Then Peter said unto them, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:38-39)
"And it shall come to pass, [that] whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Acts 2:21)
"He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him." (John 3:36)
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)
Jesus answered and said unto him, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God" (John 3:3)
John answered, saying unto [them] all, "I indeed baptize you with water; but One mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire." (Luke 3:16)
"I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but He that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and [with] fire." (Matthew 3:11)
"And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon Me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for Him, as one mourneth for [his] only [son], and shall be in bitterness for Him, as one that is in bitterness for [his] firstborn." (Zechariah 12:10)
"Blessed [are] they that do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city." (Revelation 22:14)
"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death." (Revelation 12:11)
"For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit." ( I Peter 3:18)
"Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed." (I Peter 2:24)
"Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience." (James 5:10)
"Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble." (James 2:19)
"Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble." (James 2:19)
"Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ ..." (II Thessalonians 3:6)
"Buried with Him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with [Him] through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised Him from the dead." (Colossians 2:12)
"For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether [they be] thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by Him, and for Him." (Colossians 1:16)
"That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of [things] in heaven, and [things] in earth, and [things] under the earth." (Philippians 2:10)
"One Lord, one faith, one baptism." (Ephesians 4:5)
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God." (Ephesians 2:8)
God's plan was to redeem man back to Himself. This is why God Himself as a Son was manifest in the flesh. He came to seek and to save you and I who would have otherwise been lost for all eternity. Why? Because we required a Saviour and because there was none other in heaven earth who was righteous enough to pay the price in full -- for the redemption of man, He came. Now that is love! Stand in the offering plate.
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness
Saturday, December 28, 2013
God Himself Came to Purchase Redemption - Part 778
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believes -- to the Jew first, and also to the Greek, for therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith. As it is written, "The just shall live by faith."
"Neither is there salvation in any other for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)
When you read the scriptures above, what are these saying to your heart? First, the verses point to the "name" from which salvation can be experienced, and second, these inform us that "no other name" under heaven can bring salvation. Not works. Not catechism. Not praying to statues or confessing your sin to priests.
In this last dispensation of grace, one must believe on our Lord God and Saviour. Yes, Jesus is the only name given under heaven whereby you and I can be saved.
Further, if JESUS the Christ is not God manifest in flesh, then when, as the scriptures state, did God visit us? And when was the God who made the world in the world? JESUS was the offspring of the Holy Spirit inasmuch as JESUS was the manifestation of the Holy Spirit. For both SEEDS were of the Holy Spirit.
Therefore, the embryo was God. No other was involved. God Himself coming forth from the innermost being of His holy Spirit, coming forth in a fashion as a man to become man’s only redeemer and Saviour.
"I will praise the LORD according to His righteousness: and will sing praise to the Name of the LORD most high." (Psalm 7:17)
"Who shall not fear Thee, O Lord, and glorify Thy name? For Thou only art holy; for all nations shall come and worship before Thee, for Thy judgments are made manifest." (Revelation 15:4)
"My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour for He has looked on the humble estate of His servant." (Luke 1:47-48)
Then Peter said unto them, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:38)
"And now why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." (Acts 22:16)
"For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." (Galatians 3:27)
"And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord." (Acts 10:48)
"I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive Me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive." (John 5:43)
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God ... and the Word became flesh." (John 1:1-14)
"And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21)
"For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one." (I John 5:7)
"For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily." (Colossians 2:9)
"Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name ..." (Philippians 2:9-11)
"Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?" (I Corinthians 1:13-15)
"To him give all the prophets witness, that through His name whosoever believes in Him shall receive remission of sins." (Acts 10:43)
"For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus." (Acts 8:16)
"But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women." (Acts 8:12)
Jesus saith unto him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes unto the Father, but by Me." (John 14:6)
"Neither is there salvation in any other for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)
When you read the scriptures above, what are these saying to your heart? First, the verses point to the "name" from which salvation can be experienced, and second, these inform us that "no other name" under heaven can bring salvation. Not works. Not catechism. Not praying to statues or confessing your sin to priests.
In this last dispensation of grace, one must believe on our Lord God and Saviour. Yes, Jesus is the only name given under heaven whereby you and I can be saved.
Further, if JESUS the Christ is not God manifest in flesh, then when, as the scriptures state, did God visit us? And when was the God who made the world in the world? JESUS was the offspring of the Holy Spirit inasmuch as JESUS was the manifestation of the Holy Spirit. For both SEEDS were of the Holy Spirit.
Therefore, the embryo was God. No other was involved. God Himself coming forth from the innermost being of His holy Spirit, coming forth in a fashion as a man to become man’s only redeemer and Saviour.
"I will praise the LORD according to His righteousness: and will sing praise to the Name of the LORD most high." (Psalm 7:17)
"Who shall not fear Thee, O Lord, and glorify Thy name? For Thou only art holy; for all nations shall come and worship before Thee, for Thy judgments are made manifest." (Revelation 15:4)
"My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour for He has looked on the humble estate of His servant." (Luke 1:47-48)
Then Peter said unto them, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:38)
"And now why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." (Acts 22:16)
"For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." (Galatians 3:27)
"And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord." (Acts 10:48)
"I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive Me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive." (John 5:43)
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God ... and the Word became flesh." (John 1:1-14)
"And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21)
"For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one." (I John 5:7)
"For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily." (Colossians 2:9)
"Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name ..." (Philippians 2:9-11)
"Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?" (I Corinthians 1:13-15)
"To him give all the prophets witness, that through His name whosoever believes in Him shall receive remission of sins." (Acts 10:43)
"For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus." (Acts 8:16)
"But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women." (Acts 8:12)
Jesus saith unto him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes unto the Father, but by Me." (John 14:6)
Saturday, December 21, 2013
Made Perfect by the Flesh????? - Part 777
“Receive ye the
Spirit by the works of the law or by hearing of faith?” This is an interesting
question. Writing to the Galatians, Paul an apostle (not by men but by Jesus
Christ and God the Father who raised Him from the dead) said, “Are ye so
foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect the flesh?” He
further asks, “He therefore that ministers to you in the Spirit and works miracles
among you, does He it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
Even the early
church struggled with questions about leaving their first love, even though
they once knew without a doubt that there was nothing one could do to earn
salvation. The Bible states, “For all
have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” But in this case, the
Galatians – like too many churches and religious institutions today – believed that
somehow adherence to the law and Ten Commandments leads you into perfection. Instead
of acknowledging that by faith believers who seek His righteousness are saved
by grace (solely because the one who knew no sin became sin and shed His
precious blood upon the cross), we keep one foot in the law.
We mix the two
covenants (the old and the new covenants) creating mass confusion amongst
believers.
