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Born In Sin A Born Sinner?

Since we are born in sin are we born a sinner? Having a clear understanding of this issue will help us in our daily christian walk.

Consider the following passages:

Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.
- Psalm 51:5

For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

- 1 Corinthians 15:21,22

When we were born we were born in sin. Because of Adam's sin, all humanity inherited the results of sin including death.

But does this make a newborn baby a sinner? What is sin, anyway?

Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
- 1 John 3:4

Sin is breaking of God's law. Is a newborn baby capable of breaking God's law - have other gods; take God's name in vain, make graven images; not keep the Sabbath day holy; not honoring one's parents, etc?

Hardly! The baby has committed no sin. Therefore, he is not a sinner.

"But," you ask. "The Bible said 'in sin did my mother conceive me', doesn't that make me a sinner?"

Yes, we are born in sin, we inherit all the results of sin, including the sinful tendencies our character will have. But this does not make us a sinner automatically!

The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.
- Ezekiel 18:20

Adam's sin is not your or my sin. While we inherit the effects of sin by his sin we are only responsible for the sins we commit ourselves. Yes, we are born at a disadvantage. We already have a flaw - that of a human nature with a built-in tendency to sin.

The good news is that our Master also inherited this tendency yet overcame! And because he overcame, we can also overcome with his help. We can do all things through Christ who empowers us!

For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.
Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.

For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

- Hebrews 2:16-18

Christ inherited the very same human nature we inherit from Adam - that of a fallen humanity degenerated with thousands of years of sin and its effects. Christ was "in all things ... made like unto his brethren" - exactly like us, with no special advantage. He had the same tendencies and propensities to sin but did not sin!

Some people would strongly disagree that Christ had the very same human nature we have along with the same sinful tendencies and propensities and would quote books.

Unfortunately, they're only seeing half of the picture.

Yes, Christ have the same sinful tendencies and propensities as we have but he also did not have the same sinful tendencies and propensities we have.

Is this double-talk?!

No! Christ had the same sinful tendencies and propensities we have by inheriting the same human nature after Adam sinned but he did not generate or create his own sinful tendencies and propensities because he did not sin! Because Christ, along with all of us, was born in sin and inherited the sinful nature as a result of Adam's sin) we can say he had the same sinful tendencies and propensities.

But, because Christ did not sin, we can also say he did not have sinful tendencies and propensities.

How is this so?

A habit is formed when a task is repeated over and over again. Pathways in the brain develop and are strengthened. Sin is the same way physically. A pathway in the brain is developed and strengthened everytime we commit the same sin.

In Christ's case, he inherited sinful human nature but did NOT develop or generate his own sinful tendencies and propensities because he did not sin. And the good news is we don't have to retain any sinful tendency or propensity!

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus
- Philippians 2:5

We need to have his mind be in us. We need to "die daily" and let Christ live through us. Otherwise, we will never get rid of our sinful tendencies and propensities. Where Adam failed, Christ - the second Adam - succeeded.

To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
- 2 Corinthians 5:19

Christ reconciled us back to God. At the cross, he offers justification for anyone who believes in him. It is NOT automatically given to everyone but for anyone who accepts God's offer through his Son's death.

Yes, humanity was reconciled back to God but it is conditional and individual, not to corporate humanity.

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
- Romans 8:1

There is a stipulation - "to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."

Accepting Christ is not a one-time event. It must be a continuous relationship. It is not a once-saved-always-saved proposition.

The good news is Christ overcame sin despite being "in all things" like you and me - inheriting a sinful nature. And, we too, can be overcomers - not by our own power - but through Christ.

This is what God's real grace is all about - being forgiven of past sins, empowered to live righteously and credited with Christ's righteousness if we choose to accept.

And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
- James 2:23

Abraham chose to believe. Based on this decision, God imputes Christ's righteousness.

