The Bible Truth About the Ten Commandments – Part Two

 

The Bible Truth About the Ten Commandments – Part Two

(Not What Many People Think)

 

After I closed the first part of the discussion on this topic, I realized there were areas that could and probably should have received a broader clarification. In particular, I’d like to revisit the point that “The Law was not intended to be a continuing ‘yardstick’ / measuring device to determine righteousness in the sight of God”.

The initial point related to the Scripture in Galatians 3: 19, that said the Law  “was added because of man’s transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made:…”  It was noted that “the seed should come” referred to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ to the Nation of Israel. I would like to expand on my earlier comments on this point.

I had previously noted that once Israel’s Messiah, our Lord Jesus had come, the Nation of Israel’s people were to recognize who He was, and that He would bring them everlasting righteousness. I cited only one reference (Daniel 9: 20-24), but could / should have added:

·       His coming was another step in God’s commitment to restore mankind to Himself through the Adamic Covenant (Genesis 3: 15), and the Abrahamic Covenant (Genesis 12: 1-3)

·       His coming would fulfill God’s commitment to the Nation of Israel through the Davidic Covenant to send the Messiah who would establish and rule over His Earthly Kingdom forever. (2 Samuel 7; Isaiah 9: 6-7; Jeremiah 23: 5-6; Ezekiel 36: 22-28)

When our Lord Jesus came, John the Baptist announced His arrival saying: “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” (John 1: 29)  Note, John spoke of the sin of the world, not just the sin of Israel.

Perhaps most relevant to this discussion related to the Law, the Lord Jesus Himself while speaking to the multitudes made this reference, saying: “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil” (Matthew 5: 17)  His coming to fulfill the Law speaks directly to the scripture noted above “till the seed should come”.

This is also important to both Jews and Gentiles because:

·       His coming would initiate God’s New Covenant with Israel when He “will forgive their iniquity and  remember their sin no more.” (Jeremiah 31: 31-34)

·       This future “New Covenant” for the Nation of Israel has already been made effective in its implementation for those individuals (Jew and Gentile) who have or will believe in the Lord. A key part of that scripture is the verse (Jeremiah 31: 33) in which the LORD says:

I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.

 

The Law / Ten Commandments was given to teach mankind (through the Nation of Israel) God’s Moral Law / Standards for Righteous Behavior.  Israel’s inability to follow and obey the Law had served to demonstrate the limitations of knowledge alone in meeting the daily practical challenges of fulfilling the Law. The problem of sin continued in man, with the sin-nature dominating the conscience. There needed to be another much more effective means for man to achieve the necessary righteousness to gain salvation and eternal life with God.

In His foreknowledge, God knew Israel would reject the Lord Jesus as their Messiah. They (Elohiym) also planned from the beginning that the Lord would be the “seed” that would bruise / crush the head of the Serpent / Satan that brought sin into the world. (Genesis 3: 15)                               (Acts 2: 22-23, 36) In this manner of defeating Death, Our Lord Jesus would suffer immeasurably to pay for the sins of all mankind. But he would later “reward”  with many blessings those who would believe / have faith in Him, and what He has done to bring us salvation to eternal life.  Just as Abraham and other Old Testament figures were acknowledged for their faith (Hebrews Chapter 11), by faith we are now regarded as “sons of Abraham”, and entitled to the blessings due to all his descendants.  (Galatians 3: 7; Deuteronomy 28: 1-14)

Also, quite importantly for our daily lives, following His death, burial and resurrection, The Lord kept His promise to send a “Comforter”, the Holy Spirit…who will both guide us and  assist us in our on-going battles against our “sin-nature”.  (John 14: 16-20, 26, 15: 26, 16: 7-14; Romans Chapter Eight)  As believers in the Gospel of Grace (1 Corinthians 15: 1-4, Romans 10: 9-13), we have already become beneficiaries of the “New Covenant” described above. The Law has been written in our hearts. (Jeremiah 31: 33) Further, we now have the distinction of being “sons of God” and “joint-heirs” with Christ”. (Romans 8: 14-17).  Through our faith we know that the Law has no dominion or other effect over us.  Our righteousness is of God, through our Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 3: 22-24, Chapter Six; 2 Corinthians 5: 17-21)

For any who might still be in doubt about the role of God’s Grace and its role in our salvation, compared to attempts to keep the Law, I strongly encourage them to read or re-read the Book Acts 15: 1-20 , and the Book of Galatians 2: 1-10. The Apostle Paul’s efforts to save Gentiles was also met with tremendous opposition until the agreement was reached at the Jerusalem Council to have the Lord’s “Kingdom” disciples continue to evangelize Jews under the Law, while Paul and his followers went to the Gentiles with the Gospel of Grace. The opposition was lessened, but still continued, even among some today.

