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Archive of articles by Kent Heaton 2008. These articles are free to be reprinted with acknowledgment of authorship.
The infirmity of old age is the burden of a fleshly temple ravaged by time through disease and increasing weakness of mind and body. Solomon spoke of the descent into the difficult days when the affliction and sadness burdened life; the arms and hands tremble; the legs bow down; teeth are few and the eyes grow dim; hearing is lost and the voice is softer; the “almond tree blossoms” and the appetite fails. Death is swallowed up as the loosing of a silver cord or the golden bowl that is broken and the pitcher shattered at the fountain (Ecclesiastes 12). Old age is looked upon as a time of great difficulty and sometimes despair sets in. The thought is that life for all its good is over and there is nothing left to do.
The author of Psalm 71 is unknown. What a wonder their name would be to declare to all generations but in God’s will the name remains silent. Vibrant in this Psalm is the spirit of someone who has found that old age is not the end but a continuing of what they had sought to do all their lives. Psalm 71 is a declaration of trust and hope in the Lord – not an end of things. Trust is proclaimed in verses one and five with hope the surety of faith (vv5,14). The author does not express giving up but rather there is much work to be done.
His faith in the Lord is as secure as a “strong habitation” and a “rock” and a “fortress” (v3). He is oppressed by the wicked but will not allow them to destroy his faith in the blessings of Jehovah God (4). The love of His Lord has guided him from youth (vv5,6) and his life is a testimony of Jehovah’s grace. His enemies marvel at his faith and the longevity of his trust in Jehovah. He begs that Jehovah not forsake him “in the time of old age” (v9).
The aged author is not ready to give up serving the Lord. He is doing everything he can to reaffirm his willingness to establish righteousness, obedience, praise and honor to the God he has served so faithfully. His mouth will not be silent but “tell of Your righteousness and Your salvation all the day” (v15). His body may have weakened by the passing of time but he declares that he will “go in the strength of the Lord God” (v16). Can you see the gleam in his eye? Can you feel the strength in his voice to tell the old, old story? His work is not over – it continues.
He cannot quit telling people about the praises of His God. The Lord has been his teacher from youth (v17) and he must tell every generation about the wondrous things Jehovah God has done in his life. He writes, “And even when I am old and gray, O God, do not forsake me, until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to all who are to come” (Psalms 71:18). There are stories to tell, lessons to teach, souls to touch and work to be done. The generations after him must hear the good news. The ‘young folk” must know of the power of Jehovah God. His life is a living testimony to the strength and power of God.
“O God, who is like You?” (v19). He knows the Lord will care for him and give him strength to carry on. He praises Him for His faithfulness, redemption and righteousness (vv22-24). There is a lot of spark left in this aged man. There is a lot of work to be done – even when we are old and gray headed. May we never stop serving the Lord until the time comes to lay our armor down – then - rest!
The day-to-day life of the Jew in Jesus time was surrounded with various parts of the Law of Moses. From birth, a child was instructed in keeping the Law. “You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise” (Deuteronomy 6:7). The social, political, moral and educational teachings of the Law of Moses permeated every aspect of a person’s life. Those who were devoted to the Law lived, breathed and died the Jewish life. It would be inconceivable to think that a Jew would ever consider being anything but a Jew.
One of the three great feasts of the Jewish calendar was the Day of Pentecost (fifty days after the Passover – Leviticus 23; Exodus 23:16; 34:22; Numbers 28; Deuteronomy 16). Thousands of people gathered in Jerusalem for this feast with no knowledge that within a very short time their lives will be changed forever. People were milling around talking of their lives and the blessings they enjoyed from Jehovah and the joy of celebrating the “feast of weeks”. The giving of the Law at Sinai was central to this festival as well as the blessings of the firstfruits of the harvest. Suddenly a sound came from heaven like the rush of a mighty wind and people drew together in one place. Before them stood twelve men speaking in various languages – native tongues of many who had gathered for Pentecost. Some thought the men drunk. One of the men spoke up and began to explain what was happening.
“But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them” (Acts 2:14). The words Peter spoke were clear, demonstrative, appealing and convicting. With barely five hundred words Peter changed the lives of those gathered for Pentecost (Acts 2:14-36). He showed the events of the day were a fulfillment of Joel, the working of Jehovah God, the declaration of King David in prophecy and the stark reality the Messiah longed for by the Jews had been killed nearly two months previous by His own people. “Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, ‘Brethren, what shall we do?’ (Acts 2:37). The apostles continued to exhort the people “with many other words” (Acts 2:40) and three thousand Jews removed the shackles of the Law for Jesus Christ (John 1:17; Acts 2:41).
How can one grasp the remarkable change that took place that day? The lives of three thousand Jews changed forever. They would learn a new covenant (Hebrews 8:10-13) with new promises. Circumcision was no longer a sign of salvation (Galatians 6:15). The Law of Moses was invalid (Colossians 2). Temple worship with all its trappings (the Temple, priesthood, sacrifices, feast days, etc.) was no longer necessary (John 4:21-24). The laws of the Sabbath were removed (Colossians 2:16). They would learn a new name – “In Antioch the disciples were for the first time called Christians” (Acts 11:26).
Can anyone change? Some today declare the cost of being a Christian is too high. They are unwilling to change. Few would measure their life of change to those devoted children of God in Acts 2. What made them change was the realization that they were not Jews but children of God who must obey His will – even when it meant a change in the Law. They accepted God’s will in the spirit of Abraham (Romans 4).
Paul wrote about Christians who at one time were immoral, idolaters, adulterers, sexual perverts, thieves, greedy, drunkards, revilers, and robbers and yet changed their lives when they were “washed ... sanctified ... justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11). They changed. The power of the gospel changed their lives because they were willing to change their lives for the power of the gospel. You can change ... if you want too. Are you willing to change?
His Sacrifice Was So Very Different
Great men fill the pages of history as martyrs to a just cause which they lived and died for. Their lives were taken because of what they stood for and what they believed in. Heroes are found in soldiers, leaders, friends, neighbors, and multitudes of unsung men and women who gave their life for a dream. Monuments fill the landscape of their achievements in death and history retells their heroic stories to inspire generations to rise to greatness. In all of the sacrifices given by men through the myriad of centuries, only one death stands alone as the most defining moment of sacrifice in all time. “For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all” (Romans 6:10).
The death of Jesus on the cross is the sacrifice unlike any offering given by men. Great leaders who aspire to lead others to change may be struck down in the prime of their life. Soldiers may brave the horrors of war to sacrifice themselves for others to bring about victory. Others may relinquish their happiness to bring hope to others. No one came to death in the manner Jesus did. He knew His purpose on earth was to become a sacrifice. The totality of His presence on earth was to die the most despicable manner of man’s cruelty. He did not die for a few; He died for all. “So then as through one transgression there resulted condemnation to all men, even so through one act of righteousness there resulted justification of life to all men” (Romans 5:18).
At the age of twelve Jesus knew He must be about His Father’s work (Luke 2:46-52). Often in His ministry, Jesus would tell His disciples of His coming death. “As Jesus was about to go up to Jerusalem, He took the twelve disciples aside by themselves, and on the way He said to them, 1Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem; and the Son of Man will be delivered to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn Him to death, and will hand Him over to the Gentiles to mock and scourge and crucify Him, and on the third day He will be raised up’” (Matthew 20:17-19) See also Matthew 16:21; 17:22,23; 26:2; Mark 10:32-34.
Peter proclaimed in Acts 2:23 that Jesus was “delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God … nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death” (Acts 2:23). The work of the Lord is summed up by His own words, "For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). The sacrifice of Jesus was neither a mistake nor the act of revengeful men upon an innocent victim but the action of ungodly men on a man innocent of sin whose death was predestined before time began.
The agony of Jesus in the garden is the climax of His love for man to bear His cross because it was the will of His Father (Matthew 26:36-46). Jesus went to the cross on His accord with His faith determined by His love for all men – not just a few – from Adam until the last breath taken at the coming of the Lord. He bore it all – and did so voluntarily! His sacrifice was bathed in the blood of sinless perfection. No man can make that claim nor will he ever. “For if by the transgression of the one the many died, much more did the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abound to the many” (Romans 5:15).
Consequences Come From Choices
A consequence is something produced by a cause or a set of conditions put in motion in our lives. The consequence of these actions can be productive or harmful. As with every cause there is an effect, the choices we make in life bring consequences. Some of the consequences of our lives are not of our own doing but the result of what other events happen that impact our lives. If our house is destroyed by a tornado, we suffer the consequence of that which was beyond our control. Many of the consequences we suffer in life are the result of our own actions. Of these some have greater consequence than others. While working with a hammer, I may hit my thumb and cause great pain. I have suffered the consequence of my own action and the result is a sore thumb.
