Preceded by a messenger
The Prophecy:
The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.
(Isaiah 40:3-5)
The Fulfillment:
In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
(Matthew 3:1-3)
Notes:
Anciently, when a king journeyed through the less frequented parts of his dominion, a company of men was sent ahead of the royal chariot to level the steep places and to fill up the hollows, that the king might travel in safety and without hindrance. This custom is employed by the prophet to illustrate the work of the gospel. "Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low." When the Spirit of God, with its marvelous awakening power, touches the soul, it abases human pride. Worldly pleasure and position and power are seen to be worthless. "Imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God" are cast down; every thought is brought into captivity "to the obedience of Christ." 2 Cor. 10:5. Then humility and self-sacrificing love, so little valued among men, are exalted as alone of worth. This is the work of the gospel, of which John's message was a part.
The rabbis continued their questioning: "Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet?" The words "that prophet" had reference to Moses. The Jews had been inclined to the belief that Moses would be raised from the dead, and taken to heaven. They did not know that he had already been raised. When the Baptist began his ministry, many thought that he might be the prophet Moses risen from the dead, for he seemed to have a thorough knowledge of the prophecies and of the history of Israel.
It was believed also that before the Messiah's advent, Elijah would personally appear. This expectation John met in his denial; but his words had a deeper meaning. Jesus afterward said, referring to John, "If ye are willing to receive it, this is Elijah, which is to come." Matt. 11:14, R. V. John came in the spirit and power of Elijah, to do such a work as Elijah did. If the Jews had received him, it would have been accomplished for them. But they did not receive his message. To them he was not Elijah. He could not fulfill for them the mission he came to accomplish.
Preceded by a messenger
The Prophecy:
The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.
(Isaiah 40:3-5)
The Fulfillment:
In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
(Matthew 3:1-3)
Notes:
Anciently, when a king journeyed through the less frequented parts of his dominion, a company of men was sent ahead of the royal chariot to level the steep places and to fill up the hollows, that the king might travel in safety and without hindrance. This custom is employed by the prophet to illustrate the work of the gospel. "Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low." When the Spirit of God, with its marvelous awakening power, touches the soul, it abases human pride. Worldly pleasure and position and power are seen to be worthless. "Imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God" are cast down; every thought is brought into captivity "to the obedience of Christ." 2 Cor. 10:5. Then humility and self-sacrificing love, so little valued among men, are exalted as alone of worth. This is the work of the gospel, of which John's message was a part.
The rabbis continued their questioning: "Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet?" The words "that prophet" had reference to Moses. The Jews had been inclined to the belief that Moses would be raised from the dead, and taken to heaven. They did not know that he had already been raised. When the Baptist began his ministry, many thought that he might be the prophet Moses risen from the dead, for he seemed to have a thorough knowledge of the prophecies and of the history of Israel.
It was believed also that before the Messiah's advent, Elijah would personally appear. This expectation John met in his denial; but his words had a deeper meaning. Jesus afterward said, referring to John, "If ye are willing to receive it, this is Elijah, which is to come." Matt. 11:14, R. V. John came in the spirit and power of Elijah, to do such a work as Elijah did. If the Jews had received him, it would have been accomplished for them. But they did not receive his message. To them he was not Elijah. He could not fulfill for them the mission he came to accomplish.
Preceded by a messenger
The Prophecy:
The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.
(Isaiah 40:3-5)
The Fulfillment:
In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
(Matthew 3:1-3)
Notes:
Anciently, when a king journeyed through the less frequented parts of his dominion, a company of men was sent ahead of the royal chariot to level the steep places and to fill up the hollows, that the king might travel in safety and without hindrance. This custom is employed by the prophet to illustrate the work of the gospel. "Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low." When the Spirit of God, with its marvelous awakening power, touches the soul, it abases human pride. Worldly pleasure and position and power are seen to be worthless. "Imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God" are cast down; every thought is brought into captivity "to the obedience of Christ." 2 Cor. 10:5. Then humility and self-sacrificing love, so little valued among men, are exalted as alone of worth. This is the work of the gospel, of which John's message was a part.
The rabbis continued their questioning: "Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet?" The words "that prophet" had reference to Moses. The Jews had been inclined to the belief that Moses would be raised from the dead, and taken to heaven. They did not know that he had already been raised. When the Baptist began his ministry, many thought that he might be the prophet Moses risen from the dead, for he seemed to have a thorough knowledge of the prophecies and of the history of Israel.
It was believed also that before the Messiah's advent, Elijah would personally appear. This expectation John met in his denial; but his words had a deeper meaning. Jesus afterward said, referring to John, "If ye are willing to receive it, this is Elijah, which is to come." Matt. 11:14, R. V. John came in the spirit and power of Elijah, to do such a work as Elijah did. If the Jews had received him, it would have been accomplished for them. But they did not receive his message. To them he was not Elijah. He could not fulfill for them the mission he came to accomplish.
Preceded by a messenger
The Prophecy:
The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.
(Isaiah 40:3-5)
The Fulfillment:
In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
(Matthew 3:1-3)
Notes:
Anciently, when a king journeyed through the less frequented parts of his dominion, a company of men was sent ahead of the royal chariot to level the steep places and to fill up the hollows, that the king might travel in safety and without hindrance. This custom is employed by the prophet to illustrate the work of the gospel. "Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low." When the Spirit of God, with its marvelous awakening power, touches the soul, it abases human pride. Worldly pleasure and position and power are seen to be worthless. "Imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God" are cast down; every thought is brought into captivity "to the obedience of Christ." 2 Cor. 10:5. Then humility and self-sacrificing love, so little valued among men, are exalted as alone of worth. This is the work of the gospel, of which John's message was a part.
The rabbis continued their questioning: "Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet?" The words "that prophet" had reference to Moses. The Jews had been inclined to the belief that Moses would be raised from the dead, and taken to heaven. They did not know that he had already been raised. When the Baptist began his ministry, many thought that he might be the prophet Moses risen from the dead, for he seemed to have a thorough knowledge of the prophecies and of the history of Israel.
