OBJECTIVE VERITY

We are continuing in our study of sound Bible interpretation. I employ the principles of Logic, Divine Essentialism and Foundationialism. Following are some laws based upon these concepts taken from the "Baker Encyclopedia of Christian Apologetics." While not all thinkers agree that these should be accepted as guiding principles in discerning reality, I am firmly convinced that they must be, in order to achieve consistency, clarity and objective understanding of actual truth. Notice the irresistible conclusion when these truths are applied and followed to their logical conclusion.

OBJECTIVE VERITY

Logic is the tool used to understand all knowledge. The science of  logic is the basis of all the other sciences. Aristotle called it the “Organon” (Greek for instrument). Rational thought and reason would be impossible without the proper use of  logic, there are three primary laws of  logic, they are as follows.

 1.    The Law of  Non Contradiction- A cannot be A and non-A at the same time and in the same sense. A statement and its negation (or opposite) cannot be true simultaneously.

 2.    The Law of  Identity- A is A.

 3.    The Law of  Excluded Middle- either A or non-A.

By virtue of the fact that logic manifests reason, it flows from the very nature of God. God is a rational being. He cannot lie (Heb. 6:18) or contradict Himself (I Cor. 14:33).

Through the use of  logic the fundamental principles of reality may be known. These foundational truths are undeniable or reducible to the undeniable they are self-evident or reducible to the self-evident. A self-evident principle cannot be denied without using the principle itself.

 They are called -First Principles- there are twelve, they are as follows.

 1.    The principle of  Existence --- Being is - (B is)

 2.    The principle of  Identity--- Being is being - (B is B)

 3.    The principle of  Non Contradiction---Being is not non being -
(B is not non B)

 4.    The principle of  Excluded Middle--- Either being or non being-
(either B or non B)

 5.    The principle of  Causality--- Non being cannot cause being -
(non  - B > B)

 6.    The principle of Contingency (dependence)---
Contingent being cannot cause contingent being - (Bc > Bc)

 7.    The Positive principle of Modality--- Only necessary being can cause
 contingent being - (Bn —> Bc)

 8.    The Negative principle of Modality--- Necessary being cannot cause 
necessary being - (Bn > Bn)

 9.    The principle of  Existential Causality--- Every contingent being is
caused by a necessary being - (Bn —>  Bc)

 10.          The principle of Existential Necessity ---
Necessary being exists - (Bn exists)

 11.          The principle of  Contingent Being ---
Contingent being exists – (Bc exists)

 12.          The principle of Analogy --- Necessary being is similar to similar 
contingent being it causes --- (Bn—similar—> Bc). 
Because Necessary Being produces Contingent Being they are similar,
 in that they both have Being. Also, because the effect must resemble 
the cause, the cause of being cannot produce what it does not have. 
They are Similar, they both have being.

            Secondly, while the effect must resemble its cause in its being

 (i.e. its actuality), it must also be different from it in its potentiality.

For its cause (a necessary being), by its very nature has no potential not to be.

 But the effect (a contingent being), by its very nature has the potential not to be.

 So a contingent being must be different from its cause. 

They have analogical likeness, they are similar and different one to the other.

Demonstrating God's Existence Using First Principles

 1.     Something Exists (e.g. I do) (# 1)

 2.     I am a Contingent Being (# 11)

 3.     Nothing cannot Cause Something (# 5)

 4.     Only a Necessary Being can Cause a Contingent Being (# 7)

 5.     Therefore I am Caused to Exist by a Necessary Being (#s 1-4)

 6.     But I am a Personal, Rational, and Moral kind of Being (since I engage in these kinds of activities).

 7.     Therefore, this Necessary Being must be a Personal, Rational, and Moral kind of Being, since I am Similar to Him by the Principle of Analogy. (# 12)

 8.     But a Necessary Being cannot be Contingent (i.e. not necessary) in its Being which would be contradictory. (# 3)

 9.     Therefore this Necessary Being is Personal, Rational, and Moral in a Necessary way.

 10. This Necessary Being is also Eternal, Uncaused, Unchanging, Unlimited, and One, since a Necessary Being cannot come to be, be caused by another, undergo change, be limited by any possibility of what it could be (a Necessary Being has no possibility to be other than what it is) or to be more than One Being (since there cannot be two Infinite Beings).