We ignore the fact that
“the scripture [itself] has concluded all under sin that the promise by faith
of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.” (Galatians 3:23) Before
faith came, admittedly, “we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith
which should afterwards be revealed, wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to
bring us unto Christ that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith
is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster – for ye are all the children of
God by faith in Jesus Christ. For as many of you as have been baptized into
Christ have put on Christ.” (Galatians 3:22-29)
This is why Paul
set the record straight. He said, “I do not frustrate the grace of God – for if
righteousness [come] by the law, then Jesus the Christ is dead in vain.”
(Galatians 2:21)
We cannot be saved
by good works. We cannot be saved by doing the right thing and trying to live a
good life. When we do, we will ultimately fail like so many before us. Our only
hope is in Jesus Christ. It is no wonder Paul wrote -- For as many as are of
the works of the law are under the curse, for it is written, “Cursed is
everyone that continues not in all things which are written in the book of the
law to do them. But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it
is evident; for the just shall live by faith.” (Galatians 3:10-11)
“And the law is not
of faith, but the man that doeth them shall live in them. Christ has redeemed
us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us” -- for it is written, “Cursed is everyone that
hangs on a tree.” (Galatians 3:12-13)
This is why Paul
said, “O Foolish Galatians – who has bewitched you that ye should not obey the
truth before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth – crucified among
you?” (Galatians 2:21; 3:1) This is the same question that must be asked of our
religious organizations today. We do not live in bondage under the elements of
the world. We live in the dispensation of grace which means we have been set
free by His love and mercy. By grace are ye saved through faith and that not of
yourselves BUT by the grace of God.
“For all the law is
fulfilled in one word, even in this – “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as
thyself.” (Galatians 5:14)
Remember, that “when
the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son made of a woman made
under the law – to redeem them [us] that were under the law – that we might
receive the adoption of sons. (Galatians 4:5) Therefore, stand fast in the
liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled under the yoke
of bondage. Press into Jesus. Read His Word daily for your strength and
spiritual sustenance. Rejoice too! Stand in the offering plate.
Monday, December 16, 2013
Justified by the Law? - Part 776
"Christ is become of no effect unto you -- whosoever of you are justified by the law -- ye are fallen from grace." (Galatians 5:4) But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew [their] strength. They shall mount up with wings as eagles -- they shall run and not be weary. They shall walk and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31)
This is why the book of Acts is so critical to understanding the new covenant. Acts teaches us what the disciples did with Jesus' teachings in their daily lives. How Jesus' teachings were put into action. How those who walked daily with our Lord God and Saviour on earth moved forward in their faith journey -- beyond the gospels -- reaching out to those new in the faith and teaching them the good news message of the kingdom.
We especially see this in the second chapter of Acts. Herein, Peter is standing in one accord with the other apostles. The apostles had been sharing the gospel on the day of Pentecost. Convicted in their hearts, people started asking, "What must we do to inherit eternal life?"
This is the same question we ask today when we discover that all (meaning each and every one of us) have fallen short of the glory of God. Indeed, "there is none righteous -- no not one. There is none that understands. There is none that seeks after God. They have all gone out of the way. They are together become unprofitable. There is none that does good, no not one. " (Romans 3:10-12)
Isaiah wrote, "But we are all as an unclean thing and all our righteousness are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities like the wind -- have taken us away." (Isaiah 64:6) In our sinful state (before repentance) we do not know the way of peace. There is no fear of God in our eyes. (Romans 3:17-18)
But for those who believe in Jesus by faith, there is hope and peace and joy. "For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God -- not of works lest any man boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9) And according to Romans 3, we are not saved by adherence to the law and/or ten commandments either. The law was given as a schoolmaster, pointing us to the King of kings and Lord of lords.
"Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore, by the deeds of the law, there shall no flesh be justified in His sight for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets. Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe -- for there is no difference --- for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.
Being justified freely by His grace through redemption that is in Christ Jesus -- whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God -- to declare, I say, at this time His righteousness; that He might be just, and the justifier of him which believes in Jesus." (Romans 3:11-26)
This is why the people in the upper room were concerned. "What shall we do?" they asked. As we read, Peter standing with the other apostles said unto them, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:38)
As a consequence, 3,000 new believers responded to the call and were baptized that same day. We need to respond in the same way. Let him who hath ears to hear, hear. Stand in the offering plate.
Why? Because those of us who believe in Jesus by faith are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; "that ye should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light ..." (I Peter 2:9)
We especially see this in the second chapter of Acts. Herein, Peter is standing in one accord with the other apostles. The apostles had been sharing the gospel on the day of Pentecost. Convicted in their hearts, people started asking, "What must we do to inherit eternal life?"
This is the same question we ask today when we discover that all (meaning each and every one of us) have fallen short of the glory of God. Indeed, "there is none righteous -- no not one. There is none that understands. There is none that seeks after God. They have all gone out of the way. They are together become unprofitable. There is none that does good, no not one. " (Romans 3:10-12)
Isaiah wrote, "But we are all as an unclean thing and all our righteousness are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities like the wind -- have taken us away." (Isaiah 64:6) In our sinful state (before repentance) we do not know the way of peace. There is no fear of God in our eyes. (Romans 3:17-18)
But for those who believe in Jesus by faith, there is hope and peace and joy. "For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God -- not of works lest any man boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9) And according to Romans 3, we are not saved by adherence to the law and/or ten commandments either. The law was given as a schoolmaster, pointing us to the King of kings and Lord of lords.
"Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore, by the deeds of the law, there shall no flesh be justified in His sight for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets. Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe -- for there is no difference --- for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.
Being justified freely by His grace through redemption that is in Christ Jesus -- whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God -- to declare, I say, at this time His righteousness; that He might be just, and the justifier of him which believes in Jesus." (Romans 3:11-26)
This is why the people in the upper room were concerned. "What shall we do?" they asked. As we read, Peter standing with the other apostles said unto them, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:38)
As a consequence, 3,000 new believers responded to the call and were baptized that same day. We need to respond in the same way. Let him who hath ears to hear, hear. Stand in the offering plate.
