HEBREWS Chapters one and two

                Hebrews

I. The God who is is a God of revelation, He speaks -  Heb.1:1; Amos 3:7.

Scripture records God’s Propositional Revelation in words. (Revelation is not an event or an action or an experience as some modern theologians have tried to define it.)

God speaks through His servants  - II Pet.1:20, using declarative statements that can be verified or falsified through the use of reason and logic - Acts 17:10-11.

The doctrine of Inspiration - II Tim.3:16, stands or falls with this truth.

II. God’s revelation has culminated in His son Jesus Christ - Heb.1:2.

Jesus is the final word on what God has spoken – Mat.17:5; Mk.12:6; Jn.1:17-18.

When Jesus comments on previous revelation, He is the final authority. I Pet.1:11; Rev.19:10d.

When Jesus gives new revelation, instruction or commandment, He speaks with the full authority of God Jn.15:15; Gal.4:4-7.

III. Jesus Christ is preeminent in all things. He is heir of all things – Heb.1:2c; Mt.28:18; Jn.3:35; 13:3; 16:15; 17:2-5; I Cor.8:6; Eph.1:18-23; Phil.29-11; Col.1:15-20.

IV. Jesus Christ is one with God as creator of all things – Heb.1:2e; Is.45:11- 12 + Jn.1:3; Col.1:16-17.

V. Jesus Christ shares all of the attributes of God the Father, both communicable and incommunicable –

 Heb.1:3;

Lk.1:35 – “the Holy Offspring...The Son of God”;

Ps.99:5.

                The Father is Holy and the Son is Holy

(of course the Holy Spirit is also Holy):

                both in essence: (metaphysical, nonmoral attributes) 

                “Set Apartness” Jn.1:1-3; 17:5;

                And in character: moral uniqueness, absolute perfection – Jn.8:46; Heb.4:15; Ps.92:15.

                There cannot be more than one absolutely perfect, Holy Being. For there to be more than one they would have to differ in some way, otherwise they would be the same, they would be one. To differ would mean that one would have to posses a perfection that the other lacked, but then the one who lacked would be less than perfect. God is “The Holy One” Hos.11:9; Jesus is “The Holy One” Acts 3:14.

   Jesus Christ is What God is: “The radiance of His glory” –  Jesus is the perfect manifestation of God’s essential being (compare I Cor.15:40-41). Jn.1:1,14; II Cor.4:6

   Jesus Christ is Who God is: “The exact representation (Gk. character) of His nature”,  

In His personal character attributes. Jn.14:9-10; Col.1:15

   Jesus Christ does What God Does: “Upholds all things by the word of His power” –  Col.1:17; Rev.4:11


page 2.

 

The attributes of God are the essential traits of His being, His nature and His activities.

                What (essence): Nonmoral (not immoral),

                Incommunicable, Metaphysical.

Pure Actuality- “I Am”-ness, Isness, Being (Ex.3:14; Jn.8:58)

Simple- Indivisible- “God is one” (Deut.6.4; Jn.14:9)

Aseity- Self Existent (Ps.90:2; Jn.1:1, 3)

Necessity – 1) His nonexistence is not possible,

2) His existence is essential to all being,

3) His essence is to exist, 4) His essence and existence are identical. - (Acts 17:23-25; Ro.11:36; Col.1:17).

A Necessary Being is one that cannot not exist. God is that being. 

Immutability – Changeless (Mal.3:6; Heb.1:10-12; Jas.1:17; Heb.13:8)

Eternality – Above and Beyond Time (Nontemporal, Timelessness) – Is.57:15; II Tim.1:9; Heb.1:2e-   

[There are 3 states of being regarding duration in time and eternity; 1. Temporal- having beginning and end (earthly creatures including man). 2. Aeviternal- having beginning but no end (Angels and resurrected men). 3. Eternal - having no beginning and no end (God only).]

                Immateriality and Immensity – Nonspatial and Not Measurable. 

