Most attribute this scripture to marriage in the world. Indeed, these words are included in most traditional wedding ceremonies. But let's look at this scripture in isolation from the context around it. I recognize that separating a particular verse that is part of a thread may invite criticism. Please note that this is not my intention. Rather, the intent today is to focus on the latter part of the scripture -- "let no man put asunder."
Having said this, it strikes me as sad that there are so many in the religious culture endeavouring to do just that -- asunder the Word of God. These often express (through their actions) that God must have been mistaken in what He said. That perhaps, as a consequence of the traditions and mindset of the modern day religious culture, God must have only designated the miracles and signs and wonders for when the apostles were on earth. As if God was indeed the author of confusion.
Herein, lies the problem. We need to believe that God said what He meant and meant what He said. How do we know this? Because God confirmed His Word with signs and wonders, and miracles, both on earth and in the heavens above, and thus, thereby has established sufficient evidence to prove both His existence, and His love for His beloved creation. But let's not stop there.
From the scriptures, we know that God declared "peace and good will" to all in this current dispensation of grace. "Glory to God in the highest, peace and good will toward men." (Luke 2:14)
We likewise know that the Church started in Jerusalem as recorded in Acts 2. "Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that He was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of His resurrection." (Acts 1:22)
Therein, the event was the day of Pentecost, when the day was fully come. Just before gathering in Jerusalem, Jesus had been taken up, "after that He through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen." (Acts 1:2)
And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, which also said, "Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven." (Acts 1:9-11) Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey.
And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James (the son of Alpaeus) and Simon Zelotes, and Judas (the brother of Jesus). These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus and with His brethren -- about one hundred and twenty in total. In this upper room, a new apostle was appointed -- Matthias, to replace Judas who by transgression fell. Note that Matthias was numbered with the eleven apostles. They were all with one accord in one place.
Note that this was also the place where the first message was delivered by men who were anointed by the Holy Ghost. This historical event is recorded in Acts 2 so that we could give earnest heed to the Word that God delivered to us as well. As an aside, not that this event was recorded in such a way so that we as believers in Jesus by faith could discern between the teachings that are scriptural and accurate and those that are not.
In this context, the question we need to ask ourselves -- examining ourselves and our personal beliefs -- is whether the Word of God is coming to us, or out from us. Of course, if we think about this question, then the correct response is that indeed the Word is coming to us -- for none of us were there.
Thus, when other churches present themselves as the "original" church, we need to search the scriptures for the truth. We need to be aware of false teachings so that we do not adhere to the contrary, falsified renderings of that which was confirmed of God through the apostles and contained in the scriptures. Some might argue that ordinary people could not understand the scriptures. That ministers and priests are theological scholars in their field and thus must know more than the ordinary person.
But who did Jesus come to seek and to save? Those which are lost. Those who will humble themselves and recognize Jesus as both Lord and Christ in their hearts. Those who desire to be clothed in His righteousness, clothing themselves in His garment. Being baptized in His name, just as a woman does when she takes on her husband's name in marriage.
As did the first 3,000 believers on the day of Pentecost. When these were pricked in their hearts, and asked Peter what they must do to be saved, what was Peter's response?
"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 2:36-39)
Simple, straight forward and to the point.
This is why what God has joined, no man can put asunder. The Word of God is truth. We are sanctified by His Word, and His precious blood on the cross.
"Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy Word is truth." (John 17:17)
"I will worship toward Thy holy temple, and praise Thy name for Thy loving kindness and for Thy truth: for Thou hast magnified Thy Word above all Thy name." (Psalm 138:2)
"Mine eyes fail for Thy salvation, and for the Word of Thy righteousness." (Psalm 119:123)
Who is the Word, according to John 1:1-18? JESUS. In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word WAS GOD. "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." (John 1:10-11)
His name -- Jesus -- is ABOVE every other name. When Jesus shed His precious blood on the cross for you and I, He became our salvation.
"Wherein God willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise, the immutability of His counsel, confirmed [it] by an oath; that by two immutable things in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us; which hope we have as an anchor of the soul -- both sure and steadfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; whither the forerunner is for us entered -- [even] JESUS -- made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec." (Hebrews 6:17-20)
And they shall call His name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sin. God with us. (Matthew 1:21-23) God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16) '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)
When we repent of our sin and are baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. The Spirit of Truth which is the holy spirit of God dwelling within you. And thus, He will lead and guide believers into all truth. This is why we encourage you to read your Bible. Search the scriptures for the truth. And ask our Lord God and Saviour to reveal Himself to you. He will give you understanding. In fact, it is written that we have no need that any man teach us because as believers in Jesus by faith, we will be taught of God.
This is why it is important to present to believers the practice of the early church in Acts chapter 2:37-42. So that no man can put asunder that which God has joined. His Word -- God Himself coming forth as a mighty man, so that we might have abundant life in Him.
Let him that hath ears to hear, hear. Stand in the offering plate.
No comments:
Post a Comment