There are consequences that I suffer that are created by the choices I have made in life. If I have cancer from using tobacco all my life, the consequences I suffer are from the choices I made. Unless someone forced me to use tobacco, the choice I freely made led to the consequences of my ill health. If I engage in sexual immorality, I should expect certain consequences of my actions. It may be a disease of some type or even the birth of a child. The key to understanding choice is to know that I have the power of choosing and the consequences I may suffer come from my freedom to make those choices.
Often men seek to deny their responsibility for their actions. The choices we freely make lead us to harvest a field of consequences. Paul said, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life” (Galatians 6:7,8). The choice we make to sow will bring from the consequence of harvest.
Kind David understood the connection between choice and consequence. He engaged in adultery with Bathsheba and suffered the consequence of God’s punishment upon him (2 Samuel 11,12). He did not try to blame anyone but himself when he said, “I have sinned against the Lord” (12:13). David knew the choices he had made brought about the consequence he was to suffer. He acknowledges his sin before God because he knew the choice was his. Joseph told Potiphar’s wife, “How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God” (Genesis 39:9).
Choice brings about consequence. J. T. Smith said, “Never make a choice you cannot live without the consequences.” The great struggle with men is to have the courage to admit the consequences of their lives are largely based upon the choices they have made in life. When we make bad choices, we should expect bad consequences. If we make good choices, we can enjoy the bountiful goodness of blessing.
We enjoy the blessings of God because of the choices we make. Joshua implored the people to choose wisely in Joshua 24:15. Paul told Timothy that “godliness if profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come” (1 Timothy 4:8). Choosing godliness will bring about a harvest of good things in this life and the reward of eternal life.
For every individual who seeks to be a child of Child, there is a continued need to "sanctify the Lord God in your hearts" (1 Peter 3:15). In every situation of life, the Christian must be able to answer why he chooses to follow the path before him. The Christian must give an answer for his actions before men and before God. Colossians 3:17 reads, "And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." With this verse we understand that whatever we do, we must do so in the name of the Son of God. Such is the case of tobacco and the Christian. What is your answer for those who ask why you use tobacco? If you smoke, dip or chew tobacco, what answer do you give to every man who asks of you concerning your hope of Heaven?
There has been a long standing practice of dipping and chewing tobacco by those who profess to be Christians. It has become an accepted norm with our society for many years with only the most recent year’s people turning away from its use. But why is it taking so long for God's children to finally admit the danger of using tobacco? Not the danger of dying of cancer - the danger of losing your soul. Do you consider the use of tobacco wrong? Do you think that smoking is not a good idea? Do you believe that you will be allowed in Heaven with a pack of snuff in your pocket or a bag of chew in your hand? Do they have ashtrays in Heaven for your cigarette habit? Seriously - is the use of tobacco a sin? We are so careful to attach the word SIN to anything anymore. It is either "wrong," "bad judgment", "maybe not a good idea" etc. But the truth is we must speak where the Bible speaks and accept the teachings of God.
"Tobacco contains over 4,000 different gases, particles, and compounds including tar, nicotine and carbon monoxide. Nicotine is found only in tobacco. It acts as a mile stimulant to the central nervous system and is what causes the addiction to tobacco products." Take the tobacco test: 1) Can you use tobacco in the name of Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God the Father? (Colossians 3:17) 2) Can you fulfill the image of 2 Corinthians 4:10 that reads, "Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body" and load your mouth with snuff, chew, cigar, cigarette or any such thing? 3) When you light up or load up can you say you are holy? "As he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of living" (1 Peter 1:15). 4) Do you "present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service" (Romans 12:1) when you use tobacco? 5) Are you being conformed to the world or transformed by the renewing of your mind to prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God when you use tobacco? (Romans 12:2) 6) How can you justify the use of tobacco when 1 Corinthians 6:19,20 reads, "Or do you not know that your body is the temple of Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's."
The Christian has no right to take the temple of God and defile it with tobacco! The body of the Christian BELONGS TO GOD and if we dip snuff in it, load our mouths with chew and smoke tobacco - we are taking the body that belongs to God and defiling it - thus we sin! 1 Peter 2:21,22 says, "For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth." The example of Jesus is that we should follow in his footsteps. No guile was found in His mouth and He will not allow His disciples to have tobacco in their mouths either. Rick Lanning wrote, "What man or woman who wears that holy name, who 'imbibes His spirit and imitates His example,' who seeks to walk even as He walked, and to be holy in all manner of living can in his wildest imagination picture the holy, harmless, undefiled Jesus asking Peter for a light, or pulling a cigarette from His garment or putting a 'pinch between his cheek and gum'? I could as easily draw in my mind our Savior at a disco party or a poker game or seated at a bar as I can Him puffing on a rolled up cancer stick or spitting before offering a 'holy kiss'! Any saint ('holy one') who can think otherwise, "hath not seen Him, neither knows Him."
There was no pomp and no procession filled with mournful criers lamenting the death of a loved one. The crowds had diminished and returned to their homes. Three men hung on wooden trees of death with soldiers milling below with no concern. All the acquaintances of Jesus, the women who followed Him from Galilee including Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee’s sons (Luke 23:48,49; Matthew 27:55,56) looked on with dispassionate despair. The screams of the two thieves whose legs had been broken to hasten death still linger in the air. The man in the middle hangs limp in death with his side pierced; blood and water staining his body.
Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus (Luke 23:50-52). Consent was given and Joseph, joined by Nicodemus (John 3:1-15; 7:45-52) went to Golgotha to retrieve the body of Jesus. Removing the nails from the feet, the body of Jesus was let down to the ground to remove the nails from his hands. The face of kindness, compassion and love was now stilled in the gray shadow of death. The soldiers removed the cross and the body was taken up to be prepared for burial.
How does one feel the emotions of sadness to carry the body of Jesus to a place of preparation? His hands lie still that once gave sight to the blind. His voice is silent that once taught the beatitudes of grace. The smile of compassion is faded to a mask of death. Eyes that once gazed into the lives of men are closed in silent repose. The body of the Son of God is bloody, dirty, filthy and bruised with the lashes of a terrible scourging and crucifixion.
The men lay Jesus down to wash his body. Are tears mixed with the careful love these men have to clean the body of Jesus? Do their voices tremble as they speak to one another in moving the body of Jesus? When they turn the body of Jesus over and see the ribbons of flesh remaining from the scourging, do their hearts break in despair? The washcloths are filled with blood. Their hands are stained with the stench and horror of death. Finally the body is cleaned.
A mixture of myrrh and aloes (about a hundred pounds – John 19:39) is used to cover the body of Jesus. The two men take the fine linen cloth and wrapping the body with the spices and cloth enclose his body (John 19:40). The scent of death is removed by the perfume of Jesus life filling the world by His sacrificial love. The preparation finished, the two men carrying the body to the tomb of Joseph. Entering they lay the body of Jesus in the new tomb. A handkerchief is placed around the head of Jesus. Leaving, Joseph rolls a stone against the entrance of the tomb. “Now the women who had come with Him out of Galilee followed, and saw the tomb and how His body was laid” (Luke 23:55).
The funeral is over. The friends pause for a moment to think of their Lord inside the tomb. They return home to prepare spices and perfumes for a proper burial later. They need not have bothered. When they return on the first day of the week, Jesus is risen - He lives - He reigns - He has conquered death. This lonely funeral brings hope to all men in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Lamb of God. “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away" (Revelation 21:4).
Our lives have a great impact on those we come in contact with. When our example is positive, good things are seen. If we falter in our steps, the impact is lasting. It is difficult to maintain a proper example at all times and when we know that people are watching us closely, it becomes even more treacherous. Not being filled with pride but confidence in the example he strove to place before men, Paul exhorted his brethren on numerous occasions to imitate him (1 Corinthians 4:6; 10:33; Philippians 3:17; 1 Thessalonians 1:6; 2 Thessalonians 3:9). He did not seek for men to see Paul but rather Christ living in Paul. “Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1).
Writing to the saints in Philippi, Paul laid out a four-point plan to follow his example. “The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:9). The example of Paul was not reserved but active. He had taught these brethren the good news of salvation (Acts 16) and wanted them to continue in the model he set before them as a teacher, apostle, guide and example. It was a bold charge but governed by the pattern of Jesus Christ.
