tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64402062470236024402024-02-20T17:35:47.158-05:00Straight Talk about the BiblePresenting the ideas and writings of Bible scholar Fred KenisonDr. Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03221772216491876101noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440206247023602440.post-21890630841363808352012-02-21T16:37:00.001-05:002012-02-21T16:42:03.597-05:00Who Are the Saints?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:donotorganizeinfolder/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif][if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:lidthemeasian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> 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mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Palatino Linotype","serif";} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"">[This article is based on material from our book, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">The Truth Revealed in Romans</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>You can read the entire book free on our website: </span><a href="http://www.biblestudybooksfree.com/"><span style="font-size:8.0pt; font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"">www.biblestudybooksfree.com</span></a><span style="font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"">.]</span><span style="font-size:8.0pt"></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto; mso-pagination:widow-orphan;mso-layout-grid-align:auto;text-autospace:ideograph-numeric ideograph-other"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Palatino Linotype","serif"">Saints are commonly considered to be extremely virtuous, kind, and patient people.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Or, saints may be considered as religious, pious people (i.e., a holy person), especially if they have been officially honored with this title by a Christian church.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Some consider saints to be people who have died and gone to heaven.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>And, some <span class="ssens">(usually Christians) </span>believe that saints are God’s <span class="ssens">chosen people.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto; mso-pagination:widow-orphan;mso-layout-grid-align:auto;text-autospace:ideograph-numeric ideograph-other"><span class="ssens"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Palatino Linotype","serif"">The implication in most of these common definitions is that people are called saints on the basis of their behavior.</span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;font-family:"Palatino Linotype","serif";letter-spacing:-.2pt"> <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Palatino Linotype","serif";letter-spacing:-.1pt">Paul addressed this issue in Romans 1:7:<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">“To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints.”</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>To explain what Paul meant in this verse, we must consider four words: all, beloved, called, and saints.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Palatino Linotype","serif";letter-spacing: -.1pt"></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt">Because these words are all adjectives, not nouns, they should be followed with a noun, either written or understood (i.e., one or ones) by the reader. In other words, this verse should read: “to all those who are in Rome, beloved (ones) of God, called (ones), sainted (ones).” Paul used these adjectives to describe everyone in Rome. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Palatino Linotype","serif";letter-spacing: -.1pt"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;letter-spacing:-.6pt">To all, or some?</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;letter-spacing:-.6pt"></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt">This letter was probably sent to the small church in Rome.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But, was<span style="letter-spacing:-.3pt"> Paul writing only to the believ</span><span style="letter-spacing:-.2pt">ers, which many people claim? <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Or, was it, </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.35pt">as Paul said, written to everyone in Rome?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The word <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">all</b> comes from the Greek </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="letter-spacing:.05pt">pasin</span></b><span style="letter-spacing:.05pt">, which “emphasizes the individual member of the class denoted by the </span><span style="letter-spacing:.3pt">noun (Rome), every, each, any, </span><span style="letter-spacing:-.35pt">scarcely different in meaning <span style="mso-bidi-font-style:italic">from,<i> </i></span>the </span><span style="letter-spacing:.05pt">plural ‘all’.” </span></span><span style="font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";letter-spacing:.05pt">[</span><span style="font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-GB" lang="EN-GB">Ardnt, William F. and F. Wilbur Gingrich. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Translation and Adaptation of the Fourth Revised and Augmented Edition of Walter Bauer=s Greek English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature</i>, 2<sup>nd</sup> Edition. (University of Chicago Press, 1958)</span><span style="font-size:8.0pt; font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";letter-spacing:.05pt">, p. 681]</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;letter-spacing:.05pt"></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;letter-spacing:.05pt">If Paul </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;letter-spacing:.15pt">were writing to each individual, as </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; letter-spacing:-.1pt">determined by the noun Rome, then </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;letter-spacing:-.2pt">he was not limiting his letter to only some of the people in Rome.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>When he said “all” h</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt">e did <span style="letter-spacing:-.1pt">not mean only </span><span style="letter-spacing: -.2pt">the believers; he meant everyone. Paul was sent to all the Gentiles, and </span>the “all” in Rome included the Gentile “called ones” to whom Paul was to preach the good news. <span style="letter-spacing:.3pt">When Paul wrote “all” he meant all; he did not mean “some.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Furthermore, when he said</span><span style="letter-spacing:-.25pt"> “all” he included unbelievers as well as believers.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;letter-spacing:-.45pt">Many today </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;letter-spacing:-.3pt">believe </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;letter-spacing:-.15pt">that “all” refers only to believers in </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; letter-spacing:-.45pt">Rome. The result, however, transforms </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;letter-spacing:-.25pt">God’s gift of grace, into man’s act of </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;letter-spacing: -.6pt">faith, indicating that God reacts to what man does. This </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;letter-spacing:-.25pt">is completely backward. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Men are to react to what God has already done, </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;letter-spacing:-.5pt">i.e., given them salvation. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span><span style="font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"">[For more about this, see our book, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">What Scripture Says About Salvation.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></i>You can read the entire book free on our website: </span><a href="http://www.biblestudybooksfree.com/"><span style="font-size:8.0pt; font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"">www.biblestudybooksfree.com</span></a><span style="font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"">.]</span><span style="font-size:8.0pt"></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;letter-spacing:-.5pt">Paul did not </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;letter-spacing:-.35pt">begin his letter to the Romans on the </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;letter-spacing:-.25pt">foundation of faith, but on the grace </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;letter-spacing: -.65pt">and love of God toward men. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Men cannot do anything that</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; letter-spacing:-.2pt"> </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; letter-spacing:-.6pt">will influence God to love them.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; letter-spacing:-.05pt">God already loves them, and he has al</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;letter-spacing:-.2pt">ready bestowed a full </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;letter-spacing:-.45pt">salvation upon them.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This includes not only the “all that be in </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;letter-spacing:-.05pt">Rome,” but all those in the entire</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;letter-spacing:-.5pt"> world, including those regarded </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; letter-spacing:-.4pt">as “sinners.”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;letter-spacing:.3pt">Beloved ones</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;letter-spacing:-.25pt">God loves because his nature is love.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>His love is </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;letter-spacing:-.45pt">not generated by any quality in man. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Instead, God’s love creates value. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>T</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; letter-spacing:-.05pt">hat </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; letter-spacing:-.15pt">which God loves has no value in itself, but is </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;letter-spacing:-.45pt">given value by being the object of his </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;letter-spacing: -.55pt">love. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Agape</i> does not simply confirm </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;letter-spacing:-.25pt">worth, it creates worth.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt"></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt">What reason could “all those in Rome “ give that would cause God to love them? Was it necessary for them to do something to cause God to love them? Men can be called “beloved” because God loved us even before we became believers.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="letter-spacing:-.45pt">This is a result of grace.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;letter-spacing:.25pt">Called ones</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt">By mistranslating this word as a verb, not an adjective, many people have missed the true sense of what Paul was saying. They were not “called to be saints” (as the KJV says), but they were “called ones.”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt">This calling was not something they did, but describes what they were. God called them through Jesus, the Christ. They had nothing to do with being “called” because God initiated the action. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt">Sainted ones</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a name="1:7"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; letter-spacing:-.1pt">In the phrase “called <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">to be</i> saints” (KJV), the words “to be” are italicized, indicating that these words were not in the original Greek manuscript.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Therefore, the phrase is actually “called saints,” a very important distinction.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:"1\:7""><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt">Paul was not addressing his letter to “those called to be saints,” but to those “called ones, sainted ones.” The adjective “sainted” clarifies how God viewed them. <span style="letter-spacing:-.1pt"></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="mso-bookmark:"1\:7""><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;letter-spacing:-.6pt">The word <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">saints</b> comes from the Greek adjective <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">hagiois</b>, </span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:"1\:7""><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;letter-spacing: -.5pt">usually translated as </span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:"1\:7""><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;letter-spacing:-.65pt">holy, or holy (ones) which means sepa</span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:"1\:7""><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;letter-spacing:-.1pt">ration, or separate. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Why were they </span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:"1\:7""><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;letter-spacing: -.45pt">addressed as "separated (ones)"? <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:"1\:7""><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt">By the death of Jesus, all those in <span style="letter-spacing:-.45pt">Rome — and in truth, all those in the </span><span style="letter-spacing:-.15pt">world (past, present, and future)―have </span><span style="letter-spacing:-.35pt">been separated, made holy (ones), or </span><span style="letter-spacing:-.25pt">sainted (ones), to God, and by God, </span><span style="letter-spacing:-.3pt">through his son, Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></span></span></p> <span style="mso-bookmark:"1\:7""></span> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt">According to Paul, these adjectives describe things done by God, regardless of the worth of the people involved. God loved them all, called them all, sainted them all. It had nothing to do with the merit of the people involved, or whether they believed or not. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt">If they did not become sainted ones until they believed, then their faith would be the factor by which God would regard them as sainted ones. This would be the very thing Paul preached against. Paul was refuting the Jewish teaching that men only merit being “beloved” ones, “called” ones, or “holy” ones by something they do.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt">Many today still believe the extremely pervasive teaching that “all” refers only to believers in Rome. The result, though, transforms God’s gift of grace into man’s act of faith, whereby God reacts to man. This is completely backwards. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>People are beloved ones, called ones, and sainted ones because of God’s grace, not because of anything they do, not even because of their faith.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span><span style="font-size:8.0pt"></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt">So, who are the saints?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The answer is: all of us.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Thank God, we do not have to be worthy to have God love us, call us, and saint us! We were completely worthless, yet God’s grace and love sought us out! <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>All of us are beloved by God, called by God, and separated (sainted) to God.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Franklin Gothic Demi","sans-serif"; color:red"> </span></p>Dr. Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03221772216491876101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440206247023602440.post-3250132269659033462012-01-30T21:55:00.002-05:002012-01-30T22:03:18.302-05:00What do you believe about the resurrection?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:donotorganizeinfolder/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> 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name="TOC Heading"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Palatino Linotype","serif";} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt">Most Christians today believe they will go to heaven when they die, presumably to live the good life.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Only a few know much about what the bible says about being raised from the dead, or resurrection.