It was believed also that before the Messiah's advent, Elijah would personally appear. This expectation John met in his denial; but his words had a deeper meaning. Jesus afterward said, referring to John, "If ye are willing to receive it, this is Elijah, which is to come." Matt. 11:14, R. V. John came in the spirit and power of Elijah, to do such a work as Elijah did. If the Jews had received him, it would have been accomplished for them. But they did not receive his message. To them he was not Elijah. He could not fulfill for them the mission he came to accomplish.
Preceded by a messenger
The Prophecy:
The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.
(Isaiah 40:3-5)
The Fulfillment:
In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
(Matthew 3:1-3)
Notes:
Anciently, when a king journeyed through the less frequented parts of his dominion, a company of men was sent ahead of the royal chariot to level the steep places and to fill up the hollows, that the king might travel in safety and without hindrance. This custom is employed by the prophet to illustrate the work of the gospel. "Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low." When the Spirit of God, with its marvelous awakening power, touches the soul, it abases human pride. Worldly pleasure and position and power are seen to be worthless. "Imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God" are cast down; every thought is brought into captivity "to the obedience of Christ." 2 Cor. 10:5. Then humility and self-sacrificing love, so little valued among men, are exalted as alone of worth. This is the work of the gospel, of which John's message was a part.
The rabbis continued their questioning: "Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet?" The words "that prophet" had reference to Moses. The Jews had been inclined to the belief that Moses would be raised from the dead, and taken to heaven. They did not know that he had already been raised. When the Baptist began his ministry, many thought that he might be the prophet Moses risen from the dead, for he seemed to have a thorough knowledge of the prophecies and of the history of Israel.
It was believed also that before the Messiah's advent, Elijah would personally appear. This expectation John met in his denial; but his words had a deeper meaning. Jesus afterward said, referring to John, "If ye are willing to receive it, this is Elijah, which is to come." Matt. 11:14, R. V. John came in the spirit and power of Elijah, to do such a work as Elijah did. If the Jews had received him, it would have been accomplished for them. But they did not receive his message. To them he was not Elijah. He could not fulfill for them the mission he came to accomplish.Preceded by a messenger
The Prophecy:
The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.
(Isaiah 40:3-5)
The Fulfillment:
In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
(Matthew 3:1-3)
Notes:
Anciently, when a king journeyed through the less frequented parts of his dominion, a company of men was sent ahead of the royal chariot to level the steep places and to fill up the hollows, that the king might travel in safety and without hindrance. This custom is employed by the prophet to illustrate the work of the gospel. "Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low." When the Spirit of God, with its marvelous awakening power, touches the soul, it abases human pride. Worldly pleasure and position and power are seen to be worthless. "Imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God" are cast down; every thought is brought into captivity "to the obedience of Christ." 2 Cor. 10:5. Then humility and self-sacrificing love, so little valued among men, are exalted as alone of worth. This is the work of the gospel, of which John's message was a part.
The rabbis continued their questioning: "Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet?" The words "that prophet" had reference to Moses. The Jews had been inclined to the belief that Moses would be raised from the dead, and taken to heaven. They did not know that he had already been raised. When the Baptist began his ministry, many thought that he might be the prophet Moses risen from the dead, for he seemed to have a thorough knowledge of the prophecies and of the history of Israel.
It was believed also that before the Messiah's advent, Elijah would personally appear. This expectation John met in his denial; but his words had a deeper meaning. Jesus afterward said, referring to John, "If ye are willing to receive it, this is Elijah, which is to come." Matt. 11:14, R. V. John came in the spirit and power of Elijah, to do such a work as Elijah did. If the Jews had received him, it would have been accomplished for them. But they did not receive his message. To them he was not Elijah. He could not fulfill for them the mission he came to accomplish.
Preceded by a messenger
The Prophecy:
The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.
(Isaiah 40:3-5)
The Fulfillment:
In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
(Matthew 3:1-3)
Notes:
Anciently, when a king journeyed through the less frequented parts of his dominion, a company of men was sent ahead of the royal chariot to level the steep places and to fill up the hollows, that the king might travel in safety and without hindrance. This custom is employed by the prophet to illustrate the work of the gospel. "Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low." When the Spirit of God, with its marvelous awakening power, touches the soul, it abases human pride. Worldly pleasure and position and power are seen to be worthless. "Imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God" are cast down; every thought is brought into captivity "to the obedience of Christ." 2 Cor. 10:5. Then humility and self-sacrificing love, so little valued among men, are exalted as alone of worth. This is the work of the gospel, of which John's message was a part.
The rabbis continued their questioning: "Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet?" The words "that prophet" had reference to Moses. The Jews had been inclined to the belief that Moses would be raised from the dead, and taken to heaven. They did not know that he had already been raised. When the Baptist began his ministry, many thought that he might be the prophet Moses risen from the dead, for he seemed to have a thorough knowledge of the prophecies and of the history of Israel.
It was believed also that before the Messiah's advent, Elijah would personally appear. This expectation John met in his denial; but his words had a deeper meaning. Jesus afterward said, referring to John, "If ye are willing to receive it, this is Elijah, which is to come." Matt. 11:14, R. V. John came in the spirit and power of Elijah, to do such a work as Elijah did. If the Jews had received him, it would have been accomplished for them. But they did not receive his message. To them he was not Elijah. He could not fulfill for them the mission he came to accomplish.
Preceded by a messenger
The Prophecy:
The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.
(Isaiah 40:3-5)
The Fulfillment:
In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
(Matthew 3:1-3)
Notes:
Anciently, when a king journeyed through the less frequented parts of his dominion, a company of men was sent ahead of the royal chariot to level the steep places and to fill up the hollows, that the king might travel in safety and without hindrance. This custom is employed by the prophet to illustrate the work of the gospel. "Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low." When the Spirit of God, with its marvelous awakening power, touches the soul, it abases human pride. Worldly pleasure and position and power are seen to be worthless. "Imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God" are cast down; every thought is brought into captivity "to the obedience of Christ." 2 Cor. 10:5. Then humility and self-sacrificing love, so little valued among men, are exalted as alone of worth. This is the work of the gospel, of which John's message was a part.