                God is present at every point in space

                but He is not part of space or confined to it or

                limited by it. Gen.1:1; Jn.1:3.

Infinity – Non Finite (Limitless in His Being) –

I Kngs.8:27; Col.1:17; Ps.90:2; Ro.5:20-grace.

Impassibility – Not subject to passion. This attribute is easily misunderstood and is rejected by many. When properly understood it is obvious that it follows from many of God’s other attributes such as absolute perfection, sovereignty, pure actuality and immutability. This does not mean that God is without feelings; it means that His feelings are not subject to outside influence. His feelings flow from His own essential nature and do not change. It does not mean that God is static and immobile: God does act but not because He is moved to do so by others. He remains the Unmoved Mover of all else. Is.40:13-14, 28; Num.23:19. God does have feelings, even different feelings but not changing feelings. He always feels good about good things and bad about bad things. God does not change, we change and move under another unchangeable attribute of God. God is not reactive but proactive in His feelings. He has sensitivity but not sentimentality - Eph.4:30; Ps.45:7; Det.29:20; Heb.11:6. 

Omnipotence – Almighty (Heb. shaddai; Gk.

pantokrator) Is.9:6; 10:21.

Omnipresence – Everywhere at once –

Ps.139:7-10; Mt.28:20.

                Omniscience – All knowing – Heb.413; Jn.5:25.

Omnisapience – All wise – Jude 25 KJV; I Cor.1:24.

Light – God is spiritual light – Is.60:19-20;

He gives spiritual light – Ps.19:8; He is the

Great Illuminator – Jn.8:12; I Tim.6:16;

His glory is radiant – Is.60:1; Mt.17:2.

Majesty – The greatest, most eminent,

most exalted most glorious being conceivable.

Rev.4:11; 5:12; Ps.104:1.

Beauty – That aspect of God’s being that when

perceived produces in the beholder an

overwhelming sense of pleasure and delight - Ps. 96:9; Is.33:17. The fact that beauty is universally accepted to exist in degrees, that is to say some things are more beautiful and some are less, infers irresistibly that there is an objective standard for beauty. That standard is the source of all beauty. That objective standard is God’s nature and is the ultimate basis for knowing what is beautiful.

Immortal Life – God is alive (He is life in the essence of His being) and He is the source of all life – Jer.10:10; Jn.1:4.

    

page 3.

Unity and Triunity - There is only one God,

    not two or more. God is not made up of parts.

He is Simple as we have seen.  There are three

Persons in the one God. He is three Who’s and

one What. God has three “I’s” in His one “It” –

there are three Subjects in one Object.

All of this is a great mystery, but it is not a

contradiction. To say that there are the three

beings in one being (essences in one essence)

would be a contradiction. To say there are three

persons in one person would also be a

contradiction.

Deut.6:4 – The most significant declaration in

scripture of whom and what God is; a declaration

of unity in plurality. “Jehovah our God

(Elohim = plural) is one (Echad = unity in plurality; Gen.2:24) Jehovah.” Jn.14:9-11, 16-18.

Who (character): Moral, Communicable

(do not necessitate infinitude).

Holiness – Absolute moral purity, absolute moral

perfection – Ex.15:11; Lev.19:2; Acts 4:25-27;

Jn.17:9; Heb.2:11; I Jn.3:3.

Righteousness – Justice (intrinsically absolutely just), “Right”-ness – God is the basis and the standard for

justice – Zeph.3:5; I Jn.2:1. Jesus made it possible

for man to be righteous (extrinsically – added to him,

not of his internal nature) – Ro.3:21-26; 8:3-4; Phip.3:9.

Jealousy – Holy Zeal,  Angry Wrath – Ex.20:5; 34:14;

Jn.2:17 – God declares that His name is “Jealous.”

He is jealous for His name, His people, His land

and His city and against idols, other gods and

other sins. God’s jealousy is always right and never

wrong, with man there is inconsistency, never with

God. But even with man godly jealousy is right –

II Cor.11:2; Num.5:11-31.

