
4) Wise Counsel: "Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety" (Proverbs 11:14). The fourth thing, through which to pass the question of God's plan for a Christian's life, is whether or not it is in accordance with or opposition to the counsel of other godly and wise counsellors. God has put people in the Christian's life to help give advice and counsel, and the submissive servant ought to give weight to it.
The first way to find God's plan for the Christian's life is as plain as the Bible. It is plainly stated, and need not be questioned. However, the other three areas can not be adhered to by themselves. Because the Christian still has his old man with which he struggles, having inner comfort about something may be the flesh's desire, not the Spirit. The heart is deceitful above all things (Jeremiah 17:9), and care must be given that the desire is the Spirit's, not the flesh's. Open doors also can be deceiving. It may be that God is trying the Christian to see if they will jump at the first opportunity, or if they will truly seek God's face and direction. And even wise counsellors can be deceived. However, when the four areas line up, and the decision is in line with God's word, there is an inner comfort, the doors are open, and the wise counsel is in agreement, then the Christian can be very confident that it is God's plan for his life.
"In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
Works Cited:First Bible Baptist Church, Discipleship, 18 vols. New York: First Bible Baptist Church
Doctrine 14 / 36: The Will of God
There is a universal will for all creatures that God has - to bring Him pleasure (Revelation 4:11). The question becomes, what can His creation to in order to bring about that goal? Beyond this universal, general will, there is also a specific will or plan that God has for everyone as well.
There are seven items mentioned in the New Testament that are said to be God's will for people (First Bible Baptist Church 7:3). These things are universal. These things do not apply only to certain people or groups, but to everyone. They are:
1) Salvation: God is not willing that any should perish (2 Peter 3:9), and His will is that all men be saved (1 Timothy 2:4). This first item is necessary before any of the following items can be achieved. Salvation is the first step to bring pleasure to God.
2) Spirit-Filled: God desires that all men be filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:17-18). However, as was mentioned, a man must be saved before he can walk in the Spirit and be Spirit-filled. God desires that all men live their lives in submission to the Spirit's lead.
3) Thankful: Perhaps this item would be left off of most lists made by people that sit down and think of what God's will is, but God makes it plain, "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" (1 Thessalonians 5:18). God wants people to be thankful for whatever situation comes their way.
4) Sanctification: God's will for the person who gets saved is not that he would simply remain the same person as he was. God wants the Christian constantly to grow and to become more set apart, sanctified, for God's use (1 Thessalonians 4:3). Contained in this teaching is that Christians are to refrain from sin. Paul says in 1 Thessalonians 4:3, "For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication." There is to be a real change in a person's life, where he becomes transformed by the renewing of his mind (Romans 12:1-2).
5) Submissive Servant: One of the amazing characteristics of Jesus Christ was that He humbled Himself and lived a lowly life on earth. Many American Christians today want to have no part in that humility, but rather to be exalted and to retain their perceived rights. Throughout the Scriptures, God tells His people to be submissive, humble, and in particular He says to do it in the master/slave, or employer/employee relationship (Ephesians 6:4-6; 1 Peter 2:13-15).
6) Conformation to the Image of Christ: Ultimately, God has predestined His children to be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ. This entails being completely free from sin, and having a perfect being to please God (Romans 8:29; John 17:20-23). This will only be completed after Christ comes back to call His saints home.
7) Suffering: There are times in a Christian's life that he will have to suffer. It is taught that everyone that desires to live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution (2 Timothy 3:12). God has a divine purpose for suffering, and it is His will that at times the Christian learn by having to go through suffering (1 Peter 4:19).
The above seven things are parts of the will of God that He has for all men. But how can a Christian find out what specific course of action, or life work he should be doing? How can a Christian know what God's plan is for his life?
1) Accordance with the revealed will of God: First of all, while seeking what God's plan is for his life, a Christian ought to pass the decision through the universal will of God. That is, if the decision to be made would cause a person to participate in sin, then it is violating the will of God of sanctification. Therefore he can be sure that God's plan is not for him to participate in that. God's plan for the Christian's life will always be in accordance with what He declares in Scripture. A Christian does not have to ask or wonder whether or not God wants him to do something sinful. He does not.