Friday, December 13, 2013
Sad Consequences When We Don't Press Into Jesus - Part 775
"Thou art my Son. This day have I begotten thee?" And again, "I will be to Him a Father, and He shall be to Me a Son?" And again, when He bringeth in the first begotten into the world, He saith, "And let all the angels of God worship Him." (Hebrews 1:1-6)
The same God who said, "I am the Lord -- that is My name ... and My glory will I not give to another ... sing unto the Lord a new song and His praise from the end of the earth" (Isaiah 42:8-9)
Worship who? Not an "unknown god" as the religious of this day would like us to believe. Not a 'triune God' or 'God in three persons' as other high profile organizations are suggesting. Rather, we are to worship "Him" and only Him in Spirit and truth. The same "Him" that the wise men came to worship when Jesus was a young child. The same "Him" that has made us free when we stand fast therefore in His liberty. (Hebrews 5:1)
The difficulty is that many preachers, pastors, priests and teachers today (along with their religious institutions and church plants) have not searched the scriptures as we are instructed to do. (Acts 17:11; Matthew 4:4; Psalms 119:105; II Timothy 3:15-17; II Peter 1:5) And, as a consequence, there is mass confusion about who God is emerging amidst the Christian community. It has not been helped by the numerous versions of the Bible that are written by people who do not themselves understand the Godhead -- that is, in whom they worship.
For example, yesterday I heard a commentator stating that "the Son of God became flesh." What???? Had this person loved Jesus enough to search the scriptures they would never have reached that conclusion. Sadly, this person is not alone. There are too many religious trying to justify the trinity/trinitarian doctrine even when the scriptures themselves never refer to God in three persons. Did you hear that? NEVER do the scriptures refer to God in three persons.
God is Holy -- yes. God is Spirit -- yes. But this same God became flesh -- the Word was with God, the Word WAS God and the Word became flesh (John 1:1-18) The Bible does NOT say that the Son of God became flesh. Throughout the old and new covenant God is one, and in these latter times, His name is JESUS!
The following are other scriptures that confirm the same.
In the beginning God. (Genesis 1:1)
This same God is One -- And Jesus answered him, "The first of all the commandments is, 'Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord." (Mark 12:29) "One Lord, one faith, one baptism." (Ephesians 4:5)
The same God is our Creator -- "Thou Lord in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the works of Thine hands." (Hebrews 1:10)
"And God created" -- "And God blessed" -- "And God said" -- "And God made" -- "And God called" -- "And God set" -- "So God created man in His own image, after our likeness" -- "So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him, male and female created He them ..."(Genesis 1:1-31)
The same God who later became our Saviour. "I, even I AM the LORD, and beside Me there is no Saviour." (Isaiah 43:11)
The same God who dwelt bodily in Jesus. "For in Him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily." (Colossians 2:9) "I and My Father are one." (John 10:30)
The same God who is the first and the last and our Redeemer. "Thus saith the Lord the King of Israel, and His redeemer the LORD Of hosts; 'I AM the first, and I AM the last, and beside Me there is no God." (Isaiah 44:6)
The same God who was made flesh and dwelt among us. "And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.)" (John 1:14)
The same God who came to this world in the form of a son complete with a sin-prone body -- "And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His name Jesus for He shall save His people from their sins ... Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us." (Matthew 1:21-23)
The same God who responded to Philip when he said, "Shew us the Father?" Jesus said unto him, "Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? He that hast seen Me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, "Shew us the Father?" (John 14:9)
The same God who states: "I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last." (Revelation 1:11) "And behold, I come quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give every man according as His work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last." (Revelation 22:12-13)
The same God who IS "the first and the last; I am He that liveth, and was dead, and behold, I am alive evermore, Amen, and have the keys of hell and of death." (Revelation 1:17-18)
The same God who said, "Surely, I come quickly." (Revelation 22:20)
"And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." (I Timothy 3:16)
So the question is this. If both the old covenant scriptures and the new covenant point to the greatest love story ever told -- that is, God -- who knew no sin becoming sin so that we might experience His peace and joy, then why are so many religious in these last days trying to teach otherwise? Why is it so difficult to believe that God Almighty (Isaiah 9:6) loved us enough to shed His precious blood on a cross for you and I?
"The mighty God, even the Lord, who has spoken and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof"-- the same God who said, "Hear, O My people, and I will speak; O Israel, and I will testify against thee: "I AM GOD, even thy God." (Psalm 50:7)
"The mighty God, even the Lord, who has spoken and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof"-- the same God who said, "Hear, O My people, and I will speak; O Israel, and I will testify against thee: "I AM GOD, even thy God." (Psalm 50:7)
The book of Hebrews elaborates further. "Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of Me) to do Thy will, O God."
David wrote, "I will worship ... and praise Thy name for thy loving kindness and for Thy truth, for Thou hast magnified Thy Word above all Thy name." (Psalms 138:2)
It is time that the scriptural record was set straight once and for all, and our ministers, priests, teachers (and dare I add religious institutions) become more honest about their complete misunderstanding of the scriptures regarding the Godhead. As John recorded to the churches in the Revelation of Jesus Christ, churches (and you and I) need to return to our first love. We need to start proclaiming His precious name from the rooftops.
Be clear on this. It isn't the scriptures that are at fault for the Word is open and revelatory to those who seek truth. Those who seek Jesus with all their heart, soul, strength and mind.
Isaiah wrote: "Ye are My witnesses," saith the Lord, "and My servant whom I have chosen, that ye may know and believe Me, and understand that I AM He. Before Me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after Me." (Isaiah 43:10)
Isaiah wrote: "Ye are My witnesses," saith the Lord, "and My servant whom I have chosen, that ye may know and believe Me, and understand that I AM He. Before Me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after Me." (Isaiah 43:10)
Therefore, let us look to "Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God ... Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, and today and forever." (Hebrews 12:1-2; 13:8)
And in so doing, be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. Do not be like the foolish Galatians, or those that "after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?" (Galatians 4:9)
The Word is truth. "I am the Lord thy God from the land of Egypt, and thou shalt know no god but Me, for there is NO Saviour beside Me." (Hosea 13:4) And if this scriptural evidence is still not enough, read Stephen's testimony -- for when he was being stoned, the scripture states, "And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God and saying, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." (Acts 7:59)
Let him who hath an ear to hear, hear. Stand in the offering plate.
Thursday, December 12, 2013
And If Ye Be Christ's - Part 774
Too often we focus on the first covenant -- the things of the Old Testament without giving proper attention and focus to the new covenant, wherein is our salvation. For those new to the faith, the old covenant included ordinances of divine service and a worldly sanctuary, a made tabernacle, candlestick and table, and shewbread (which is called the sanctuary).
"And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all, which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant. And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercy seat; of which we cannot now speak particularly. Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God. But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself and for the errors of the people." (Hebrews 9:1-7)
The next couple of verses state, "The Holy Ghost this signifying that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing -- which was a figure for the time then present -- in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience." (Hebrews 9:8-9)
Why not? Because he "which stood only in meats and drinks and divers washings and carnal ordinances imposed on them until the time of reformation" could not obtain lasting eternal redemption for people. Even with annual blood sacrifices, the people's sins could not be forgiven to the point that their consciences would be clear.