 Dr. W. A. (Bill) Robinson

https://christianityandbiblestudy.blogspot.com/

The Bible Truth About the Ten Commandments (Not What Many People Think)

 

The Bible Truth About the Ten Commandments

(Not What Many People Think)

 

I believe that perhaps the greatest barrier to salvation for many people, even those who profess to be Christians, is the failure to understand the true purpose that God gave the Ten Commandments , “The Moral Law”. (Exodus 20: 1-17)

After learning about “The Law” and its source, many people concluded that it seemed to be a good way for mankind to live in harmony within society. Many decided that if they would obey and follow the Law, they would be deemed to be “good” in God’s eyes.  As a result, God would be “pleased” with their behavior and would permit them to enter Heaven when they died. The Bible says that those ideas and assumptions are not only not what God intended, but they are also not true.

To put the Law into proper perspective, it is important to briefly review man’s history as God gave it through the Bible Scriptures.

Background:

From the time of Adam’s fall into sin (Genesis Chapter Three), man has inherited the penalty of death because of disobedience against God’s orders. Man has also been plagued by an inherited  “sin-nature”. That natural tendency to think and act in a manner that puts oneself desires first, even above God’s, is what we all have as part of our personality.  Unfortunately for us, the “conscience” that Adam and Eve gained through eating of the “Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil” (Genesis 3: 22), was not a strong enough support for man’s soul / spirit to overcome the effects of that sin-nature, that had become part of our “carnal” flesh / body. (Romans 8: 5-8)

The same temptations that the Serpent / Satan used to deceive Eve in the Garden of Eden continue to plague man today, as a constant part of that sin-nature. Those temptations target the senses of the body, and the soul (mind, will and emotions). They are:

·       Lust of the eyes (coveting something because of its “pleasant”/good appearance),

·       Lust of the flesh (coveting something because it is pleasing to the other physical senses), and the

·       Pride of Life (coveting something to enhance one’s position / standing before others)  (1 John 2: 16)

[Later the Devil Satan tried these same temptations against the Lord Jesus in the wilderness after His baptism, but he was unsuccessful. (Matthew 4: 1-11)]

Over the following centuries, through the provocation of God’s Enemy Satan, man’s social behavior declined with an alarmingly increasing rate of violence. The unchecked temptations noted above pitted one person against another, causing tremendous injury and death. The result was such an offense to the Creator God that He flooded the Earth to destroy all mankind except for “righteous Noah” and his family. (Genesis Chapters Six - Eight) Even after “Noah’s Flood”, man’s inherited sin-nature still dominated his behavior, and continued to incline towards evil. Noah’s descendants refused to obey the LORD’s instructions to “Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the Earth” (Genesis 9: 1), choosing instead to attempt to remain as one group in a place named Babel. Their intent was to follow their own minds and stay where they could create their own society and means of worship. The LORD intervened, confounded their language, and scattered them as He had intended. (Genesis Chapters Nine – Eleven).

Before God Gave the Law / Ten Commandments

Note that after Adam’s sin and fall from God’s Grace, God would continue to deal with each person individually, based on the choices made under the influences of their conscience. (Romans 2: 12-16)  Man was aware of the difference between good and evil, but evil still prevailed, and death still ruled.

Sin was in the world, but the Scripture said, “sin is not imputed (attributed or charged) when there is no law.” (Romans 5: 13)  Our Just and Righteous God would not charge a person with having failed to live up to His Moral standards when there could be any question as to what “standard(s)” were violated. Because of His love for His favored creation man, the LORD moved to implement the next phase of His Plan to restore man to Himself. He would implement His Plan to educate man to the nature of  the “righteousness” that was “His” Standard.

God’s Plan: Through the Abrahamic Covenant

The LORD chose one man, a Syrian named Abram (later called Abraham), through whom He would establish His Covenant (a formal agreement) affecting all mankind. That landmark agreement is known as the “Abrahamic Covenant”. (Genesis 12: 1-3). The LORD promised Abram that if he would leave his homeland and his father and family, and go to a new land, He (The LORD) would make of him a “great nation”, and give him many blessings, and through him would “all the families of the Earth be blessed.”  

That “Blessing” for “all the families of the Earth” would be the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Galatians 3: 8)  Through His death, burial and Resurrection, He defeated Death, making a path to eternal life for all who would believe in Him, and what He has accomplished for us. (1 Corinthians 15: 1-4; Romans 10: 9-13) Believers are no longer under the curse of death given as a result of Adam’s sin. However that remained a secret in the mind of God, and it would not be revealed until He was ready to disclose it. (Deuteronomy 29: 29)  [This is another example of the “progressive revelation” of the Scripture.]