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>For many Christians, the resurrection seems incredulous, and nearly impossible to believe.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt">It is true that the scriptures raise many questions about the resurrection which remain unanswered.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>A simplistic belief about going to heaven is far easier to believe, and it makes more “sense” to many.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>However, as Jesus said to the Sadducees, who did not believe in the resurrection, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">“Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.”</i> (Matthew 22:29).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Like the Sadducees, most Christians simply do not understand the scriptures, nor do they understand the power of God.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt"></span>Not much is said about the resurrection in most churches.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>One reason for this is because the emphasis today is on “going to heaven,” a concept not found in the Bible.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It is simply incompatible to preach about both the resurrection and going to heaven.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In fact, the prevailing belief about going to heaven turns the resurrection into irrelevant nonsense.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>If people are already in heaven, why resurrect them so they can go back to heaven again?</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:"Trebuchet MS"">Many people actually confuse heaven with the kingdom of God here on earth.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span>The belief about heaven has even largely replaced the message of the kingdom, which is the message that Jesus and Paul.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:"Trebuchet MS"">However, the Bible teaches that our life in the next age will not be in heaven, but in the kingdom, right here on earth.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The fact that </span>Jesus was called “the Christ” refers to his role as king during the future kingdom.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none">As an aside, <span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt">Christ is not the second name of Jesus, but a title.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The word <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">christ</i> is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew word <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">messiah</i>, and it simply means “the anointed one.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In the Old Testament, only a high priest, a prophet, or a king would be anointed into office.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The New Testament refers to Jesus as the anointed one who presently is high priest, and who will be king over the entire earth during the coming kingdom of God. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:"Trebuchet MS""></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"">What do the scriptures really say?</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none">What we can say for sure is that there seems to be a great deal of confusion about the resurrection.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The question, then, is what do the scriptures actually say about the resurrection?</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none">A good place to begin might be in Paul’s letter to the Corinthian church.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In I Corinthians 15:3, Paul said <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">“I delivered to you as of first importance…that he (Jesus) was raised.”</i><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He then proceeded to list many of the people who had actually observed the resurrected Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He even said that if the dead are not raised then even Christ has not been raised, and that would label all those who had claimed to see him as false witnesses, or liars.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"">“Out from among the dead ones”</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none">Many of the learned philosophers of his day thought Paul was strange because he preached the resurrection. Acts 17:18 notes, <i>“Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection.”</i> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none">The resurrection is central to the gospel, or good news, that the apostles preached.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Paul actually tied Jesus and the resurrection together as equally important. In Acts 17:30-31, Paul said that, <i>“God...hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.”</i> <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This was emphasized even more in I Corinthians 15:12-23.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none">Please note that the Greek manuscript uses <i>ek, </i>out from the dead<i>.</i> Jesus was separated from all the dead. He was resurrected out from the dead as a first-fruit unto God.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Paul said this was God’s assurance that everyone (all men) would be resurrected when Jesus returns to initiate` the kingdom of God here on earth.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none">The word<b> resurrection</b> comes from <i>anastasis</i>, which means, “raising up, or a rising up as from a seat, or from the dead.” (Thayer, p. 585). In other words, if someone who has lived and died is then resurrected, he stands again.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It <span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt">occurs </span>42 times in 40 verses, only in the New Testament, and mostly in the words of Jesus or Paul.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none">Many of the verses with <i>anastasis</i> speak of “the resurrection” (for example, see: Matthew 22:28, Matthew 22:30, Matthew 22:31; Mark 12:23; Luke 14:14, Luke 20:33, Luke 20:35, Luke 20:36; John 11:24, John 11:25; Acts 2:31, Acts 4:2; I Corinthians 15:42; Philippians 3:10; II Timothy 2:18; Revelation 20:5, and Revelation 20:6).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The definite article sets this apart as a special event, the event of the resurrection, a major event to occur at the end of this age.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none">Among the Jews, the Pharisees were looking forward to a resurrection, and Jesus taught that there was a resurrection which would take place in the future, an event called “the resurrection.” The Sadducees, however, did not believe there was going to be any resurrection. They held that the dead simply stayed dead.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Jesus said they erred because they did not know the scriptures or the power of God (see Matthew 22:29-32). </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none">Matthew 22:31shows that Jesus was definitely teaching that the dead were going to be resurrected. In fact, Jesus taught the resurrection of all the dead. One resurrection. The resurrection. By doing so, he was also teaching that God is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">“But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.”</i> (Matthew 22:31-32).</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"">One resurrection with two aspects</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none">Paul also spoke of both the resurrection of all men, and the resurrection “out from among the dead ones.” Please follow this closely, because failure to understand these two different aspects of the resurrection causes much confusion.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none">Acts 23:6 says, <i>“But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.” </i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none">Look closely at what Paul said. He was arguing the fact of a resurrection which is to take place sometime in the future. A resurrection of the dead. All the dead. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none">The Sadducees said there would not be a resurrection of the dead. Paul said there would be, and for proof he told them Jesus was not only raised from the dead, but out from among the dead ones. This point needs to be emphasized. Jesus was not only resurrected, but he was resurrected out from among the dead ones because he was altogether without sin.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This indicates a physical resurrection with a spiritual aspect.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none">In “the resurrection,” although some people will come forth displaying attributes of physical life (they will move, breathe, understand, see, and hear), according to the Bible they will still be spiritually dead. Death is a spiritual reality as well as a physical fact. It may also be a state of mind, a state of circumstance, or a state of sin. For instance, Paul spoke of gossiping women as being dead while they yet lived (I Timothy 5:6). People can be operating in the sphere of death, thereby being what the scriptures call “dead” even though they are still physically alive.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none">God raised Jesus first, not only to demonstrate that Jesus was without sin, but also to demonstrate his power. According to Romans 1:4, Jesus was, <i>“declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.”</i> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none">While the KJV often states, “resurrection from the dead,” the Greek manuscript actually says, “resurrection out from among the dead” (i.e., Luke 20:35). This is an important distinction, and this mistranslation is the source of much confusion.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Jesus said that although all people will be resurrected, only those accounted worthy would be able to “obtain that world.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Other verses make it clear that “obtain that world” means that only those worthy ones would be allowed to rule in the kingdom with Jesus. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none">God raised Jesus from the dead to demonstrate what he has in store for others who are obedient to him: namely, a resurrection out from among the dead ones.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In other words, this is like a resurrection within a resurrection.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>While all men will be resurrected, the righteous, or just, or worthy will be separated from the dead, or unjust, or unworthy. That is what Jesus meant by saying “out from among the dead.” </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"">Everyone will be resurrected</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none">In Acts 24:15, Paul wrote, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">“...there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.”</i><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In Romans 8:19, Paul said the whole creation awaits the revelation of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">“the sons of God.”</i><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Jesus had identified who they are: They <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">“...are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection”</i> (Luke 20:36), the sons of the resurrection, the ones who are separated from the resurrected dead, or unjust ones.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none">By including both the just and the unjust, Paul was referring to the resurrection of all the dead. This is one complete resurrection, not two different resurrections. Paul said there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust. In other words, there will be one resurrection of all the people who will be separated into two groups, the just and the unjust.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none">The just are called the sons of God (Revelation refers to them as overcomers), and they will be a royal priesthood, a chosen people, acting as priests of God and priests of Christ. They will carry out the will of God, and rule and reign with Jesus Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They will also intercede with God on behalf of the other people upon this earth, including the resurrected unjust, or “dead” ones. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none">Jesus also dealt with the two aspects, or two groups, of “the resurrection.” First, everyone will be resurrected. Second, those who “obtain” will be separated from the resurrected unjust, or dead ones. These “obtainers” will enter the next age in a place of blessing as chosen servants of God.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none">Jesus elaborated on this point in John 5:28-29.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><i>“Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.”</i><span style="mso-bidi-font-style:italic"></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic">Here again we see the two aspects: the resurrection of life for the just, and the resurrection of damnation for the unjust.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The just will enter the kingdom to rule and reign with Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The unjust ones will be ruled over by the just ones.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"">Hope and the resurrection</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none">Recall that in Acts 23:6, Paul said “the hope and resurrection.” It is a hope, not an established fact. Regardless of whether people are just or unjust, they will be resurrected at the same time. That is the fact. However, everyone will not achieve the “out from among the dead ones” aspect of resurrection. The point is that when believers hope in the resurrection, it is not just to be resurrected, but to be resurrected “out from among the dead ones.” To achieve this aspect, they must be accounted worthy.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none">To be judged worthy does not mean that people must be sinless. Only Jesus has ever been without sin. All others have sinned, and therefore they are not without sin. People can only claim righteousness through the faith, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This was why God raised him out from among the dead ones to be the first to experience the <i>ek, </i><b>out from</b><i>, </i>resurrection. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none">In the same sense, those judged worthy will also be raised out from among the dead ones. Although they are sinners, their obedience, their hope, and their faithfulness will result in their being raised out from among the dead ones.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Those people who are unbelieving, disobedient, and hopeless will be resurrected, but not “out from among the dead ones,” because they are the dead ones.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none">In Acts 24:16, Paul said, <i>“And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void to offence toward God, and toward men.” </i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none">Why did Paul add this thought? He not only taught one resurrection with two aspects, but he also based his obedience on this view of the resurrection. He wanted to be accounted worthy of obtaining the life to come. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none">Peter also spoke of this hope.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”</i> (I Peter 1:3-5).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Our hope for salvation (or entry into the kingdom in a state of blessing to rule with Jesus) is based on the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the first to rise.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"">The resurrection is still future</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none">Some people say a spiritual resurrection has already taken place, and Jesus is now reigning spiritually in the world.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>When Hymenaeus and Philetus claimed that the resurrection was already past, Paul refuted their claim. In II Timothy 2:18-19, he said, <i>“Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”</i> Why people persist in believing something that is blatantly declared false by the scriptures remains a mystery. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none">Paul’s correction of this error destroyed the theory of a spiritual resurrection (although it is still prevalent today). The resurrection is yet to come, but it will happen. Both the just and the unjust will be resurrected at one time, but with a difference. The just will be resurrected “out from among the dead ones,” and thus separated from the unjust, the spiritually dead ones. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"">Resurrection and judgment</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none">In John 5:24-29, Jesus spoke in rebuttal to the Jews: <i>“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.”</i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none">This scripture contains several insights. Everyone in the graves will hear his voice and come forth. Those who have done good will be resurrected to life, and those who have done evil will be resurrected to a verdict of damnation, or guilt. The word <b>damnation</b> comes from <i>kriseos</i>, which literally means to be accounted guilty. However, it does not include any sense of what the penalty might be.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none">The resurrection includes a separation of two groups of people, the just and the unjust. The just are resurrected to life, the unjust to damnation. Just because the bodies of all are quickened, it does not mean all are alive in the same way. The unjust are physically alive, but they are not spiritually alive, nor are they in a place of blessing. The evil dead come forth physically alive, yet they are considered to be dead ones, spiritually speaking.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none">In John 11:25-26, Jesus said to Martha, <i>“I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?”</i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none">Jesus was referring to the two spheres of spiritual life and spiritual death. Though believers may die physically, they never enter the sphere of death, or that of evil, or unbelief. They are in a place of blessing with the Lord, awaiting the resurrection (redemption) of their bodies.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none">In Romans 2:5-11, Paul taught about the judgment to come. Notice that the separation is made according to people’s deeds.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">“But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; Who will render to every man according to his deeds: To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: For there is no respect of persons with God.”</i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none">What Paul stressed was obedience to the truth. People will be rewarded according to their works. In other words, the people will not be judged, but their works will be judged.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none">Paul taught more about the coming judgment in II Corinthians 5:10-11.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><i>“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.”</i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none">Here, again, is the element of judgment. There is a consequence (or reward) for doing good and a consequence for doing evil. One consequence is a blessing; the other is not. This is very important; Paul even said that he persuaded men because he knew the terror of the Lord. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none">Why was Paul so emphatic about persuading men to do good? In the KJV, the word “done” is italicized, which means it does not appear in the Greek manuscript. Without this word, the verse reads: “that may receive each the things in the body, according to what he did, whether good or evil.” Berry’s translation (<span style="font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-GB" lang="EN-GB">George Ricker Berry, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Interlinear Greek-English New Testament, KJV</i></span><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-GB" lang="EN-GB">)</span> says, “Everyone may receive the things in his body, according to that he hath done, whether good or bad<span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-GB" lang="EN-GB">.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none">This is probably one of the most misunderstood scriptures in the Bible. The word <b>in</b> comes from <i>dia</i>, which is usually translated as “through” instead of “in.” Paul said that people will receive, in their resurrected bodies, the things, or the results, of what they did while here on earth.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none">In other words, their resurrected bodies will give evidence of their judgment, whether their deeds were good or evil. This judgment will be received <i>dia</i>, <b>through</b>, the body. Good deeds will result in a spiritual body, while evil deeds will result in another physical body. No wonder Paul sought to persuade people to submit to God’s spirit at all times.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none"><span style="font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif""></span>In Galatians 6:7-9, Paul said, <i>“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”</i> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none">The reaping of corruption will be a future reaping, just as the reaping of life everlasting is in the future. Paul was not speaking about the natural process of corruption which takes place after the physical death of the body. He was referring to the bodies people will receive at the judgment mentioned above. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none">Paul was again referring to the separation during the resurrection. Perhaps this is why he repeatedly mentioned that he desired the <i>ek</i> resurrection, out from the dead ones. If people sow to the flesh they shall reap a physical body of corruption at the resurrection. If people sow to the spirit, they shall reap life everlasting, or a spiritual body, at the resurrection.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none">Jesus was the first to be resurrected “out from among the dead ones.” He was resurrected in a glorified body subject to the spirit, and he demonstrated this new body on many occasions following his death and resurrection. Even so, the resurrected just ones will have the same kind of body that Jesus received. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none">The judgment for what many call “heaven or hell” took place at the cross when Jesus paid for the sins of the whole world. That judgment was settled once and for all, for everyone.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The judgment indicated here is a different judgment, which has nothing to do with sending people to “heaven or hell,” as so often preached. This judgment will be the reward for what people have done with their lives. Those judged good will receive spiritual bodies; those judged evil will receive another natural body subject to death.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none">The judgment described in II Corinthians concerns people’s works which determine the condition of their resurrected body, and their condition during the kingdom age. This is the reward for their works, whether good or evil. Those who receive a spiritual body will rule and reign with Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They will rule over those who receive another natural body, or those described by Jesus as being in outer darkness. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none">People need to remember that God loves each of us, no matter who we are, and he has provided the means for us to accomplish everything he requires of us. If people love God in return, and serve him on the basis of love, there is no need to fear the resurrection judgment. If people live in rebellion to God’s love, looking forward to the judgment can indeed be fearful. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none">The works of all people will be judged, those who are still alive when Jesus returns, as well as those who will be resurrected. Those whose works are judged good will be rewarded with a spiritual body like the one Jesus has. Those whose works are judged evil will be rewarded with another natural body, as corruptible as the ones we have now.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Both groups will have a part in the kingdom; one group to rule, the other to be ruled over.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none">Jesus will judge our works to determine what kind of resurrection bodies we will receive. When our faith is properly based, God operates through us to bring forth the works which will stand the scrutiny of Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>When Paul said he wanted to know the power of his resurrection, he was referring to this power which judges our works.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"">Resurrected or raptured?</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none">In I Thessalonians 4:16, Paul referred to one group of the resurrected when he said, <i>“the dead in Christ </i>[who]<i> shall rise first.” </i> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none">This verse indicates the sequence of the resurrection for those who will obtain the out-resurrection, or the “out from among the dead ones” resurrection.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The dead believers, those dead in Christ, shall rise first. Then, the believers who are alive will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none">If people come forth with a body like the Lord’s, they will be able to rise and meet him in the air. Those with natural bodies will be unable to rise to meet him. This is the result of the separation, or the out-resurrection judgment Paul has been talking about.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none">Notice that this resurrection is accomplished by a shout of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">power</b>, <i>egersis</i>. Everyone will come forth. Only those who are judged worthy will be able to meet him in the air and escort him back to rule and reign over this earth. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none">The word <b>coming</b> is derived from <i>parousia</i>, which was used to express the activity when a king came to rule over his city. The citizens of that city would go out to meet the king and escort him to the city over which he would reign. Those who are dead in Christ, or living in Christ, will go out at his <i>parousia</i> to meet him and escort him back to his kingdom here on earth.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none">In other words, being able to rise and meet Jesus in the air will be evidence of the out-resurrected ones.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is not a “rapture” of believers into heaven, but an indication of judgment and spiritual rewards.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"">Resurrection and role in the kingdom</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none">Revelation 20:1-15 refers to the 1,000-year kingdom and the role reserved for those who obtain the out-resurrection. Verses 20:4-6 say, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">“And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.”</i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none">The words “lived not again” (verse 20:5) were not used in a resurrection sense. <b>Lived not again</b> comes from <i>ouk anezesan</i>. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Ouk</i> is the absolute not.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><i>Anezesan</i> is a compound word formed from <i>ana</i>, <b>again</b>, and <i>zoe</i>, <b>spiritual life</b>. The resurrected unjust come forth with natural bodies, and they cannot have spiritual, or eternal, life (<i>zoe</i>) until sometime after the 1,000 years, in the ages of ages.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Exactly how and when this may happen is not disclosed.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none">This verse does not say they will not be resurrected; but they will not be in the same state of blessing as the resurrected just ones who have a spiritual body like Jesus, the Christ. Verse 20:5 says this is the first resurrection. In Greek, this was written in an emphatic manner and probably means the most important, or chief resurrection. This is the resurrection of the sons of God, which was the resurrection of utmost importance to Paul.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none">Then, in the latter part of Revelation 20, John described the great white throne judgment, which is the judgment that takes place at the end of the 1,000 years. When the 1,000 years are expired, the resurrection and judgment of those who have died during the 1,000 years will take place at the great white throne. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none">This is the second judgment for those who did not receive spiritual bodies in the first resurrection, but continued to live in natural bodies during the next age, the kingdom of God, the 1,000 year reign of Jesus, the Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Revelation 20:15 says that those whose names are not in the book of life will be cast in the lake of fire.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>[<span style="font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"">Detailed commentary on the Book of Life can be found on our blog at, </span><a href="http://bibletalkfred.blogspot.com/2008_02_01_archive.html"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue">http://bibletalkfred.blogspot.com/2008_02_01_archive.html</span></a><span style="font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"">.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Detailed commentary of the Lake of Fire and Brimstone can be found on our blog at, [</span><a href="http://bibletalkfred.blogspot.com/2008/02/lake-of-fire-and-brimstone.html"><span style="font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue">http://bibletalkfred.blogspot.com/2008/02/lake-of-fire-and-brimstone.html</span></a>]</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"">Conclusion</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:13.5pt;text-indent:-13.5pt;mso-pagination: none"><span style="font-family:"WP TypographicSymbols"">#</span> There will be a resurrection when Jesus returns, “the resurrection,” the first resurrection, the most important resurrection.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:13.5pt;text-indent:-13.5pt;mso-pagination: none"><span style="font-family:"WP TypographicSymbols"">#</span> This resurrection has not yet occurred, but it will happen at some point in the future.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:13.5pt;text-indent:-13.5pt;mso-pagination: none"><span style="font-family:"WP TypographicSymbols"">#</span> There will be another resurrection at the end of the kingdom age for those who die during the kingdom age.</p> <p class="a" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left: 13.5pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-13.5pt;mso-pagination:none"><span style="font-family:"WP TypographicSymbols"">#</span><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif""> When Jesus returns, all the dead will be resurrected, both the just and the unjust.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Regardless of whether people are just or unjust, they will be resurrected at the same time. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:13.5pt;text-indent:-13.5pt;mso-pagination: none"><span style="font-family:"WP TypographicSymbols"">#</span> While this is one resurrection, it identifies two groups of people .<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>One group, the just, will be separated from the other group, the unjust, during the process of the resurrection.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:13.5pt;text-indent:-13.5pt;mso-pagination: none"><span style="font-family:"WP TypographicSymbols"">#</span> The just, or worthy, will rule and reign with Christ for 1,000 years during the kingdom age.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:13.5pt;text-indent:-13.5pt;mso-pagination: none"><span style="font-family:"WP TypographicSymbols"">#</span> The unjust will be ruled over during the kingdom age.</p> <p class="a" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left: 13.5pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-13.5pt;mso-pagination:none"><span style="font-family:"WP TypographicSymbols"">#</span><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif""> When believers hope in the resurrection, it is not just to be resurrected, but to be resurrected “out from among the dead ones.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>To achieve </span>this result, they must be found worthy<span style="font-family:"Palatino Linotype","serif"">.</span></p> <p class="a" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left: 13.5pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-13.5pt;mso-pagination:none"><span style="font-family:"WP TypographicSymbols"">#</span><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif""> The resurrection includes a consequence (or reward) for doing good and a consequence for doing bad. One is a blessing; the other is not. Good deeds will result in a spiritual body, while bad deeds will result in another physical body. </span></p> <p class="a" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left: 13.5pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-13.5pt;mso-pagination:none"><span style="font-family:"WP TypographicSymbols"">#</span><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif""> The works of all people will be judged, those who are still alive when Jesus returns, as well as those who will be resurrected. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:13.5pt;text-indent:-13.5pt;mso-pagination: none"><span style="font-family:"WP TypographicSymbols"">#</span> Those who are judged worthy, the just, will be resurrected to life, and will receive glorified spiritual bodies, like the one Jesus received when he was resurrected. </p> <p class="a" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left: 13.5pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-13.5pt;mso-pagination:none"><span style="font-family:"WP TypographicSymbols"">#</span><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif""> Those whose works are judged unworthy, the unjust, will receive natural bodies that are subject to corruption and death.</span> </p> <p class="a" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left: 13.5pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-13.5pt;mso-pagination:none"><span style="font-family:"WP TypographicSymbols"">#</span><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif""> Just because the bodies of all are quickened, it does not mean that all are alive the same way. The unjust are physically alive, but they do not have the life of God, nor are they in a place of blessing. The unjust come forth physically alive, yet they are considered to be dead ones, spiritually speaking. </span></p> <p class="a" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left: 13.5pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-13.5pt;mso-pagination:none"><span style="font-family:"WP TypographicSymbols"">#</span><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif""> When we yield ourselves to God, he works through us to bring forth the kind of works which will stand the scrutiny of Jesus as he determines what kind of resurrection bodies we will receive. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none"><span style="font-family:"Palatino Linotype","serif""></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"">One final thought</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none">You will not hear much about the resurrection in most churches.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>One reason for this is because the emphasis today is on “going to heaven or hell when we die” a concept not found in the Bible.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It is incompatible to preach about both the resurrection and going to heaven.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none">In fact, the prevailing belief about going to heaven turns the resurrection into irrelevant nonsense.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>If people are already in heaven or hell, why resurrect them since they have already been judged?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family:"Trebuchet MS"">However, the Bible teaches that our life in the next age will not be in heaven or hell, but in the kingdom, right here on earth.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination:none"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt">We leave you with a question.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:"Trebuchet MS"">Since </span>Jesus and Paul directly tied the resurrection and the kingdom together, with no mention of heaven or hell<span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt">, why does the organized church place so much emphasis on heaven and hell instead of preaching the resurrection and the kingdom?</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"">[This article is based on excerpts from our books, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">What Scripture Says About Salvation</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">The Apocalypse of Revelation</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>You can read both books entirely free on our website: </span><a href="http://www.biblestudybooksfree.com/"><span style="font-size:9.0pt; font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue">www.biblestudybooksfree.com</span></a><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"">.]</span><span style="font-size:9.0pt"></span></p>Dr. Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03221772216491876101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440206247023602440.post-69601084015883805072012-01-22T22:35:00.001-05:002012-01-22T22:36:44.109-05:00Fred Kenison Dies<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:lidthemeasian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> 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Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]--> <div style="mso-element:para-border-div;border:solid white 1.0pt;mso-border-alt: solid white .75pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;text-indent:.5in; line-height:normal;border:none;mso-border-alt:solid white .75pt;padding:0in; mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 0in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family: "Georgia","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:"Palatino Linotype"">Fred Kenison, God’s faithful servant, and my friend and mentor, died this week.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He was just a few weeks shy of his 94<sup>th</sup> birthday.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I will miss him immensely.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal; border:none;mso-border-alt:solid white .75pt;padding:0in;mso-padding-alt:0in 0in 0in 0in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype""><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>Fred called himself </span><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif"">a simple country boy, blessed by the grace of God.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But, I also believe that Fred was uniquely gifted by God to explain the deeper truths of the Bible to this age, almost like a modern-day prophet.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I’m quite sure Fred would not go that far, although he readily credited God with whatever he was able to see in the scriptures.</span></p> </div> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;text-indent:.5in; line-height:normal;mso-pagination:none"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Georgia","serif"">Fred had a double ability to explain scripture.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>On the one hand, he could lay out the details verse-by-verse to reveal things that I never realized were there.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>On the other hand, he had a big-picture view of scripture from Genesis to Revelation, and he could unravel the major themes of the Bible, such as the covenant, the kingdom, and grace.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;text-indent:.5in; line-height:normal;mso-pagination:none"><span style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Georgia","serif"">Fred studied scripture for three reasons: (1) because he believed God called him to study; (2) because he sincerely enjoyed it more than anything else; and (3) because he wanted to encourage others to study the Bible.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>His main point, and one that he emphasized regularly, was to get people to study the scriptures, and think things through for themselves.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;text-indent:.5in; line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif"">I often marveled at how Fred could uncover so much truth in the Bible.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I would like to quote what he said about that in his memoirs.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right:.5in;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; margin-left:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family: "Georgia","serif"">“Every time I prayed, a question came to my mind: “How much understanding do you want?”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>For awhile, this puzzled me because I thought that I wanted to know everything I could understand about the scriptures.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>What I didn’t know at the time was that I was still in training, and I had no idea of what was ahead of me.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right:.5in;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; margin-left:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family: "Georgia","serif"">"A bit later, the church was sponsoring a week of special services.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It seemed to me that God was saying that if I wanted to know more of the scriptures all I had to do was stand before the church audience and verbally recite doubled numbers.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He said that the highest number I reached would be the number of scriptural truths revealed to me.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>At first, I questioned whether this was really God speaking.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I couldn’t conceive of God asking me to do something which seemed to be so inane, so I didn’t do anything.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>For the next couple of days I didn’t sleep much, and I again felt that my disobedience had brought me under the discipline of God.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right:.5in;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; margin-left:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family: "Georgia","serif"">"The next night, I waited until the service was about over and I went forward to speak.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I began to recite the sum of doubled numbers: </span><span style="font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Georgia","serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Shruti">1+1=2, 2+2=4, 4+4=16, 16+16=32, 32+32=64.</span><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family: "Georgia","serif""><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>God had said I couldn’t reveal what I was doing, and this made the experience much more humiliating.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I only got a short way, less than a hundred, when everyone began to laugh and have a good time at my expense.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I was so embarrassed that I quit.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Bad as I thought this humiliation was, it was nothing compared to what I would receive later when I started teaching what I learned in the scriptures.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right:.5in;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; margin-left:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family: "Georgia","serif"">"When I got home that night, it seemed to me that God kept telling me all night long that if that was all I wanted to know from the Bible that he would close the rest of the book to me and I would be back where I was before.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I definitely didn’t want that! <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>So, the next night I stood up and began to double numbers again.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Again, the people began to laugh, but as I continued some of them asked, “What do you think you’re doing?”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right:.5in;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; margin-left:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family: "Georgia","serif"">"I didn’t answer, but continued to recite doubled numbers, and some of the people became angry.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>By this time, I didn’t care.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>If this was what I had to do for God to give me a greater understanding of the Bible, then I no longer cared what the people thought.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Finally, I doubled the numbers until I had reached </span><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Shruti">524,288</span><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif"">, and then I sat down.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I couldn’t explain to anyone what this was all about and I didn’t tell anyone about this for several years.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right:.5in;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; margin-left:.5in;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family: "Georgia","serif"">"I don’t know why I wasn’t supposed to tell unless it was to force me to live with the humiliation.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>From that time, God began to show me things that I had never even imagined, and I didn’t care what people thought about it anymore.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I was rejoicing all the time</span><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Shruti"> as new insights, new truths, and new understanding leapt off the pages to me.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif"">What a joy it was to have the Bible open up to me in a new, unique way.”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal; mso-pagination:none"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif""><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>For those who measure success by large numbers, Fred was not successful.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He did not found a church, nor did he want to.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>His admirers were few, but that didn’t bother him.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He said that God called him to study and teach, to point out the truths of scripture revealed to him.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Fred certainly remained steadfast and true to that calling.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal; mso-pagination:none"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif""><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>Unfortunately, announcing God’s truth is not always the way to build a large body of followers.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Fred pointed out that none of the Old Testament prophets had many admirers or followers, and even Jesus had only a small group of followers.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In fact, the scriptures show that the more truth Jesus revealed, the fewer followers he had.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal; mso-pagination:none"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif""><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>The briefest of visits was always long enough for Fred to turn the conversation to something about the Bible.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Studying scripture was both his vocation and avocation.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>As he put it, “I can think of nothing more pleasant than studying God’s word, just for the fun of it.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>While others may enjoy various hobbies, to me, studying scripture is my relaxation and entertainment.”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:normal; mso-pagination:none"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif""><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>I wish I had met Fred many years ago, although I am very thankful for the hours I was able to spend with him.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It has been my privilege to edit his eight books, and several articles, and there is still more to do.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The eight books were all published in print and seven are now available free on our website.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>If you have not yet read what he wrote, I strongly encourage you to do so.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span><a href="http://www.biblestudybooksfree.com/"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif"">www.biblestudybooksfree.com</span></a><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif"">.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p>Dr. Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03221772216491876101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440206247023602440.post-3907491244271553152011-12-19T15:50:00.002-05:002011-12-19T15:57:38.056-05:00The Birth of Jesus, the Christ<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:targetscreensize>800x600</o:TargetScreenSize> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:lidthemeasian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:lidthemecomplexscript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> 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!mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";} </style> <![endif]--> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;" >There are several different Bible passages that discuss the birth of Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is my attempt to arrange them together into one coordinated document.