As a teacher he had instructed Lydia and her household on the banks of the river. A great conversion was found in the jailor of Philippi and his household. This teaching continued as Paul enjoyed the spiritual feast of new converts teaching them daily. His exhortation in the letter of Philippians was to continue to “grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). The continued efforts of teaching would help them to be “rooted and built up in [Christ] and established in the faith, as [they] had been taught” (Colossians 2:7). Continual learning is necessary for every Christian to seek.
The things they had received were words of God. As an apostle, Paul brought the pure word of the gospel. He wanted the brethren to be like those at Thessalonica who received the word of God; “not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe” (1 Thessalonians 2:13). Their faith must rest upon the truths of God’s divine will. They must accept the things received of Paul as the mind of God revealed to man. Establishing their faith on the teachings of God will bring them the peace of God.
Hearing is personal. Paul had given his heart and soul to teach the good news of salvation and he wanted their ears to still ring with the joy of salvation. “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17). The apostle wanted them to do the things which they heard. James explains the need of hearing and doing in James 1:21,22. “Prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers.”
The final exhortation was the most difficult – practice the things they had seen in Paul. The apostle knew the challenge but felt confident in the exhortation. "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). The challenge for us is to live in such a way that we can exhort others to practice what they see in our lives. Can they follow our teaching, example and faith as we have in Christ?
The book of Nahum is an oracle concerning the judgment brought upon the city of Nineveh. Through the hand of God, the Assyrian nation had punished the people of God for their rebellion against the Lord. Now the wrath of God turns against the city Jonah had brought to repentance through his preaching (Book of Jonah). In this short oracle of 1232 words, nine characters of Jehovah God are revealed.
The God of Nahum is a jealous God (Nahum 1:2). The jealousy of God is the need of man to recognize no other God but Jehovah (Exodus 34:14). The children of Israel were commanded to have no other gods before them but the one True God (Exodus 20:5). God does not want His glory given to any other person or thing in creation. He is also an avenging God (Nahum 1:2). This character speaks to the revenge held by the honor and power of God to execute upon all those who rebel against Him. The apostle Paul reminded the Romans that God was good and severe (Romans 11:22). Through the hand of the Assyrians God has punished His own people but now judgment was coming upon these pagans for their rebellion of the one True God. Justice is the character of God upon the righteous and the unrighteous.
The God of Nahum is a wrathful God (Nahum 1:2). The warnings of God were not mere words but He carried out His judgment upon ungodly men. His wrath was exercised upon the world of Noah by the destruction of every living being save eight (Genesis 6-9). By the hand of Assyria, Israel had felt the wrath of the Lord. Now this same hand of judgment turns against Nineveh and Assyria to feel the wrath of God. He is also a God of vengeance. This speaks to His nature of wrath but the action is sure. Let no man think that God will not exercise His wrath upon the disobedient. Nineveh would feel the full fury of God’s wrath through His hand of vengeance (Nahum 1:8).
The God of Nahum is a God slow to anger (Nahum 1:3). In the midst of the fury of God’s wrath and judgment upon Nineveh, the prophet declares the justice of God through His patience and mercy. Men act in ways that are reactionary and without regard. The justice of God is clearly defined in the manner He brings about His judgments. Speaking to Moses, He declares, "The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness” (Exodus 34:6). He is a God of great might. “His way is in whirlwind and storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet. He rebukes the sea and makes it dry, he dries up all the rivers; Bashan and Carmel wither, the bloom of Lebanon fades. The mountains quake before him, the hills melt; the earth is laid waste before him, the world and all that dwell therein” (Nahum 1:3-5).
The God of Nahum does not forget (Nahum 1:3). The guilty will not be able to hide from His judgment. All that man has done will be brought before the Lord God in His book of remembrance (2 Corinthians 5:10). As the people of God cried out in their sorrow, the Lord was not unmindful of the guilt of Nineveh. Yet “the LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and he knows them that trust in him (Nahum 1:7). The final two characters of God found in His goodness and His protection. As a refreshing rain in the midst of a storm, the love of God is found in the destruction brought upon the city of Nineveh.
The oracle against Nineveh shows the goodness of God for His love of all men. He does not want anyone to perish (2 Peter 3:9) but He will bring judgment upon those who do not trust Him nor obey Him. The Lord will protect those who seek His refuge. All men should come to know the God of Nahum – “Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations” (Deuteronomy 7:9).
A near death experience is exactly that – an experience that brings a person near death. One of the confusing issues surrounding a near death experience is the misunderstanding of the meaning of death. Testimonies are countless that describe those who “die” on the operating table, car or plane crash, heart attacks, murders, etc.; describing seeing a brilliant light and experience an ecstatic love highlighted by seeing God face to face. The question at hand is not whether or not a person sees the things he or she relates upon awakening from but whether what happened to them is death as described by God in His word.
Life began for man when “The Lord God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being” (Genesis 2:7). When the Lord destroyed the world with a flood, He said He would “destroy all flesh in which is the breath of life, from under heaven; everything that is on the earth shall perish” (Genesis 6:17). Job declared his life was from the Lord (Job 12:10; 27:3; 33:4).
The prophet Isaiah wrote, “Stop regarding man, whose breath of life is in his nostrils” (2:22). Daniel told Belshazzar that God held his breath in His hand and owns all his ways (Daniel 5:23). On Mars Hill in Athens, Paul reminded the Athenians the Lord God is not “served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all people life and breath and all things” (Acts 17:25). Understanding who gives life helps us to understanding death.
Death comes upon all men as Romans 5:12 declares and cemeteries fill the landscape testify. It was man’s rebellion that caused the Lord to remove him from the “tree of life” in the Garden of Eden and thus death is imposed upon all (Genesis 3:22). James describes death as the “body without the spirit” (James 2:26). When a person dies, the spirit returns to God who gave it (Ecclesiastes 12:7). After death, there is no return.
There are a few instances recorded in scripture of those who died and were raised from the dead (1 Kings 17:17-23; 2 Kings 4:32-37; 13:21; Matthew 27:52; Luke 7:11-15; 8:49-55; John 11:43,44; Acts 9:37-40; 20:9-12; Hebrews 11:35). This is called “resurrection” and defined in Greek as a “standing up again.” A near death experience is not a resurrection. When a person dies and the breath of life is taken from man returning to God, they are dead. The only way a person can return from that state is by a miraculous intervention by God – resurrection.
What people experience today is only a near death event and not death itself. To die and live again is resurrection and the last miracle of resurrection happened as recorded in the New Testament. Since miracles ceased 1900 years ago, no one can raise another from the dead nor can one who dies (spirit returns to God who gave it) return. The phenomenon experienced by individuals today can only be described as an experience that took them near death but life remained in the body. God measures death when the spirit returns to Him – not by a man-made machine. With all his wisdom, man is still limited. God however is unlimited. The Bible explains the difference between death and near death.
The political year of 2008 will be engraved upon the pages of history as a most unusual time. Some describe the year as one of political turmoil. There is so much unsettling with the state of the Union, the affairs of State, the disturbing news of war that continues and moral values that seem to have lost any backbone at all. Everyone has an opinion about the Presidential race. In not too many months a new President will be selected. How will the country fare?
The fisherman apostle Peter was a tempestuous character filled with vim and vigor. He is renowned for his impetuous spirit that caused the Lord concern at times and yet found a source of strength for the Savior. Simon had many challenges to overcome from the reading of the gospels and the Acts. One cannot help but be moved by the change that takes place in the reading of Peter’s epistles. He is a different man there. Found within the words of his first epistle, Peter proclaims, “Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king” (1 Peter 2:17).
A simple four-point lesson of being a peace with all men (Hebrews 12:14) shows the relationship with humanity, the body of Christ, the Godhead and the government. The remarkable admonition of this verse is the consideration of giving honor to the king. While the date of 1 Peter is not determined with a complete authority, “numerous incidental and inferential references in the book fix the date within reasonably well defined limits … We may, therefore, with reasonable probability, fix the date of the epistle on the eve of the Neronian persecution.” (Woods, Guy N., A Commentary on the Epistles of Peter, pp16,17.).
Nero's rule is often associated with tyranny and extravagance. Space does not permit a discourse on the immoral, depraved, turbulent, corrupt world of the political atmosphere of Peter’s day. Just one name will sum it up: Nero. The early Christians lived in this type of world. When reading the epistle from the apostle of Christ, their hearts must have ached at the knowledge that honor was to be given to such a man as Nero. Adam Clarke said of this passage, “Pay that respect to the emperor which his high authority requires, knowing that civil power is of God; that the authority with which he, in the course of his providence, has invested him, must be respected in order to its being obeyed; and that if the man be even bad, and as a man be worthy of no reverence, yet he should be respected on account of his office.”