Abram obeyed and became “righteous” in God’s sight through his faith. (Hebrews 11: 8-9) Through his obedience, Abraham became the “Father” of God’s favored people, the Nation of Israel through his son Isaac, and grandson Jacob (later renamed “Israel” by the LORD).

Role of Israel:

After the LORD made the Covenant with Abraham, God would continue to deal with each person individually, based on the choices they made under the influences of their conscience. (Romans 2: 12-16)   However, God’s new Plan was to use a select group of people (the Nation of Israel) to serve as His “priests” / intermediaries to bring and teach the rest of mankind (the Gentiles) God’s Moral Standards of Behavior / The Law./ “Ten Commandments (Exodus 19: 1-8)  (Exodus 20: 1-17)

The Ten Commandments / The Law

At this point I ask and encourage you to read Exodus Chapters 19 and 20.

Later in the Bible, the Scripture clarifies several key points:

·       the Law was given specifically to those who were under the Law (Israel), (Romans 3: 19)

·       God was going to teach and apply the Law to all mankind so that no one would be able to argue that they had not sinned / broken a law of God because the Law didn’t apply to them.  

·       Under the Law, all the world had become guilty before God, (Romans 3: 19)

·       because all have sinned; (Romans 3: 23)

·       therefore by the deeds of the law (attempting to do what the Law says) would make no one become “justified” / righteous in His eyes; and most importantly, the true purpose of the Law:

·       for by the Law is the knowledge of sin.  (Romans 3: 19-20) 

The Law was viewed in the Scripture as a “Schoolmaster”. Its purpose was to teach man his limitations, and the need for a Savior to provide for righteousness.(Galatians 3: 22-25)

The people of the Nation of Israel attempted to keep the Moral Law / Ten Commandments so that they could teach others from their own experiences. But they soon learned that God’s standards for behavior were far beyond what anyone could accomplish. Further, Israel’s “Laws” had been expanded to reach a total of 613 rules and regulations, although there was some disagreement as to the accuracy of that specific number. (See: https://www.thetorah.com/article/the-origins-and-use-of-the-613-mitzvot ; and   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/613_commandments   The Scripture clarified that the failure to meet even one of the Commandments resulted in the failure to meet all of them. (Deuteronomy 27: 26; Galatians 3: 10; James 2:10) Also, because God looks on a man’s heart and not just his actions, the Lord Jesus explained that a person’s intent could also be seen as a failure. (Matthew 5: 27-28) 

Israel’s attempts to keep the Law were futile, just as have been the unsuccessful efforts by all others (Gentiles) since then…except of course our Lord Jesus.

 

There is another important factor related to the Moral Law / Ten Commandments that many have not understood. The Law was not intended to be a continuing “yardstick” / measuring device to determine righteous in the sight of God.

One of my teachers (Les Feldick) pointed out something that I had not seen earlier in the Scripture.  Galatians 3: 19 says the Law “was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made:…”  I had understood that the Law was added because of man’s “transgressions”/ sins, but had not appreciated that the Law was only to be necessary until “the seed” (our Lord Jesus Christ) should come “to whom the promise was made”. The term “seed” takes us all the way back to the Garden of Eden, where the LORD God prophesied that the “seed of the woman” would bruise / crush the head of the serpent that brought sin upon mankind. (Genesis 3: 15)  The “promise” was the Abrahamic Covenant, as noted above.  Again, Our Lord Jesus is that blessing, and He came through the lineage of Abraham and the Nation of Israel.

Once Israel’s Messiah, our Lord Jesus had come, the Nation’s people were to recognize who He was, and that He would bring them everlasting righteousness.  (Daniel 9: 20-24) There would no longer be a need for the Law. From that time through the present time, every Jew and Gentile could / would be declared “righteous” in the sight of God (as though they had never sinned), if they placed faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 3: 19-31; Galatians 3: 21-26) 

In summary, there is no “self-righteousness”. There is nothing a person can do or perform to enhance their righteousness before God, except to place their faith in Christ Jesus.

Dr. W. A. (Bill) Robinson

Believing in God vs Believing God

 

Believing in God vs Believing God

 

Believing what someone or even what many people say about God is not the same as believing what God has said to us, through the Bible Scriptures.  His messages were sent from the inspired words of the Holy Spirit through special men chosen by God. (2 Timothy 3: 16-17)  That is why we must read the Bible for ourselves. We then have a context to allow us to compare what others are saying, to what God has said through the Scriptures.

The title of this post suggests that there is an important difference between “Believing in God vs Believing God”. Most Christians and others know that literally millions of people have said that they believe “in God”. They accept the concept that there is “a God”, even as they might call Him by different names, or might have no specific name of reference.  Of those many millions, there are a number that believe in the God of our Christian faith…but as Christians we do not all believe the same things. Believe: to put trust in; to have faith in.