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I enjoy reading this every year at Christmas time, and I hope you enjoy it, too.</span></p><p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style=" Palatino Linotype","serif"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;" ><br /></span></p> <p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style=" Palatino Linotype","serif"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;" > </span></p> <p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style=" Palatino Linotype","serif"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;" > </span></p> <p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="Palatino Linotype","serif"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;" >Isaiah 7</span></i></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><sup><span style=" Palatino Linotype","serif"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;" >14</span></sup><span style=";font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;" >Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.</span></p><p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="Palatino Linotype","serif"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;" ><br /></span></p> <p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style=" Palatino Linotype","serif"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;" > </span></p> <p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="Palatino Linotype","serif"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;" >Isaiah 9</span></i></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><sup><span style=" Palatino Linotype","serif"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;" >6</span></sup><span style=";font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;" >For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><sup>7</sup>Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.</span></p><p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="Palatino Linotype","serif"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;" ><br /></span></p> <p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style=" Palatino Linotype","serif"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;" > </span></p> <p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="Palatino Linotype","serif"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;" >Micah 5</span></i></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;" > <sup>2</sup>But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.<br /></span></p><p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style=" Palatino Linotype","serif"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;" ><br /></span></p> <p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style=" Palatino Linotype","serif"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;" > </span></p> <p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="Palatino Linotype","serif"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;" >Luke 1</span></i></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><sup><span style=" Palatino Linotype","serif"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;" >26</span></sup><span style=";font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;" >And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, <sup>27</sup>To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><sup>28</sup>And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><sup>29</sup>And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><sup>30</sup>And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><sup>31</sup>And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><sup>32</sup>He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: <sup>33</sup>And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><sup>34</sup>Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><sup>35</sup>And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><sup>36</sup>And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><sup>37</sup>For with God nothing shall be impossible.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><sup>38</sup>And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>And the angel departed from her.<br /></span></p><p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="Palatino Linotype","serif"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;" ><br /></span></p> <p style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:.5in; margin-bottom:.0001pt"><sup><span style="Palatino Linotype","serif"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;" > </span></sup></p> <p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="Palatino Linotype","serif"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;" >Matthew 1</span></i></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><sup><span style=" Palatino Linotype","serif"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;" >18</span></sup><span style=";font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;" >Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><sup>19</sup>Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><sup>20</sup>But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><sup>21</sup>And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><sup>22</sup>Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><sup>23</sup>Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><sup>24</sup>Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><sup>25</sup>And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.</span></p><p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style=" Palatino Linotype","serif"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;" ><br /></span></p> <p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style=" Palatino Linotype","serif"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;" > </span></p> <p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="Palatino Linotype","serif"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;" >Luke 2<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></i></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><sup><span style=" Palatino Linotype","serif"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;" >1</span></sup><span style=";font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;" >And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><sup>2</sup>(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><sup>3</sup>And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><sup>4</sup>And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) <sup>5</sup>To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><sup>6</sup>And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><sup>7</sup>And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><sup>8</sup>And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><sup>9</sup>And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><sup>10</sup>And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><sup>11</sup>For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><sup>12</sup>And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><sup>13</sup>And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, <sup>14</sup>Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><sup>15</sup>And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><sup>16</sup>And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><sup>17</sup>And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><sup>18</sup>And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><sup>19</sup>But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><sup>20</sup>And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.</span></p><p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="Palatino Linotype","serif"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;" ><br /></span></p> <p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style=" Palatino Linotype","serif"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;" > </span></p> <p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="Palatino Linotype","serif"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;" >Matthew 2<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></i></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><sup><span style=" Palatino Linotype","serif"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;" >1</span></sup><span style=";font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;" >Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, <sup>2</sup>Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><sup>3</sup>When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><sup>4</sup>And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><sup>5</sup>And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, <sup>6</sup>And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><sup>7</sup>Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><sup>8</sup>And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><sup>9</sup>When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><sup>10</sup>When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><sup>11</sup>And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshiped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><sup>12</sup>And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><sup>13</sup>And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. <sup>14</sup>When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><sup>15</sup>And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.<br /></span></p><p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="Palatino Linotype","serif"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;" ><br /></span></p> <p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style=" Palatino Linotype","serif"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;" > </span></p> <p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style=" Palatino Linotype","serif"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;" >And so begins the most remarkable life ever lived on this earth.</span></p>Dr. Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03221772216491876101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440206247023602440.post-67927709101571865802011-09-17T17:43:00.002-04:002011-09-17T17:51:35.140-04:00Jesus, the Christ, Died for All<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:donotorganizeinfolder/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> 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10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Palatino Linotype","serif";} </style> <![endif]--> </p><p style="text-align: left; font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#333333">A BIBLE STUDY BY FRED KENISON</span></p><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><p style="text-align: left;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:#333333">Revised and Edited by Merrill Douglass</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The scriptures clearly show that Jesus died for everyone. Matthew 1:21, says, <i>“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.”</i> This was part of the message Joseph received from the angel before the birth of Jesus.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The question, of course, arises as to just who were “his people?” Does this mean only those who believe on him? Is it just the Israelites of his own time here on earth? Or, is there a broader meaning intended? Other scriptures dealing with this subject will provide the answers to these questions.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">John 1:29 broadens the view of just who were “his people.” <i>“The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”</i> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The word <b>world</b> comes from <i>kosmos</i>, what we would call the cosmos. This means <i>all</i> sins, for everyone. Too many times this scripture is interpreted to mean that only the sins of believers were taken away, and not those of unbelievers. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""></span><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Taketh away</span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman""> comes from <i>airon</i>, which means, “to remove the guilt and punishment of sin by expiation, or to cause that sin be neither imputed not punished” (Thayer, p.17).</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">John said that sin will be neither charged to man nor punished; that the guilt and punishment had already been removed. Considering this fact, all the preaching to the contrary must be in error. Either John did not know what he was saying, or those who preach that God is now judging your sins, or will judge your sins in the future, do not know what they are talking about!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">According to John 1:29 Jesus either bore all the punishment and all the guilt, or he only bore part of it. The scriptures say all. If they heard this more often, more people might turn rejoicing to God with a better understanding of what the words “love” and “grace” mean. Instead, many people are mortally afraid of God and his punishment for their sins, or they feel a needless burden of guilt for their sin.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">God demonstrated his love and grace to men in the passion of Jesus. It was not a partial fix, but a complete forgiveness of all sins of all men. Nothing any man can say or do will alter this fact one way or the other. Men’s sins were all forgiven, not when they ask, or pray, or believe; but when God, before the foundation of the world, gave his son to cover men’s penalty (see Romans 5:18 and Ephesians 1:4).</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Jesus was the perfect sacrifice to bring about his Father’s will. Luke 2:10 says, <i>“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” </i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Notice, it says all people. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Luke 2:13-14 continues: <i>“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”</i> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">This settled the judicial aspect of sin, once for all. God will never again act as a judge toward men’s sin; he will act only as a Father. Whether we believe this or not does not change the fact of what Jesus did for us, nor will it change the manner in which God regards us.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">John 3:17 says, <i>“For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”</i> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The words <b>might be saved</b>, come from<i> soothe</i> (aorist subjunctive passive), which means that the world absolutely will be saved. The word <b>might</b>, in this case, does not mean maybe, as it often does in English. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Notice, too, that in these scriptures God is not dealing with any man on an individual basis, but is dealing with the whole world, or all men, on a corporate basis. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">In John 4:42, the Samaritan men told the woman at the well, <i>“Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.”</i> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Men may believe individually, but God saved them as a group. Salvation is not because we believe, but because God loves us.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">John 6:51, in telling what this salvation of the world entails, gives another element of salvation: <i>“I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life</i> (<i>zoe</i>)<i> of the world.”</i> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""></span><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Spiritual life</span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">, <i>zoe</i>, for all those in the world has been bought by the sacrifice of Jesus because of God’s love for all mankind.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">I John 2:2 says that Jesus, <i>“is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.”</i> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Jesus was the satisfaction for our sins, and it was done for us, not for God. Many believe the holiness of God required a sacrifice for sins, but that wasn’t it at all. Jesus’ sacrifice was done for us, that we might have <i>“no more conscience of sins.”</i> (Hebrews 10:2).</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The next verses, written by John, confirm that God expended his judgment on Jesus. John 5:22-27 says, <i>“For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.”</i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">For those who believe that Jesus is the same as God, this passage is reduced to meaningless nonsense. Some maintain that judgment was only shifted from God’s right hand to his left hand, so to speak, and that God is still doing the judging. However, that is in direct opposition to the plain teaching of this scripture.