The rabbis continued their questioning: "Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet?" The words "that prophet" had reference to Moses. The Jews had been inclined to the belief that Moses would be raised from the dead, and taken to heaven. They did not know that he had already been raised. When the Baptist began his ministry, many thought that he might be the prophet Moses risen from the dead, for he seemed to have a thorough knowledge of the prophecies and of the history of Israel.
It was believed also that before the Messiah's advent, Elijah would personally appear. This expectation John met in his denial; but his words had a deeper meaning. Jesus afterward said, referring to John, "If ye are willing to receive it, this is Elijah, which is to come." Matt. 11:14, R. V. John came in the spirit and power of Elijah, to do such a work as Elijah did. If the Jews had received him, it would have been accomplished for them. But they did not receive his message. To them he was not Elijah. He could not fulfill for them the mission he came to accomplish.
(http://www.gnmagazine.org/issues/gn09/bibledefinesin.htm)
Monday, January 11, 2010
Savour
This took place in Bethany beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing.
The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said,
"Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!"
Gospel of John 1:28-29
"This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.
No one has greater love than this, to lay down his life for his friends."
Gospel of John 15:12-13
Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, entered time and history through the Incarnation.
"The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth" (John 1:14).
Jesus Christ, the Son of God (Mark 1:1, Romans 1:4), is a gift of love from the Father for the salvation of the world (John 3:16-17), the one who died for all of mankind (2 Corinthians 5:15), our "Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ" (Philippians 3:21).
Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, fulfills Old Testament prophecy. The Lamb of God recalls the Passover Lamb, whose blood was sprinkled on the houses of the Israelites to protect them during the Exodus from Egypt (Exodus 12). The Messiah as the suffering servant will give his life as an offering for sin (Isaiah 53). The Lamb anticipates the victorious Lamb of the Apocalypse (Revelation 5-7).
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gave us the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-10), affirmed the Ten Commandments of God (Matthew 5:17-20), and taught us the prayer of hope, the Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13). Jesus promised the Apostles and his followers that "When I go I will prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you will be also" (John 14:3).
God is love (1 John 4:8)! The mystery of the Cross reveals the open arms of Christ Jesus. The Church Fathers interpreted his open arms to reveal his obedience and glorification of his Father and at the same time reveal his devotion to all of mankind. His open arms of prayer symbolically represent worship and brotherliness, the indivisibility of service to mankind and glorification of God.
The Paschal mystery in the Gospel of John reveals Christ as the new Adam. "One of the soldiers thrust a lance into his side and immediately blood and water came out" (John 19:34). Eve came from the side of the first Adam. The open side of the new Adam is the beginning of the new definitive community of men with one another, a New Covenant in Christ, symbolized by water and blood, the sacraments of Baptism and the Lamb's Supper, the Eucharistic (Divine) Liturgy, and through them the Church as the sign of the new community of mankind.
Christ revealed to us the mystery of the Holy Trinity. Following his Resurrection, Jesus instructed his Apostles: "Go therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you," that He will be with us to the end (Matthew 28:19f).
Jesus actually identifies himself with the Church in the Acts of the Apostles. Saul was persecuting the Church, consenting to the death of the first martyr Stephen, and laid waste the Church, dragging off men and women and throwing them into prison (Acts 8:1-3). But while going to Damascus, Saul was struck from his horse by a great light, and a voice asked "Why do you persecute me?" Saul asked who spoke: "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting" (Acts 9:4-5). Saul experienced the grace of Conversion, and Paul, as Apostle to the Gentiles, became just as passionate spreading the Christian faith as he was in persecuting the Church.
The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said,
"Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!"
Gospel of John 1:28-29
"This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.
No one has greater love than this, to lay down his life for his friends."
Gospel of John 15:12-13
Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, entered time and history through the Incarnation.
"The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth" (John 1:14).
Jesus Christ, the Son of God (Mark 1:1, Romans 1:4), is a gift of love from the Father for the salvation of the world (John 3:16-17), the one who died for all of mankind (2 Corinthians 5:15), our "Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ" (Philippians 3:21).
Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, fulfills Old Testament prophecy. The Lamb of God recalls the Passover Lamb, whose blood was sprinkled on the houses of the Israelites to protect them during the Exodus from Egypt (Exodus 12). The Messiah as the suffering servant will give his life as an offering for sin (Isaiah 53). The Lamb anticipates the victorious Lamb of the Apocalypse (Revelation 5-7).
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gave us the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-10), affirmed the Ten Commandments of God (Matthew 5:17-20), and taught us the prayer of hope, the Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13). Jesus promised the Apostles and his followers that "When I go I will prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you will be also" (John 14:3).
God is love (1 John 4:8)! The mystery of the Cross reveals the open arms of Christ Jesus. The Church Fathers interpreted his open arms to reveal his obedience and glorification of his Father and at the same time reveal his devotion to all of mankind. His open arms of prayer symbolically represent worship and brotherliness, the indivisibility of service to mankind and glorification of God.
The Paschal mystery in the Gospel of John reveals Christ as the new Adam. "One of the soldiers thrust a lance into his side and immediately blood and water came out" (John 19:34). Eve came from the side of the first Adam. The open side of the new Adam is the beginning of the new definitive community of men with one another, a New Covenant in Christ, symbolized by water and blood, the sacraments of Baptism and the Lamb's Supper, the Eucharistic (Divine) Liturgy, and through them the Church as the sign of the new community of mankind.
Christ revealed to us the mystery of the Holy Trinity. Following his Resurrection, Jesus instructed his Apostles: "Go therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you," that He will be with us to the end (Matthew 28:19f).
Jesus actually identifies himself with the Church in the Acts of the Apostles. Saul was persecuting the Church, consenting to the death of the first martyr Stephen, and laid waste the Church, dragging off men and women and throwing them into prison (Acts 8:1-3). But while going to Damascus, Saul was struck from his horse by a great light, and a voice asked "Why do you persecute me?" Saul asked who spoke: "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting" (Acts 9:4-5). Saul experienced the grace of Conversion, and Paul, as Apostle to the Gentiles, became just as passionate spreading the Christian faith as he was in persecuting the Church.