And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.
- Romans 4:22

Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.
- Galatians 3:6

What was imputed or accounted to him for righteousness? The fact that Abraham believed GOD. His faith, his belief, was proven by His work [the fruit] which was empowered by God, lest Abraham [nor any of us] should boast.

The statement "faith without works is dead" readily comes to mind. Abraham's decision to believe God, even though it was empowered or IMPARTED by God, was imputed to him for righteousness. Noah 'moved with fear' and built the ark to the saving of his family. His decision to choose God is evidenced by his 'moving' to build the ark and "became heir of the righteousness which is by faith"!

By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.
- Hebrews 11:7

Bottom line: both faith and righteousness come from God! We have nothing to do with it - just our cooperation because God will never save us against our will.

To believe means to know and do. Professing to believe in God's only begotten Son does not necessarily mean one is following Christ's beliefs and practices. It's one thing to talk and talk. It's another thing to walk the walk. We must believe and practice as our Master believed and practiced. A true christian is one who follows Christ, not other christians, creeds or churches.

Does Christ believe and/or behave the same way you do?

It's up to you to choose and decide to accept God's grace and as soon as you do, Christ's righteousness is credited to you provided you accept the empowerment God provides through Christ.

Accept this by faith.

Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

- James 2:17,18

How About The Miracles of Jesus?

Most Christians are taught that when the Son of God existed on earth, he retained his divine form. He was both "God" and "man" at the same time.

To argue this point, proponents of this teaching insist that the miracles of Jesus were the ultimate proof he was more than a human being but had divine powers due to his being "God". by definition, God is immutable which means that God's character, attributes, and even his very form can never be subject to changed.

Therefore, they reason that because Jesus was part of the Trinity, his divine form remained the same but only added the human form at his birth in Bethlehem.

Let's allow God's Word to set the record straight on the miracles of Jesus - whether he had this divine form which was only clothed by his human form.

Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:
Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:

Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.

- Acts 2:22-24

This was Peter on the Day of Pentecost speaking. It should be very clear that the miracles that Jesus did on earth were done by his Father. Christ was the channel of the miraculous acts.

Here's another passage:

There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:
The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.

- John 3:1,2

Because God was with his Son, Christ was able to do the miracles any human being could not possible do.

Elijah, Elisha, Peter and Paul all have raised someone from the dead yet we do not think of them as a combination of divine and human. No! They were human beings just like us with no powers. The difference is that God was with them - their faith was strong which allowed them to be channels of God's miracle-working power.

In fact, we too can do these things:

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.

- John 14:12-14

But there's a requirement - faith!

And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.

And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

- Mark 16:17-20

The only requirement is that we believe. As proof of the disciples' belief, our Master worked with them "confirming the word with signs".

To insist that our Master had even a slight advantage over us when he became a human being is to degrade and cheapen his infinite sacrifice of giving up his divine form when he "was made flesh" (John 1:14).

The more we know the truth about our Master the more we are attracted to him for his love for us. Believe God's Word and know the real Jesus - our Master and our Friend.

Did Jesus Claim To Be Equal With God?

Most Christians think and are taught that Jesus claimed equality with God. He was also accused by the Jews with this allegation. Did Jesus really claim to be equal with God? Let's allow him to set the record straight once and for all!

Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.
- John 5:18

Jesus healed a man on the Sabbath and the Jews accused him of breaking the Fourth commandment.

The man departed, and told the Jews that it was Jesus, which had made him whole.
And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day.

But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.

- John 5:15 - 17

Then he was accused of claiming equality with God. But was this really what he claimed?

Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.
For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.

For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.

For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:

That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.

- John 5:19 - 23

Notice the last verse:

He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.
- John 5:23

Jesus said the Father sent him. Did Jesus say that he who was sent is equal with the one who sent him?

Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.
- John 13:16

Jesus did not claim to be equal with God! He said his Father - the one who sent him - is greater than him - the one who was sent!

Here is another one:

Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.
- John 14:28

My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.
I and my Father are one.