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif";">The doctrine of the trinity which claims that Jesus is God complicates the easy understanding of this scripture. The trinity is not, and never has been, a scriptural doctrine. It was only a theory developed by some men to supposedly help explain the complexities of God to men even more ignorant than themselves. God is not now judging any man, but has given <b>life</b>, <i>zoe</i>, to every man.<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif";">[</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">For a detailed study on the trinity, see Monographs 10-14 in</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> o</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"">ur book, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">What Scripture Says About Salvation.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></i>The full text of this book is available free at<i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"> </i></span><a href="http://www.biblestudybooksfree.com/"><span style="font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:red">www.biblestudybooksfree.com</span></a><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"">.</span></i><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"">]</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Paul also spoke about <i>zoe</i>, spiritual life, and said that the death of Jesus, the Christ, was for all men. In Romans 5:6 he wrote,<i> “For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.” </i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Notice it says the ungodly, not just believers. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Romans 5:8 says, <i>“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”</i> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Romans 5:12 says, <i>“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.”</i> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Romans 5:18 says, <i>“Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.”</i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">It is not unusual to hear that all men were condemned because of Adam’s sin, but it is very unusual to hear that all men received the free gift of life because Jesus died. Most seem to agree about Adam, but have difficulty agreeing about the part Jesus played in regard to all men. If the sin of Adam brought condemnation to all men without their participation, then it is only logical to say that the righteousness of Jesus accomplished redemption for all men without their participation.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Paul reiterated this same theme in II Corinthians 5:14-21. <i>“For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”</i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The words <b>might be made</b>, <i>ginometha </i>(aorist subjunctive middle deponent), means that men will become righteous. This does not mean maybe, as the English would indicate. Being a middle deponent means that men participate in the end results, the righteousness.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Hebrews 2:9 says that, <i>“we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.”</i> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""></span><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Every man</span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman""> comes from <i>pantos</i>, which could also be translated as “every thing.” Apparently the results of Jesus’ death affected more than just men. This alternate translation might also help explain Romans 8:18-23. <i>“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.”</i> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Jesus evidently died to redeem all of creation, not just men only. In that case, would the other parts of creation have to believe in order to be redeemed, as some teach that men must do?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">I Timothy 2:5-6 says, <i>“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.”</i> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Again, the word <b>all</b> comes from <i>pantos</i>, which may also be translated as every. No word follows <i>pantos,</i> so the translator must supply what the all, or every, means. Is it all men or all creation that Paul is talking about? Whether men or creation, Jesus is a ransom for “all,” not just for those who believe.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">I Corinthians 15:45 says, “<i>And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.”</i> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The last Adam, or Jesus, was made a <i>zoe</i> kind of spirit, or life giving spirit. Just as men received soulish life from the first Adam, so have men received<i> </i>spiritual life from the last Adam, Jesus.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">In Romans 11:15, Paul explained the meaning of Israel’s fall in relation to the Gentiles and God’s purpose in allowing it to happen: <i>“For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?”</i> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Notice that Paul said that through Israel and its failure to believe that Jesus was messiah, the world was reconciled to God.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The word <b>reconcile</b> means to receive one into favor. The whole world was received into favor through the fall of the Israelites because God then turned to the Gentiles to get a name (people) for himself. The basis for God reconciling the world to himself was his love, as demonstrated by the death of his son, Jesus.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Paul was not talking about whether or not the Israelites would go to hell, but whether they would lose their inheritance in the next age, the kingdom of God, or the kingdom of heaven. When Paul spoke of people being lost, or out of the way, he did not mean they were condemned to hell. He simply meant they would not spend the next age reigning with Jesus, but would spend it in outer darkness instead. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">On the other hand, when Paul spoke of people being saved, it was always in relationship to entering the kingdom. “Going to heaven” was not part of his vocabulary. To him, salvation meant entering the next age, the kingdom of God, in a place of blessing with Jesus.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">In Colossians 1:5, Paul told about the hope which is in the gospel or the truth of the gospel, not just any gospel. <i>“For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel. Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth.”</i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Much that is called the gospel today is not what the Bible calls the gospel. Paul referred to the hope laid up in heaven as something that is the <b>truth</b> <b>of the gospel</b>, something they heard about. The hope was not created because they believed it. It was something done by God and made a part of the good news. It was there to be heard by everyone. Its purpose was, and still is, to bring forth fruit in those who hear and come to understand the grace of God. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Notice, too, that hope does not come by the works of men, but by the grace of God, which is an unmerited favor, or something given to those who are undeserving. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Why don’t preachers simply tell people about the salvation God has already provided? Why do they insist on telling people what they must do to be saved, or go to heaven? If people must do something (accept, believe, ask forgiveness, etc), then they are under law again.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">When asked, “How do you know you are saved?” most people talk about what they did: believed, were baptized, were confirmed, received the holy spirit, experienced the second blessing (as if there were only two), gave their hearts to Jesus, confessed their sins, or whatever else any specific denomination may require. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">One of the more insidious aspects of organized religion is in convincing men that they must become deserving of this grace by what they do, or do not do. Grace is not only unmerited, it demands nothing in return. It does not even include the words, “Now that you are a Christian, you must do....” </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Look carefully at what Paul said in Colossians 1:20-22. <i>“And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight. If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard.”</i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Paul never left the concept of grace, but went on to say that all things, both those on earth and those in heaven, were reconciled to God by the blood of the cross. He told the Colossians that they were included in the results of Jesus’ death.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">As for the part faith plays, Paul said that if they continued believing the good news and were not moved away from it, they would be presented holy and unblameable and unimpeachable before him. A little study will show that this presentation will be at the return of Jesus, the messiah.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Faith retains, or keeps, what God has given to all men by grace, but faith never creates it. God is not changed when you believe; you are changed when you believe. Colossians 1:27-28 says, <i>“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: Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.”</i> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Faith only unlocks the power of holy spirit which is already among you (<i>en humen</i>). When Jesus lives and works in you through the power of holy spirit it is his works, done through you, that make you pleasing to God. That was what Paul meant when he said,<i>“Christ is all (things) and in all.” </i>(Colossians 3:11).</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">I Timothy 4:8 says, <i>“Godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.”</i> I Timothy 4:10 says, <i>“For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men.”</i> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Note this carefully! God saves (preserves) all men, not just believers. Paul also brought out again the hope of <i>zoe</i> which “now is, and...is to come.” At this time, men have only an earnest, or a down-payment, of the fullness yet to come.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Titus 2:11-14 says,<i> “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”</i> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">This scripture shows that God expects those who believe the gospel to change the way they live. It says nothing at all about God changing towards people when they become believers, or of doing anything for them that he has not already done. The gift of Jesus was for the salvation of all mankind.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Just in case people got the idea that their faith had saved them, Paul wrote the following in Ephesians 1:3-7: <i>“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.”</i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">This is the good news! Before the foundation of the world, God chose everyone to be adopted through Jesus. Paul wanted them to understand what God had already done for them, that their salvation was of God.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Everything necessary for salvation was accomplished before the foundation of the world, which was a long time before anyone ever believed. We were chosen in him, and this was done at the good pleasure of his will, that men might give praise to the glory of his grace. Men’s sins were remitted by his grace. Truly men do have <i>zoe</i>, <b>spiritual life</b>, by the grace of God.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">John 1:4 puts it this way: <i>“In him</i> (Jesus) <i>was life</i> (<i>zoe</i>)<i>; and the life</i> (<i>zoe</i>) <i>was the light of men.”</i> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">John 1:9 adds, <i>“That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.”</i> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">In the Greek, a definite article “the” before a subject and a predicate noun (the life was the light of men) means they are reversible quantities. This means that we could say just as truthfully that “the light of men was the life.” </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Because this is true, then every man was not only given light when he entered the world, but that light was also spiritual life (<i>zoe</i>). We begin to appreciate and experience the spiritual life when we believe, but we have had it ever since we came into the world. Our belief did not create it.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">In light of the foregoing scriptures, the following two conclusions are valid. First, we either believe what God has already done, or we believe that God does something when we believe. The first case is the work of God through Christ. The second case is a synergistic type of salvation which demands that we do something, which becomes the basis of all denominationalism. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Second, people become lost, or out of the way, when they rebel against God who has already saved them. We become lost by choice, not saved by choice. Truly, salvation, which is life, <i>zoe</i>, is of God. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">To summarize:</span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The sin of Adam brought condemnation to all men without their participation. </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The sacrifice of Jesus brought redemption to all men without their participation. </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman""></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Jesus died to redeem all of creation, not just men only. </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Jesus was a ransom for “all,” not just for those who believe. </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Just as men received soulish life from the first Adam, so have men received<i> </i>spiritual life from the last Adam, Jesus. </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""></span>[<span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"">For more on this subject, see our book, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">What Scripture Says About Salvation.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></i>The full text of this book is available free at<i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"> </i></span><a href="http://www.biblestudybooksfree.com/"><span style="font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:red">www.biblestudybooksfree.com</span></a><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"">.</span></i><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"">]</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></p>Dr. Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03221772216491876101noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440206247023602440.post-6304547375764763412011-07-13T14:08:00.000-04:002011-07-13T14:09:37.250-04:00Understanding Born AgainJohn 3:3-8 says, “Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.”<br /><br /><br />“Verily, verily, I say unto you, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”<br /><br />The word verily comes from amen, which was commonly used to express approval of a statement or message. It meant that what was said could be depended on to be the truth. Ordinarily, verily was stated at the end of a statement. However, when Jesus taught, he reversed the order and used verily at the beginning of his statements. This meant that what followed was absolutely true and dependable. Nicodemus undoubtedly caught the significance of using amen at the beginning of his statements.<br /><br />Jesus stated in advance that he spoke only truth. Quite a statement, is it not? Perhaps Jesus was “raising the ante” on his conversation with Nicodemus. Earlier, Nicodemus had said he knew that Jesus was a teacher sent from God (John 3:2). By using amen, Jesus was stating he was not only a teacher, but one who always spoke truth. He could say that of himself by placing the word amen at the beginning of his statement instead of waiting for someone else to confirm it after he spoke, which was the normal custom.<br /><br />In the phrase, “I say unto thee,” the word say comes from legō, a present-indicative-active verb. The present usually means continuous action, but often when used with the indicative it comes closest to the English present tense, “I am now saying to you.” Of course, the present tense in the Greek always retains some sense of continuous action.<br /><br />The word you, from soi, is singular. Jesus was speaking only to Nicodemus; there was no one else present. This could be interpreted in modern vernacular as telling Nicodemus to, “listen up…I am speaking to you.”<br /><br />What exactly was it that Jesus wanted Nicodemus to accept as an important truth? It was this: “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Except comes from ean, a Greek particle which is a composite of two words, ei and an.