[In my past and future posts I have and will present my thoughts related to what messages the Bible Scriptures are teaching us.  I’m accompanying my thoughts with scriptural references, but I hope that as you read my comments you will verify them for yourselves. I’m trying to share why I not only “believe in God”, but also “believe Him”.]

Before continuing in the discussion of “believing”, it is important to see the consequences of failure to believe, or “unbelief”. In our Bible there are several important instances of how “unbelief” has led to seriously bad outcomes. The Old Testament gives us these among other examples to guide our learning (Romans 15: 4):

·       Contrary to the LORD God’s specific orders, Adam chose to not believe. (Genesis 2: 16-17, 3: 1-6)  We still live with the consequences of Adam’s unbelief today.

·       The people of the Nation of Israel refused to believe and follow the LORD’s instructions to enter the (Promised) Land at Kadesh Barnea. (Numbers Chapter 14) The penalty for their unbelief was for them to have to wander in the wilderness for forty years before they could enter…without those who verbally refused to obey God and died along the way. (Hebrews Chapter Three)

·       Despite all the good deeds they had done to support the LORD’s plan to bring the people of Israel out of Egypt from Pharaoh, Moses and Aaron were not allowed to enter the Promised Land. They disobeyed the LORD’s instructions and angrily “struck the Rock twice” to obtain water for the complaining Israelites. The LORD attributed this to their unbelief, for not doing as He had said. They misrepresented Him to the people of Israel. (Numbers 20: 1-12)

As the Sovereign God, from the time of His creation of man, He expected us to believe and act on what He has said.

The New Testament also provides examples of unbelief to teach us today:

·       When our Lord Jesus returned to His hometown of Nazareth, the people there refused to acknowledge who He was. The Scripture says: “He did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.” (Matthew 13: 54-58)  His blessings required their faith / belief in Him.

·       After the Lord’s Resurrection, His disciples refused to believe He had risen because they had not seen Him.  When He did appear to them, He upbraided / chastised them for their unbelief.  After instructing them to go into all the world and preach the gospel, He made this critical prophesy: “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” (Mark 16: 1-16)  [See also John 3: 14-21. Remember, this related to the Gospel of the Kingdom only, because the Lord Jesus’ Gospel of Grace had not yet been revealed to the Apostle Paul. Even so, it documents God’s highest priority for believing His Word.]

·       In his letter to the Romans, the Apostle Paul explained that although the Nation of Israel’s unbelief led to their rejection of the Lord Jesus as their Messiah, God has not totally rejected them. However, because of their “stumbling”, God has temporarily “blinded” them. God’s offers of salvation could now come directly to the Gentiles through His Gospel of Grace. (Romans Chapter 11)  

 

 

Should individual Gentiles reject God’s offer of Salvation (1 Corinthians 15: 1-4; Romans 10: 9-13), it will be to their own detriment. Although the Nation of Israel has been blinded, individual Jews now have the same choice…to believe God, or not.

 

The examples noted above paint the picture of our loving God, who has both given man guidance towards living a bountiful life in these years on the Earth…and how to overcome our sin-nature to receive salvation and eternal life. Different times and generations; different people and circumstances…but the same lessons. Unbelief results in bad consequences. On the other hand, the examples noted in the “Faith Chapter of the Scripture (Hebrews Chapter 11) show how “faith / believing God” has great rewards.

 

My own life experiences and my Bible have convinced me that not only is there “a God”, but that He is the same God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, our Lord Jesus Christ. Learning the relationship between Christianity and the Nation of Israel has greatly facilitated my understanding of Bible Scripture. I know that God has brought us born into this current generation and is allowing us to witness the fulfillment of both Old and New Testament prophesy (2 Peter 1: 19-21) Some noteworthy examples include:

 

·       The response given by our Lord Jesus to His disciples when they asked: “what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?” (Matthew Chapter 24)

·       Many centuries after their Temple had been destroyed and the people dispersed, the Nation of Israel has returned to their Homeland. (Ezekiel Chapter 37)

·       The final parts / kingdoms of the Great Image seen by Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar in his dream, as interpreted by Daniel, are now in place. (Daniel Chapter Two)

·       Re: Daniel’s Prophecy of “70 Weeks” for Israel: “…to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.” (Daniel 9: 24-27) Except for the final seven years (the Tribulation), this has been fulfilled.  The Old Testament prophets had no knowledge of this current 2,000 years of “the Church Age”.