- John 10:29,30

Again, Jesus said the Father is greater than all - including himself despite the fact that they are one. Was Jesus contradicting himself when he said the Father was greater than himself yet they are one?

What does "I and my Father are one." mean?

Let Jesus himself explain it to us:

Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
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.

And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:

I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.

- John 17:20-23

Our Master desired unity among his disciples because he and his Father were one in purpose and united in their goal - the salvation of human beings.

By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
- John 13:35

God is greater in authority even if he and Christ were of one in purpose, character and mind. Clearly, Jesus did not claim to be equal with God. He acknowledged his Father as having greater authority.

And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.
- 1 Corinthians 15:28

The accusation of the Jews only existed in their minds. Jesus never did claim to be equal with his Father. The Bible is very clear that God is the supreme authority.

Believe Jesus' own testimony. Reject the accusations and teachings of professed Christians who think like the Jews who accused Jesus.

Besides, you won't want to be aligned with the devil - the "chief accuser of the brethren", would you?!

Did Jesus Claim To Be God?

Much weight is placed on this passage:

The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.
- John 10:33

Did Jesus, a man, make himself God? Either the accusation of the Jews was valid or it was not. Either Jesus claimed to be God or he did not.

Why not let Jesus himself set the record straight?!

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

- John 3:16-18

Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.
- John 5:25

Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God?
- John 9:35

Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?
- John 10:36

When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.
- John 11:4

And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;
- Revelation 2:18

None in the above passages did Jesus ever claim to be God. On the contrary, Jesus said he was the Son of God.

How about God? Did God say that Jesus was God?

And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

- Matthew 3:17,18

After all Jesus went through - the temptation in the wilderness questioning His identity as the Son of God; the people who mocked him and challenged him to save himself if he was really the Son of God could He ignore the high priest's question and deny His Father's declaration - the fact that He is truly the Son of God?

And the high priest stood up in the midst, and asked Jesus, saying, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee?
But he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?

And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.

- Mark 14:60-62

He could and never would deny that He is the Son of God. God was telling the truth! Here was the last chance of those in His trial to allow God's spirit to convict them but they chose not to yield.

Notice also that in one statement, Jesus declared that He was the Son of God and that He was the Christ!

If we are to truly appreciate God's love and understand the everlasting Gospel, the truth about Jesus must be clearly understood and believed. There is something about believing that Jesus is the Son of God that makes use overcomers as stated in 1 John 5:5.

If any doctrine ultimately teaches that Jesus is not really the Son of God, it has the spirit of antichrist because it denies the Father-Son relationship!

Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.
Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.

- 1 John 2:22,23

Well, you say, what about this passage below?

But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.
- Hebrews 1:8

Doesn't the Father address his Son as God here, you ask?

Certainly! Let's look at Psalms where the writer of the Hebrews quoted from:

Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre.
Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.

- Psalm 45:6,7

The word 'God' in Psalms 45:6,7 is the Hebrew 'elohiym'. It generally means someone with supreme authority:

1) God (elohiym) is the Creator (Genesis 1:1)
2) Moses was god (elohiym) to Pharaoh (Exodus 7:1)

3) Dagon was the god (elohiym) of the Philistines (Judges 16:23)

4) David (or a king in David's line) is 'god' (elohiym) because his throne is forever - a Messianic allusion to Christ's future reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the throne that David (or a king from the Davidic line) now sits as king

Elohiym does not denote a plurality of persons as Moses and the fishman Dagon were both singular person and statue respectively. David is also addressed as 'elohiym' and he is not a plurality of persons.

In Psalm 45, David is addressed as "O God" in this passage and is said to have a God over him who anointed him "with the oil of gladness". Are we to believe that David is part of the being we know as God - the Creator of the universe?!

No one thinks so. Yet, when quoted in reference to Christ, most Christians alter the meaning and insist that this proves that the Son is part of the one God of the Bible!

God, even the God of the Son, anointed the Son. The usage of the word 'God' in Hebrews 1 is one of title. 'God' is the highest title the Son can bear by virtue of inheritance (Hebrews 1:3).