Perfection – Morally Impeccable, Complete, Without

Blemish, Whole, Finished – Deut.32:4; Heb.2:10;

Mt.5:48.

Truthfulness – Faithful, Real, Reliable, Correct,

Upright – Heb.6:16-18; Jn.14:6.

Goodness/ Love – Omnibenevolence, Loving-kindness,

Good Will – Jer.31:13; I Jn.3:16.

Activities

Sovereignty – God’s authority over all things, God’s governance over His creation, God’s

right to control all things. “God, from all eternity,

did, by the most wise and holy counsel of His own

will, freely, and unchangeably ordain whatever

comes to pass.” The Westminster Confession of Faith.

Because God is the Creator and the Sustainer of all

things, He has dominion over all things.

Sovereignty is not an attribute of God; it flows from

and is in accordance with His attributes, but it is

an activity of God as He relates to His creation. Ps.115:3;135:6; Rev.19:16.

Mercy – Ransom, Compassion, Kindness, Pity,

Sympathy, Propitiation /the Mercy Seat –

Ex.15:13; 34: 7; Heb.13:5; Mt.28: 20a.

Mercy is not an attribute of God; it is an act of God

flowing from His attributes particularly His Goodness

and Love. It is Everlasting, Faithful, Unfailing, and Longsuffering. God’s mercy is received by the

repentant – Num.14:9; I Jn.2:1-2.

    Wrath – Burning Anger, Fury, Rage – Rev.6:16.

Wrath is not an attribute of God; it is an act

that flows from His attributes, particularly His

Righteousness, Holiness and Jealousy. God’s wrath

is for the unrepentant – Ro.1:18; 2: 4-9.

page 4.

Hebrews 1:4-14 – 

The superiority of the Son of God over the Angels of God.

A. The Son of God:

1. The Son is better than the Angels; He is the Heir of God, He has a more 

    excellent name than the Angels. vs. 4

            Eph.1:21; Php.2:9-11; Col.1:15,18; 2:10; Rev.5:11-12.

2. God calls Him “My Son”, “Begotten Son”, “a Son to Me”. vs. 5

II San.7:14; I Ch.17:13-14; 22:10; Ps.2:7; 89:26-29; Jn.3:16; Acts 13:33; 

Heb.5:5; I Jn.4:9.

3. He is God’s “First Born”; He is to be worshiped by the Angels. vs. 6

            Ps.89:27; Jn.1:14, 18; Ro.8:29; Col.1:15; Rev.1:5; 5:9-12.

4. He is God (the Son); He has an eternal throne and a kingdom. vs. 8

            Ps.45:6; 72:1-14; 145:13; Is.9:7; 32:1; 45:21-22; Jer.23:5; 33:15; 

            Zech.9: 9.            

5. The Son is God, “God the Anointed”, He is above His companions. vs. 9

Is.7:14; 9:6; Mt.1:23; Jn.10:30; 20:28; Ro.9:5; I Tim.3:16; 

Tit.2:13-14; I Jn.5:20;  Ps.45:7.

6. He is LORD of creation. vs. 10

            Ps.8:3;19:1;102: 25-27; Is.48:12-13; Jn.1:1-3; 

           Col.1:16-17; Rev.3:14.

7. He is eternal. vs.11

            Is.44:6; 51:6, 8; Jn.8:58; II Pet.1:11; Rev.1:17-18.

8. He is unchanging. vs. 12

            Jn.8:58; Heb13:8.

9. He is seated at the right hand of God; God Himself will defeat all of the 

    enemies of the Son. vs. 13

Ps.2:8; 21:8-9; 110:1; 132:18; Is.63:3-6; Mt.24:44; Acts 7:55; 

Eph.1:20; I Pet. 3:22.

B. The Angels:

1. They are less perfect than the Son in inheritance and in name. vs. 4

            I Cor.6:3; Heb.2:5.