In other words, the law which was the schoolmaster under the old covenant could not suffice. In fact, for as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written: "Cursed is everyone that continueth not in all things which are written not in the book of the law to do them. But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, the just shall live by faith. And the law is not of faith but the man that doeth them shall live in them. BUT Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us, for it is written, "Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree" that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith." (Galatians 3:1-14)
This is why "Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building -- and neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by His OWN blood He entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us." (Hebrews 9:11-12)
Once and for all, Jesus shed His precious blood on a cross for our transgressions -- never to be remembered again when we seek Him by faith. Indeed, He gave Himself (He who knew no sin became sin) that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father, to whom be glory for ever and ever. (Galatians 1:1-5)
The question asked? "For if the blood of bulls and of goats and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh -- how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?"
How much more indeed? And for this cause, "He is the mediator of the new testament that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance -- for where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of a testator ... So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation ... For the law having a shadow of good things to come and not the very image of the things can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect." (Hebrews 9:15-28; Hebrews 10:1)
So why then did Paul, an apostle (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ) admonish the Galatians saying, "O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?" (Galatians 3:1)
"Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made, and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one."
But now that the seed has come -- the Christ -- God in the flesh -- is the law then against the promises of God? The scriptures state, "God forbid; for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law ... but the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe." (Galatians 3:16-22)
This is the promise given to those who believe on Jesus and seek His righteousness with all their heart, soul, strength and mind.
"Wherefore the law WAS [for the believer and IS for the unbeliever] our schoolmaster to bring us into Christ, that we might be justified by faith. For after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." (Galatians 3:24-28)
"And if ye be Christ's then are ye Abraham's seed and heirs according to the promise." (Galatians 3:29) Let him that have ears to hear, hear. Stand in the offering plate.
"And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all, which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant. And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercy seat; of which we cannot now speak particularly. Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God. But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself and for the errors of the people." (Hebrews 9:1-7)
The next couple of verses state, "The Holy Ghost this signifying that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing -- which was a figure for the time then present -- in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience." (Hebrews 9:8-9)
Why not? Because he "which stood only in meats and drinks and divers washings and carnal ordinances imposed on them until the time of reformation" could not obtain lasting eternal redemption for people. Even with annual blood sacrifices, the people's sins could not be forgiven to the point that their consciences would be clear.
In other words, the law which was the schoolmaster under the old covenant could not suffice. In fact, for as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written: "Cursed is everyone that continueth not in all things which are written not in the book of the law to do them. But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, the just shall live by faith. And the law is not of faith but the man that doeth them shall live in them. BUT Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us, for it is written, "Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree" that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith." (Galatians 3:1-14)
This is why "Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building -- and neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by His OWN blood He entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us." (Hebrews 9:11-12)
Once and for all, Jesus shed His precious blood on a cross for our transgressions -- never to be remembered again when we seek Him by faith. Indeed, He gave Himself (He who knew no sin became sin) that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father, to whom be glory for ever and ever. (Galatians 1:1-5)
The question asked? "For if the blood of bulls and of goats and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh -- how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?"
How much more indeed? And for this cause, "He is the mediator of the new testament that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance -- for where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of a testator ... So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation ... For the law having a shadow of good things to come and not the very image of the things can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect." (Hebrews 9:15-28; Hebrews 10:1)
So why then did Paul, an apostle (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ) admonish the Galatians saying, "O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?" (Galatians 3:1)
"Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made, and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one."
But now that the seed has come -- the Christ -- God in the flesh -- is the law then against the promises of God? The scriptures state, "God forbid; for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law ... but the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe." (Galatians 3:16-22)
This is the promise given to those who believe on Jesus and seek His righteousness with all their heart, soul, strength and mind.
"Wherefore the law WAS [for the believer and IS for the unbeliever] our schoolmaster to bring us into Christ, that we might be justified by faith. For after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." (Galatians 3:24-28)
"And if ye be Christ's then are ye Abraham's seed and heirs according to the promise." (Galatians 3:29) Let him that have ears to hear, hear. Stand in the offering plate.
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Jesus is God Manifest in the Flesh - Part 773
In the beginning God! (Genesis 1:1) In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God ... and the Word became flesh. (John 1:1-18) "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." (I Timothy 3:16) "Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us." (Matthew 1:23)
Therefore, the Lord is our CREATOR, REDEEMER and KING. He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and end. When Thomas said, "My Lord and my God" he knew who Jesus was. He knew that the dominion of the Lord is an everlasting dominion. He also knew that the Lord Jesus is the very same God who created man in the beginning -- the very same God who became our Saviour so that man could be redeemed.
The Lord Jesus by His death on the cross purchased us unto Himself. The Lord Jesus -- God in the flesh -- became man's only Saviour. Why? Because He that knew no sin had to become sin so that we could be set free from the bondage of sin that entangles us from enjoying His perfect rest.
Imagine the Lord Jesus as King of kings and Lord of lords sacrificed Himself for our redemption. And the Lord Jesus did so because we are precious to Him. It is He who has loved us with an everlasting love and He did so even before He shaped the world. It is this same Lord Jesus who comforts us when we believe on Him by faith. The same Lord Jesus that gathers the offspring of His SEED from the north, south, east and west and then guarantees that His promise is not only for us but to our offspring and those that are afar off as well.
Jesus -- the one and only God created all things, whether these things be seen or unseen. As part of His plan of salvation, He has called us into His righteousness. He sustains us in our day to day, regardless of the situation. Why? Because our Lord Jesus has revealed Himself to us in form as the only "begotten" son for an everlasting covenant, bequeathing to us a promised inheritance.
An inheritance that is promised to one and all who call upon His name -- the precious name of Jesus. As such, the Lord Jesus has made us a redeemed people. A people who were not formally a people but are now because we know the name of our God and Saviour. In the last days, we have not forgotten His name.
We know this from Acts chapter two, and more specifically Acts ACTS 2:38-42, better known as the first alter call. Read these scriptures for yourself and be set free, as the first 3,000 did. Stand in the offering plate.
Therefore, the Lord is our CREATOR, REDEEMER and KING. He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and end. When Thomas said, "My Lord and my God" he knew who Jesus was. He knew that the dominion of the Lord is an everlasting dominion. He also knew that the Lord Jesus is the very same God who created man in the beginning -- the very same God who became our Saviour so that man could be redeemed.
The Lord Jesus by His death on the cross purchased us unto Himself. The Lord Jesus -- God in the flesh -- became man's only Saviour. Why? Because He that knew no sin had to become sin so that we could be set free from the bondage of sin that entangles us from enjoying His perfect rest.