 11. Therefore, One Necessary, Eternal, Uncaused, Unlimited, (= Infinite), Rational, Personal, and Moral Being Exists.

 12. Such a Being is appropriately called God in a theistic sense .

 13. Therefore the Theistic God Exists.

Taken from "Baker Encyclopedia of Christian Apologetics"

The Weaker Brother Syndrome

There have always been differences of opinion among folks when they come together to discuss the things of God. Well meaning individuals can arrive at opposite points of view regarding ethics and proper Christian behavior, based on their particular understanding of the word of God. 

Some things may not be easily resolved because of differing perspectives regarding the limitations of, or the extent of, ones freedom in Christ. Views range all the way from crass legalism (universal theonomy) to antinomianism (no law at all) and every degree of restriction or license in between. Each one must follow their own conscience while at the same time considering others views in sincerity and with charity. One guiding principle regarding questionable areas of interpretation is that each person must act according to the way that they understand the scripture to be instructing them personally. That being said, no one has the right to mandate his or her understanding upon another that may see it differently. Of course, some things are clear and non-negotiable. This is not what we are talking about here. However, if someone holds an opinion so strongly that it will not permit them to fellowship with one of another opinion, then that is why we have different denominations etc.

As with all disputes, the answers must be sought out in the scriptures. Reliance upon the Holy Spirit, a humble heart and an open mind are the way to approach any question.  So following are some passages for consideration. At the end of the day, it is possible that no resolution may be found. But it is good and proper to consider both sides objectively, for the sake of unity and harmony in the church.

1 Peter 3:15

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.

But do this with gentleness and respect,

                Each one should be ready and able to present their position based upon valid interpretation of scripture.

1 Cor 11:18-19

I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions among you, and to some extent I believe it.  No doubt there have to be differences among you to show which of you have God's approval.

It is not a bad thing to have different opinions, this is the way that we learn and expand our understanding of truth. Ultimately we must rely upon God to resolve the questions and we must be willing to accept His answer.

2 Cor 6:14-16

 Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?  What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?  What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people." 

                This is the passage under consideration. The question here is how far do we take this admonition to be separate from those who have not come to faith in Christ? Are we to not allow them into our fellowship or meetings? Are we restricted from all association with them? Are we to never engage in any business, social or spiritual activities with them at all, and what about marriage? Some would insist that believers are never to enter into any partnership with unbelievers under any circumstances. Others would see that position as extreme and impossible to maintain in all practicality. Furthermore, it is not clear that the text is mandating such a restriction. Regarding worship, for example, there will always be believers and unbelievers in the church. Similarly, it would not be possible to refrain from business dealings with non-Christians.  The clear implication of this text is to refrain from participation in the activities that derive from their unbelief, as the apostle lists in the text: lawlessness, darkness, satanic behavior, and unbelief. Beyond that, the passage is open to interpretation. The only scripture that addresses restriction on marriage is found in I Cor. 7:39, and it specifically deals with the remarriage of a widow in the church.

1 Cor 7:39

A wife is bound by law as long as her husband lives; but if her husband dies, she is at liberty to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord.

1 Cor 5:9-13

I have written you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people-  not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world.  But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat.

 What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?  God will judge those outside. "Expel the wicked man from among you." 

This text speaks for itself. Christians are not forbidden from associating with unbelievers, to do so they would have to move to another planet, the probation is from participating in ungodly activities. The restriction is from association with other Christians who habitually practice sin.

1 Cor 14:29-31

Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said.  And if a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, the first speaker should stop.  For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged.

                Where there is more than one view held, each one should have opportunity to express their view and then the group should consider all views before coming to a conclusion. This is not to encourage “A pooling of ignorance” as it were, but to allow for the Holy Spirit to work through all present.

Rom 14:1-23

                 Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things.  For one believes he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats only vegetables.  Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats; for God has received him. Who are you to judge another's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand.  One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind.  He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks.  For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself.  For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord's.  For to this end Christ died and rose and lived again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living.  But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.  For it is written:

"As I live, says the LORD,Every knee shall bow to Me,And every tongue shall confess to God." 

 So then each of us shall give account of himself to God.  Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother's way.

 I know and am convinced by the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean of itself; but to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean.  Yet if your brother is grieved because of your food, you are no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died. Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil;  for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.  For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men.  Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.  Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are pure, but it is evil for the man who eats with offense.  It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak.  Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves.  But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin.