The apostle Paul wrote, “I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). This is not a year of political turmoil; this is a year of devoted prayer for those who will be in authority so that gospel will continue to have free course. Next year when a new President enters the Oval Office, those same prayers must be offered in respect and honor – no matter our political slant or view. Christians are in the world but not of the world. We are to stand above the rabble of dissent that disrespects those in authority (Romans 13:1-7). Just think … we could be living in the time of Nero … and then what?
“Marriage is to be held in honor among all, and the marriage bed is to be undefiled; for fornicators and adulterers God will judge” (Hebrews 13:4). During the wedding ceremony, the giving of rings symbolizes the token of pledges made to one another for purity, fidelity and honor. The circular nature of the ring symbolizes the eternal covenant and everlasting quality of the devotion and love each have for the other. The placing of the ring upon the finger seals the vows made before witnesses and before God as a pledge. A ring upon the hand declares to all who see it the covenant sealed with another and that no other may enter into that bond.
The ring must be viewed as the vow made before God. Jesus said in Matthew 19:6, "What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate." The sealing of the marriage covenant is accomplished at the throne of God. The Lord God is the author of the marriage covenant as He created man and brought the woman to the man as his help-meet (Genesis 2). The Lord becomes the authority of the ring; He is Lord of the marriage ring.
The wise man wrote, “When you make a vow to God, do not be late in paying it; for He takes no delight in fools. Pay what you vow! It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay” (Ecclesiastes 5:4,5). The sealing of the covenant with a ring symbolizes a vow made to God. Marriage vows should not be taken lightly nor forgotten. They represent a covenant with God that we ask Him to take rule of our lives.
To disregard the vow of marriage makes us a fool before God and the Lord has no delight in those who do not take seriously the commitment they have agreed to before the Creator and Judge of this world. He is Lord of the ring. There would be much fewer divorces if we would take serious the meaning of the ring. We have no right to disregard the covenant made before God. He is the one who has power and authority over the marriage relationship. Every part of our marriage should be tempered by the Lord of the ring. He must be our guide, our help, and our devotion to keep the bed undefiled.
When marriages have trouble, sight is lost to who is Lord of the covenant. As couples lose focus of God in their lives, the ring has little significance. They are willing to throw away a vow made to God for selfish and stubborn reasons. The ring should be a constant reminder of the covenant made with God. When troubles come, look at the ring and rekindle the vow. Whether temptation, trials, anger, disappointment or whatever it may be, the ring should symbolize the hope of resolving those issues in accordance with the will of the Lord of the ring.
As an unmarried man, Joseph understood the sanctity of the marriage bond. When Potiphar’s wife sought to seduce him, he replied, "How then could I do this great evil and sin against God" (Genesis 39:9)? His actions reflected upon the Lord of the ring. Fornication is a violation of the marriage bond. How well it would be if married couples realized the marriage covenant is with Jehovah God! May we all possess the spirit of Joseph to know who is Lord of the covenant we have made.
Fire trucks have four wheels and eight fire fighters; four plus eight equals twelve. There are twelve inches in a foot. A foot is a ruler. Queen Elizabeth is a ruler, and the Queen Elizabeth is one of the largest ships on the seven seas. Seas have fish. Fish have fins. The Finns fought the Russians. The Russians are red. Fire trucks are usually rushin’. Therefore, fire trucks are usually red! This all make perfect sense to anyone trying to make a conclusive argument to show why fire trucks need to be red. It does not matter that most of the conclusions have nothing to do with one another but any argument that begins with a supposition of truth will end with a conclusion of truth – or so it seems.
John writes in the Revelation: “Here is wisdom. He that hath understanding, let him count the number of the beast; for it is the number of a man: and his number is Six hundred and sixty and six.” (13:18) Prognosticators of our modern time have continued the historical search for the identity of who the 666 refers to and have used a myriad of formulas to construct elaborate arguments of identification. A recent article supports this theme: “What about 666? Let’s take a shocking look. On the Pope’s official mitre has been seen the title ‘Vicarius Filii Dei,’ which means ‘Vicar of the Son of God.’ The claim that this is his official title has been stated publicly through the years.” The article then begins to break down this title using the meaning of Roman numerals in the following order: V=5; I=1; C=100; A=0; R=0; I=1; U=5; S=0; F=0; I=1; L-=50; I=1; I=1; D=500; E=0’ I=1. When all these numbers are added up, they equal 666.
This could be an impressive argument if you followed how or why God would reveal to John the shocking truths of the numerical sequence of a mans hat in the year 2008. A similar argument can be given that Judas Iscariot is the man of 666. The book of Revelation is the 66th book of the Bible. The book of Revelation is the 27th book of the New Testament. The identifying passage of the antichrist is the 13th chapter and the 18th verse. 66 + 27 + 13 + 18 = 124. The number 124 identifies the writer of the book as John. He is one of the 12 disciples and is named 4th in the order of apostles – hence, (12)(4). Reading John 12:4 identifies the antichrist as Judas Iscariot: “Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which should betray him.” Of course this has as much truth as why fire trucks are red and the Pope is the man 666.
The Bible never teaches that Jesus is going to return to Earth and set up His Kingdom. Paul said he was a member of the kingdom of Christ. (Colossians 1:13) The supposed ‘antichrist’ is not going to suddenly appear and begin to set in motion any events leading up to the war between Satan and Christ. Religious leaders have deceived the hearts of the simple minded to cause them to believe the fantasies of religious dogmas based upon the teachings of men. When Christ returns Paul said everyone will know it. “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven, with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16) There is no such thing as a rapture [has anyone been able to find the “rapture” in the Bible?]; there is no such thing as the tribulation that is coming to usher in the millennial reign of Jesus Christ. These must all stand together or fall together. If one falls they all fall.
John said we can understand and have wisdom about the use of the “man” and “666”. We can count the number of the beast and see the attention is given on the number and its significance and not on a specific man living today. The doom of the Jewish nation as described by Jesus in the gospels fits with all that John was showing in the Revelation. The complete and total failure of all that man seeks to do is shown in God’s final message to man. Red fire trucks and modern day religious mathematics used to discover who the man of 666 is share a common beginning – and end.
The Majority Should Not Be The Preponderance
It seems logical that if ninety-percent of the population believes in something it should be right. While logic will be effective if you follow Mr. Spock it does not work well in every situation of life. If you smell smoke and everyone is running the other way it would seem wise to go with them. However, the majority view of people does not always suggest appropriate answers to life’s delicate questions and needs. This is especially true when man seeks to find answers about his relationship with his Creator. There is a tendency for man to equate truth with what a majority of views hold to be true. How can so many people be wrong?
Jesus addressed this question in Matthew 7:13,14: "Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.” The way of salvation is a narrow path that is not easily taken. Albert Barnes wrote, “It is not ‘the great highway’ that people tread. Few go there. Here and there one may be seen - traveling in solitude and singularity. The way to death, on the other hand, is broad. Multitudes are in it. It is the great highway in which people go. They fall into it easily and without effort, and go without thought. If they wish to leave that and go by a narrow gate to the city, it would require effort and thought. So, says Christ, ‘diligence’ is needed to enter life.” [Barnes Notes; Matthew-Mark, page 78]
In a world of the “easy button” people find it hard to accept service to Christ on any level that requires diligence or difficulty. This does not suggest that life as a child of God is drudgery; it is the complete opposite. The challenge of living for Christ is that effort must be put forth daily to measure ones steps in accordance with the divine will of the Father. Rowing up river is not as easy as going with the flow of the river downstream. The view of the majority is an easy way to live but the end result is death.
Why are the people of God in the minority? Few are willing to live for God. Fewer still are willing to give up their lives to serve Jesus Christ. The majority of people desire the darkness rather than the light (John 3:19-21). It is not a badge of nobility to be in the minority but a reality of how the world turns against the truth of God. Only eight were saved in the flood (1 Peter 3:20). A “remnant” returned to Jerusalem in the days of Ezra (9:8). Those who are saved are “few” (Matthew 7:14).
When you walk the way of life, is it the easy way of the majority or the difficult way of the few? Paul wrote, “All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12). The desire to live a godly life will put you at odds against the world; as if you were swimming upstream against the whole world. Through the power of God, victory can be achieved. Jesus challenged those who would follow Him: "If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple” (Luke 14:26). Enter the narrow way!
My disgust with the liberal national press has reached an all time high. It leads the moral conscience of our nation to accept perversion as if it is as normal as water. News headlines claim that a “man” is pregnant. Pictures, interviews and great fan-fare exploit the stupidity of a nation wallowing the mire of indecency, ungodliness, and sexual immorality. The news media continues to refer to “him” and the precedent being established by this pregnancy. Finally the moral conscience of our nation is exposed for what it really is.