Imagine the Lord Jesus as King of kings and Lord of lords sacrificed Himself for our redemption. And the Lord Jesus did so because we are precious to Him. It is He who has loved us with an everlasting love and He did so even before He shaped the world. It is this same Lord Jesus who comforts us when we believe on Him by faith. The same Lord Jesus that gathers the offspring of His SEED from the north, south, east and west and then guarantees that His promise is not only for us but to our offspring and those that are afar off as well.
Jesus -- the one and only God created all things, whether these things be seen or unseen. As part of His plan of salvation, He has called us into His righteousness. He sustains us in our day to day, regardless of the situation. Why? Because our Lord Jesus has revealed Himself to us in form as the only "begotten" son for an everlasting covenant, bequeathing to us a promised inheritance.
An inheritance that is promised to one and all who call upon His name -- the precious name of Jesus. As such, the Lord Jesus has made us a redeemed people. A people who were not formally a people but are now because we know the name of our God and Saviour. In the last days, we have not forgotten His name.
We know this from Acts chapter two, and more specifically Acts ACTS 2:38-42, better known as the first alter call. Read these scriptures for yourself and be set free, as the first 3,000 did. Stand in the offering plate.
Monday, December 9, 2013
And Let All the Angels of God Worship Him - Part 772
"Thou Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the works of thine hands. They shall perish, but thou remainest and they shall wax old as doth a garment and as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed; but Thou art the same, and Thy years shall not fail." (Hebrews 1:10-12)
But who is the Lord? Who is the Lord that was made a little lower than the angels and crowned with glory and honour, and was set over the works of Thy hands? This is a question that seemingly blinds the eyes of those that do not fully seek Jesus and His righteousness and as a consequence has created confusion among believers. It does not have to be this way.
The book of Hebrews provides key insights into who the Lord is but the key to understanding these scriptures is to seek Jesus with all your heart, soul, strength and mind. Why?
Because Christ Jesus is the Apostle and High Priest of our profession. (Hebrews 3:1)
Because Jesus Christ "being made perfect became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him." (Hebrews 5:9)
Because "Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, [was] crowned with glory and honour that He by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became Him for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings." (Hebrews 2:9-10)
We also know that "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets hath in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also He made the worlds -- who being the brightness of His glory, and the express image of His person and upholding all things by the Word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high." (Hebrews 1:1-3)
The Word that was with God in the beginning and according to the first chapter of John was God was veiled in flesh. (John 1:1-18) The very same Living Word that was both with and in God from the beginning was manifested in the flesh. For in the beginning was the Word. But without the Word of God, no one would be capable of even understanding how God made all things after the counsel of His own will.
In other words, Jesus fleshly manifestation - being the purposed counsel of God - came forth as the revealed and final counselled Word of God. This same God counselled with Himself in the beginning. In revealing Jesus as the manifestation of the counselled Word of God, Jesus became the counselled Word of God with us.
"And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified by the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." (I Timothy 3:16)
Jesus being the embodiment of the counselled Words of eternal life meant that God Himself was now manifest in a veil of flesh. Therefore, Jesus was and is the counselled SEED of the Holy Spirit! God‘s blood, Word and life flowing in Jesus' veins, being the counselled eternal life Words of His Father, the Spirit of God.
We know this because when the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in his sleep he said, "Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son and thou shalt call His name Jesus for He shall save His people from their sins." (Matthew 1:18-22)
"And they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is God with us" (Matthew 1:21-23)
JESUS, the counselled Word of God now conceived by the Holy Spirit, into the womb of a surrogate mother named Mary! Jesus, being the very same counselled Word of God, that made all things in the beginning. Jesus, the very same counselled Word of God who by His counselled spiritual Word brings forth what we now hear and see. Neither is there salvation in any other. Jesus -- the only name under heaven whereby we can be saved.
Therefore, seek the truth for yourself and let that same truth set you free. Search the written Word so that the light of truth can enlighten you too as a dove descending from heaven. The scales of darkness previously upon your eyes will disappear when you apply the eye salve of the glorious light of the Gospel of God into your heart. The gospel that is seen in the face of Jesus the Christ. Let His Light shine upon you. His light being much brighter than even the noon day sun.
As the scriptures state, the SEED of the Word of God's offspring are blessed. In due time, the sceptre of God’s righteousness in Jesus the Christ will overpower the erroneous teachings of the so-called church fathers. And as a consequence, we will continue by God’s grace to preach peace in Jesus name!
Stand in the offering plate.
But who is the Lord? Who is the Lord that was made a little lower than the angels and crowned with glory and honour, and was set over the works of Thy hands? This is a question that seemingly blinds the eyes of those that do not fully seek Jesus and His righteousness and as a consequence has created confusion among believers. It does not have to be this way.
The book of Hebrews provides key insights into who the Lord is but the key to understanding these scriptures is to seek Jesus with all your heart, soul, strength and mind. Why?
Because Christ Jesus is the Apostle and High Priest of our profession. (Hebrews 3:1)
Because Jesus Christ "being made perfect became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him." (Hebrews 5:9)
Because "Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, [was] crowned with glory and honour that He by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became Him for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings." (Hebrews 2:9-10)
We also know that "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets hath in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also He made the worlds -- who being the brightness of His glory, and the express image of His person and upholding all things by the Word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high." (Hebrews 1:1-3)
The Word that was with God in the beginning and according to the first chapter of John was God was veiled in flesh. (John 1:1-18) The very same Living Word that was both with and in God from the beginning was manifested in the flesh. For in the beginning was the Word. But without the Word of God, no one would be capable of even understanding how God made all things after the counsel of His own will.
In other words, Jesus fleshly manifestation - being the purposed counsel of God - came forth as the revealed and final counselled Word of God. This same God counselled with Himself in the beginning. In revealing Jesus as the manifestation of the counselled Word of God, Jesus became the counselled Word of God with us.
"And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified by the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." (I Timothy 3:16)
Jesus being the embodiment of the counselled Words of eternal life meant that God Himself was now manifest in a veil of flesh. Therefore, Jesus was and is the counselled SEED of the Holy Spirit! God‘s blood, Word and life flowing in Jesus' veins, being the counselled eternal life Words of His Father, the Spirit of God.
We know this because when the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in his sleep he said, "Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son and thou shalt call His name Jesus for He shall save His people from their sins." (Matthew 1:18-22)
"And they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is God with us" (Matthew 1:21-23)
JESUS, the counselled Word of God now conceived by the Holy Spirit, into the womb of a surrogate mother named Mary! Jesus, being the very same counselled Word of God, that made all things in the beginning. Jesus, the very same counselled Word of God who by His counselled spiritual Word brings forth what we now hear and see. Neither is there salvation in any other. Jesus -- the only name under heaven whereby we can be saved.