The truth.
You are here: Truth >> Bible Truth
Bible Truth - Why is this Book any Different than the Others?
Is there such a thing as "Bible Truth?" Why should we trust this "holy book" any more than any other spiritual, religious or philosophical treatise? How can we be sure that the Bible we read today is the same collection of 66 books that were originally written in ancient times?
Bible Truth - The Reliability of the Ancient Manuscripts
Bible truth? Let's take a look! The Bible is unquestionably the world's all-time bestseller with an estimated 2 billion copies in print. The Bible was completed in its entirety nearly 2,000 years ago and stands today as the best-preserved literary work of all antiquity, with over 24,000 ancient New Testament manuscripts discovered so far (compare this with the second best-preserved literary work of all antiquity, Homer's Iliad, with only 643 preserved manuscripts discovered thus far). The printing press wasn't invented until the 1450's, but we have hand-written copies of the Old Testament dating back to the 200's BC. Remarkably, these ancient manuscripts are nearly identical to the Bible we read today.
As far as the New Testament, the Bodmer Papyrus II contains most of the Gospel of John and dates from around 150-200 AD. The Chester Beatty Papyri contains major portions of the New Testament and dates back to about 200 AD. The Codex Vaticanus, the oldest complete New Testament manuscript we've discovered so far, dates from 325-350 AD. The apostle John, who lived with Jesus and learned from Jesus, penned five New Testament books and died in 100 AD. We have fragments of John's Gospel that date from 110-130 AD, within 30 years of his death. When compared to other ancient works such as Plato, Homer or Tacitus, that short time period between the original and the most recent copy is dramatic!
Clement of Rome was martyred in 100 AD. In his writings, he quoted from Matthew, Mark, Luke, Acts, 1 Corinthians, 1 Peter, Hebrews, and Titus. Clement's quotes totally correspond with the Bible we read today. In fact, even if we lost all of the 5,300 early Greek manuscripts, all of the 10,000 Latin vulgates, and all of the 9,300 other ancient manuscripts, we would be able to reconstruct all but 11 verses of the New Testament from the writings of the early Church leaders who quoted from them extensively. We have over 36,000 preserved quotes from the New Testament. In a nutshell, the Bible stands today as the best-preserved literary work of all antiquity, and it's overall reliability is without question!
Bible Truth - The Passion of the Ancient Writers
When it comes to Bible truth, many critics argue that the early Church deliberately corrupted the Bible's text for its own agenda. As for this argument, ask yourself one question: would a group of men who were willing to suffer terrible persecution and die horrible deaths in defense of the Scriptures be guilty of corrupting those very same Scriptures? That's lunacy! If they corrupted the Scriptures, or knowingly allowed them to be corrupted, that would mean they knowingly suffered and died for a lie! No one suffers and dies for a lie! For example, the September 11th suicide hijackers may have sincerely believed in what they died for, but they weren't in a position to know whether or not what they believed was true; they put their faith in traditions passed down to them over many generations. They didn't knowingly die for a lie; they died for a lie in ignorance.
In contrast, the New Testament's martyrs either saw what they claimed to see or they didn't; plain and simple. Either they interacted with the resurrected Christ or they didn't. They certainly knew whether or not their testimony was true! Nevertheless, these men clung to their testimonies, even to their brutal deaths at the hands of their persecutors, and despite being given every chance to recant, knowing full well whether their testimony was true of false. Why would so many men knowingly die for a lie? They had nothing to gain for lying and obviously everything to lose.
Bible Truth - Why is this Book any Different than the Others?
Is there such a thing as "Bible Truth?" Why should we trust this "holy book" any more than any other spiritual, religious or philosophical treatise? How can we be sure that the Bible we read today is the same collection of 66 books that were originally written in ancient times?
Bible Truth - The Reliability of the Ancient Manuscripts
Bible truth? Let's take a look! The Bible is unquestionably the world's all-time bestseller with an estimated 2 billion copies in print. The Bible was completed in its entirety nearly 2,000 years ago and stands today as the best-preserved literary work of all antiquity, with over 24,000 ancient New Testament manuscripts discovered so far (compare this with the second best-preserved literary work of all antiquity, Homer's Iliad, with only 643 preserved manuscripts discovered thus far). The printing press wasn't invented until the 1450's, but we have hand-written copies of the Old Testament dating back to the 200's BC. Remarkably, these ancient manuscripts are nearly identical to the Bible we read today.
As far as the New Testament, the Bodmer Papyrus II contains most of the Gospel of John and dates from around 150-200 AD. The Chester Beatty Papyri contains major portions of the New Testament and dates back to about 200 AD. The Codex Vaticanus, the oldest complete New Testament manuscript we've discovered so far, dates from 325-350 AD. The apostle John, who lived with Jesus and learned from Jesus, penned five New Testament books and died in 100 AD. We have fragments of John's Gospel that date from 110-130 AD, within 30 years of his death. When compared to other ancient works such as Plato, Homer or Tacitus, that short time period between the original and the most recent copy is dramatic!
Clement of Rome was martyred in 100 AD. In his writings, he quoted from Matthew, Mark, Luke, Acts, 1 Corinthians, 1 Peter, Hebrews, and Titus. Clement's quotes totally correspond with the Bible we read today. In fact, even if we lost all of the 5,300 early Greek manuscripts, all of the 10,000 Latin vulgates, and all of the 9,300 other ancient manuscripts, we would be able to reconstruct all but 11 verses of the New Testament from the writings of the early Church leaders who quoted from them extensively. We have over 36,000 preserved quotes from the New Testament. In a nutshell, the Bible stands today as the best-preserved literary work of all antiquity, and it's overall reliability is without question!