The “man” in question is not a man. The individual at the center of this idiocy is a lesbian who took sufficient drugs to enhance male features but kept the reproductive organs (created by Almighty God) thus allowing science to inseminate her with life (created by Almighty God) to produce a child. Sadly, an innocent child will be born into a world of uncleanness, lust and dishonor.
“Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them. For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error. And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper, being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful; and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them” (Romans 1:24-32).
The homosexual agenda has sufficiently built a foundation of acceptance in our society of depravity. While in a minority, they have achieved the height of exposure on television, movies, and societal views that propel them to be seen as normal. Their acceptance could only be found in a society of people that have abandoned inner worth, respect for God and loyalty to the ideals of family.
The Creator of this world has shown that homosexuality, adultery, fornication and such like are against His will and purpose (1 Corinthians 6:9,10; Romans 1:18; 1 Timothy 1:9; 2 Timothy 3:1-5; Galatians 5:19-21; Revelation 21:8). Those who reject His words must be heed the words of Genesis 1:1; John 14:6; Acts 2:38,39; 1 Corinthians 6:11,15-20; Titus 2:11-14). God’s children must heed the words of Philippians 2:12-16.
“God forbid: yea, let God be found true, but every man a liar; as it is written, ‘That thou might be justified in thy words, and might prevail when thou comes into judgment’” (Romans 3:4).
The Psalms are filled with words of praise to the glory and honor of Jehovah God. It would benefit us to spend many hours meditating upon the many different psalms that address the greatness of God, His majesty, His power and His sovereignty. Psalm 33 is filled with the overwhelming evidence of how great God is. The psalmist exhorts all to “rejoice in the Lord” and “praise the Lord” for the “word of the Lord is right, and all His work is done in truth.” The character of God is measured in righteousness and justice and because of Him; there is much goodness in the world.
When man begins to measure himself to the Almighty, he finds he is no more than a speck of dust before the Creator. God created the world with His Words. (Genesis 1 – “Then God said…”) Everything was created by the words spoken by God. Man can create but he can only create with his hands. The power of speaking words to create shows the difference between the creation and the Creator.
Man has sought to conquer his world through travel, science, industry and his imagination. This is nothing before God as God is the one who “gathers the waters of the sea together as a heap” and “lays up the deep in storehouses.” For this reason, all should fear the Lord and “stand in awe of God.” When God spoke, the world was created. When God spoke, man was created. “For He spoke and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast.”
How can man stand before such an awesome God? How is it that man can seek to elevate himself above the majesty and power of such a God? If God is so great, why would man seek to become his own God? Psalm 33 answers these questions. “The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; He makes the plans of the peoples of no effort.” All the great plans that men have made are of no avail. The mighty empire of Egypt is nothing more than a place of dust. All nations that have sought to build world dominance have fallen as so many toy soldiers. God still rules.
“The counsel of the Lord stands forever.” When nations begin to see the power of God and trust in Him, they will be blessed. As the nations believes or disbelieves is God is how the nation will stand or fall. “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” The idea of “In God We Trust” has been lost in our society and God will remind us again one day of how great He is and how small we are.
The Lord sees all things and is knowledgeable of all things. “The Lord sees from heaven; He sees all the sons of men.” He knows what we are doing or what we are not doing. Truth is not lost on the eye of the Lord. No king is saved by the multitude of an army.” What great army has stood very long? As the nations have perished, so have the mighty armies that have arisen to bring all men under their control.
The conclusion of man is to know that he must stand before the Creator and give answer. “The eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him.” There can be no other hope, no other blessing, no other shield than the mighty Jehovah God who rules and reigns above men. He holds our breath in his hand. (Daniel 5:23)
To rejoice in the Lord is to trust in His holy name. “Nor is there any salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12) It becomes a matter of trust and obedience to the will of God. All the hope man can ever seek to attain is found in trusting in the Creator and being saved by the Son. “O, Lord my God. When I in awesome wonder – consider all the worlds thy hands have made.”
The duality of man lends itself to a battle between his fleshly side and his spiritual side. As man was formed from the dust of the ground he would bear the image of the Creator (Genesis 1:26). In the Garden of Eden, Satan challenged the flesh with the longing for the forbidden fruit and its appeal to greater wisdom (Genesis 3). Man’s rebellion was the shot heard round the universe of time that plunged humanity into the abyss of sin. Through the redemption of the seed promise (Genesis 3:15; Galatians 3:16) in Jesus Christ man found a way to harness the unruly spirit of the flesh. Yet the battle continues.
Paul exhorted the churches of Galatia to “walk in the Spirit” so not to “fulfill the lust of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16). He describes the war between the flesh as it lusts against the Spirit and how contrary they are to one another (Galatians 5:17). The challenge for people of God is to remember they are not lead by the fleshly desires of carnality but rather the higher plane of Spirit led lives. Living in the Spirit means to walk in the Spirit as the fleshly lusts are crucified with “its passions and desires” (Galatians 5:24,25).
The New American Standard Version uses the phrase “deeds of the flesh.” The works of the flesh speak to a manner of life or ones conduct or deeds. These are continual sins or habitual transgressions that prohibit one from being a part of the kingdom of God (Galatians 5:21). From sensual sins to transgressions against God and offenses toward man and self; Paul declares the blueprint of folly that has led the majority of humanity into moral putridity. Written across the headlines of newspapers and flaunted hour upon hour through the altar of moral decadence in television, movies and computer screens the deeds of the flesh slowly rot the spiritual mind of God’s people.
From the graves of prophets long gone echo the mantra of our modern age: “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter” (Isaiah 5:20). “You have wearied the LORD with your words. Yet you say, ‘How have we wearied Him?’ In that you say, ‘Everyone who does evil is good in the sight of the LORD, and He delights in them” (Malachi 2:17). "Arise, go up against a nation which is at ease, which lives securely, declares the Lord. It has no gates or bars; they dwell alone” (Jeremiah 49:31).
The deeds of the flesh war against the spiritual heart of God’s people. We must stand for holiness, truth and righteousness to withstand the flood of passions and lusts that war against the soul. “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses” (2 Corinthians 10:3,4). The mighty towers of lusts must be pulled down from our lives. The works of the flesh must be crucified, killed, destroyed – removed from our lives – “so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God” (1 Peter 4:2).
The deeds of the flesh must be refreshed by the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22,23). Through the grace of God’s love we can conquer the flesh.
The Works Of The Flesh: Sexual Immorality
“Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality” (Galatians 5:19). The war between the flesh and the spirit is evident in the battle of the sensual desires. Pornography, homosexuality, sodomy, illicit affairs of the flesh, youthful promiscuity fill the hearts of society. Television oozes the filth of the flesh in daily programs that satisfy the carnal desires of man; the computerized world of the internet has opened vast storehouses of pornography that tantalize the minds of millions. The deeds of the flesh are quite evident today.
The challenge of our day is to focus upon the realities of how God views these deeds. Youthful engagements of pre-marital sex are not acceptable before the holy character of Jehovah. Marital affairs are flaunted as the norm of married couples while condemned by the clear teaching of righteousness. The vile passions of women exchanging the natural use for what is against nature and men leaving the natural use of the woman for the burning lust of men is a perversion of the Creator’s purpose (Romans 1:26,27). Filling the mind with the glow of computer screens portraying every form of pornography creates the darkness of the god of this world leading to blindness (2 Corinthians 4:4).
Sexual immorality is alive and well in our day … and active in the body of Christ. Children of God must learn to stand for truth without fear of the consequences. Truth can never be compromised for peace. Righteousness is the character of turning away from evil (Job 1:1). "The fear of the LORD is to hate evil” (Proverbs 8:13). As believers we are to be unbelievers to the wiles of the devil and “examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22).
The deeds of the flesh have consequences: “those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:21). Unrepentant youthful lusts will find harvest in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:15). Marital affairs will end in “everlasting punishment” (Jude 7). Homosexuality is a life style that will end in “damnation” (John 5:29). The mind filled with the pornography of the internet will see the vivid scenes of Hell first hand (Mark 9:43).