Therefore, seek the truth for yourself and let that same truth set you free. Search the written Word so that the light of truth can enlighten you too as a dove descending from heaven. The scales of darkness previously upon your eyes will disappear when you apply the eye salve of the glorious light of the Gospel of God into your heart. The gospel that is seen in the face of Jesus the Christ. Let His Light shine upon you. His light being much brighter than even the noon day sun.
As the scriptures state, the SEED of the Word of God's offspring are blessed. In due time, the sceptre of God’s righteousness in Jesus the Christ will overpower the erroneous teachings of the so-called church fathers. And as a consequence, we will continue by God’s grace to preach peace in Jesus name!
Stand in the offering plate.
Sunday, December 8, 2013
Let All the People Worship Jesus - Part 771
"For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities: but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:15-16)
Author Patrick Hamilton once wrote: "The Law saith, Where is thy righteousness, goodness, and satisfaction? The Gospel saith, [Jesus the] Christ is thy righteousness, goodness, and satisfaction!" The author offers a synopsis of the significance between the old and new testaments in the Bible -- oft referred to as covenants. Unfortunately, too many times, church organizations and theological teaching institutions want to teach primarily from the old testament -- and in so doing, neglect the greatest love story ever shared with humanity. That is, the same God who created us in the beginning loved us so much that He took it upon Himself to shed His precious blood on a cross in order that you and I might have everlasting life. Through His grace and mercy, we can fully receive His intended blessings on our life -- by believing on Jesus the Christ. We can be forgiven once and for all by the same God who knew us from the womb -- the same God who fearfully and wonderfully made us -- because the Word that was God became flesh. (John 1:1-18, Psalm 139:14)
For those who may not be aware, there is a vast difference in the teachings and ordinances between the old covenant and the new covenant in the Bible. The former is primarily about man's fall from paradise, and the implementation of the Law and the Ten Commandments. Remission of sin was made through a blood sacrifice. In the inner court of the temple in Jerusalem, in the Holy of Holies was the Ark of the Covenant. Once a year, the high priest would go in and offer atonement for the sins of the people. Separating the Holy of Holies from the rest of the temple was a very thick curtain, known as a veil.
But as we know from the Old Testament, the perfection that should have emerged from Law and Commandments did not happen. Indeed, the human condition was not improving. Hebrews 7:11 states: "If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the Law) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec and not be called after the order of Aaron?"
This is the crux of the issue. "For there is verily a disannulling for the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof for the law made nothing perfect." (Hebrews 7:18-19) Nothing was made perfect by the law. Regardless of a human willingness to obey the 10 commandments, the human race failed miserably. "For the law makes men high priests which have infirmity." (Hebrews 7:28) Even then, "all had sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23)
"But the bringing in of a better hope did, by the which we draw nigh unto God ... by so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. And they truly were many priests because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death, but this man because He continueth ever hath an unchangeable priesthood -- wherefore He is able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them. For such an high priest became us -- who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens -- who needeth not daily as those high priests to offer up sacrifice, first for His own sins and then for the people's; for this He did once, when He offered up Himself." (Hebrews 7:19-28)
In other words, when Jesus died on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins, the curtain -- "The veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom." (Mark 15:38) Herein, God was essentially saying, I have made a way for you to directly enter the Holy of holies by believing on Jesus through His precious blood shed on the cross. No longer can our sins be forgiven by men or priests, but instead, we can personally take hold of the promises of our Lord God and Saviour. We can enter into a personal relationship with the Most High. The new covenant is all about Jesus being the "only" mediator between God and man. (I Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 12:24-29)
"For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second. For finding fault with them, He said, "Behold, the days come," saith the Lord, "when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah -- not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, because they continued not in my covenant and I regarded them not," saith the Lord, "For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days," saith the Lord, "I will put my laws into their mind and write them in their hearts, and I WILL BE TO THEM A GOD AND THEY SHALL BE TO ME A PEOPLE ... and they shall not teach every man his neighbour and every man his brother, saying, know the Lord for all shall know Me from the least to the greatest, FOR I WILL BE MERCIFUL TO THEIR UNRIGHTEOUSNESS AND THEIR SINS AND THEIR INIQUITIES WILL I REMEMBER NO MORE." (Hebrews 8:7-12)
In that He saith, "A new covenant He hath made the first old -- now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away." (Hebrews 8:13) There was no other choice. "For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh, how much "more" shall the blood of Christ, through the eternal Spirit offer Himself without spot to God -- purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And for this cause He is the mediator of the new testament -- that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament -- they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance." (Hebrews 9:13-15)
The greatest love story ever told -- so that you and I can walk in the cool of the day with our Lord God and Saviour. Praise Jesus! Stand in the offering plate.
Author Patrick Hamilton once wrote: "The Law saith, Where is thy righteousness, goodness, and satisfaction? The Gospel saith, [Jesus the] Christ is thy righteousness, goodness, and satisfaction!" The author offers a synopsis of the significance between the old and new testaments in the Bible -- oft referred to as covenants. Unfortunately, too many times, church organizations and theological teaching institutions want to teach primarily from the old testament -- and in so doing, neglect the greatest love story ever shared with humanity. That is, the same God who created us in the beginning loved us so much that He took it upon Himself to shed His precious blood on a cross in order that you and I might have everlasting life. Through His grace and mercy, we can fully receive His intended blessings on our life -- by believing on Jesus the Christ. We can be forgiven once and for all by the same God who knew us from the womb -- the same God who fearfully and wonderfully made us -- because the Word that was God became flesh. (John 1:1-18, Psalm 139:14)
For those who may not be aware, there is a vast difference in the teachings and ordinances between the old covenant and the new covenant in the Bible. The former is primarily about man's fall from paradise, and the implementation of the Law and the Ten Commandments. Remission of sin was made through a blood sacrifice. In the inner court of the temple in Jerusalem, in the Holy of Holies was the Ark of the Covenant. Once a year, the high priest would go in and offer atonement for the sins of the people. Separating the Holy of Holies from the rest of the temple was a very thick curtain, known as a veil.
But as we know from the Old Testament, the perfection that should have emerged from Law and Commandments did not happen. Indeed, the human condition was not improving. Hebrews 7:11 states: "If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the Law) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec and not be called after the order of Aaron?"