Bible Truth - The Passion of the Ancient Writers
When it comes to Bible truth, many critics argue that the early Church deliberately corrupted the Bible's text for its own agenda. As for this argument, ask yourself one question: would a group of men who were willing to suffer terrible persecution and die horrible deaths in defense of the Scriptures be guilty of corrupting those very same Scriptures? That's lunacy! If they corrupted the Scriptures, or knowingly allowed them to be corrupted, that would mean they knowingly suffered and died for a lie! No one suffers and dies for a lie! For example, the September 11th suicide hijackers may have sincerely believed in what they died for, but they weren't in a position to know whether or not what they believed was true; they put their faith in traditions passed down to them over many generations. They didn't knowingly die for a lie; they died for a lie in ignorance.
In contrast, the New Testament's martyrs either saw what they claimed to see or they didn't; plain and simple. Either they interacted with the resurrected Christ or they didn't. They certainly knew whether or not their testimony was true! Nevertheless, these men clung to their testimonies, even to their brutal deaths at the hands of their persecutors, and despite being given every chance to recant, knowing full well whether their testimony was true of false. Why would so many men knowingly die for a lie? They had nothing to gain for lying and obviously everything to lose.
Redemption
If my people, which are called by my name,shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14).
Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things...but with the precious blood of Christ. (1 Peter 1:18-19).
Preface
My unique employment situation has allowed me to do extensive travel, both here in the USA and abroad. When I get the opportunity, I often acquaint myself with "new" saints of God and fellowship with them as the Spirit leads. I have met many saints of God who, because of what they've been taught, do not have the same understanding that God has revealed to me on this particular subject. In many areas, I don't have all the understanding that I need, and I pray that God will give me more. As individual saints of God, while we are not all at the same level of understanding of God's Word, one thing is clear; we must have a strong desire to know Truth and must continue to study the Word of God in search of Truth. Also, once we learn of Truth, we must individually walk in light as God personally reveals it to us. Our desire to know Truth must be greater then any other desire, as Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Our attitude towards Truth is a reflection of our attitude towards Christ. It is a definite fact that when Gods saves us from a life of sin, no matter how He does it or how we think He does it, we had better end up holy when it's all said and done. In the life of a true child of God, holiness, as exemplified by living a pure and godly life free from all sin, is the doctrine toward which all other doctrines lead, and in which they all center. That God wills, provides for, and demands our sanctification from all sin, no candid Bible reader will deny. It is a Bible fact that God requires and empowers His people to live holy sanctified lives. 1 Peter 1:15-16 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. True Bible holiness is opposed to all sin, filthiness, and ungodliness. It removes from both soul and body everything that defiles.
In my travels and acquaintances, I have met people with seemingly the right doctrine, but the wrong spirit. On the other hand, I have also met people who had the wrong doctrine, but a right spirit. I have no doubt that many of these dear brothers and sisters differing in doctrine from myself are genuinely saved and sanctified. I enjoy our blessed fellowship. I have the utmost confidence in their salvation and do not hesitate to call on them to pray for me when I need it. However, thank God, I've met many saints, and regularly worship with saints, with both the right doctrine and the right spirit. I believe that as individual saints of God we should all strive to keep the unity of the Spirit until we all come to the unity of the faith. Our fellowship is not necessarily based on what we believe, but in whom we believe and how obedient we are to what God has already revealed to us. However, I strongly believe that it is God's divine will that we all see eye-to-eye on the cardinal doctrines of the Church of God. Certainly, there is no room for traditions or private interpretations of the scripture when it comes to the divine plan of salvation. I am convinced that God's people are not divided on what we actually know (those things that God has divinely and personally revealed), but where there is division or confusion, it is the result what we think we know (those things that we may have been taught by man, as sincere as they may have been). Differences there are, however, if we don't prayerfully discuss our differences and study the Word of God together, keeping an open mind and a keen ear to what the Spirit of God has to say, our doctrinal differences may never be resolved. For this, we will individually be held accountable at the Judgment.
Among the Church of God as a whole, that is, those separate called-out persons whose roots go back to Pentecost through Brother D. S. Warner and others in the Evening Light Church of God reformation of the late 19th century, there is still much controversy surrounding what is actually involved in God's divine plan of redemption for mankind, particularly along the line of sanctification. There was much conflict among the Church of God people on this subject during Brother Warner's day and in days previous to those. The reason for this conflict, I'm afraid, is that many people have taught the traditions of men and not the inspired Word of God. Certainly God is not the author of confusion. Therefore, the devil has taken advantage of this situation and has used this subject, and teachings related to it, to cause confusion and division among the very people of God. The same is true of the ever-diminishing “conservative holiness” movement of our day. Due to a lack of proper instruction and a general acceptance of the more traditional Evening Light "Church of God" teachings that have been handed down from one generation to another (primarily from a Wesleyan-Arminian viewpoint), some well-meaning preachers have sowed discord among the brethren over these issues. Many continue to do so, some no doubt intentionally and some unintentionally. We are to earnestly contend for the faith, but some have mistakenly become earnestly contentiousness for the faith! The Word of God teaches that there should be no discord and division among God's people. We are known by our fruit (Matt 12:33) and if our fruit doesn't consistently reflect that of the Spirit of God (love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance), then it is not of God. God's plan of redemption for mankind is not something that is difficult and cannot be understood. It is not even something that is complicated. The Bible says that a foolish wayfaring man can understand it (Isa 35:8). The Word of God calls people who sow discord an "abomination" and discord is one of the six things that the Lord hates the most (Prov 6:19).
I believe the work of God as a whole has suffered and is currently suffering because some have allowed the devil to freely work among God's people. Jesus fervently prayed for us all in one of His last prayers on earth. His desire was "that they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me" (John 17:21). In this prayer alone, Jesus prayed no less than five times "that they all be one". Are we going to let Jesus' prayer go in vain?
I also believe that God will not bless the Church of God as a whole like He wants to because of the sin of division and the tremendous amount of confusion that still exists in her ranks. Would He be a just God to do so? I strongly believe that when Christ returns for His bride, He is coming back after a glorious holy Church, without spot, wrinkle, blemish, or blame. Our challenge as individual saints, and the body of Christ as a whole, is to be numbered of those precious few. Mistakes and separations have been made in that past, some of which were needless or were caused by overzealous leaders on all sides of the issues, but it is time for reconciliation. As new generations are coming on, there seems to be a willingness to begin to address the issues that have divided us, work towards reconciliation, and get beyond them. I trust that this attitude prevails well into the future.