Paul reminds us that God will not be mocked (Galatians 5:7). If we sow seeds of sexual immorality, it will produce a crop. We cannot sow our wild oats and pray for a crop failure for the day of harvest will come. “For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption” (Galatians 6:8). It seems that we believe God is not paying attention to our lives. He measures the stature of a man by looking into his heart (1 Samuel 16:7). Jesus describes the nature of the heart in Matthew 15:19,20: "For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders. These are the things which defile the man.” Jehovah still speaks through the prophet Hosea: “Sow with a view to righteousness, reap in accordance with kindness; break up your fallow ground, for it is time to seek the Lord until He comes to rain righteousness on you” (Hosea 10:12). The deeds of the flesh must be put off to be renewed in the spirit of our minds in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 4:17-24).
Where Were You When I Laid The Foundation Of The Earth?
Job complained that God was not listening to his distress and that he wanted only to speak to the Almighty. He felt deserted by God. “Know now that God hath overthrown me, and hath compassed me with his net. Behold, I cry out of wrong, but I am not heard: I cry aloud, but there is no judgment” (Job 19:6-7). The desire of Job’s anguished heart came true in Job 38. Whether Job believed God would hold audience with him, it came to pass from a whirlwind (Job 38:1ff).
Elihu had reproved Job for failing to consider his place before God. “Thinkest thou this to be right, that thou saidst, My righteousness is more than God's? For thou saidst, what advantage will it be unto thee? And, what profit shall I have, if I be cleansed from my sin? I will answer thee, and thy companions with thee. Look unto the heavens, and see; and behold the clouds which are higher than thou. If thou sinnest, what doest thou against him? or if thy transgressions be multiplied, what doest thou unto him? If thou be righteous, what givest thou him? or what receiveth he of thine hand” (Job 35:2-7)? How could Job suppose to question the place of God or the integrity of God to his pitiful condition? As terrible a condition as Job found himself in, he needed to stop and consider the respect and honor due to the Creator.
Job 38-41 is a testimony that all men must read to understand how great Jehovah is and how insignificant man is. The achievements of man have lead to a false security that man is the greatest creation of the world. Pride elevates the nature of man to not need God and to rely upon his own wisdom for safety and happiness. Man has ventured far into space, explored the deepest parts of the ocean, conquered the highest mountains and created technology that goes beyond the imagination of any time in history. With this great wisdom comes the pride that expels any idea of God from the view of man.
God remains in the whirlwind declaring His majesty and power. “Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? Declare, if thou hast understanding. Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it? Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof; When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy” (Job 38:4-7)? The answer is self evident. How can man measure himself before the Almighty? The world was created by the word of God (Genesis 1). Jehovah created man (Genesis 1:27)! Paul wrote, “Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus” (Romans 9:20)?
Isaiah describes man as grasshoppers in the sight of Him who “sits upon the circle of the earth” (Isaiah 40:22). Nations are nothing more than a “drop in the bucket and are counted as small dust on the balance” before the Almighty (Isaiah 40:15). “Who hath wrought and done it, calling the generations from the beginning? I the LORD, the first, and with the last; I am he” (Isaiah 41:4). Pride will lift the mind of man to glory in himself far beyond the honor due the Creator but He who made all things reminds man who is greatest when he strikes at man with nature. Can man tame the hurricane, ride the tornado, calm the seas or stop death? Man is no more than dust on the balance before the God who made the world.
Job was reminded of who God was and he said, “Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth” (Job 40:4). What else can man do before such a great God? What else should man do but honor a God so loving as sending His only begotten Son for the salvation of – dust on the balance (John 3:16)? Oh God how great your ocean, how small my ship, how great your salvation.
Works Of The Flesh: False Religion
“Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are … idolatry, sorcery” (Galatians 5:19-20). Establishing sexual immorality as a deed of the flesh, Paul addresses the pride of man when he serves the “creature rather than the Creator” (Romans 1:25). It was the deceit of Satan that said, “Has God indeed said” (Genesis 3:1) that brought man low in the exaltation of vain self and rebellion against the will of God. Man sought to build “a city and a tower whose top is in the heavens” and to make a name for themselves that caused Jehovah to scatter man abroad over the face of the earth (Genesis 11:1-9). False religion has fashioned the heart of man from the beginning to rebel against God.
Idolatry and sorcery are the summation of man’s desire to create his own God. Paul declared in Romans that man “exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshipped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever” (Romans 1:25). This led man to follow after vile passions and debased minds. The people of Israel were challenged in the first two commandments to serve Jehovah and Him alone. "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth. You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and the fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing loving-kindness to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments” (Exodus 20:2-6).
The Lord was the deliverer of Israel and He would not accept any other gods before the people. Jehovah prohibited making any image that would be worshipped by the people. Because of His jealous nature, He demanded and expected the people to worship Him and Him alone. Idolatry and sorcery are not as clear a challenge in our society today yet they are very much alive. When we set our minds on earthly things, we do not serve God (Philippians 3:19). The reason the seed in the parable of the Sower was ineffective was because of the “worries of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful” (Mark 4:19).
False religion comes about when men are not satisfied with God’s way and seek to impose their own religion on man. Idolatry can be seen in the religious division with myriads of churches proclaiming truth by their own doctrines. There is only one body of truth and that is Jesus Christ (John 14:6). Following after the works or deeds of the flesh manifest themselves in man’s selfish desires to serve himself and not the Lord. “And we know that the Son of God has come, and has given us understanding so that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life. Little children, guard yourselves from idols” (1 John 5:20-21).
The consequence of the deeds of the flesh is evident: “Of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:21).
Works Of The Flesh: Our Fellow Man
“Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are … enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying … those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:19-21). Our relationship with God is in part dependent upon our relationship with our fellow man. Forgiveness is not given from God unless we forgive one another (Matthew 6:14,15). The first recorded sin following man’s expulsion from the Garden of Eden was the murder of Abel by his brother Cain (Genesis 4). The murder of Abel was from the heart of Cain who was angered that God respected his brother’s sacrifice and not his own; “and his countenance fell” (Genesis 4:5).
The deeds of the flesh include the emotions of man that are allowed to drive selfish desires and motives to bring harm to his neighbor. Hatred for another person is wickedness before God. All men are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26,27) and bear the imprint of His glory. “Hatred stirs up strife … He who conceals hatred has lying lips” (Proverbs 10:12, 18). When men have such hatred for others because of the color of their skin, nationality, religion or just plain meanness, the kingdom of God is far removed. St. Basil (330-379) said, “He who has hatred nourishes the devil.”
Jealousy comes in many forms but forms many kinds of feelings of strife against others. It is singularly self-centered and selfish. The emotions of the heart filled with jealousy can destroy families and good names. Children of God are to guard against jealousy. The consequences of these emotions can bring about outbursts of anger. Some people are proud of their ‘temper’ as if God really approves of such behavior. Those who have tempers fall prey to the deception of the devil. Anger is not the sin but the uncontrolled anger brings about sin and gives glory to the devil (Ephesians 4:26,27).
There are some who are not content unless they are involved in contention. Paul warned of those who “cause divisions and offenses” who “do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly” (Romans 16:17,18). The spirit of selfish ambition brings about dissension among God’s people. “A worthless person, a wicked man, is the one who walks with a perverse mouth, who winks with his eyes, who signals with his feet, who points with his fingers; who with perversity in his heart continually devises evil, who spreads strife” (Proverbs 6:12-14).
The church is plagued by those who bring about false doctrines and practices through their own vain deceit, jealousy, anger, hatred and prejudice in the name of the Lord. Heresies divide brethren and bring the deeds of the flesh into the hearts of God’s people. The spirit of envy drives their heart to exalt themselves above the law of God and the love of the brethren. Adam Clarke said of envy that it is “A passion the most base and the least curable of all that disgrace or degrade the fallen soul.”
The wise man said, “He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls” (Proverbs 25:28). The deeds of the flesh must be conquered and brought under the will of God (2 Corinthians 10:1-6).
The Works Of The Flesh: Murder – Real And Imagined
[The word “murder” is omitted from several manuscripts. – keh]
The blood of Abel (Genesis 4) still cries through the ages of centuries as a sad reminder of man’s inhumanity to man. The early world was destroyed because “every intent of the thoughts of [man] was only evil continually” (Genesis 6:5) as men filled with rage against their fellow man shed man’s blood. Following the flood the Lord told Noah, "Surely I will require your lifeblood; from every beast I will require it. And from every man, from every man's brother I will require the life of man. Whoever sheds man's blood, by man his blood shall be shed, for in the image of God He made man” (Genesis 9:5-6).
Murder is suggested in the actions of the works of the flesh as “enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying” (Galatians 5:20,21) drive men to kill one another. Jesus said "For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders” (Matthew 15:19). The challenge of the deeds listed in Galatians 5 is not only the sin itself but what the sin leads to. The taking of human life has always been condemned by Jehovah when the actions are unrighteous. David murdered Uriah for his lust of Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11); Naboth was falsely accused and murdered by Jezebel for a vineyard (1 Kings 21; 2 Kings 9:26); Jesus accused the Jews of murdering the prophets (Matthew 23:31,35); and even Jesus was killed by unrighteous men (1 Thessalonians 2:15).