This is the crux of the issue. "For there is verily a disannulling for the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof for the law made nothing perfect." (Hebrews 7:18-19) Nothing was made perfect by the law. Regardless of a human willingness to obey the 10 commandments, the human race failed miserably. "For the law makes men high priests which have infirmity." (Hebrews 7:28) Even then, "all had sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23)
"But the bringing in of a better hope did, by the which we draw nigh unto God ... by so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. And they truly were many priests because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death, but this man because He continueth ever hath an unchangeable priesthood -- wherefore He is able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them. For such an high priest became us -- who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens -- who needeth not daily as those high priests to offer up sacrifice, first for His own sins and then for the people's; for this He did once, when He offered up Himself." (Hebrews 7:19-28)
In other words, when Jesus died on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins, the curtain -- "The veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom." (Mark 15:38) Herein, God was essentially saying, I have made a way for you to directly enter the Holy of holies by believing on Jesus through His precious blood shed on the cross. No longer can our sins be forgiven by men or priests, but instead, we can personally take hold of the promises of our Lord God and Saviour. We can enter into a personal relationship with the Most High. The new covenant is all about Jesus being the "only" mediator between God and man. (I Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 12:24-29)
"For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second. For finding fault with them, He said, "Behold, the days come," saith the Lord, "when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah -- not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, because they continued not in my covenant and I regarded them not," saith the Lord, "For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days," saith the Lord, "I will put my laws into their mind and write them in their hearts, and I WILL BE TO THEM A GOD AND THEY SHALL BE TO ME A PEOPLE ... and they shall not teach every man his neighbour and every man his brother, saying, know the Lord for all shall know Me from the least to the greatest, FOR I WILL BE MERCIFUL TO THEIR UNRIGHTEOUSNESS AND THEIR SINS AND THEIR INIQUITIES WILL I REMEMBER NO MORE." (Hebrews 8:7-12)
In that He saith, "A new covenant He hath made the first old -- now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away." (Hebrews 8:13) There was no other choice. "For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh, how much "more" shall the blood of Christ, through the eternal Spirit offer Himself without spot to God -- purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And for this cause He is the mediator of the new testament -- that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament -- they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance." (Hebrews 9:13-15)
The greatest love story ever told -- so that you and I can walk in the cool of the day with our Lord God and Saviour. Praise Jesus! Stand in the offering plate.
Saturday, December 7, 2013
The True Revelation of Jesus Christ - Part 770
Today, I listened to an excellent video clip. The speaker had touched on numerous key points when it came to the scriptures. He spoke about the gospel being the good news message of Jesus for you and I. He spoke about the recent trend by religious organizations to water down the intended gospel message. He even touched on the increasing desire of churches to do good works rather than to love the Lord our God and Saviour with all our hearts, soul, strength and mind, or further, as Jesus said, to love one another. (John 13:34) These are all good points.
Unfortunately, the difficulty I have in promoting the video stems from the visual posting of the scripture John 3:16. Instead of citing the verse in its original translated rendering, the speaker posted a "revised" version of the scripture from one of the numerous modern day Bibles that no longer conveys the original intended gospel message. Allow me to explain.
John 3:16 is a verse that is oft repeated in the public space. Many preachers use the scripture as a basis for salvation and everlasting life. Some suggest that the main point of this verse refers to "the way God loved the world" pointing to an earlier verse that states, "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up." Still, others read further in the chapter, citing Jesus who stated, "He that believeth on Him is not condemned but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the "name" of the only begotten Son of God. (John 3:18) All these points are valid.
Rarely, however, do we hear anyone raising concerns about the recent arbitrary removal of the word "begotten" from John 3:16. This is where I take issue with the video and likewise, the numerous easy to read Bibles that are flooding the marketplace these days. Posting John 3:16 using "the one and only Son" instead of "begotten" -- as the gospel message was originally translated in the King James version -- removes the most critical tenet within the gospel.
That is, the same Lord God who created us in the beginning became as one of us -- as the only begotten Son -- our Saviour -- so that you and I would not perish but have everlasting life. The same Jehovah in the old covenant willingly became our Saviour. The same Yahwey took upon Himself sin-prone flesh so that our sins could be forgiven. The same I AM in the old covenant was the same "Before Abraham was, I AM" in the new testament -- willingly shedding His precious blood for you and me. (John 8:58)
This tenet of our faith should be front and centre -- the foundation in which our salvation is based. How can we worship God if we do not know His name? How can we say we are believers/disciples of the Most High King if we do not know who the Most High King is?
And just in case the message is still not clear, John 3:16 is not the only time that "begotten" is mentioned in the Bible. The gospel of John emphasizes this point repeatedly, reinforcing the tenet of the Godhead as critical to understanding the greatest love story ever told. Indeed, in the first chapter of the gospel according to John, we read:
"In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him and without Him was not anything made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not .... that was the true light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not. But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name; which were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only "begotten" of the Father) full of grace and truth." (John 1:1-14)
John understood who Jesus was -- "For in Him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily." (Colossians 2:9) John knew that when Jesus said "I and my Father are one" it was because He and the Father were one. So did Thomas when he thrust his hand into Jesus' side and said, "My Lord and my God."
John 1:18 states: "No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son which is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared Him." But as we know, John did not stop preaching the very foundation in which our salvation comes. Throughout the gospel and then forward into the epistles, John always pointed to Jesus as "God with us." (Matthew 1:23)
In I John 4:9-12, John wrote: "In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent His only begotten Son into the world that we might live through Him. Herein is love, not that we loved God but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us ..."
But we just don't get this message from John. Other witnesses from the scriptures understood this foundation too. Timothy wrote: "And without controversy, great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." (I Timothy 3:16)
When we live in a world where everything is quickly becoming a throw-away, let's not throw away the most precious truth that this world has ever known. The greatest love story ever told! "Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us that we should be called the sons of God; therefore, the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not." (I John 3:1)
"For unto us a child is born. Unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called -- Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6)
"I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty." (Revelation 1:8,11; 22:13) "Fear not. I am the first and the last; I am He that liveth and was dead, and behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys to hell and of death." (Revelation 1:18) "I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches -- I AM the root of David and the bright and morning star." (Revelation 22:16) One Lord, one faith, one baptism. (Ephesians 4:5-15)
This is the same Lord God who said,
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised." (Luke 4:18)
The only begotten of the Father. Not a person of God but God Himself in the flesh because He loved us -- His creation -- from the beginning of time, even before the world was formed.
Therefore, the next time you are told that Jesus is a "one and only Son" or the "third person" in a tri-une God, rather than the "only begotten," stand firm on what the scriptures state. Earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. (Jude 1:3-4) The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all - Amen. Stand in the offering plate.
Unfortunately, the difficulty I have in promoting the video stems from the visual posting of the scripture John 3:16. Instead of citing the verse in its original translated rendering, the speaker posted a "revised" version of the scripture from one of the numerous modern day Bibles that no longer conveys the original intended gospel message. Allow me to explain.