This study is mostly the result of my own personal Bible study. However, much of my foundational understanding has been the result of a Spirit-filled pastor, faithful Sunday School teachers, and my godly parents. Also, I have attempted to look into various opposing views and historical happenings in an effort to understand where the problem areas really are. As I was taught and prayerfully studied out these Bible Truths, the Spirit of God witnessed to me, confirmed the Word, and wrote them forever in my heart. Having been raised in the Church of God and being of a fairly young age, I can only vaguely remember when some of these Truths were generally revealed in the early 1970's. It was a somewhat different message than what had been generally taught by Brother D. S. Warner and other Church of God reformers, although not entirely. In my studies, I have discovered that it was not "new light" at all, it was just different than what was generally being taught at that time. As a child, I recall there seemed to much turmoil and a spiritual shaking that took place in the Church. As with previous unveilings of Truth, some accepted the message and some didn't. Not understanding what the controversy was about, I came to a point several years ago in my Christian experience where I wanted to know what was right. God was calling me to a deeper consecration, commonly referred to as the second work of grace, and I needed to understand to the best of my ability what that calling and experience was all about. I was not then, and still remain not so much interested in who is right, but what is right. During my personal studies and search for Truth, I came to realize that there was not a whole lot of Church of God printed material surrounding the actual Truths of these teachings. I believe the Lord has opened up my understanding for this purpose and it is with this burden that I felt led to document this study. Some areas of this study are fairly involved and rather spiritually deep. I apologize if I have not been able to properly express the Word in a clear manner along every line. Any failure to do so is on my part and should not be associated with these eternal Truths of God's Word. I felt it necessary to search out and present some of the more deep things of God because I'm afraid that man has so miserably twisted the scriptures and has confused the minds of many of God's true people along these doctrinal lines. In many cases, I am convinced that some people have heard and accepted man's ideas as truth instead of hearing from God and getting His mind on these and other doctrines. I have attempted to counter some of this confusion by going deep into the Word and pulling out precious Truths. It is not my intent to simply “stir up the devil” or reopen wombs that have long since healed, but rather to provide the reader with a written perspective of what we believe God has revealed along this particular line of teaching. I know that I am the least among the saints, but if God can get any glory and if the Church can be edified, I am willing to do what I can to help build her up. I pray that every reader will receive this study in the spirit that it was written in and that God will give understanding to honest hearts.
God's Plan Of Redemption For Mankind
INTRODUCTION
Man miserably fell from God's grace in the Garden of Eden. God, in His infinite wisdom and omniscience, has a plan to redeem fallen man. What was really involved in the “fall” of mankind and how are we effected by it today? What is involved in God's plan of redemption? Often we, as Church of God people, are asked if we believe in one or two "works of grace" or if we are one or two "cleansing". What is the proper answer to these questions? Unfortunately, I have often met people who are supposedly "standing for truth" that don't have any idea, scripturally speaking, of what they are standing for nor do they understand what they are standing against. It would appear as though some people today are like those Jews in the Apostle Paul's day that had a "zeal of God, but not according to knowledge" Romans 10:2. I have talked to many well meaning people who think that they are standing for real Bible Truth, but when scripturally challenged on what they believe, they cannot explain it, they don’t really know why they believe it, they are not sure how they got it, nor do they know what they are going to do with it! The Bible clearly teaches that things we KNOW, we know alike. Why? Because God divinely gives them to us and He is not the author of confusion. The problem comes with the things that we THINK we know. It is in these areas that often the professed people of God are divided over. Why is this? Because the things we think we know do not always line up with the solid teachings of the Bible. However, as God's true people, we should know what the Bible teaches better than all the religious groups and sects of our day. I'm afraid many Church of God people come up short in this area.
God would not have us to be ignorant of His divine plan of redemption. It is the most important subject found in the Word of God for lost mankind. This study is intended to look at God's plan of redemption in the biblically sense and try to resolve some of the more controversial issues surrounding God's redemption. The Bible is clear on this subject and God's people need to understand what the Bible teaches along these doctrinal lines.
The main questions that will be addressed in our study are:
1. What actually happened in the garden? How many "steps" did Adam fall due to his rebellion against God? What impact does this initial act of rebellion have on us today?
2. What is original sin? Did we inherit sin from Adam? If so, how is it forgiven or dealt with in Bible salvation? Does it require an additional cleansing?
3. What about man's nature? Is it corrupt? Why do all children choose to sin when they reach the age of accountability?
4. Who is the "old man" and when does he die? Who is the "new man" and when do we receive him?
5. When do we receive the Spirit of God? Does His inception require an additional "work of grace"?
“Fallen From Grace”.
Picture yourself in the garden of Eden. None of the stresses and obligations that we have today. Jobs, school, children, housework, etc... Nothing but a minimal obligation to God. This is the way it was "in the beginning". Genesis 1:28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it. Genesis 2:15 And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.
The Bible teaches that mankind was made in the image of God. He was created with a likeness or similarity to God. In certain ways, he resembled God. Genesis 1:26-27 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness... So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
Adam and Eve did not physically look like God because God is a Spirit. Being created in God's image simply means that man was created with some of the same moral attributes of God (i.e.. righteous, purity, and holiness). Before the fall, God's ultimate approval was on Adam. The Bible implies that God would come down to walk and directly commune with Adam (Gen 3:8). But sin entered into the picture and separated man from God. Adam and Eve were told one thing by God not to do; Genesis 2:17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. But that's exactly what Adam and Eve did. Genesis 3:6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.
It was here that Adam and Eve rebelled against God, and therefore “fell” from grace. They disobeyed a known commandment of God. An important question to ask ourselves is what it was that caused Adam and Eve to disobey God and commit this sin against their maker? Certainly, there was nothing sinfully "wrong" with them. As noted, they were created in the image of God. They were not "slanted" towards sin inwardly (in other words by an inward sinful nature), they were morally pure and holy. There was nothing sinful about them that they inherited, for they were never physically born. As the scriptures reveal, their natures were patterned after God's nature. They didn't have sinful depraved natures, but yet, they still rebelled against God and sinned, thereby “falling” from God's divine favor.