2) Inner comfort: After the decision has been passed through the filter of the universal will of God, the second question is whether or not the Christian has inner peace about it. Psalm 37:4 says, "Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart." That is, when a Christian is truly looking to do things to bring God pleasure, God will give that person the desires that he should have. Even if the decision requires suffering or persecution, the man can have comfort inside knowing that it is for God's glory. Time of real communion with God through Bible reading and prayer are necessary to make sure this is comfort from God.
3) Open Doors: When God wants His people to do something, He will open the doors to allow it to happen. Whether it is providing finances for the task, providing laborers, or whatever is needed, God will make sure that the resources are there and the opportunity is present to accomplish His will. At the same time, there will be occasions where God does not want a course of action to be taken, and He may close doors. In Acts 16:6, the Holy Ghost forbade Paul and his company to preach in a certain area. That was in accordance to the universal will of God, yet God did not want it done at that time in that place, and so He closed the door.
4) Wise Counsel: "Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety" (Proverbs 11:14). The fourth thing, through which to pass the question of God's plan for a Christian's life, is whether or not it is in accordance with or opposition to the counsel of other godly and wise counsellors. God has put people in the Christian's life to help give advice and counsel, and the submissive servant ought to give weight to it.
The first way to find God's plan for the Christian's life is as plain as the Bible. It is plainly stated, and need not be questioned. However, the other three areas can not be adhered to by themselves. Because the Christian still has his old man with which he struggles, having inner comfort about something may be the flesh's desire, not the Spirit. The heart is deceitful above all things (Jeremiah 17:9), and care must be given that the desire is the Spirit's, not the flesh's. Open doors also can be deceiving. It may be that God is trying the Christian to see if they will jump at the first opportunity, or if they will truly seek God's face and direction. And even wise counsellors can be deceived. However, when the four areas line up, and the decision is in line with God's word, there is an inner comfort, the doors are open, and the wise counsel is in agreement, then the Christian can be very confident that it is God's plan for his life.
"In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
Works Cited:First Bible Baptist Church, Discipleship, 18 vols. New York: First Bible Baptist Church
Thesis 13/36: Sin
DOCTRINES OF FAITH
Doctrine 13 / 36: Sin
Sin is the violation of God's law (1 John 3:4). God did not give His law for the purpose of showing a man how to live right, but rather to show man that he does not live right (Romans 3:20). It is evident through Scripture and through experience that all men violate that law of God. Even if a person does not know what the Bible says, God's word, they still have the moral law of God written on their hearts. So that even when they do wrong, it is a conscious violation of God's law. This law on their hearts is their conscience (Romans 2:14-15).
When God first created man, He created him in His own image. He did not create Adam with sin, or with a sinful nature. The very first sin recorded in the Bible is in Genesis 3 when Adam, knowing what God's law was concerning the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, decided that he was going to eat of the tree anyway. Thus, by this one act, sin entered into the world, and caused death to both him and all of his offspring (Roman 5:12, 18). That offspring, which is all of the human race, has been made in the image of Adam (Genesis 5:3). That image is a marred image of the perfect, sinless image that God had made. Therefore, all of mankind has a natural inclination and propensity to sin.
When a man is born again, God takes away the penalty which that person's sin deserves, eternal death. However, Bible and experience teaches that even after a man has been saved, he still sins. This is because the saved man still has his old nature, the flesh, as a part of him. Paul speaks of this war that goes on in the Christian between the flesh and the Spirit in Romans 7. He speaks of how he does the things that he does not want to do, and that he does not the things that he wants to do. This struggle is specifically stated in Galatians 5:17: "For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would."
How then is a man to win this war and cease from sin? Romans 6:6 says that the old man is crucified with Christ, so that the body of sin should be destroyed; 5 verses later he exhorts the Christian, "Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ or Lord" (Romans 6:11). The Christian is to remember that the purpose Christ came and died was to take away our sins (1 John 3:5), and while contemplating on this thought, he is to consider himself dead to those sins, looking to Christ and remembering His work. The more a Christian contemplates on the fact that Christ died for his sins, it will move him to sin less.