·       The examples of man’s sinful behavior cited by the Apostle Paul in his letter to the Romans are now pervasive in this current time. (Romans 1: 18-31)

·       The Revelation of our Ascended Lord Jesus to His Disciple John foretells of the coming of an entity (we know as the Antichrist) who will require that all people receive a mark on their right hand or forehead in order to buy or sell. (Revelation 13: 11-18). The concept of having a unique identifier for each person already exists, perhaps like the Universal Product Code in use throughout much of the world). See: https://search.yahoo.com/search?fr=mcafee&type=E210US105G0&p=universal+product+code

·       In the same Revelation of our Lord Jesus to the Apostle John, the prophecy is that the Lord will send “two witnesses” during the period we know as the Tribulation, who will prophesy on His behalf. In a manner unimaginable before this current time, the entire world will see the bodies of these two martyred witnesses lying in the street for three and a half days. Then the Lord will revive them and bring them back to heaven.   (Revelation 11: 1-12) Prior to this era of high communications technology, such an event could only be seen as science fiction.  Today it is easily achievable.

Collectively, these Bible truths (and others not cited), and my personal experiences over these many decades have convinced and assured me that not only is there “a God”, but that the one with whom I have a relationship is “The God” Elohiym (my Abba Father, my Lord and Savior Christ Jesus, and my indwelling Holy Spirit).

Dr. W. A. (Bill) Robinson

Biblical Timelines – What Israel Saw vs What We See Today

 

Biblical Timelines – What Israel Saw vs What We See Today

 

Les Feldick, one of my favorite Bible teachers and head of the series: “Through the Bible with Les Feldick” (www.lesfeldick.org), was called home by the Lord earlier this year. His dear wife Iris recently joined them. In their memory I’d like to share an important educational tool that I first learned from Les several years ago. It significantly enhanced my understanding of the Bible. That “tool” is “Les Feldick’s Biblical Timelines”. (http://www.lesfeldick.org/lestimel.html )

Although it might seem simplistic, by comparing the views of how Israel saw the word of God unfolding through history, to what we see now in looking both backwards and ahead, we can better appreciate the variations in God’s Plan for mankind.

On close examination the reader will notice there are many points of agreement between the first Timeline and the second one. This is especially visible in the landmark events that took place prior to the First Advent of our Lord Jesus, marked by the Cross.

The first Timeline depicts what “The Old Testament Prophets (of Israel) Saw” as God’s Plan for mankind. That Timeline is consistent with all the events and scripture of the Old Testament and has guided Israel’s understanding even today. What is especially noteworthy is what happens after the sign of the Cross. Because Israel has not accepted the Christian view that our Lord Jesus was their long-awaited Messiah / Christ, their Timeline does not reflect the 2,000+ years of what we now call the “Church Age”. While they still “await the coming of their Messiah”, they anticipate that the period of Tribulation will begin soon afterwards. That concept is captured briefly in Psalm Two.

The second Timeline that “We See Today”, reflects what we as Christians have learned from the bulk of our “New Testament”.  It not only adds the perspective of the past 2,000 years of this Age of Grace, but also shows the coming “Rapture of the Church”, before the 7 Years of Tribulation, to which both Timelines agree.

Of critical importance to us as Christians, comparing the two Timelines helps explain the differences between our Lord Jesus’ “Gospel of the Kingdom” message to Israel during His Earthly Ministry (Matthew 4: 17, 10: 5-7; Mark 1: 14-15), and the “Gospel of Grace” message He gave to Paul for us Gentiles, after His rejection by Israel, and His crucifixion, death, burial, Resurrection and Ascension. (1 Corinthians 15: 1-4, Romans 10: 9-13)  Many Christians today have been confused by relying solely on the Lord’s message during His Earthly Ministry to His disciples and the other people of Israel.

The Lord Jesus’ message of the Gospel of the Kingdom reflects the first Timeline, based on the Covenant that the LORD made with Abram (later named Abraham) that would result in the creation of the Nation of Israel. (Genesis 12: 1-8)   His message was directed to Israel, not to Gentiles. (Matthew 10: 5-7) This is an important distinction to make. Remember the advice Paul gave to his protege Timothy to “rightly divide the word of truth”. (2 Timothy 2: 15) It also is a key to understanding why the Book of Acts is called the “Book of Transition”…as God’s Plan for the salvation of mankind shifts from its focus on Israel to the primary focus on the previously excluded Gentiles. That earlier “exclusion of the Gentiles” might sound harsh to many, but God had a Plan!  That is why we have been advised/instructed to read the entire scripture. (2 Timothy 3: 14-17)

More on this differentiation between the Gospel of the Kingdom and the Gospel of Grace will be discussed in another post on this blog.

Dr. W. A. (Bill) Robinson

Our God: The Same Yesterday, Today, and Forever – Part One

 

Our God: The Same Yesterday, Today, and Forever – Part One

 

Jesus Christ: The same: yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13: 8)

Some Christians think that over the many centuries since God created man, He has changed.  The scriptural statement above argues that that perception is not correct. Careful reading of the Bible clarifies the reasoning to support the validity of the subject verse.