The answer to this all important question is quite simple: They listened to Satan's reasoning, were tempted by him, were drawn away by their own lust, and yielded to a sinful temptation. Many years later, the Apostle James reaffirmed this universal reality by the proclamation that "every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death." James 1:14-15. Notice, it was Eve who was first drawn away by her lust for the fruit. She was deceived and sinned before Adam did. After she rebelled, she handed the fruit off to Adam and he willingly sinned likewise, knowing full well what the consequence would be. Again, both Adam and Eve made a deliberate choice to rebel and sin against God, knowing that the penalty would be death. Did they die that dreadful day? Physically, no. Spiritually, yes. They were separated from God's approval. Sin always separates man from God. Isaiah 59:2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. God's punishment and attitude toward Adam and Eve can be seen in the rest of Gen 3:14-24. He no longer looked on them with the divine favor that He did when He first created them. They “fell from grace”, that is to say, they fell out of God's unmerited favor because they chose to rebel against God rather then to obey Him. That day, because of his rebellion, Adam introduced sin and death into the world. Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin. How many steps did Adam’s rebellion lower him to? One big one! He fell from grace into disgrace. He fell from having the divine favor of God to receiving the curses of God.
How Are We Effected By Adam and Eve’s Rebellion Against God?
Prior to the day that Adam and Eve disobeyed and sinned against God, there was no such thing as sin in this present time world. Because of Adam's rebellion, the Bible says that sin was introduced into the world, not into the hearts of mankind. Hence, it is no surprise when we read the admonishment of Saint John where it is recorded that we are to “love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.” (1 John 2:15-16) Worldliness and sin go hand in hand, and in fact are one in the same.
Adam was directly responsible for his own sin. He chose to selfishly rebel and sin against God. Indeed, Adam, exercised his own free will and chose to rebel against the loving and intelligent will of his Creator. His sin brought about his own spiritual death, or separation from God. Adam is not directly responsible for our individual sins. He is indirectly responsible in that it was he that introduced sin onto the world, and therefore we are surrounded by it’s presence. However, we are each responsible for our own sin. It seems as though today, people are eager to place blame on everything and everybody else but themselves. Personal responsibility for our individual actions and rebellion against God seems to be a thing of the past in the minds of many today, even many religious people. It is the spirit of this age. However, someone once said, "You are today what you decided to be yesterday". There is much truth in this statement. Sadly, people are quick blame the school system for the uncontrolled behavior of the children. They blame the government for the evils of our society. They blame the police for not doing enough to lower the crime rate. They blame the deteriorated conditions of the neighborhoods for the increased number of gangs and gang violence. Certainly these systems are not without their faults, however, the real cause for the evil condition in our world is quite simply sin. People have chosen to rebel against God and live a sinful life, rather than to obey God and live holy.
As individuals accountable to God, we can't blame Adam, Eve, father, mother, husband, wife or anyone else for our own sin. Notice at first, Adam tried to blame Eve for his sin. Eve tried to make excuses as well. She attempted to blame the serpent for her sin. What did God do? Did God except these lame excuses and just hold the serpent responsible? No! He held them individually accountable. He punished Eve for her sin and Adam for his sin as well. The serpent got his just punishment too! To this day, even he doesn't have a leg to stand on. This principle of individual responsibility is still the same today. We are responsible for our own individual sins. The Bible reveals the following: Romans 14:10-12 ... we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
Because of Adam's sin, physical death was passed on to all men. Romans 5:12 says: Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men. We will all face physical death some day, unless the Lord returns first. Hebrews 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment. Death can be traced back to Adam. It is an appointment that we all must keep. Genesis chapter three also outlines other areas of our lives that have been directly effected by the Adam and Eve’s rebellion against God, but none are imposed on our moral nature.
Two Falls From Grace?
Some teach that Adam fell two-steps; inwardly and outwardly, and therefore two-steps are required to restore mankind back to that original status with God (inwardly being that he lost his holiness, righteous, purity, etc... outwardly being that he committed sin by eating the fruit). I could insert a heart chart here. It is true that Adam lost his holiness, righteousness, and purity before God, but it was not a separate fall. The fact is, the fall from grace was brought about by the sin that he committed. Adam sinned inwardly in his heart before he even took that first bite of the fruit outwardly. Sinning against God does not always require an outward act. We can sin against God in our hearts and never involve another body member or an outward expression. Lust is a good example of such a sin. Having a wrong motive or bad attitude is just as sinful as any outwardly committed sinful act.
Adam's sin caused him to go from being spiritually alive to being spiritually dead. The same is true today. In fact, thousands of years later, the Apostle Paul said in Romans 7:9 For I was alive (spiritually innocent) without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died (spiritually). Paul was spiritually innocent and in his own words “alive” from the time that he was born until the age of accountability and reason, when he intentionally disobeyed the law of God and sinned. Notice, according to the scripture, not until after he sinned did Paul spiritually die. The same is true universally. The Bible teaches in 1Tim 5:6 that one who lives in pleasure is dead while they yet live. Sin always brings a spiritual death.
Those who teach a two-step fall also teach a two-step restoration plan of salvation. Accordingly to this teaching, the first step, or first work of grace, restores man outwardly and the second step, or second work of grace, restores a person inwardly. Those that teach this doctrine believe that one needs to be first cleansed from outward sin (which they call justification) and then subsequently be cleansed inwardly from original inbred sin and carnality in the heart. They often label the second work of grace "entire sanctification". Once this second cleansing takes place, a believer will then no longer be plagued by inward carnality, allowing for the total elimination of what they often call "inward" temptations. This teaching, in various forms, was taught for years in the Evening Light Church of God and is also taught in many holiness groups of our day. In fact, this is probably what Bro. D. S. Warner was referring to when he penned the words to the 3rd verse of the song "I Know My Name Is There". It says this: "Yet inward trouble often cast a shadow o'er my title; But now with full salvation blest, praise God! it's ever clear". It is this particular teaching that we now want to examine by the Word of God in the next few pages.