God remains the Creator who created all thing through his Son (Hebrews 1:1,2). The Creator's identity need not be confused with the Son's divine attribute, title or nature.

Hebrews 1, in contrast to Hebrews 2, reveals the divinity and exaltation of the Son of God, even higher than the angels. Whereas in Hebrews 2, the condescension of the Son of God by becoming lower than the angels is the subject (Hebrews 2:9).

Yes, the Father addresses the Son "O God" but remains to be the one God, even the God of the Son. Hebrews 1:8 deals with the Son's title , attribute or nature, but not his identity.

God's identity remains the same - he is the God and Father of the Son. That's why the Son never claimed to be God even if his origins were divine.

In closing, let us worship the one true God and give Him thanks for loving us with an everlasting love by sending His only begotten Son, Jesus the Christ.

The LORD Thy God

And God spake all these words, saying,
I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

- Exodus 20:1-3

Who is the "LORD thy God" whom we should worship and not have other gods before him? Can we identify him with His Word? Or is this an impossibility that should be left untouched and remain a 'mystery'?

Let us allow His Word to reveal his identity to us so we can worship him in spirit and in truth and not have other gods before him!

Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:

But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:

For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is , and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.

- Exodus 20:8-11

The Fourth Commandment reveals that the "LORD thy God" is the Creator of heaven, earth and everything in them.

Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:
And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

- Deuteronomy 6:4,5

Furthermore, we are told that "the LORD our God is one LORD" and we should love him with all our being. This is what our Master quoted during an exchange with a scribe.

And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all?
And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:

And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.

And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.

And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he:

And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.

- Mark 12:28-33

It should be, rather, obvious that our Master knew who "the LORD thy God" is!

In my encounters with people who hold that God is supposed to be "a unity of three co-eternal Persons", they have argued that the "LORD thy God" Jesus was referring to during his encounter with the Tempter in the wilderness was himself!

Here's the passage in the book of Matthew:

Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.

Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.

- Matthew 4:8-11

Jesus was, supposedly, referring to himself when he told the devil to worship "the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve."

The answer is, rather, simple. If we can identify who the one God is - the Creator of all things - we have identified "the LORD thy God"!

Compare the two proceeding passages that clearly identify who the Creator is:

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
- Genesis 1:1

God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,
Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;

- Hebrews 1:1,2

Clearly, the Creator in Genesis is the same Creator in Hebrews and all throughout the Bible. This Creator created all things through his Son - "by whom also he made the worlds".

There is no other being in the universe that is identified as having created all things through his Son except God, the Father - "the LORD thy God" who sent his Son to be the savior of the world!

According to our Master, we should "worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve". Should we go against our Master's command?!

This is not the only place our Master expressed this sentiment:

But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

- John 4:23,24

According to our Master, the true worshippers will worship his Father - "the LORD thy God" - because he is seeking true worshippers to worship him in spirit and in truth!

If we profess to be followers and disciples of our Master, should we not obey and follow his instructions to us and worship the only true God who sent him to save us?!

Identity NOT Infinity

For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
- 1 Corinthians 14:33

It has been argued that because God is infinite and human beings are finite that God is supposed to be a mystery. For if God can be understood by human beings He ceases to be God and would make him lower than finite human beings.

It is true that God is infinite. Who can understand the depths of God's wisdom?

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
- Isaiah 55:8

And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
- John 17:3

God's thoughts are not our thoughts. Yet Jesus' desire is for us to "know him" - the only true God. Is this a contradiction? Is this what God wants us to do - to try to understand him? Would God ask something unreasonable?

If we read God's Word on the surface we think it's a contradiction. But if we care enough to dig a little deeper, we will see that there is no contradiction at all. We are to know (at the very least) - identify - God, and believe in His Son Whom He has sent into the world! To know God is to, at least, be able to identify Him.