2. No Angel is God’s begotten Son. vs. 5

            Job 1:6; 2:1.

3. Angels are to worship the Son. vs. 6

            Ps.103:20;

4. Angels are ministers and servants of God. vs. 7

            I Kng.22:19; Job 1:6; Ps.104:4; 103:20-21; Dan.7:10; 

            Zec.6:5; Mt.13:41, 49-50; Lk.16:22; Acts 5:19; 10:3-4; 12:7; 27:3; II Th.1:7; Jude 14. 

5. No Angel is invited to sit at God’s right hand. vs. 13

Isa.6:2; 22:19; Dan.7:10;

6. Angels are ministering spirits whose job it is to serve those who 

    will inherit salvation. vs. 14

Gen.19:15; 32:1; Ps.34:7; 91:11; Dan.6:22; 9:21-23; 10:11-12; 

Mt.1:20; 2:13; 18:10; Lk.1:19; 2:9, 13.


page 5

Hebrews chapter two

1) A word of warning: With all of the astounding and beautiful declarations and revelations of chapter one in mind we need to pause and reflect on the impact of what has been said.

a) Jesus Christ is to be the focus of our attention above all else; who He is, what He is, what He has said and what He has done is doing and will do.

b) The nature of reality is twofold including the visible material world in which we live and move as well as the invisible realm in which the angels live and move. Jesus is Lord over both realms.

c) We have need of remembering what God has revealed: Deut.4:9 – “Be careful...do not forget.”

d)  We have need of applying what we have learned:  

Jas. 1:22-25 - But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does.

2-3) The Law and the Gospel: We know that the Law and the Prophets are unalterable (Mt.5:18) and we have the record of the consequences of ignoring them.

How much more so the words and the gospel of Jesus Christ who is Lord over all and superior to the Prophets and the Angels (Acts 7:53 – the angels were active in the giving of the Law).

4) God Himself has validated the Apostles teachings regarding Jesus:

a) Signs – semion – An event or occurrence that transcends the normal course of nature through which God validates the message and authority of His servant. A “Sign” points to God’s man and God’s message. (Sometimes translated into English as miracle)

b) Wonders – teras – That which causes astonishment and terror in those who observe it through which God declares Himself; God’s self attestation through astounding demonstration. (Never occurs alone in the New Testament)

c) Miracles – dunamis – Mighty works of power, ability and strength beyond the natural realm.

d) Gifts of the Holy Spirit – merismos – A portion, share or part of the whole of the catalog of gifts that God provides to the Body of Christ through the Holy Spirit.

5) The privileged position of man:

a) The world to come promised to redeemed mankind.

    Mt.25:34; I Cor.2:9; II Pet.3:13; I Jn.3:2

6) The object of God’s consideration:

a) He will not forget His love for mankind.

    Lk.1:68-75; Jn. 3:16; II Cor.6:1-2; I Jn.4:9-10

7) Crowned: God bestows value upon His creation mankind, the “Crown of Creation.”

a) With glory/Kabod = worthiness; in the image and likeness of God, 
male and female. Gen.1:26-27; Ro.5:8

b) With honor/hadar = ornamentation, splendor; the image of God, 
man has intrinsic value, his life is valuable to God.

Gen.9:6; I Cor.11:7; Jas.3:9

 page 6

   

                8) Man’s dominion over creation: Ps.8:4-8

                a) In the beginning, before the fall.

                Gen.1:28-31

  b) Not yet, until the regeneration.

                 Job 41; Mt.19:28

  c) In the future.

                Isa.65:17-25; II Tim.2:12; Rev.5: 9-10; 20:6; 22:5

   

                9) We see Jesus: Gen.3:15; Isa.7:14-15; 9: 6-7; 11:1-5

                a) Suffering servant

                Isa.52:13- 53:12; Phil.2:7-8; Heb.10:5-7

                b) Crowned King

                Phil.2:9-11; Rev.19:11-16

                c) All sufficient sacrifice

                Jn.1:29; 11:50-52; 12:32; Ro.5:8, 18; 8:3-4, 32-39;

                II Cor.5:14-15; Gal.4:4; I Tim.2:5-6; I Jn.2:2

               10) The Author of salvation: Heb.12:2

                a) All things are for Him.