While Brother Warner was certainly a mighty man of God in his day, and the Church of God owes much to his dedicated efforts, in the truest sense of the word, the Bible does not support what this verse apparently is expressing. The implication is that one can be born again of the Spirit of God, but yet not be solidly convinced of it until after they are “entirely sanctified”. It implies that there are some persons who have “full salvation”, and others who are only half saved. However, the scriptures clearly teach that when one receives true Bible salvation, he or she receives a complete work of salvation. There are no such persons as half saved or "justified" sinners, either inwardly or outwardly. As far as the redemption and removal (cleansing) of sin, when one genuinely repents and receives true Bible salvation, He becomes complete in Christ (Col 2:10). Additionally, anyone who has read either of the books "BIRTH OF A REFORMATION, Life and Labors of D. S. Warner" or "Journal of D. S. Warner" can clearly see that Bro. Warner, as great of a man as he, had many inward struggles both before and after his proclaimed experience of "entire sanctification" on July 6, 1877. For instance, on Oct 18, 1877 (pg. 257, Journal of D. S. Warner), only a little over three months after his second crisis experience, his diary records that he was in a meeting where "myself and others felt a wonderful death to sin and the world. Sarah (Bro. Warner's wife) passed through the death groans (she has been previously entirely sanctified on April 8, 1877), the Spirit laid me out on the floor". On October 2, 1878, a little over a year after his second crisis experience, Bro. Warner again refers to inward struggles with the flesh when he states "O how vile I have been in the sight of God; how many times Satan has succeeded in resurrecting some self in me….. O Lord save me in the future from such presumption and sin". Other similar instances could be shown.
My friend, neither the Bible nor the practical reality of life support such a teaching. We will discuss this subject in more detail later on in our study, but we must say right here that there is no experience taught in the Bible, or otherwise, that will eradicate "inward" temptation, except physical death. If such were the case, how could a person ever backslide? In fact, if we just stop and think about it, most temptations that we commonly experience as Christians, if not all of them, can be traced directly back to some inward fleshly (carnal) desire. No doubt, if our “carnal nature”, or the nature of our flesh, were to be permanently removed, we would no longer be tempted in any way. Certainly, the Apostle James was unaware of such an experience for he said in James 1:14-15 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death (spiritually). Jesus was also tempted to sin. During His temptation, the devil catered to an inward fleshly (carnal) desire that Jesus had; hunger, the same one he used on Adam and Eve in the garden. Matthew 4:1-4 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. If we claim to never experience inward temptation, we must also then claim to live on a higher standard of holiness today than Jesus and the Apostles did. Can this be true?
Temptation in and of itself is not sin, whether we label it as “inward” or “outward” temptation. However, yielding to or acting upon an evil temptation in rebellion against God’s Word is sin. Being continually tempted by the devil to do wrong is something that we must contend with for the rest of our lives. This is where the Christian's real battle is. But, God's grace is sufficient. 1 Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. God doesn't take us bodily out of the world or it’s influences, but He does give us the power to overcome the world! 1 John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Praise God! Indeed we must be sanctified in this life, yea sanctified wholly, but we need not expect to removed from temptation, nor ever be tempted to sin. This is a message much needed for our new converts.
Cleanse The Inside First.
Not only is the doctrine of two distinct falls from grace contrary to scripture, the solution taught for resolving the "problem" is equally contrary to scripture. Many insist on reversing God's true plan of salvation as they attempt to require outward holiness before inward holiness. Jesus Himself said in Matthew 23:26 Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also. In these scriptures, Jesus clearly outlined the cleansing process. Indeed, in this line of thought there are “two cleansings”. He said that we must have the inside cleaned first and made holy (cleansed from sin and a pure heart placed within) and then, afterwards, the outside (our lives, actions, deeds, appearance, etc...) will come clean. Jesus' all-cleansing sin-killing, deep penetrating, stain removing blood (and oh how powerful it is) cleanses us first within thereby make us holy, and the Apostle Paul further expounded and said that we are to assist in cleansing ourselves outwardly afterwards. 2 Corinthians 7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Sadly, some people have attempted to reverse this process and insist on outward holiness before inward holiness. Two-step teachers believe that a justified believer still possesses, and is indeed driven by, a sinful carnal nature (a sinful heart) even after he is saved. They believe that a "justified" person is still categorized as a sinner because of inherited sin from Adam (in other words, a sinner at heart saved by grace). I'm afraid that some have watered down the blood of Jesus and the true plan of salvation so as to require two applications to be cleansed from sin. The two cleansing teaching attempts to require a believer to live an outwardly holy life after he is justified, while arguing that the inside, the believer's heart, is still sinful and in need of another "cleansing". Contrary to Scripture, this method requires that one cleanse first the outside, so that the inside may come clean. My friend, this teaching is 180 degrees from the Truth. It is the complete opposite of what Jesus taught. God does not justify us in sin or in a sinful heart condition. He delivers and saves us from sin! There are no such persons as "sinners saved by grace", for if there were such persons, what would they be "saved" from? Being saved is more then just some label, it is a living experience, followed by a life lived!
What can wash away my sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus! I'm reminded of the old-time Church of God song often sung by the saints everywhere. The title is "The All-Cleansing Fountain" and the first and last verses read like this: "There's a fountain opened in the house of God, Where the vilest of sinners may go, And all test the power of the crimson flood, Of the blood that makes whiter than snow. What are these in spotless robes and whence came they, As they're singing with palms in their hands? These thro' tribulation gained the victory, Having washed in the blood of the Lamb." The chorus says: "Praise the Lord, I am washed, In the all-cleansing blood of the Lamb, And my robes are whiter than the driven snow. I am washed in the blood of the Lamb." Oh the power in the blood of Jesus! Hallelujah! (SMILE!)
The truth beyound human knowledge.
There has been the truth since people were formed, it has been being searched for a long time but no one found because, we find it as something that we can never see.
But now.............................................
But now.............................................
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