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
- Genesis 1:1

God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
- Hebrews 1:1,2

In the above two passages, is the God in Genesis 1:1 the same God in Hebrews 1:1,2?

We know that there is only one God. The God in the book of Genesis is the same throughout the Bible until the book of Revelation. Therefore, the answer is "yes - the God in Genesis 1:1 is the same God in Hebrews 1:1,2;"

Can we identify who God is in the above passages? Can we identify God in the above two passages? How many persons is God if God created all things through His Son?

And who's the best person to identify God for us - Jesus Christ! He certainly knew Who God was - His Father. And God is one person. There is no confusion unless you choose to confuse yourself by believing man-made inventions and traditions. Jesus said:

But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

- John 4:23,24

Why not listen to our Master and believe what he said?!

True Courage

It's nice to be curious and even mildly intrigued about something, which might be truth. But are we willing to learn more about it more than we are willing to accept and embrace it? It could be scandalous or life-changing. Are we ready for the pressures and responsibilities that come with walking in the truth?

If we always knew which way to take, if questions never came into our minds regarding what is right, if we were never confused over what action to take, we would never consciously and actively delve deeply into questions of right and wrong in search of the truth.

Even now, when we are perplexed, we begin to seriously think and, hopefully, pray and plead with God to show us the way.

We may not have given much attention to certain issues before but they now take on greater significance. Can we afford to be complacent? Ignorance is not an option!

And when the crisis is past when we finally see the light, we are better, more intelligent and stronger Christians because of the experience. 'No pain no gain', as the popular saying goes. Conviction is cemented and anchored deep in the trenches of truth.

It is not what one does in the heat of a sudden excitement that demonstrates the greatest courage. It is the one who quietly thinks things through and considers relevant points, who counts the cost and then goes ahead who are really courageous. It is not the one without fear who is courageous but it is the one that fears but still forges ahead.

By God's grace, may true courage be found in you.

Is Godliness a Mystery?

Opposers of the truth about God almost always draw back to their 'ace' 'proof-text' and argue that something is a 'mystery', that we finite human beings are best to leave it alone.

Here's the passage used almost all of the time:

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

What is this supposed mystery? Godliness! Should professed believers be left in the dark about how to worship God in spirit and in truth and to live before a righteous holy God in upright godliness?

Not only that, reading this passage beyond the typical Laodicean surface reading (not digging deeper into God's Word and letting scripture explain scripture) actually goes against their argument that the divine Son of God became a human being is a mystery!

Read carefully before another passage of scripture reveals this "mystery":

And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness [eusebia - piety, holiness]:

What is Paul saying here? In this writer's own words, it simply means this:

No question, the mystery of godliness is great:

What does Paul say about this great mystery of godliess?

God [theos - used here as an adjective: divinity] was manifest [phaneroo] in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles [ethnos], believed on in the world, received up into glory.

What Paul said was a great mystery of godliness he himself describes without difficulty! It's no mystery to Paul! It's no mystery to believers! At least, it shouldn't be!

Was Paul speaking from both sides of his mouth? Was he self-contradicting himself? Here are a few more passages that shed light on this subject:

Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,
But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:

To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.

- Romans 16:25-27

Paul said that this mystery "which was kept secret since the world began" has now been revealed!

Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:
But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:

Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.

Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

- 1 Corinthians 2:6-12

Paul said in verse 10 that God has revealed the mystery of the "wisdom of God", even the "hidden wisdom"! Paul continues that believers has received the "spirit of God" - the same one that knows the inner thoughts of God similar to the spirit of man that knows the inner thoughts of man - "that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God."

Again, Paul tells us that whatever this mystery is, God has revealed it because God has freely given
it to us.

Here's another:

5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;

Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:

That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:

In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.

Ephesians 1:5-12

Paul says that God has made known "the mystery of his will". What is this will? That believers were predestined to be saved! And what makes this salvation possible? Through the 'mystery' of God - which is the gospel - His divine Son coming to earth as fully human and live a sinless life despite being tempted in "all points" as we are, die and be raised from the dead by the glory of the Father!