                This long passage is the key text to consider when the questions of restriction and freedom in Christ arise. The relevance of these principles goes far beyond just what one may or may not eat or drink, or on what day one is to worship. They are universal in their application. It is well established in the text that some are weaker and some are stronger in their understanding of their standing in Christ. Some have faith to participate in activities that others see as forbidden. Neither is to judge the other as regards their freedom in Christ, but to be true to their own convictions. Christ will judge each one. Each one must be convinced himself of the correctness of their actions.

Gal 5:1

 Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.

                We should not seek to impose questionable restrictions upon ourselves nor should we seek to impose our own personal scruples upon others. 

Gal 5:13-15

                 For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.  For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."

                Love is to be our primary motivation when considering the proper course of action in any situation. But we must always be aware of the deceitfulness of the lust of the flesh in our decision making, be it based upon pride and self-righteousness or upon blatant justification of our own selfish desires.

Gal 5:22-23

 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,   gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

                Seek the leading of the Spirit in all disputes.

Gal 6:9-10

                 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.  Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.

                 

Consider others above ourselves and do good on their behalf.

Rom 8:1-2

                 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.  For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.

            Even if we err on the side of love and compassion, the Lord has covered our sin.

Col 3:21

Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.

                Here is another area of great concern and of some difficulty regarding interpretation and application in the real world. The question arises, that if after all consideration and instruction as to what a parent believes the bible has to say about proper Christian conduct in a given area, i.e. marriage, the child chooses to disregard the admonitions and desires of their parent. Should the parent break off relations with the child in the name of the Lord? Certainly the child will be embittered toward the parent and perhaps even toward the things of God. This would seem to violate the spirit of this text. But, one might argue that a Christian must place their obedience to Christ above their love for a child. While another might say that in areas of debatable personal interpretation, forbearance and love should be the guiding principles before any harsh actions are taken. This is the crux of the question at hand.

  

                Following are some passages for contemplation. May the Lord lead each one into the light and may the unity of the Holy Spirit be the arbiter in all things.

Matt 9:9-13

As Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, "Follow Me." So he arose and followed Him.  Now it happened, as Jesus sat at the table in the house, that behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Him and His disciples.  And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to His disciples, "Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?"  When Jesus heard that, He said to them, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.  But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy and not sacrifice.' For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance."

                Mercy and compassion would seem to trump legalism in this passage.

1 Peter 3:8

 Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.

                This is the overriding guideline for all Christian relationships.

Eph. 4:1-7

 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.  There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift

                Grace, lowliness, patience, peace and love: if these are ones guiding principles, then few mistakes will be made. And even if errors in judgement are made, there is forgiveness in the Lord. He judges the motivation of the heart.

1 Peter 4:8-11

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.  Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.  Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.  If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen

               

LITERAL SCHOOL OF INTERPRETATION

It has been my practice over the years as a Bible teacher to use my own outlines and my own commentary as much as I am able when presenting study material. However I do use good sound resources produced by others in the preparation for and the presentation of the studies that I undertake. One of the men that I find to be most helpful is Dr. Norman Geisler. While I cannot say that I am in full agreement with all of Dr. Geisler's theology, I do love the systematic and logical approach that he employs in his writings, particularly in the arena of Christian Apologetics.
As we begin our study of Hermeneutics I think it would be helpful to establish a good set of working definitions for terms that relate in critical ways to our topic at hand, that being; sound principles of interpretation.  The following list of terms and definitions will help to set the ground rules for our future studies together. Dr. Geisler's work has been very helpful in this effort, particularly volume four of his "Systematic Theology".

A key phrase that we used in our previous study "The Word of God" was the knowability of scripture. There are several implications to be considered when we apply this concept. The idea being that man can understand through the use of his God given mind what the omniscient mind of God has expressed  clearly in the scriptures. Remember, the Holy Spirit is always ready willing and able to assist every one in this great adventure, so that is no excuse for not getting it (Jn.14:26;
 I Tim.2:4; II Pet.3:9).


1. The mind - the constituent aspect of sentient being that is the center of thought, the place where thinking takes place in a person and where understanding takes place.