Let’s look at a few reasons why some might have incorrect perceptions.

Christians generally acknowledge that we worship the Triune Godhead composed of God the Father, God the Son, and the Holy Spirit. That concept was introduced in the first sentence of the Bible which attributes the creation of the heaven and the earth to “God”. In the original Hebrew language, that word is “Elohiym”, a plural noun.(Genesis 1: 1)  That entire chapter refers to “God”, but as the next chapter refers to the same God, the term of identification is changed  to the “LORD God”, from the translation of “Yhovah” or Jehovah, the Jewish national name of God. By Chapter Four, the term “God” has been replaced by the single term “LORD”, but with the same translation.

Later in the Scripture we learn that it is our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who was the entity within the Godhead who accomplished the Creation of Genesis 1: 1. (John 1: 1-3; Colossians 1: 16, 2: 8-9; Hebrews 1: 1-2)  Israel’s “God Jehovah” is our Lord Jesus Christ. The failure of Israel to make that connection is why they persecuted Him and subsequently conspired with the Romans to have Him crucified. Even so, they did this out of ignorance. The Apostle Paul later points out:

^“7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:

⁸ Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.” (1 Corinthians 2: 7-8)

Those verses lead me to another major reason for some misperceptions regarding God’s trait of “Immutability”. As the title of this post asserts, He does not change. The key word is “mystery”, sometimes referred to as a “secret”.

An often-underappreciated verse in our Bible was a statement made by Moses in some of his final words to the people of Israel before his death:

“The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.” (Deuteronomy 29: 29). Although we know that Moses was speaking specifically to Israel regarding their adherence to God’s Law, he was also alerting them that there were other things (secrets / mysteries)  in the mind of God that were not known to men at that time. We also know from our Bible study that “whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning…” (Romans 15: 4)  As Christians and Bible students, we are to learn from the deeds and words of those who preceded us.

Israel did not learn from the many predictions made by their Old Testament prophets, now known as the “Messianic Prophecies”.  They should have recognized that our Lord Jesus was the Christ, their long-awaited “Messiah”. (https://search.yahoo.com/search?fr=mcafee&type=E210US105G0&p=messianic+prophecies ) But they had an excuse.  Just as He keeps things secret in His mind,  our All-knowing God had hidden this knowledge from them, so that we today could benefit. (Romans 11: 7-11) 

Neither Christians nor Jews have an excuse today. The full scripture has been made available to us in the form of the Holy Bible. Because it has been translated from the original languages for centuries, and has been made widely available in print and other forms, it is not unreasonable that God could expect us to know Him.

As a final point, it is important to address the concept that God keeps “secrets”…or unrevealed mysteries. To uncover His mysteries, the Bible must be taken as a whole.  Remember the instructions given by the Apostle Paul to his young protégé `Timothy:

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:…” (2 Timothy 3: 16)

Among the mysteries revealed in the latter Books of the New Testament are several that many, if not most Christians are unfamiliar. I’m primarily referring to those mysteries made known to the Apostle Paul by the Ascended Lord Jesus. They include:

1.      Romans 11: 25 – “²⁵ For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.” [Note earlier reference above to Israel’s “blindness”.]

2.      1 Corinthians 15: 50-53 - “Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.”  [This mystery relates to the scriptural reference for what is often called the “Rapture of the Church”, in 1 Thessalonians 4: 13-17]

3.      2 Thessalonians 2: 7-9 – “⁷ For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders…” [Iniquity = lawlessness]

4.      Ephesians 1: 9 –10 - “ Having made known unto us the mystery of his (God’s) will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:”

5.      Ephesians 3: 2-6 – “If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:

6.      Colossians 1: 25-27 – “Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: [Gentile believers in The Body of Christ]

7.      Colossians 2: 2-3 – “That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

8.      1 Timothy 3: 16 – “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

There are other previously unknown mysteries or secrets that God revealed to James, Peter, John and Jude, as noted in the final eight Books of the New Testament. They are not called by the terms “mystery” or “secret”, except as noted by John in the Book of Revelation. (Revelation 1: 20, 10: 7, 17: 5 and 7) However, they are concepts that had not been disclosed in earlier scripture. For example, both Peter and John tell what will happen to this planet Earth that has been so defiled under the influences of the Enemy.  We know that what we’re witnessing is much more than “climate change”. We remember the message of our Lord Jesus from the Book of Matthew, Chapter 24.

 

No, God hasn’t changed.  He is the same, yesterday, today and tomorrow.  In Part 2 on this topic I’ll review the Covenants and Dispensations which marked man’s interaction with our Creator over the centuries.

 

Dr. W. A. (Bill) Robinson

Why Won't Christians Defend the Word of God

 

Why Won’t Christians Defend the Word of God?