This 'mystery' has been revealed! It was but is no longer a mystery!

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,

For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

- Ephesians 6:17-20

Paul, and every believer's job, is to "speak boldly" as an "ambassador" of Christ and "make known the mystery of the gospel".

Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;
Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:

To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

- Colossians 1:25-29

Again, Paul says that this 'mystery' which has been hidden "from ages and generations" is now "made manifest to the saints". It is no longer a mystery!

Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;
Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:

That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.

Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

- Colossians 4:2-6

Paul desired that he and other believers pray so that God would make opportunies to share the gospel to anyone and be able to share the faith that believers have to anyone that may ask.

Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;
Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.

And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.

- 1 Timothy 3:8-10

Paul admonishes those who hold responsibilities know the 'mystery of faith' - the gospel - in 'a pure conscience'. Doesn't this imply that they should know, first and foremost, what the gospel is, including all the 'mystery' associated with it?

Yet, most Christians today, don't really know the true, everlasting gospel! Ultimately, they teach that the one who died on the cross did not really die because of a doctrine that teaches that God is supposedly composed of three "co-eternal" persons, all of which can never be subject to death! Run, not walk, away from these deacons, elders, pastors, bishops, cardinals, popes!

Lastly, here's what our Master said about the mysteries of God's kingdom:

He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.
- Matthew 13:11

What did our Master say? It is given to His true disciples to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven!

This includes the "mystery of godliness"!

To say that God's identity CANNOT be understood because it is supposed to be a mystery left alone is to go against our Master's explicit statement that we are to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven! To say that the the condescension of the Son of God from one who existed "in the form of God" (Phil 2:6) to being "made flesh" (John 1:14) is a mystery not to be understood, is very clearly refuted in the Bible!

Yes, we don't know how God did this but we can know and accept that God did send his Son, "born of a woman", "made in the likeness of sinful flesh" for what reason? So that we may have a chance of eternal life with Him!

Why do you think Jesus spoke in parables (the immediate context of Matthew 13:11)? So that the wise will understand but will remain mysteries to those who do not will to do God's will!

Paul did God's will. He understood the "great mystery of godliness". So will you, if you only choose to do God's will and stop surface-reading God's Word. We are to dig deep for hidden treasures and by doing so we connect our finite and shallow minds to God's infinite and fathomless mind!

It may be a great mystery - the exact details or explanations - but we can accept and believe the Son of God's transformation from a divine being into a human being. How did God do this? it's a real mystery. There are real mysteries the Bible doesn't address nor attempt to explain. It is for us to wait until we inherit God's kingdom, through Christ.

However, what is revealed we must know. And God's identity is NOT one of these mysteries. Our Creator CLEARLY revealed Himself. He is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (by Whom our Father made the worlds - Heb 1:1,2).

The great mystery revealed is exactly what Paul described above. It is REVEALED and is no longer a mystery. After all, he himself had no trouble writing about it! Even our Master says believers are to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven!

So the next time you hear 1 Timothy 3:16 quoted to you again in connection to the identity of our God and Creator, or that of the Son becoming fully human and being made subject to death, point them to Matthew 13:11.

Scripture explains scripture if we only allow God's Word to explain itself. Be not surface readers but dig deep into God's Word. Even atheists read the Bible - but not to learn of it but to 'prove' that the Bible contradicts itself.

If they would only dig deeper and not emulate professed surface-reading Christians!

Open Or Closed-minded?

Who among you will give ear to this? Who will hearken and hear for the time to come?
- Isaiah 42:23

Most people, when asked, claim to be open-minded, that they are not judgmental nor closed-minded but will give someone the benefit of a doubt.

In reality, this is probably the opposite. People tend to listen to people they trust then use this information before they even hear the matter for themselves.