2. Meaning - understanding, comprehension or intelligibility that the mind derives from thinking.

3. Intention - that which a mind intended to express through communication, what was meant by what was said.

4. Language - the means by which the thoughts and intentions of the mind are expressed in symbolic representation of words both written and spoken that are intended to be understandable for communication.

5. Application - is how an intended meaning communicated through language is employed in various and specific situations.

6. Literal - the normal everyday use of terms as understood by people of normal intelligence without secret or special keys or codes needed to achieve proper understanding.

7. Historical - understanding that the events, things and people being described in a text are to be understood in a real time and place setting. They are not subject to reinterpretation in a modern or foreign context.

8. Grammatical - all correct understanding of intended meaning in communication is dependent upon maintaining a proper foundation of sound grammatical structure. All parts of speech maintain their  normal and proper place in sentence structure in order to produce intelligible and effective communication.

We will be employing the literal, "Historical - Grammatical" method of interpretation consistently as we discuss the topic at hand, Biblical Hermeneutics. A key word in our purpose clause is "consistently." This is a very important distinction that must be maintained between an actual literal approach to interpretation and a nominal "literal" approach where allegorization is employed to explain away inconvenient passages that are in conflict with ones personal dogma or theological preconceptions.
As I stated in a previous posting on Friends and Family Facebook page, this consistent literal approach is critical if we are to maintain a sound and correct understanding of what the Bible actually says and means, particularly when it comes to eschatology (last things).

The Judgement Seat of Christ

The Judgement Seat of Christ

Ro. 14:10- “We shall all stand before the Judgement Seat of Christ”   KJV

                      

“We shall all stand before the Judgement Seat of God”     NASB

Jn. 20:28- “My Lord and my God” ; Titus 2:13- “Our great God and Savior Jesus Christ”

   Note:       Jesus is God.    It is Jesus who will be sitting in judgement
of all people,the saved and the lost.   The “Judgement seat of Christ”
is for the saved.                                                                   

Jn. 5:22-     “The Father judges no one, but has committed all judgement to 

the Son”  

Ps. 50:5-6- “Gather My godly ones to Me,--- for God Himself is Judge.”

Definition:

                    The “judgement seat” in the Greek is the “Bema”. The word means “a raised platform from which judgement is pronounced.” It was used in law courts in Greece and was used by Roman magistrates and rulers. A third use was that of a judging stand at sporting events, such as the famous Isthmus games and the ancient Olympics.

                      It is from this third use of the term that we gain some insight into how it is used in our text, Ro. 14:10. The idea is that of a reviewing stand at the end of a race to distribute rewards to the appropriate participants. There is no looming consequence of punishment for poor or inferior performance, only lack of reward. 

There is however a definite sense of seriousness and need for ones best effort in anticipation of standing before the awesome and almighty Judge.

 This will not be a time for lame and worthless excuses in an attempt to justify a halfhearted effort. Especially when it was the Judge Himself that provided everything needed for each one to do well. (1Cor. 3:15)

2Cor. 5:10- “We must all appear before the Judgement Seat of Christ, that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body” according to what he has done, whether good or bad (worthless, the opposite of good, i.e. not good).”

2Cor. 5:11- “Therefore knowing the fear of the Lord we persuade men”

1Cor. 3:8- “each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor.”

1Cor. 3:10-15- Each Christian's work will be judged by Christ:

Let each man be careful how he builds on the foundation. Paul said he laid a foundation. 
What is the foundation of Paul’s teaching? Answer - Jesus Christ.
What is the foundation of all the Apostles and the Prophets (Eph. 2:20)?    
Verse 11 says, “no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, 
which is  Jesus Christ.”

    Note:             Jesus Christ is the final word from God to men (Heb. 1:2). 

                            He is the only foundation upon which any man may build.  

 “On Christ the Solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand."

 Lk. 6:46-48- Jesus said, “Everyone who hears My words and acts upon them, he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid a foundation upon a rock.”

1Cor. 3:14- “If any man’s work remains, he will receive a reward.”

Lk. 14:14- “you will be paid at the resurrection of the righteous.” (the Rapture)

Rev. 22:12- “Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done.”

Rewards:   Mt. 5:12- enduring persecution; 10:41-42- Prophets reward, righteous man’s reward, reward for kindness to children; Rev. 11:17-18- rewards for all His servants, small and great.

Crowns:     

Incorruptible Crown; I Cor. 9:25-27 - The Victors Crown.