<br /><br />An equals uncertainty, and is therefore used as a subjunctive, something which has not yet happened, or something of which there is uncertainty about whether it will happen. Ean, except, is often translated as unless, and determines the rest of this dependent clause.<br /><br />The word man comes from tis, an indefinite pronoun meaning anyone. Man is too specific; anyone is more general, and would have been a better translation.<br /><br />The word born comes from genethē a subjunctive-aorist-passive. The subjunctive matches it with the earlier word “except” or “unless,” which indicates uncertainty. This word born has the same meaning as in English, i.e., that of being physically born as a son, or progeny, of someone.<br /><br />The word born is also modified by the word again, anōthen, which may also be translated as anew, or, from above. Both “again” and “from above” are legitimate translations of this word, which is why one may find it translated either way in different Bible translations.<br /><br />This statement about being born again has been so mishandled that it has lost the original meaning which Jesus must have intended for Nicodemus. For example, many churches teach that “born again” is something which happens when a person accepts Jesus as their personal savior. Of course, this is completely wrong. The reason is that this has the subjunctive “can” in the dependent clause (protasis), and another type of verb in the independent clause (apodosis). This makes it a third-conditional sentence which refers to the future, not the present.<br /><br />Let us examine the independent clause, the apodosis. If anyone has not been born again, or from above, then he “can not see.” Can comes from dunatai, and not comes from ou, the absolute negative, without qualifications. Dunatai could also be translated as able.<br /><br />This brings us to the word see, idein, an aorist-infinitive. The infinitive is used to express either purpose or result: “he is absolutely not able to see the kingdom of God,” which would show result, not purpose. In other words, the result of not being born again would be the inability to see the kingdom of God.<br /><br />Being a good Israelite, Nicodemus would have recognized the kingdom of God (or the kingdom of the God, as it is written in the Greek) as being the next age under the rule of the messiah, or the christ.<br /><br />Nicodemus, supposedly a spiritual leader of Israel, asked a very carnal question. “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother=s womb and be born?” Jesus answered him by saying, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” This was a similar statement as verse 3:3, but this time Jesus added a clarifier. The new addition was the phrase, “born of water and of spirit.”<br /><br />Again, the word for “be born” is passive, indicating that this is something that is done for someone, not something they can do for themselves. No baby is born by its own efforts. Its mother is the one who goes through the contractions of childbirth that the child may come into this world. The same is true of the spiritual birth. People cannot do this for themselves; it is something done for them.<br /><br />Here, Jesus told Nicodemus about being born “of water and of spirit.” If water had been preceded by the definite article and spirit remained without it, then the two would be considered as being one birth with two aspects, or qualities. However, there is no definite article before either water or spirit, hence they are two separate entities.<br /><br />The grammar here indicates two different births that are required in order to enter the kingdom of God. Some argue that the word water means that baptism is the means of receiving the spirit. However, Jesus was answering the question Nicodemus had asked. Jesus told him that one must be born once of water (udatos) and once of spirit (pneuma).<br /><br />Jesus was not telling Nicodemus about two natural births from his mother’s womb. One natural birth was enough. Water refers to the water contained in the sack which carries the fetus until birth. That is the natural birth.<br /><br />Being born of spirit is another matter. This refers to a spiritual birth, which will occur when Jesus returns with the shout of an archangel, and all those who are in the graves shall come forth, some to everlasting life and others to judgment.<br /><br />The birth of spirit refers to the resurrection, indicated by crafting the sentence in the third condition which puts “see the kingdom of God” in the future. Jesus said that without both these births, he ou, absolutely cannot, enter into the kingdom of the God. Without both water birth and spirit birth, it is utterly impossible. [For more on this subject, see our book, What Scripture Says About Salvation, which is free at www.biblestudybooksfree.com.]<br /><br />Jesus also explained to Nicodemus the condition, or characteristic, of someone who had been born again, or anew, or from above. “The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.” Jesus did not want Nicodemus to miss the meaning of the new birth. Yet, in spite of his words, multiple millions of so-called “born again believers” continue to miss his point.<br /><br />Jesus explained the condition of being born again in explicit terms by comparing it to the wind. The wind could come and go, but no one could tell where it came from or where it went. In other words, we do not see the wind as it comes or goes. “Thus is everyone that is born of the spirit.” Thus comes from houtōs, which, “by virtue of its native demonstrative force it refers to what precedes; in the manner spoken of; in the way described” (Thayer, p. 468).<br /><br />In other words, Jesus was telling Nicodemus anyone who has been born of the spirit can come and go like the wind, and no one can tell where they come from or where they go.<br /><br />Jesus described a litmus test for determining whether or not people have been born again: Can they come and go as the wind? I have never seen anyone who fits this description, thus I have serious doubts about those who claim they have been "born again." When they can enter a closed, locked room, as Jesus did after his resurrection, then we can conclude that such people have been born again. So far, only Jesus has received a spiritual body enabling him to come and go like the wind. The rest of us will have to wait for the resurrection.<br /><br />The contemporary “born again” syndrome is similar to the Gnostic teaching which Paul warned his followers about. There were some who were teaching that the resurrection was already past (II Timothy 2:18). Paul knew that such teaching destroyed any hope in the future resurrection which was still to come, and therefore he warned people about it.<br /><br />If Paul were here today, he would warn people about the Gnostic-like teaching of the “born again” doctrine that is so common in many churches today. It destroys the hope of truly being born again at the coming of Jesus Christ and the resulting entrance into the kingdom of God.Dr. Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03221772216491876101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440206247023602440.post-55399464083638529052011-07-11T14:52:00.001-04:002011-07-11T14:52:22.338-04:00Ten Simple RulesA friend’s father died this week. He was a remarkable man, and a successful man. He lived by what he called, “ten simple rules.” Here they are.<br /><br /><br />1. You shall have no other gods before Me.<br /><br />2. You shall not make an idol for yourself.<br /><br />3. You shall not take the name of your God in vain.<br /><br />4. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.<br /><br />5. Honor your father and your mother.<br /><br />6. You shall not commit murder.<br /><br />7. You shall not commit adultery.<br /><br />8. You shall not steal.<br /><br />9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.<br /><br />10. You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife.<br /><br />This remarkable man based his life on the fact that God is love. He advised his sons to always look for the good, and not to dwell on what is bad. We would all do well to remember his advice.Dr. Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03221772216491876101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440206247023602440.post-60525994467798828832008-04-06T11:36:00.003-04:002008-04-06T11:41:59.663-04:00Salvation ExplainedThere is a lot of nonsense out there concerning salvation. Most of what the church teaches is simply not scriptural. So, what is salvation, and how do we get it?<br /><br />Here are several verses you might want to ponder.<br /><br />Habakkuk 2:4<br />The just shall live by his faith.<br /><br />Galatians 3:11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, the just shall live by faith.<br /><br />John 1:4<br />In him was life; and the life was the light of men.<br /><br />John 1:9<br />That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.<br /><br />Galatians 2:16<br />A man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ.<br /><br />Romans 5:1-2<br />Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.<br /><br /><br />All people have salvation at birth (John 1:4, 9). This is salvation past. Salvation is the right to enter the Kingdom in a place of blessing. The question is not how to achieve salvation, but how to retain the salvation we already have. Our names were written in the Book of Life before the foundation of the world, but they can be blotted out (see Book of Life post). Retaining our salvation (salvation present, or experiential salvation) requires yielding ourselves to God so that holy spirit will guide us. As we yield to the guidance of holy spirit, God works through (salvation present) us to produce righteous works which will enable us to enter the Kingdom (salvation future).<br /><br />We cannot do anything to make ourselves righteous, only God can do that. Striving to make ourselves acceptable to God is futile, and brings about separation from God. The key is to accept what God has already done, stop striving, and turn ourselves over to him. As we do so, holy spirit will develop within us, and we will be able to do all that God requires of us.<br /><br />So simple, and yet so difficult.Dr. Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03221772216491876101noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440206247023602440.post-65487383244325951462008-02-09T17:17:00.000-05:002008-02-09T17:23:00.322-05:00What is the Book of Life?A BIBLE STUDY BY FRED KENISON<br /><br />The phrase “book of life” occurs only eight times in the Bible, and seven of them are in Revelation. In addition, there are four instances in the Old Testament that refer to God having a book.<br /><br />This book of life has been the subject of many misleading ideas which are not scriptural. For example, evangelical preachers often use the book of life with an emotional appeal, urging people to accept Jesus as their personal savior so their names will be written in the book of life and they will go to heaven when they die. Of course, there are several things wrong with this. For instance, there is no place in the scriptures which tells people to accept Jesus as their personal savior, to ask him to come into their hearts and save them. Neither is there any place in scripture which says that if they do, their names will then be written in the book of life.<br /><br />The first mention of God having a book in which names were retained or blotted out, is found in Exodus 32:30-34. <em>“And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses said unto the people, Ye have sinned a great sin: and now I will go up unto the Lord; peradventure I shall make an atonement for your sin. And Moses returned unto the Lord, and said, Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold. Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin--; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written. And the Lord said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book. Therefore now go, lead the people unto the place of which I have spoken unto thee: behold, mine Angel shall go before thee: nevertheless in the day when I visit I will visit their sin upon them.”</em> [Note: All verses quoted are from the KJV.]<br /><br />There is no mention of when or how names are written in the book, only that God has such a book and that he reserves the right to blot out the names of those who sin against him.<br /><br />The next mention of a book is in Psalms 69:21-28: <em>“They gave me also gall for my meat; and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink. Let their table become a snare before them: and that which should have been for their welfare, let it become a trap. Let their eyes be darkened, that they see not; and make their loins continually to shake. Pour out thine indignation upon them, and let thy wrathful anger take hold of them. Let their habitation be desolate; and let none dwell in their tents. For they persecute him whom thou hast smitten; and they talk to the grief of those whom thou hast wounded. Add iniquity unto their iniquity: and let them not come into thy righteousness. Let them be blotted out of the book of the living, and not be written with the righteous.”<br /></em><br />In this scripture, a new element was added. The book has now become the book of the living, or the book of life. David said that those whose names are blotted out will not “come into thy righteousness” which was his way of saying they would not enter the Messianic Kingdom, or the thousand year reign. [For more details on the Kingdom of God, see our book <em>What Scripture Says About Salvation</em>, Monograph No. 7].<br /><br />The next mention of a book is in Psalms 139:13-16. <em>“For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.”<br /></em><br />This passage says that God actually wrote David’s name in his book before David was born. Evidently, faith has little to do with having your name written in God’s book. David certainly claimed no righteousness of his own to justify having his name being in the book; he gave all the credit to God. Having our names in the book of life appears to be another element of God’s grace.<br /><br />Daniel 12:1-3 says, <em>“And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.”<br /></em><br />These verses mention deliverance into the Kingdom as a blessing for having your name in the book. When tribulation comes upon the earth, those whose names are in the book will be delivered from that trouble. They will also be resurrected to everlasting life, or the kingdom, or into the righteousness of God.<br /><br />Another blessing is that those who turn many to righteousness shall shine as the brightness of the firmament. Notice it does not tell us to “save souls,” but to turn people to righteousness. Neither does it tell us to have people ask Jesus into their hearts, or to accept him as their savior. It simply says, “to turn people to righteousness,” which is the essence of repentance, the same message preached by John the Baptist.<br /><br />The phrase “book of life” was used by Paul in Philippians 4:3. <em>“And I entreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.”</em> Paul evidently believed that the names of those laboring with him in the gospel were still written in the book of life.<br /><br />All the other scriptures pertaining to the book of life are in Revelation. The first is Revelation 3:5, where Jesus said, <em>“He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.”</em> The word <strong>confess</strong> comes from <em>exomologesomai</em>, which means to acknowledge that someone is in agreement with you, or with someone who serves your cause. <br /><br />What a promise! The names of the overcomers will not be blotted out of the book, and Jesus will confess their names before the Father. However, this verse clearly says that there is a definite possibility that sin in our lives can result in our names being blotted out of the book. Notice, too, that it is Jesus who is in charge of blotting out names.<br /><br />Revelation 13:8 says, <em>“whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.”</em> Revelation 17:8 says, <em>“whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world.”</em> These verses indicate that the names were written in the book of life from the foundation of the earth. It is clear that people’s names are not written in the book of life as a result of anything they do. Rather, their names were written in the book of life before they were ever born, from the very foundation of the world!<br /><br />Revelation 20:12 is the next scripture in which the book of life is mentioned. <em>“And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.”</em> According to the previous verse (20:11), this is called the great white throne judgment. Those who enter the Kingdom, the overcomers, will rule and reign with Jesus during the 1000 years. Those who did not enter the Kingdom will spend the 1000 years in outer darkness and, along with those born during the reign of Jesus, will have their works judged at the great white throne judgment (see Revelation 12:4-5).