Furthermore, instead of focusing on whatever the subject, they are more concerned on who the person is, etc, instead of the issue at hand! Surely, this is not displaying open-mindedness but an aversion to it.

He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.
- Prov 18:13

Most people's tendency is not to investigate the matter for themselves but to find out who the person is. This is plain prejudice! It really doesn't matter who the messenger of a message is but the message he bears. The truth can stand on its own regardless of who the bearer of the message is.

Someone may think he is doing you a favor by warning people not to even listen to a person. In reality, this is taking away your freedom to choose. It is tyranny of your mind. Allowing you to find out for yourself is an expression of love for having freedom is an act of love.

God honors your freedom regardless of whether you choose to follow Him or not. He sent His only begotten Son to save you but will NEVER drag you to heaven against your will even if He wants to save you so badly.

So keep an open mind. Exercise your freedom of choice by hearing the matter for yourself. God would not have it any other way!

Do you think people who are mind tyrants truly ultimately care about you by taking away your freedom? Or are they really exerting control over you? Is this Jesus' method of operation or was His ways always that of love?

Deceived By Someone You Trust

Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
- Proverbs 3:7

By nature, we listen to people whom we trust. As a result, we are wary of people we don't know or have a negative opinion of.

Therefore, the only people that can deceive us are those who we trust in the first place! And who do we trust the most? Ourselves!

Is it all possible that you can deceive yourself?

Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.
For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.

And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.

Therefore let no man glory in men...

- 1 Corinthians 3:18-21

In other words, you can be so sure about the things of God and yet be completely wrong! If the world goes along with you, you can be sure you are wrong. For "the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God"!

In this present world, truth was and will always be unpopular and in the minority. Noah and his family were the only ones saved - all eight of them!

And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.
- Revelation 13:3

99.9% of all Christians believe a certain way about God, like the beast. Is this "the wisdom of the world" or "the faith of Jesus Christ"? What did Jesus believe about God?

If you find yourself in the outnumberered minority, be of good cheer. You're in good company - Jesus Christ - the Son of the only true God (John 17:3)!

Does Jesus believe the way you do?

You Have To Be Before You Can

Our Master's commission to those who believe ( Mark 12:17 ) is to make disciples of all people groups ( Matthew 28:19).

Professed believers may be raring to go. And that is good. But before you can go, you first have 'to be' with the Master.

And he goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto him whom he would: and they came unto him.
And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach,

And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils:

- Mark 3:13-15

Our Master initially ordained twelve that they should be with him! After they were with him he could then send them out into the world - to preach and to have power to heal the sick and to cast out devils. Mark's gospel commission ( Mark 12:15-18 ) echoes this once again.

You have to be with the Master first and learn at his feet before you are qualified to go. What did our Master teach? What did he practice? What did he believe?

Many will come in our Master's name yet teach their own doctrines! They may use our Master's name but when it comes down to it, they are really teaching things that are against what the Master taught, practiced or believed!

Go to Jesus and make him the Author and Finisher of whatever beliefs you must hold. Harmonize ALL of God's Word before coming to a conclusion for all scripture is in harmony with itself. Superficial reading will get you nowhere. Atheists do that and find many "contradictions" because they refuse to dig deeper and study the Word honestly and earnestly.

May you heed our Master's call to go. But before you do, be with the Master first. Learn at his feet. Believe as he believes. Then you will be qualified, even ordained, to go on his comission.

And believe.

The Faith Of Jesus

There are predominantly two ways we can understand 'the faith of Jesus':

Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
- Revelation 14:12

The saints living in the last of the last days will 'keep ... the faith of Jesus'.

What is faith?

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
- Hebrews 11:1

That's one definition of faith. The faith of Jesus, in this sense, is the unyeilding trust in His God and Father. Despite not being able to see beyond the cross, He had the confidence to say "Unto Thy hands I commend my spirit."

Let me share a little insight.