When God spoke to Noah in Genesis 9, He established forever the condemnation of those who take the lives of other men. The Ten Commandments clearly forbade the killing of men for unjust cause (Exodus 20:13). Penalties were swift and severe for murder in the Law of Moses (Exodus 21:14; Leviticus 24:21). The Lord will punish the murderer (1 Timothy 1:9; Revelation 21:8). It would seem obvious that murder (the taking of life) is repulsive and forbidden – yet while we would never suggest our part in such deeds, we find another aspect of this hatred.
“Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer; and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him” (1 John 3:15). Jesus taught the same principle in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:21-26). We cannot worship God with this kind of heart. When hatred and malice dwell in the heart of a person there can be no hope of eternal life.
Murder is imagined in this sense that while no physical life is taken, the feelings of hate reign in the heart. This will defile a man (Matthew 15:19,20). We like to say that we are to “love one another but not like one another.” This represents an attitude of disrespect for others and for God. Prejudice, jealousy and envy will lead to murderous thoughts in the heart. “For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things” (1 John 3:20). Albert Barnes wrote, “The private malice, the secret grudge, the envy which is cherished in the heart, is murderous in its tendency.”
Those who allow the spirit of Satan to fill their hearts will not inherit the kingdom of God! That is not a maybe; that is a reality! We should heed the warning of the Lord through the prophet Jeremiah in Jeremiah 7.
The Works Of The Flesh: Drunkenness
“The blacksmith did ignorantly conduct this burglar into his family’s heart. It was the bottle conjuror. Upon the opening of that fatal cork, forth flew the fiend, and shriveled up his home” (Herman Melville, ‘Moby Dick,’ 1851). The depravity of drunkenness has scourged the earth since the beginning of time. As early as Noah, this beast of intemperance has plagued the souls of men. Genesis 6:8,9 says that “Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord … was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God.” The burglar of Herman Melville’s tale came in deception after the flood when Noah planted a vineyard and “he drank of the wine and was drunk, and became uncovered in his tent” (Genesis 9:21). His son Ham saw him and made light of his condition which brought the curse upon Canaan (Genesis 9:22-25).
Following the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, the nephew of Abraham fled to the mountains with his two daughters. The daughters conspired to make their father drunk and then conceived children by him (Genesis 19:30-38). The seed of drunkenness flourished throughout the history of man. David conspired against a righteous man by getting him drunk and hoping he would go home to his wife, Bathsheba (1 Samuel 11). Months earlier, David had committed adultery with Bathsheba and she was now with child. Uriah, even in a state of drunkenness, refused to enter his house. David had Uriah murdered in battle.
Ahasuerus was drunk when he demanded Queen Vashti to “display her beauty to the people and the princes” of which she refused (Esther 1). It was during a drunken feast with the vessels taken from the Temple that Belshazzar saw the hand writing on the wall (Daniel 5).
Warnings against drunkenness are as plentiful as the examples. Rebellious children who were drunkards were put to death under the Law of Moses (Deuteronomy 21:20,21). “Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is intoxicated by it is not wise” (Proverbs 20:1). The consequences of drunkenness is poverty of health, wealth and salvation (Proverbs 21:17; 23:20,21; 29-35; 31:4-7). The prophet Isaiah wrote, “Woe to those who rise early in the morning that they may pursue strong drink, who stay up late in the evening that wine may inflame them! Their banquets are accompanied by lyre and harp, by tambourine and flute, and by wine; but they do not pay attention to the deeds of the LORD, Nor do they consider the work of His hands. Therefore My people go into exile for their lack of knowledge” (Isaiah 5:11-13).
The child of God is to be pure in their conduct and alcohol defiles that purity. Paul exhorted the Christians, “Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness … put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts” (Romans 13:13-14). Those who delve into the vat of drunkenness will not see eternal salvation (1 Corinthians 6:9,10) but wallow in the dark mire of an eternal flame – and there will be no refreshment to cool the tongue (Luke 16:24,25). The Lord’s exhortation is to “not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18).
The Works Of The Flesh: Wild Parties
We live in a day that is full of extravagance. The norm of society is to express itself in loud indulgences of outward show that draw attention to self. Bodies are tattooed, pierced, painted, shaven and abused to give a picture to the world of self gratification and garish expressions of self identity. Music must be loud and indiscernible; life must be fast and furious; parties are filled with the glory of the excess of debauchery. Concerts become events of physical, mental and ear splitting droning of filthy language and thoughts craving to the chanting of an obscene pattern of licentious conduct.
In Paul’s description of the works of the flesh he attributes the character of drunkenness with the results of wild parties, reveling or carousing. The deed of the flesh is characteristic of “noisy and [defiant] mirth, the scenes of disorder and sensuality” (Albert Barnes). This deed of the flesh is connected with obscene music and sensual movements of the body. The Christian is not to be found in these dens of sinful activity.
Paul affirms those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God (Galatians 5:21). The apostle also reminded the brethren in Rome to “behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts” (Romans 13:13-14). This lifestyle was common among those who worshiped pagan gods and enjoyed the fruits of sensuality. Today we are more sophisticated in our desires and we find these kinds of things in our music, parties and recreational events.
Much of the music today (rap, country music, modern, rock, etc.) use lyrics that are obscene, immoral and decadent. Music videos portray sexual annotations of highly suggestive movements to arouse the mind and eye of the lustful heart. Often our children are invited to parties where drinking, drugs and sexual gratification are exploited. Adults join in with events that highlight the sensual desires of the flesh. The filth of the sensual mind has permeated the television for years and reaches a new low this fall when a show begins called “Swingtown” – exploiting the notion of couples who engage in sexual immorality.
Children of God must keep themselves pure in mind, body and soul. The impact of an ungodly world is becoming more prevalent in every facet of the media and among families. The apostle Peter exhorted the brethren to “live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties and abominable idolatries. In all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them into the same excesses of dissipation, and they malign you; but they will give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead” (1 Peter 4:2-5).
Living for the will of God one must deny these allurements and recognize the impact they can have upon the family. Heed the warning of the Lord: “they will give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.”
The Works Of The Flesh: And The Like
The conclusion to the list of the works of the flesh is just as important as the beginning. It would be impossible to list every sin committed by man. Nor was the intention of the Lord to attempt such. The highlight of sins listed in Galatians 5 is to understand the nature of Jehovah’s view toward the evil passions of the fallen spirit of man. This list is not complete as a list and so the final statement of truth concerning those things that men engage in that damn the soul is summed up in the words, “and such like”; “and things like that”; “and things like these.” Our modern term is “et cetera.”
When the Lord looked upon man in Genesis 6:5 He “saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” Man can create evil in many ways. The nature of man was so corrupt in the days of Noah all humanity was destroyed save eight souls (Genesis 7:23; 1 Peter 3:20). Eliphaz observed man “drinks iniquity like water” (Job 15:16). The Preacher of Ecclesiastes declares while God has made man upright, they have sought out many schemes to pursue evil (Ecclesiastes 7:29).
There are many “et cetera” sins that men commit. Critics will argue that such and such a sin is not listed in the Bible so it must not be condemned. While men change societal views through the centuries the nature of sin remains the same. The intent of the thought of man is to enjoy the pleasure of his own lusts. He creates all kinds of evil to follow. All of this is rebellion to the righteousness of God and the clearly revealed word of truth.
The conclusion of Paul to the works of the flesh reminds us that while not listed in Galatians 5, the works of the flesh find themselves in “All that proceeds from the evil passions of a fallen spirit, besides those above specified; and all that the law of God specifies and condemns” (Adam Clarke). For children of God it is not a matter of how close to sin we can go; but how far we can stay away from anything that resembles the character of evil. “Abstain from every form of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22). Abstain from everything and anything that even looks like evil.
What set Job apart from others? He was “blameless, upright, fearing God and turning away from evil” (Job 1:1). In every part of his life he sought to refrain from evil and anything that looked like evil. He knew the danger of the “et cetera” sins of his day. "The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverted mouth, I hate” (Proverbs 8:13).