<br /><br />Overcomers during the 1000 year reign will not participate in the great white throne judgment as it occurs after the 1000 year reign. The works of people living now will be judged at the second coming of Jesus. However, non-overcomers will face judgment at the great white throne.<br /><br />Revelation 20:15 says, <em>“And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”</em> Revelation 21:27 says, <em>“And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.”</em> These two verses show the destination of those whose names are not written in the book of life.<br /><br />The final mention of the book of life occurs in Revelation 22:19 which indicates the penalty for altering what John wrote. <em>“And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.”<br /></em><br />To summarize, scripture establishes that, (1) God has a book; (2) the book is the book of life; (3) it contains the names of those who will enter into God’s righteousness, or the Kingdom, at the coming of Jesus, the Christ; (4) the names were written in the book from the foundation of the earth, before anyone was born; (5) those whose names are in the book will be delivered into the Kingdom of God; (6) Jesus is in charge of blotting out names; (7) those whose names are blotted out will wind up in the lake of fire.<br /><br />Given this, our task should not be trying to get God to accept us; he has already done that. Rather, our task is to retain that acceptance so our names will not be blotted out of the book of life. Ironically, we do this best when we stop striving to please God, and simply yield ourselves to God, allowing him to use us.Dr. Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03221772216491876101noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440206247023602440.post-79459399466306471792008-02-05T16:32:00.000-05:002008-02-05T16:38:05.033-05:00Lake of Fire and BrimstoneA BIBLE STUDY BY FRED KENISON<br /><br />The concept of hell is a major foundation belief in Christian churches. Many churches teach that the lake of fire, or the lake of fire and brimstone, is the same as Hell, a place where people will be tormented forever, if they do not get into heaven. But, is that really what the Bible says? What do the scriptures mean when they speak of the lake of fire and brimstone, or hell, or outer darkness?<br /><br />In the New Testament, three verses mention a lake of fire, one verse mentions fire and brimstone, and two verses mention a lake of fire and brimstone.<br /><br />Revelation 19:20 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.<br /><br />Revelation 20:14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.<br /><br />Revelation 20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.<br /><br />Revelation 14:10 the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the Holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:<br /><br />Revelation 20:10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.<br /><br />Revelation 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.<br /><br />Jesus spoke about this. For example,<br /><br />Matthew 5:29‑30: And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.<br /><br />Matthew 10:28: And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.<br /><br />Matthew 18:7‑9: Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh! Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.<br /><br />In all of these references, hell comes from the word gehenna, which is the valley of Tophet, also known as the valley of Hinnom. Thayer (p. 111), commenting on gehenna, or hell, said that the original name gehenna comes from a Chaldee word meaning, “the valley of the son of lamentation.” He went on to say that:<br /><br />“Gehenna, the name of a valley on the south and east of Jerusalem which was so called from the cries of the little children who were thrown into the fiery arms of Moloch, i.e. of an idol having the form of a bull. The Jews so abhorred the place after these horrible sacrifices had been abolished by king Josiah, that they cast into it not only all manner of refuse, but even the dead bodies of animals and of unburied criminals who had been executed. And since fires were always needed to consume the dead bodies, that the air might not become tainted by the putrefaction, it came to pass that the place was called geena tou puros.”<br /><br />Based on Thayer’s definition, we can see that gehenna would literally mean the valley of fires.<br /><br />Luke provided further enlightenment about the lake of fire and brimstone. Jesus was teaching that a person cannot serve both God and Mammon. Then he talked about a rich man and a beggar named Lazarus. He said that Lazarus was laid at the rich man’s doorstep and begged for just the crumbs from the rich man’s table; however, he was ignored, probably because he was a leper. The first part of his name, lazar, is Greek for leper; he was “full of sores.”<br /><br />Luke 16:22‑26 says, And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell (hades) he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.<br /><br />What Jesus called gehenna and hades, John called the lake of fire and brimstone. Gehenna, as used by Jesus, emphasized the suffering and lamentation, or the emotional quality of the people therein. Hades emphasized the boundaries of the place of suffering and lamentation. The Jews looked upon hades as the abode of departed spirits, both the good and the evil. Therefore, both Lazarus and the rich man were in hades. To Lazarus it was a place of blessedness, but to the rich man it was a place of torment.<br /><br />Although hades was described as a place, the emphasis was not on where the rich man and Lazarus were, but on their situation, or condition, while there. One condition was blessedness, but the other was torment. Matthew’s parable of the marriage feast described the same conditions. Those with the proper marriage garments stayed in a condition of blessedness, while those who were not clothed in righteousness were put into a condition of torment called “outer darkness.”<br /><br />During the 1,000 year reign, the blessed will be given glorified bodies as a reward, while the tormented will be resurrected in a fleshly body; and, because of this, they will “weep and gnash their teeth.” The blessed will go out among the tormented to minister to them; and, as they rule with a rod of iron, they will require obedience to God’s law. Therefore, both those who minister, and those who are ministered to, will be in the same place, but in a different condition while there.<br /><br />Revelation 14:10 said that those who had received the mark of the beast, and who had worshiped the beast and his image, would be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the angels and of the Lamb. Again, the blessed and the tormented will be together, but their conditions will be different.<br /><br />Revelation 17:8 said the beast would ascend out of the bottomless pit and go into perdition. John used a prolepsis to skip to the end of the next age when this beast was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone. This provides a scriptural identification of perdition, the final destiny of the devil.<br />The hades that Jesus taught about before his death and resurrection is the outer darkness of the kingdom of God, or the 1,000 year reign. At the end of the 1,000 year reign, it was called the lake of fire and brimstone. Both the blessed and the tormented are in this lake of fire and brimstone, but in different conditions.<br /><br />Earlier comments said that the wicked would be thrown, or cast, into the lake of fire and brimstone, which will be made up of the glorified saints, for the purpose of restoration. Everyone is finally where the Lord died to bring them: in the presence of God, in the lake of fire and brimstone. Remember, God was reconciling the world unto himself through christ. Now, they are finally here: heaven and hell are united.<br /><br />Being in the presence of God will be the “heaven” the saints have yearned for, but it will also be “hell” to the wicked. The location is the same, but the result is different. The chasm in the parable of the rich man and Lazarus was not a chasm of space, but of condition. The blessed cannot change their blessed condition, and except by the further grace of God, neither can the wicked change their condition. John has finally answered the puzzle presented by the different teachings about “heaven” and “hell,” and closed out the history of mankind.<br /><br /><strong>Outer Darkness</strong><br />So, where does “outer darkness” fit into all this? There are three verses in the Bible which refer to outer darkness; all three found in Matthew.<br /><br />Matthew 8:12 But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.<br /><br />Matthew 22:13 Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness, there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.<br /><br />Matthew 25:30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.<br /><br />Many church denominations consider “outer darkness” as synonymous with “hell.” According to them, this is where evil people go after death, presumably to be tormented forever. Such an interpretation does a gross injustice to scripture. However, if outer darkness is not hell, then what is it?<br /><br />The term outer darkness definitely refers to an undesirable place, used three times in Matthew to describe the fate of wrong-doers. It is where the person who came to the wedding feast without a wedding garment was cast (Matthew 22:13); it is where the slothful servant was cast (Matthew 25:30); and it is where even the children of the kingdom will be cast (Matthew 8:12). All three verses describe it as a place where, “there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”<br /><br />The literal meaning of outer darkness is the darkness outside the lighted palace. All three instances in Matthew refer to people being removed from a desirable place and being cast into a non-desirable place. In other words, they lose something that they once had. That something is salvation, the right to enter the kingdom, which all received as a result of Jesus’ life and death. However, if we do not work to retain our inheritance, we will lose it, which is the point of these three verses.<br /><br />Each of these illustrations in Matthew refers to all the people who will be judged as unfit to receive a glorified body when Jesus returns. They will not be allowed to enter the kingdom in a place of blessing, to rule and reign with Jesus. Instead, during the millennial reign, they will be ruled over, and ministered to, by Jesus and his glorified saints.<br /><br />Outer darkness, then, refers to a person’s position during the kingdom. There will be those on the inside, and those on the outside. The people on the outside will be in outer darkness. They will not be there by choice; they will be there as a result of failing the judgment of Jesus.Dr. Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03221772216491876101noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440206247023602440.post-73155507789025269432008-02-01T18:43:00.000-05:002008-02-01T18:44:00.409-05:00Understanding John 3:16A BIBLE STUDY BY FRED KENISON<br /><br />“For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” <br /><br /> The above verse is often used by evangelicals to “prove” that in order to be “born again,” or to be “saved,” it is necessary to believe in Jesus. However, there is much confusion surrounding this verse. First, it is taken out of context. Second, there is no distinction made between spiritual life and eternal life. And, third, there is no effort made to discover the Old Testament background for this verse.<br /><br /> Let us begin by putting this verse in context. Many evangelicals know John 3: 16 by heart, but they have no idea of the preceding verses which provide the setting for it. John 3:14-15 says, “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life” Why does John mention the serpent in the wilderness, and what does that have to do with Jesus? To find out, we turn to Numbers 21:5-9.<br /><br />“And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread. And the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died. Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the Lord, and against thee; pray unto the Lord, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people. And the Lord said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live. And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived.” <br /><br /> The people who were bitten faced a physical death. Only by looking upon this brass serpent could they continue to live. They did not die! If they were not alive, they could not die. Keep this in mind as it aligns John 3:16 with the Old Testament scriptures.<br /><br /> In John 3:14-15, John referred to this event about Moses and the serpent. John was expounding on the Old Testament scriptures in the light thrown on them by the life and death of Jesus. Instead of commenting about a physical death and life, as dealt with in the Old Testament, John transformed this scripture to spiritual life and spiritual death. He drew a parallel between physical life with Moses and spiritual life with Jesus. Moses lifted up the brass serpent in the wilderness, and the people who looked upon it continued to live physically. Jesus was lifted up, or crucified, so that everyone who believed on him should not perish (die spiritually), but have eternal life. <br /><br /> There is a distinction between one who has only spiritual life, and the eternal life of a believer. All people were granted spiritual life at birth, but only those of faith in Jesus have eternal life. When anyone believes in what God accomplished for us through the life, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus, then that person has a quality of life that an unbeliever does not have. Eternal life is a quality of life enhanced by holy spirit that only people of faith can experience.<br /><br /> Given this background, let us turn to a grammatical explanation of John 3:16 which will be helpful. The word for comes from the Greek particle, or conjunction, gar, which means because, or for this reason, and refers back to previous comments. Verses 3:14-15 say that Jesus must be lifted up so that those who believe should not perish, but have eternal life. It is for this reason that God so loved the world, and gave his son. God gave his son so that mankind could look upon him, and continue to live spiritually. And, not only live, but live more abundantly, because of that quality of life. The usual meaning of eternal, aionios, is that of a quality of life. It is this quality, or eternal part, that has been added to the life of a believer. The concept of living forever and ever is a poor interpretation. <br /><br /> Note, too, that God loved the world, not just the believers. God loved the entire cosmos. Everybody. And he gave his son for everyone! What son was this? “He gave his only begotten Son.” The words “only begotten” are often confusing, and they might be better understood if translated as “unique son.” God had many sons, but Jesus was unique; no other man was his equal in godliness and obedience to the Father. Jesus was also unique in his calling which was to die for the sins of the world upon a cross, or to be lifted up.<br /><br /> Jesus said, “I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me” (John 12:32). Not some men, but all men! All men will be drawn—some will respond in faith, and others will continue in unbelief (sometimes translated as disobedience). Those who do not respond in faith will perish. They will wander through this life lost insofar as spiritual things are concerned. Their end will be to spend the next age in outer darkness, without being able to enter the kingdom. [For more details on outer darkness, please see our book, The Apocalypse of Revelation.] On the other hand those who respond in faith will enter the next age to rule and reign with Jesus. This is the epitome, or end result, of the eternal quality, called eternal life. <br /><br /> In the term “not perish,” the word not comes from mee, a conditional not, rather than ouk, the unconditional not. Therefore, perishing, or not perishing, is conditional. It depends, not on a one time belief, but on a lifetime of commitment to the will of God. <br /><br /> The scriptures teach that many will perish. Matthew 7:13-14 says, “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto (the) life, and few there be that find it.” When asked who could be saved, Jesus said, “With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.” In other words, don’t try to save yourself by what you do, but look unto God in faith, yield yourself to him, and live in obedience to him.Dr. Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03221772216491876101noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440206247023602440.post-2640419673992282282008-01-28T14:46:00.000-05:002008-02-02T12:10:12.101-05:00About this blog siteThis site will cut through all the nonsense surrounding what the Bible actually says. Unfortunately, you cannot learn much of real value at organized churches. Most of what we share here will be based on the work of lifelong Bible scholar, Fred Kenison.<br /><br />We welcome comments and suggestions.Dr. Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03221772216491876101noreply@blogger.com1