In the Day of Atonements, the High Priest enters the second compartment of the Sanctuary once a year, and makes an atonement for corporate Israel. If the sacrifice was accepted or the High Priest meticulously followed all what was required of him (like not allowing anyone to come in contact with him - physically touching him a certain number of days before the Day of Atonements), a bright light would shine from the golden cherubim on the right (remember, there were two covering cherubims on top of the Ark of the Covenant, between them was the shekinah glory - where the glory and presence of God would dwell).

But, if something was not followed meticulously or the sacrifice was not accepted, a dark 'cloud' would appear on the left cherubim. This would be the last thing the High Priest would see before he falls down dead. This was why the High Priest would wear bells around his ankles so when he moves about the compartment, the people would hear the bells and know that he was still alive.

How does this connect to our Lord Jesus Christ dying on the cross?

Wasn't there two people with him that day - one on his left and one on his right?

The Bible doesn't say which one was on which side. But knowing the Day of Atonements facts, we could connect the Day of Atonements with Christ's death on the cross.

Imagine this: Christ had just said "My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken me?"

Christ could not see beyond the cross. He wasn't sure if His sacrifice would be acceptable to God just like the High Priest on the Day of Atonements would not know whether the sacrifice made and the atonement he was making in behalf of corporate Israel would be accepted until the sign appears from either of the cherubims.

What happened next? The thief on the cross (most likely to Jesus' right) eventually came to believe in him and even asked Jesus to remember him when Christ goes to paradise.

"I'm telling you right now that you will be with me in paradise," Christ said.

This was the sign!

Christ's sacrifice on the cross was acceptable to God. While Christ couldn't see beyond the cross, He had the assurance that His Father will raise him up. He had the faith that although he will die on the cross that day, he will rise again.

That's the faith we need today. We may not live to see His soon-coming but we must have the faith and believe that although "worms may destroy this body yet in my flesh I shall see God", as Job confidently declared.

Another kind of faith is the belief system or set of beliefs that Jesus had. Jesus had a Christian faith. He believed in the Son of God - that He was the Son of God Whom God sent into the world.

Over and over again Jesus is revealed in the Bible as "the Son of God".

Jesus knew who He was. He knew Who God was. He knew that God sent Him to be the savior of the world. And this is what Jesus wants all his professed followers to know, believe and experience:

"And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent."
- John 17:3

This was part of Jesus' very intimate prayer in the garden of Gethsemane just before he was arrested, tried and sentenced to death.

His desire then and His desire now is for "they" - that's us - might know the one God, the only true God - the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ and Jesus Christ Whom God sent.

We must have the same faith, the same beliefs as Jesus had. How dare we claim to be a Christian (which can simply mean: to believe in Jesus Christ and to follow his teachings) yet have our own set of beliefs?!

No matter how close or similar the beliefs or doctrines we hold dear IF they are not EXACTLY as the faith or set of beliefs of Jesus, we are NOT Christians!

Now let me ask you a question:

Did Jesus teach, practice, preach or identify that God [the Creator of the universe, the One God] is a Trinity?
Or did Jesus teach, practice, preach or identify that God is His Father?

What say you? Are you really an authentic Christian, having the same faith of Jesus?

Why not align yourself and keep the faith of Jesus/YeHoWsHua today?!

Safe From the Tentacles

Someone's death may cause us sadness, pain and sorrow, even guilt. But let me offer a different perspective.

The enemy can no longer reach a loved one who has slept in Jesus. He is safe from the tentacles of the Devil and safe in the arms of Jesus, waiting for the glorious resurrection!

We may miss our friend or family but it is not the end. What we need to do is make our election sure that even when we say 'goodbye' tonight it is not over but 'we'll see you in the morning'.

May God be praised!

Alternative To Coexistence

The only alternative to coexistence is codestruction.
- Jawaharlal Nehru (1889 - 1964)

Ignorant Man And Silence

Nothing is so good for an ignorant man as silence; and if he was sensible of this he would not be ignorant.
- Saadi (1184 - 1291)