Once the Christian realizes that the Christian life is a constant battle between the flesh and the Spirit, what can he do to win the battle? Galatians 5 gives the answer in principle, "Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh" (Galatians 5:17). If a person tends to please the flesh more than the spirit, then he is walking in the flesh and will end up sinning. However, if a person denies his self, his flesh, and walks in communion with God, recognizing the indwelling presence of the Spirit of God, then he will be walking in the Spirit and fulfilling the lust of the flesh.
A stumbling block over which a man can trip is the law. If a man recognizes his sin, and says that he will simply try to obey the law, he will fail. That is because the law tends to the flesh - it is an external thing. To truly obey the law, the change must come from the inside, from the Spirit. This is not to say that a man should not do external things to prevent sin. A man should take precautions to avoid putting himself in a place in which temptation will be strong. That is, a man that has a liking for alcohol, ought not to visit the bar.
Jesus answered the temptations that were presented to him by memorizing and bringing to the forefront Scriptures that dealt with the specific temptations (Luke 4:1-13). It would be wise for a Christian struggling with a specific sin to find Scripture that will help him deal with that sin, memorize it, and quote it when the temptation is recognized.
"God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able."
Doctrine 13 / 36: Sin
Sin is the violation of God's law (1 John 3:4). God did not give His law for the purpose of showing a man how to live right, but rather to show man that he does not live right (Romans 3:20). It is evident through Scripture and through experience that all men violate that law of God. Even if a person does not know what the Bible says, God's word, they still have the moral law of God written on their hearts. So that even when they do wrong, it is a conscious violation of God's law. This law on their hearts is their conscience (Romans 2:14-15).
When God first created man, He created him in His own image. He did not create Adam with sin, or with a sinful nature. The very first sin recorded in the Bible is in Genesis 3 when Adam, knowing what God's law was concerning the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, decided that he was going to eat of the tree anyway. Thus, by this one act, sin entered into the world, and caused death to both him and all of his offspring (Roman 5:12, 18). That offspring, which is all of the human race, has been made in the image of Adam (Genesis 5:3). That image is a marred image of the perfect, sinless image that God had made. Therefore, all of mankind has a natural inclination and propensity to sin.
When a man is born again, God takes away the penalty which that person's sin deserves, eternal death. However, Bible and experience teaches that even after a man has been saved, he still sins. This is because the saved man still has his old nature, the flesh, as a part of him. Paul speaks of this war that goes on in the Christian between the flesh and the Spirit in Romans 7. He speaks of how he does the things that he does not want to do, and that he does not the things that he wants to do. This struggle is specifically stated in Galatians 5:17: "For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would."
How then is a man to win this war and cease from sin? Romans 6:6 says that the old man is crucified with Christ, so that the body of sin should be destroyed; 5 verses later he exhorts the Christian, "Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ or Lord" (Romans 6:11). The Christian is to remember that the purpose Christ came and died was to take away our sins (1 John 3:5), and while contemplating on this thought, he is to consider himself dead to those sins, looking to Christ and remembering His work. The more a Christian contemplates on the fact that Christ died for his sins, it will move him to sin less.
Once the Christian realizes that the Christian life is a constant battle between the flesh and the Spirit, what can he do to win the battle? Galatians 5 gives the answer in principle, "Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh" (Galatians 5:17). If a person tends to please the flesh more than the spirit, then he is walking in the flesh and will end up sinning. However, if a person denies his self, his flesh, and walks in communion with God, recognizing the indwelling presence of the Spirit of God, then he will be walking in the Spirit and fulfilling the lust of the flesh.
A stumbling block over which a man can trip is the law. If a man recognizes his sin, and says that he will simply try to obey the law, he will fail. That is because the law tends to the flesh - it is an external thing. To truly obey the law, the change must come from the inside, from the Spirit. This is not to say that a man should not do external things to prevent sin. A man should take precautions to avoid putting himself in a place in which temptation will be strong. That is, a man that has a liking for alcohol, ought not to visit the bar.
Jesus answered the temptations that were presented to him by memorizing and bringing to the forefront Scriptures that dealt with the specific temptations (Luke 4:1-13). It would be wise for a Christian struggling with a specific sin to find Scripture that will help him deal with that sin, memorize it, and quote it when the temptation is recognized.
"God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)