 

Within two days, the Washington Post ran two stories on their front page that prompted this post.  On Saturday, August 5, 2023, the lead story, accompanied by a large family photo, was titled: “An abortion ban made them teen parents. What came next?” The next day, Sunday, August 6, 2023, that same newspaper ran two articles on their front page related to the on-going troubles of the former President…but I will focus on the one titled: “Nation falls deeper into division after indictment”.

Regarding the headline for that Saturday three-page story, there was a time in the not so distant past when that one-time, award-winning newspaper would have used more accurate language. Even as there continues to be a debate about what should be taught in public schools about sexuality, most (and we hope all) of the pre-teens and teenagers already know that “an abortion ban” will not result in their becoming “teen parents”.  Hopefully they have been taught the factual cause of a pregnancy before it can become a reality.

Then, why the inaccuracy of the headline? We assume that the editors knew better. Was it because it was more provocative than the truth, and it might result in higher readership? Or perhaps the primary agenda was to attack the ban on abortion services. Regardless of the motive, it is an example of the increasing reluctance / failure of the established media (both print and visual media) to address issues of morality, except to sensationalize them as “news”. The topic of “abortion” has been provocative for many years, and has divided even Christians. For Christians, the answer should be found in our Bible…not what someone thinks should be there.  Why won’t Christians turn to the Scripture to document their views?  The media won’t. Why won’t we? [As an aside, my earliest posts on this blog attempted to document my views on this same subject.]

Now, regarding the second / Sunday headline, I raise the same question as stated in the title. That primary headline has a secondary headline that says: “Without a trusted voice of authority, Americans turn to partisan rhetoric”. This article and the other one I alluded to on the same front page were addressing the fall-out from the actions of the former President over the past years. The writer of the article has offered a definitive alternative to the deepening divisions between those who would or already have dismissed the former President’s behavior, versus those who believe the results of the various investigations prove his criminal guilt. Do we as Christians know “a trusted voice of authority”? Further, are we willing to stand up for and defend the word of God? Would Christians do that even against someone who has a considerable following?

In the secular world, Edmund Burke is credited by many with the saying: “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” That remains true. However, from the perspective of the Bible, the relative number of Christians who have participated in the legal processes involving the former President have been relatively few.  

Our Bible gave us two messages regarding judging others.  During His Earthly Ministry our Lord Jesus cautioned His disciples not to judge others, lest their own faults become even more manifest. (Matthew 7: 1-5) They had not yet received the insight and guidance of the Holy Spirit. But now, as believers in our Lord’s crucifixion, death, burial, and Resurrection, (1 Corinthians 15: 1-4) it tells us that because we have received the guidance of the Holy Spirit, “he that is spiritual judgeth all things…(1 Corinthians 2: 12-16)  As Christians and “ambassadors for Christ” in this fallen world (2 Corinthians 5: 20), we are expected to exercise discernment in being able to know the differences between what is “evil” and what is “good”. (Romans 12: 9, 21)  We are not being asked or guided to confront those who commit evil deeds, but we should point out the nature of the offensive behavior. (Proverbs 28: 5)  Again, why won’t Christians defend the word of God, especially since the Holy Spirit has enabled us to discern evil from good? 

It might be helpful to review the words of doctrine from Romans 16: 17-18:

“¹⁷ Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

¹⁸ For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.”

While individual Christians might be unable to accomplish change in this area, hopefully the umbrella organizations to which they belong should be able to accept this challenge…to face the media and others whose search for truth might still be on-going.

Dr. W. A. (Bill) Robinson

Christianity and Israel – More Links from Our Past

 

Christianity and Israel – More Links from Our Past

 

Some months ago I made a post on this blog titled: “Christianity and Israel – Linked From the Beginning”. Recently I’ve been prompted to continue that discussion, and I believe that prompt was significant in its timing. We are soon entering an important period of Israel’s religious observances.

One of my teachers had been discussing some aspects of Israel’s past. The initial subject was related to the events that took place following the Resurrection and Ascension of our Lord Jesus as described in the Book of Acts, in Chapters One and Two. You probably remember how the Lord’s disciples were gathered when suddenly they were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in tongues.  The timing of their coming together, along with many other members of the Nation of Israel, was to celebrate the Jewish Feast of Pentecost. My teacher made some related remarks, that led to this post focused on the Feasts of Israel.

I had not previously considered the Seven Major Feasts in the context of our study of Christianity.  I should have…but that’s why we continue to study. 😊

In the Jewish Torah (our Bible’s Book of Leviticus, Chapter 23), the LORD gave Moses the following instructions:

“Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, Concerning the feasts of the LORD, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, even these are my feasts.” (Verse Two)

As often as I had heard about the “Feasts of Israel”, I had not paid particular attention to the actual language of the Scripture.  When I finally did, it was clear that the LORD views these as HIS Feasts, not theirs. Looking at Pentecost and the other Major Feasts from that perspective placed a new light on the subject…our Lord Jesus.