Crown of Life; Rev. 2:10 - The Martyr's Crown.

Crown of Glory; I Pet. 5:2-4 - The Elder's Crown.

Crown of Righteousness; II Tim. 4:8 - For all those Who Love His Appearing.

Crown of Rejoicing; I Thes. 2:19-20 - The Soul Winner's Crown.

Authority:  

                      Mt. 19:28-30- Apostles to sit on thrones, follower’s to receive a hundred fold houses, land and family. 1Cor. 6:2-3- Saints to judge the world and angels.

2Tim. 2:12- We shall reign with Him. Rev. 5:9-10- A kingdom of priests who will reign with him on earth. Rev.20:6-Reign for a thousand years. Rev.22:5- We shall reign forever and ever.

Parables of reward:

Mt. 25:14-30- The parable of the talents. Verses 21 + 23 – “Well done, good and faithful servant, you were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things, enter in to the joy of your Master.”

Lk. 19:11-27- The parable of the minas. Verse 17 - “Well done , good slave, because you have been faithful in a very little thing, Be in authority over ten cities.”

Verse 19 – “And He said to him also, And you are to be over Five cities.”         

Commentary:

                    The Judgement seat of Christ should be a time of great rejoicing for all Christians, but it most likely will be a time of shame for many. The knowledge that we will all give an account one day to the Lord of heaven and earth, should motivate us to do our very best while we still have a chance to do so here on earth. When we leave this world our work to be judged will be done.

“We must all work the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day; night is coming when no man can work” Jesus Christ Jn.9:4.

The sin question

THE “SIN” QUESTION

WHAT IS IT,

AND WHAT IS THE ANSWER ?

 I.                    The Atheistic world view.

 A.                Naturalistic Pragmatism, the “Survival of the Fittest”, the “Will to Power.”

There is no such thing as “sin”; whatever works is the best course of action. The drive to power is the key to survival. In the end, only the strong will survive. The strongest is the fittest. The winners make the rules of right and wrong. There is no objective “truth” and no basis for morality or ethics other than survival.

 B.                Social Evolution, the “Survival of the Whole”, One World evolving foreword for the good of all. The universe is one unified organism. All parts are of equal value to the whole. No such thing as “sin” only ignorance and error. Education and cooperation will lead to utopia.

 C.                Sin is an illusion. The universe is an illusion. Solipcism, only the self with its perceptions really exists. Buddhism, true reality lies in “enlightenment” which is only achieved through freeing the mind from the illusion of “self”, which illusion is perpetuated by desire, pleasure and pain. This illusion, known a “Maya” keeps one trapped in the lower regions of existence that we know as “the material world.” The goal of all sentient beings is to attain freedom from illusion and to reach the state of pure mental bliss called “Nirvana”, the eternal selfless here and now, free from all sensuality and desire. There is no God. There is no good or evil, there is no sin. These are all illusion.

 II.                 The Theistic World View.

 A.        Universallism: an all loving God will forgive everybody of everything.

 B.      Annihilationism: an all-powerful God will eliminate all sin and sinners from

       existence. There is no such thing as hell.

 C.         Works based salvation: personal righteousness and salvation are achieved  

       through personal achievement. Salvation may be achieved through a

       combination of right thinking i.e. “wisdom” along with good deeds or

       adherence to the correct set of rules. Or through ones good works alone, 

       which must outweigh ones bad works, good deeds must outweigh sinful deeds. 

       God judges according to a balance scale. It is not an overstatement to say that

       virtually all false religions and cults fall into this category of error in one way

       or another.

 D.        Corporate Salvation: forgiveness through heredity, membership or

       association. The only unforgivable sin is to not be a member of the

       “in crowd”, the chosen few, or the right group. This is the attraction of the

       cults. This is related to the works salvation error as stated above. The

       difference is that only those who belong to the group may qualify to perform

       the required works.