               Isa.43:21; Ro.11:36; I Cor.8:6;

               b) All things are through Him.

               II Cor.5:18; Col.1:16-20

               c) Brings many sons to glory through His suffering.

               Hos.1:10; Ro.8:29-30; II Cor.6:18; Rev.7:9-10

               d) Perfect through sufferings.

               Lk.24:26, 46-47; Jn.19:30; Col.2:13-14; Heb.5:8-10

              11) One Father: Ro.8:15

              a) He who sanctifies

              Jn.10:36; 17:19; Heb.10:10, 14; 13:12

              b) Those who are sanctified

              Jn.17:21; Acts 20:32; 26:18; I Cor.1:2

              c)  Brethren

              Gal.4:4; Heb.11:16; Mt.12:48-50; 25:40;

              28:10; 20:17; Ro.8:29

             12) Our Brother: Eph.1:5

             a) “I will proclaim Thy name.

             Ps.22:22, 25; 111:1

             b) “In the midst of the congregation”

             Ps.40:10; 89:1

            13) I will put My trust in Him: Ps.118:8

            Ps.18:2; 91:2; Isa.50:7-9Mt.27:43

            a) I and the children God gave Me. 

            Isa.53:10; Jn.10:29; 17:6-12   

               page 7

                           14) Flesh and Blood:

                           a) He Himself.

                           Gen.3:15; Isa.7:14; Jn.1:14; Phil.2:7-8; I Tim.3:16;

                           Heb.2:18; 4:15

                           b) Through death.

                              Isa.53:12; Jn.12:24, 31-33; Ro.14:9; Heb.9:15; Rev.1:18

                           c) Destroy the power of the devil.

                            Isa.25:8; Hos.13:14; I Cor.15:54-55; II Tim.1:10; I Jn.3:8-10

                          15) Deliver:

                           a) From death.          

                               Ps.56:13; 89:48; II Cor.1:10

                           b) From fear

                           c) From slavery.

                              Ro.8:15; II Tim.1:17

                          16) Children of Abraham: Mat.1:1

                           a) Physical descendents

                              Gen.12:1-3; 15:1-21; 17:18-21; 22:15-18; 26:24-25;

                              25:21-26; 27:26-30; 28:10-16; 49:1-27; Is.41:8-14

                           b) Spiritual descendents

                              Ro.4: 16; Gal.3:29

                          17) The Perfect High Priest: Exodus chapters 28+29

                               the office of the Levitcal High Priest

                            a) The offerings made by the Aaronic priests

                               Leviticus chapters 1-7; The sin offering Lev.6:25 –

                               “It is Most Holy.”

                            b) Our superior High Priest

                                Heb.7:17-28; Phip.2:7-8; II Cor.5:21; Ro.5:10;

                                Rev.1:5; Heb.9:14

                          18) Tempted;

                           a) Mt.4:1-10; 26:37-39; 41-56; Heb.4:15-16; 5:1-10

                           Jesus the God/ man: Mt.3:17 + 4:1-2; 8:23-27 + 29;

                           Lk.2:52 + Jn.20:27-30; Jn.1:14 + 4:5-6; 11:35; 19:28 + 34;

                           Ro.1:2-3; Heb.1:2-3, 4-6, 8-13 + 2:14, 17-18; 4:15

                          Jesus is the perfect mediator between God and man because

                          He is the exact representation of God to man: Heb.1:2-3;

                          Jn.14:9; 12:44-45; Acts 4:12

                          Jesus is the perfect mediator between man and God because

                          He is the perfect representation of humanity before God:

             Heb.2:10-12, 14, 17-18; 4:15; 5:7-9; I Tim. 2:1-6        

             








                  

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