When reviewing the LORD’s seven feasts described in Leviticus Chapter 23, it is not quickly apparent that they are divided into two groups…four in the Spring, and three in the Autumn. Those occurring in the Spring include Passover, Unleavened Bread, First Fruits, and Pentecost. Those celebrated in the Fall include Rosh Hashana (Trumpets / New Year), Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement), and Tabernacles / Booths. It is also not readily apparent how some of these Feasts relate to our Lord Jesus as we have come to know Him.

One of my sources has written on this topic, and I encourage you to read that article at: https://www.gotquestions.org/Jewish-feasts.html. We might or might not agree with all their statements of the significance of each of the Feasts, but they do provide a starting place for discussion. However, I’d like to move in a slightly different direction.

First, some comments regarding the LORD’s four Feasts held in the Spring.

As noted above, most Christians are probably familiar with the events leading up to and immediately following the suffering, Crucifixion, death, burial, Resurrection, and Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ. Even so, the commercial focus on “Easter” frequently distracts from the sacrifices made by the Lord while these Feasts are being observed by Israel.

In presenting His instructions to Moses and Israel regarding the conduct of the “LORD’s Feasts”, the LORD was stressing the significance of how He liberated Israel from slavery in Egypt, how He would bring them into their Promised Land, and how He would deliver and celebrate their first harvest. Christians generally do not regard these events as being especially important to us.  But the Lord knew that in the future He would liberate both Jew and Gentile believers from their slavery to sinful lives and death sentences; He would gather us unto Himself and provide us many blessings; and He would celebrate our being with Him. (1 Corinthians 15: 1-4; Romans 10: 9-13; Zechariah 10: 8; Matthew 24: 31; 2 Thessalonians 2: 1-2; Revelation 21: 3-7)

It is noteworthy that LORD placed the priority order of the Seven Feasts on those Spring Feasts related to the His sacrifices on our behalf. On the other hand, many Christians have placed a higher significance on the Lord Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem as they celebrate Christmas.

Regarding the LORD’s three Feasts held in the Autumn, His theme for the Nation of Israel seems to be “New Beginnings”. The Lord is instructing them to observe a “memorial of blowing trumpets, an holy convocation”. (Leviticus 23: 24).  We know this as “Rosh Hashana”, the start of the Jewish New Year, and it marks the beginning of a 10-day period of penitence for their sins / transgressions during the past year. Their prayers proclaim the Almighty God as King of the Universe, and request a new year of “peace, prosperity and blessing”.  (https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/4762/jewish/What-Is-Rosh-Hashanah.htm#Why )

The second LORD’s Feast of the Autumn observed by the Nation of Israel is called Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. This is Israel’s Highest Holy Day. It is a day of fasting and penitent prayer…and at its conclusion, the people are to have received the LORD’s forgiveness; and they will have been purified and “cleansed from all their sins before God.” (https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/177886/jewish/What-Is-Yom-Kippur.htm )

The third of the LORD’s Feasts of the Autumn includes both the Feast of Tabernacles and the Feast of Branches. The Tabernacle (meaning “tent”) was the temporary site where the LORD resided as He guided and protected the Nation during their sojourn through the wilderness after leaving Egypt. The Branches were a testament to the variety of trees that the LORD made available to Israel when they would enter the Promised Land. This was another testimony to His capacity and willingness to provide for those who belong to Him.  Both Feasts remind us as Christians of the blessings our Lord Jesus continues to provide for us today.

When looking over these three LORD’s Feasts of the Autumn, I am again drawn to the theme of “New Beginnings”.  For members of the Nation of Israel, there is the yearly opportunity to be penitent and receive atonement in the eyes of the LORD for their sins over the past year.  They begin each year anew. 

While Israel has been blinded to the Lord’s having come as their Messiah (Romans 11: 7-11, 25), Christians  have faith that our permanent “New Beginning” was marked by three events related to our Lord Jesus Christ. The first was His taking the form of a man and being born of the Virgin Mary in Bethlehem. The second was His going to the Cross to suffer and shed His blood to atone for our sins, followed by His Resurrection victory over death. (Hebrews Chapter Nine)  The third was His receiving us as members of His Body unto eternal life, and the provision of countless blessings during this Earthly journey.

Just as the LORD’s Spring Feasts correlate with the end of the Lord Jesus’ Earthly Ministry, I believe His Autumn Feasts correlate to the new beginning for Christians and mankind in general. He was the New Beginning for mankind, bringing “Light” into this world of darkness. (John 1: 1-9)  Through Him is the only true atonement for sin, and the way to eternal life. 

Dr. W. A. (Bill) Robinson