 E.       «  Revelation based Biblical Christianity: Forgiveness of sin is by God’s grace  

       alone through personal faith in Jesus Christ alone, which comes through

       the hearing of God’s word alone. God has provided the only way of 

       salvation and for the forgiveness of sin available to man. Man can not

       discover it apart from God’s revelation.  Man can not add to what God has

       provided, if he does he defiles it and he fails to posses it. Man cannot improve

       upon what God has provided, it is perfect as it is and to attempt to improve

       upon it is to deny its perfection, thereby refusing to receive it. Man cannot

       replace what God has provided with anything else. God’s way is nonnegotiable,

       it is the one and only way of salvation. Any other system, schema, or plan for

       dealing with sin is false and will fail. Any denial of the existence of sin, or of the

       deadly consequences of sin is also false. The failure to deal with sin according to

       God’s solution will result in death followed by condemnation to hell.

Commentary:

The purpose of this brief exposition on the question of sin is to simply but to seriously point out the danger of the denial of the reality of sin and its consequences.

It is only when sin is recognized for what it is in light of all of its deadly ramifications that one can come to appreciate the gift that God has provided to deal with it. It was out of His love, grace and mercy for His creation man, that God sent Jesus Christ, once and for all to deal with sin. After considering the alternatives that man has come up with to deal with the sin question it is easy to see the foolish arrogance and futility of man’s attempt to play god. One of the most insidious effects of sin is that it so infects the mind and heart of man that it prevents him from being able to recognize his own folly. This inescapable fact is why it can only be through God’s revelation along with the aid of the Holy Spirit that man can ever find the truth regarding the answer to the sin question. Praise His name, He has provided the answer. It is Jesus Christ! Trust Him completely and trust Him alone.

î

ÿ

Ù

THE RAPTURE

John 14:1-3 -   "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.

 In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you.

I go to prepare a place for you.

And if I go and prepare a place for you,

        I will come again and receive you to Myself;
        that where I am, there you may be also.”

The doctrine of the “Rapture of the Church” is a source of much confusion and controversy within the professing church of Christ today. This has actually been the case since around the fourth century, when the practice of “spiritualizing” the meaning of certain scriptures came into vogue. Although most of those who employ this practice would claim to be “literalists” regarding biblical hermeneutics, they engage in special pleading when it comes to passages that don’t fit into their private interpretations. Prophetic scriptures in particular have been designated for nonliteral  / spiritualized understanding. This is done in order to avoid obvious contradictions and inconsistencies within their dogmatic systems of belief.

 Many editorial liberties were taken at that time and have remained embedded in the thinking of large segments of nominal Christianity to this day. It was under the strong influence of such men as Origen c185-c.254 AD, and Augustin 354-430 AD, that this practice of manipulating the meaning of biblical texts away from their plain rendering gained such a deadly foothold on the uninformed within the church. The worldly church descended into centuries of spiritual darkness under such influences. It is only in recent times that a clear understanding of biblical prophecy is once again emerging, praise God!

 As we rapidly approach the fulfillment of God’s plan for the ages, He has once again blessed His Church with a correct understanding of His prophetic revelations. We see their literal fulfillment as they unfold before us in our time, and we can now understand and trust in the same literal fulfillment for those that have yet to be accomplished.

            The primary truth that was lost during that long night of man’s wandering imagination was the blessed doctrine of the “Imminence of Christ’s Return”. Only a literal approach to biblical interpretation, which includes all prophetic passages, will yield a correct understanding of this, the most hope filled doctrine of all, the Rapture of the Church.

The hope and comfort for the disciples, and for us today, is that Jesus is coming back, literally, to take those who are waiting for Him back with Him to His Fathers house, to be with Him in heaven! To behold Him in His Glory, the Glory that He had with His Father before He came to earth as a humble baby - John 17:24. To spiritualize this promise, as so many do, into saying that Jesus meant only that when a believer dies they go to heaven, is an insult to our Lord’s integrity, and just plain bad Hermeneutics.

            The blessed hope of our Lords imminent return is taught throughout the New Testament. Not only will we be with Him when He comes, which could be at any moment, but we will be changed in an instant to be like Him.

1 Cor. 15:50-52 - I declare to you, brothers, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed- in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.

1 John 3:1-3 - Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure

1 Thess. 4:15-18 - For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up (Greek – harpazo; Latin – raptus; English - raptured) together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.

            Where would the comfort be if 1) the Lord didn’t really mean that He was coming back literally and 2) if He meant that He would come back after the great tribulation.

1 Thess. 1:10 - And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead-Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.

1 Thess. 5:9-11 - For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him. Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.

1 Thess. 4:18 - Therefore encourage each other with these words.

John 14:1 – “Let not your heart be troubled”