We like to make fools of ourselves in convincing our hearts that this ‘sin’ is not so bad and what harm can there be in just a little bit of whatever we want to do. Rat poison is 98% corn meal and 2% death. Those who are guilty of ‘such like sins’ will not “inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:21). Hell will be full of those who never committed murder or adultery but wallowed in ‘such like sins.’ "’Therefore, come out from their midst and be separate,’ says the Lord. ‘and do not touch what is unclean; and I will welcome you’” (2 Corinthians 6:17). The works of the flesh are evident (Galatians 5:19). Can you see them?
"’To whom then will you liken Me that I would be his equal?’ says the Holy One. ‘Lift up your eyes on high and see who has created these stars, the one who leads forth their host by number, He calls them all by name; because of the greatness of His might and the strength of His power, not one of them is missing’” (Isaiah 40:25-26). How we view Jehovah God is how we submit to Him. If He is nothing more than a saintly white haired man sitting on a golden throne, we do not know Jehovah God. If we view Him only as a terrible vengeful God of wrath and destruction, we do not know Jehovah God.
What can we liken Him to? What is in the language of man that can fully describe the complete nature of Jehovah God? How can we begin to cross the threshold of understanding to one who calls every star by name and not one of them is missing? The best attempt man can find to picture Jehovah God to mortal man is the Bible – no other book can even measure in the smallest degree. Contained within this wonderful book is the grandest of pictures of Jehovah God.
His power spoke and the world was created (Genesis 1). He gave law to man that was clear and without contradiction yet man disobeyed (Genesis 2,3). In the darkest moment of man’s creation Jehovah God showed mercy by offering a sacrifice for the sin of man (Genesis 3:15; Galatians 3:16). The sacrifice for sin was His only begotten Son (John 3:1-21). “By common confession, great is the mystery of godliness: He who was revealed in the flesh, was vindicated in the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory” (1 Timothy 3:16).
King David wrote that Jehovah God is “full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth” (Psalms 86:15). He showed His compassion upon the world in saving Noah and seven others (Genesis 6-9). His longsuffering is measured by the steps of the children of Israel through the wilderness wanderings. The truth of Jehovah God is established in the promises carried out to Israel; in blessing and in cursing (Deuteronomy 28-30).
Paul wrote: “Behold then the kindness and severity of God; to those who fell, severity, but to you, God's kindness, if you continue in His kindness; otherwise you also will be cut off” (Romans 11:22). There is a side of Jehovah God that is filled with wrath. He destroyed the world (Genesis 6); wiped out the cities of the plain including Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19); punished the rebellious Israelites at Kadesh (Numbers 14:26-38); gave laws that were punishable by death (Leviticus 19,20,24); destroyed the nations of Egypt, Assyria, Babylon and the cities of Babylon, Nineveh, Tyre and Jerusalem.
The Bible is filled with stories of Jehovah God’s wrath upon disobedience and His mercy to those who follow righteousness. This character has not changed for man today. He remains a God of mercy and judgment. His judgment today is against all ungodliness (Romans 1:18) and yet His mercy is given to those who obey Him (Ephesians 2:1-10). To whom can we liken Jehovah God of the Bible? His majesty is far above the mind of man and yet we are challenged to embrace the Creator of this world in all His goodness and severity. Thank you Father.
Freedom Can Only Be Found From God
Thomas Jefferson wrote, “And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure, when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are the gift of God? That they are not to be violated but by his wrath? Indeed, I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that His justice cannot sleep forever” (Notes on Virginia, 1784). The nature of freedom is relative to what men want to be free from. Our country was founded upon the principles of the knowledge of a Creator and from His hand life is sustained. Belief in God was not ridiculed as in our day. Prayer was not banished nor service to the one true God abandoned. Freedom celebrated in this generation is freedom from the restraints of a loving Creator.
The irony of our freedom is the enslaving power of self. Karl Barth said, “What was called freedom in the European age now past collapsed, and was bound to collapse, because for a long time and at an amazingly deep level it had degenerated into a freedom for godlessness and inhumanity” (Community, Church and State, 1946). The Psalmist declared: “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord” (Psalms 33:12). When a nation turns away from the foundational belief that man is to serve the Creator, society falls headlong into a godless, immoral and self-serving avalanche of destruction.
Paul shows the course of man’s enslavement to self in Romans 1. First he shows how man chose not to glorify the Creator. “For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened” (Romans 1:21). In the darkness of their hearts, men “exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever” (Romans 1:25). Falling headlong into godless acts of homosexuality (vv26,27) they “did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper” (Romans 1:28). When you take a moment to read Romans 1:29-32 you will see the freedom man has found in serving the creature (himself) rather than the Creator (Jehovah God).
All nations exist by the power of the Creator. “Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God” (Romans 13:1). In Hannah’s prayer of 1 Samuel 2, she declares the majesty of God’s power over all mankind: "The Lord kills and makes alive; He brings down to Sheol and raises up. The Lord makes poor and rich; He brings low, He also exalts. He raises the poor from the dust, He lifts the needy from the ash heap to make them sit with nobles, and inherit a seat of honor; for the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, and He set the world on them. He keeps the feet of His godly ones, but the wicked ones are silenced in darkness; for not by might shall a man prevail. Those who contend with the Lord will be shattered; against them He will thunder in the heavens, The Lord will judge the ends of the earth; and He will give strength to His king, and will exalt the horn of His anointed" (1 Samuel 2:6-10).
For man to enjoy freedom he must submit to the Creator of the world. This submission is not oppressive (1 John 5:3) but filled with love and grace. The Lord protects us and cares for us. The Creator of the world gave His only begotten Son to give us freedom (Romans 6:23; Galatians 5:1). Celebrate freedom in the willingness to abide by His care and His rule. True freedom can only come from Jehovah God.
As Jesus prepared His disciples for His death, He wanted to give them the assurance that while He was “going away” they would not be left alone. In this discourse of John 14, Thomas says to Jesus, “’Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?’ Jesus said to Him, ‘I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also’” (John 14:5-7a). It would not have seemed as important then as this passage has become through the revealing of God’s will to man in the preceding generations.
The ground work for the kingdom of God was clearly laid by the Son of God. Entrance into the blessings of God was limited; so much so that entrance into salvation was exclusive. When we think of something as being “exclusive” we realize there is a sense of preventing participation in a certain thing. An exclusive club is one that allows certain people to be a part of the club; an exclusive interview is allowing only a finite opportunity to question an individual. Jesus made salvation exclusive.
If men are to seek the way to God, to understand the truth of God and find life in the blessings of God; Jesus is the only way – exclusive. Jesus said He was the way and offered no other avenues to the Father. "And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). He affirmed that truth would only come through Him. “If indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus” (Ephesians 4:21). Life eternal would only be granted through His life. “And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son” (1 John 5:11).
The exclusive nature of Jesus statement is that no one can come to the Father except through Him. Jesus is the only one who can call Jehovah God – “Father” – in the manner he did. “No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten God who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him … And the Father who sent Me, He has testified of Me. You have neither heard His voice at any time nor seen His form” (John 1:18; 5:37). No man has seen the Father. The exclusive nature of salvation is that only through the Son of God can man find salvation in God. Jesus alone has seen the Father.
Gamaliel spoke of men who rose up to draw men to themselves but came to no avail (Acts 5:34-39). His admonition was to let the apostles alone for if their work was of God it cannot be overthrown. Many men have risen up in the generations since time began to declare they have the path to God but only one – exclusive – only one is the avenue to God: JESUS CHRIST. There is only one avenue to the Father and that excludes Buddha, Mohammed, Luther, Joseph Smith, the Pope, you and me and any other man that thinks himself to be something.
There is only one way to Heaven and that is through the avenues laid down by Jesus Christ. There is only one truth and that truth is found in the Bible alone (excluding the Koran and Book of Mormon, etc). There is only one life that can be received in eternity and that is through the blood of Jesus Christ (John 6:53,54). Is God exclusive? He always has been (Exodus 20:1-6; Matthew 22:37; 1 John 5:1-5). His Son is exclusive (Matthew 7:21-23). There is only one way (Ephesians 4:1-6).
The human body is composed in such a way that without daily nourishment, weakness, disease and death will follow. It will be a gradual process but one that if not altered will result in a horrible death of starvation. Pictures of emaciated children bring tears to the eye; parents who also suffer from the depravation of proper nourishment raise the anger of society to seek correction. A greater need is found in the lives of people who have little or no spiritual nourishment.
As in the physical body, the spiritual man requires daily nourishment. Paul declared that our faith is determined by our knowledge of the word of God (Romans 10:17). The word of God is shown to be as the manna provided Israel in the wilderness (Exodus 16). Jesus taught the Jews that what they had in the wilderness did not give them lasting life but He was the manna from heaven that gave eternal life. "I am the bread of life. Your fathers