John 3:16 is a verse that is oft repeated in the public space. Many preachers use the scripture as a basis for salvation and everlasting life. Some suggest that the main point of this verse refers to "the way God loved the world" pointing to an earlier verse that states, "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up." Still, others read further in the chapter, citing Jesus who stated, "He that believeth on Him is not condemned but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the "name" of the only begotten Son of God. (John 3:18) All these points are valid.
Rarely, however, do we hear anyone raising concerns about the recent arbitrary removal of the word "begotten" from John 3:16. This is where I take issue with the video and likewise, the numerous easy to read Bibles that are flooding the marketplace these days. Posting John 3:16 using "the one and only Son" instead of "begotten" -- as the gospel message was originally translated in the King James version -- removes the most critical tenet within the gospel.
That is, the same Lord God who created us in the beginning became as one of us -- as the only begotten Son -- our Saviour -- so that you and I would not perish but have everlasting life. The same Jehovah in the old covenant willingly became our Saviour. The same Yahwey took upon Himself sin-prone flesh so that our sins could be forgiven. The same I AM in the old covenant was the same "Before Abraham was, I AM" in the new testament -- willingly shedding His precious blood for you and me. (John 8:58)
This tenet of our faith should be front and centre -- the foundation in which our salvation is based. How can we worship God if we do not know His name? How can we say we are believers/disciples of the Most High King if we do not know who the Most High King is?
And just in case the message is still not clear, John 3:16 is not the only time that "begotten" is mentioned in the Bible. The gospel of John emphasizes this point repeatedly, reinforcing the tenet of the Godhead as critical to understanding the greatest love story ever told. Indeed, in the first chapter of the gospel according to John, we read:
"In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him and without Him was not anything made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not .... that was the true light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not. But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name; which were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only "begotten" of the Father) full of grace and truth." (John 1:1-14)
John understood who Jesus was -- "For in Him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily." (Colossians 2:9) John knew that when Jesus said "I and my Father are one" it was because He and the Father were one. So did Thomas when he thrust his hand into Jesus' side and said, "My Lord and my God."
John 1:18 states: "No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son which is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared Him." But as we know, John did not stop preaching the very foundation in which our salvation comes. Throughout the gospel and then forward into the epistles, John always pointed to Jesus as "God with us." (Matthew 1:23)
In I John 4:9-12, John wrote: "In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent His only begotten Son into the world that we might live through Him. Herein is love, not that we loved God but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us ..."
But we just don't get this message from John. Other witnesses from the scriptures understood this foundation too. Timothy wrote: "And without controversy, great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." (I Timothy 3:16)
When we live in a world where everything is quickly becoming a throw-away, let's not throw away the most precious truth that this world has ever known. The greatest love story ever told! "Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us that we should be called the sons of God; therefore, the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not." (I John 3:1)
"For unto us a child is born. Unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called -- Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6)
"I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty." (Revelation 1:8,11; 22:13) "Fear not. I am the first and the last; I am He that liveth and was dead, and behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys to hell and of death." (Revelation 1:18) "I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches -- I AM the root of David and the bright and morning star." (Revelation 22:16) One Lord, one faith, one baptism. (Ephesians 4:5-15)
This is the same Lord God who said,
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised." (Luke 4:18)
The only begotten of the Father. Not a person of God but God Himself in the flesh because He loved us -- His creation -- from the beginning of time, even before the world was formed.
Therefore, the next time you are told that Jesus is a "one and only Son" or the "third person" in a tri-une God, rather than the "only begotten," stand firm on what the scriptures state. Earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. (Jude 1:3-4) The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all - Amen. Stand in the offering plate.
Friday, December 6, 2013
Now Concerning Spiritual Gifts - Part 769
Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would NOT have you ignorant. This means that there is no reason to be misled down a garden path that varies from the truth. Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man cometh to the Father but by Me." (John 14:6) Therefore, when we search the scriptures for ourselves, all things will be revealed. Reading from I Corinthians chapter 12:
"Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
For to one is given by the Spirit the Word of wisdom; to another the Word of knowledge by the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues ... but all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as He will.
For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many.
If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?
But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased Him. And if they were all one member, where were the body? But now are they many members, yet but one body. And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: and those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness."
Did you catch the meaning in this last paragraph? "Those members of the body which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour." Interesting! Continuing onward in the chapter:
"For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked ... that there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.
And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way."
In other words, do not be like the Galatians who were so soon removed from Him that called us into the grace of Christ. "If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that which ye have received, let him be accursed." (Galatians 1:8)
Seek to please our heavenly Father who loved us so much that He willingly became our Saviour on the cross. Stand in the offering plate!
The Word is Not Mistaken - Part 768
The scriptures are very clear. Indeed, the Word is not confusing as some might suggest. The difficulty in understanding emerges when our personal motives for reading the Bible do not include seeking Jesus and His righteousness with all our heart, soul and mind. You see when we don't search the scriptures with a pure heart, we become like the Scribes and Pharisees in the New Testament. Our eyes are blinded by the condition of our heart that does not accept the truth. And we all know what Jesus said about the scribes and the Pharisees? Read on ...
Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to His disciples, saying, "The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat; all therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works, for they say and do not. For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders, but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.
But all their works they do for to be seen of men. They make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, and love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, "Rabbi, Rabbi."
But be not ye called Rabbi, for one is your Master, even Christ, and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters, for one is your Master, even Christ.
But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant, and whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased, and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted. But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widow's houses, and for a pretense make long prayer: therefore, ye shall receive the greater damnation. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte; and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.
Woe unto you, ye blind guides, which say, "Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor. Ye fools and blind, for whether is greater the gold? or the temple that sanctifieth the gold?
And, Whosoever shall swear by the alter, it is nothing, but whosoever sweareth by the gift that is upon it, he is guilty. Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gift, or the alter that sanctifieth the gift? Whosoever therefore shall swear by the alter, sweareth by it, and by all things thereon. And whoso shall swear by the temple, sweareth by it, and by him that dwelleth therein. And he that shall swear by heaven sweareth by the throne of God and by Him that sitteth thereon.
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgement, mercy and faith. These ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! Because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous, and say, "If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets .. wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets. Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers -- ye serpents, ye generation of vipers. How can ye escape the damnation of hell?"
Did you understand what Jesus was saying? His point in Matthew chapter 23 is very clear to the reader/and or audience listening to Him teaching.
This is why we are encouraged in II Timothy 2:5 to "study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." Only then can we know "the truth that sets [us] free." (John 8:32) Praise Jesus today for His goodness and grace. Stand in the offering plate!
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