JasonS

March 21, 2023 JasonS doctrine, grace, Scripture

The Mystery of The Gospel

The Mystery

“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)

Why Write On A Mystery?
One might ask why a person would write about a mystery? This is not about a whodunnit, the FBI, or some other investigative story whether fiction or non-fiction. This is to consider what the Bible means when it speaks of “the mystery.” What did Jesus mean when He spoke of the mysteries of the kingdom? What is a mystery and what is the mystery of which Paul spoke; and why is there a mystery? As we study these things, our approach is from the understanding that the Bible is a coherent and united book of books, that God is one in being, mind, purpose, and deed, and that the study of the whole of the Scriptures will yield the understanding we need to answer these questions.

What Is A Mystery?

It is almost always helpful to begin a discussion by defining the terms one is using. We must ask, then, what a mystery is.

A study of the word shows the following concerning the general usage of the word:

“Denotes in general something hidden or not fully manifest. 2 Thess. 2:7 speaks of “the mystery of iniquity” which began to work in secret and was not then completely disclosed or manifested.”
A mystery is knowledge that is specific to a religious group and available only to those who are initiated into that group. It is also generally mysteries, religious secrets, confided only to the initiated and not to ordinary mortals.
“of God: the secret counsels which govern God in dealing with the righteous, which are hidden from ungodly and wicked men but plain to the godly.”
All mysteries promise their devotees salvation

The Biblical definition of a mystery is found in our text: It was a truth kept secret since the world began; it was written in the Scriptures; it was made manifest in Christ (See Romans 1:1-4;3:21-22;2 Corinthians 1:20.); it is being made known in all nations that men might believe (See Romans 1:1-6;10:1-17.); and gives glory to God.

To take this further, the mystery has been hidden from the princes of the world and revealed to those who believe (1 Corinthians 2:1-16). Why was it hidden from the princes of the world? God’s Word says, “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:18) “For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:22–24) “For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 1:26–31) The simple reality is that the gospel is hidden from those who do not believe not because the facts are unavailable and unknown, but because they do not believe. “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” (2 Corinthians 4:3–6)

This mystery is spoken of as having been hid from the beginning of the world and from all ages, yet is revealed to the saints of God and preached to all men. “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)

Why A Mystery?

Why is there a mystery at all? After all, one would think that God would have all men to know the truth. Yes, God does indeed want all men to know the truth: “Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:4) All men will not come to the truth, however. While the gospel is preached, not all partake of it. Not all will believe the gospel. Even though they might know the facts of the gospel, it will remain a mystery to them because they have not experienced the saving grace of God and His indwelling Spirit. God does not entrust His Word and His presence to those who do not want it. This is why Jesus said to His disciples, “Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.” (Luke 8:10)

God also has a purpose according to which He is working, and He has revealed Himself and will continue to reveal Himself according to that purpose (Ephesians 1:3-14). While we have a complete Bible today, we still do not have the fullest revelation of God. God’s Word tells us that revelation is yet to come: “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” (1 John 3:2) Again we read, “Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.” (Revelation 1:7) Thus it is that the prophets foretold the coming of Christ, His sufferings, and the glory that should follow, yet did not know when that would be (1 Peter 1:10-12). At just the right time, however, God revealed Himself in Jesus Christ (Galatians 4:1-5;John 1:14-18;1 Timothy 3:16).This is why Jesus rebuked the disciples for not understanding and believing the Scriptures regarding His crucifixion and resurrection: they had been foretold and they should have known. “Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?” (Luke 24:25–26) “Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” (Luke 24:45–47) Thus we see that there is mystery because God has a purpose in which He reveals Himself and His working throughout the ages of time, culminating in the visible return of Christ in all His glory and the glory of His Father and the gathering together of all God’s people unto Him to enjoy the never ending revelation of His grace in Christ (Ephesians 2:4-7;Revelation 21:3;22:3-4).

What Is The Mystery?

What is this mystery of which the Scriptures speak? This is the question that we must answer in order to calm the great confusion that seems to exist regarding the matter.

First of all, let us notice what the mystery is not. The mystery is not:

The gospel- “And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.” (Galatians 3:8)
The suffering, death, and resurrection of Christ as the savior of the world- “Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.” (1 Peter 1:10–12) “Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.” (Luke 24:25–27) “And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” (Luke 24:43–47)
The salvation of the Gentiles- “And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” (Luke 24:43–47) “And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.” (Isaiah 49:6) “And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.” (Galatians 3:8)

We must ask, then, what is this mystery? This mystery is:

That God would for a period of time turn the focus and ministry of the Word and promises from the nation of Israel to the Gentiles- “For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.” (Romans 11:25)
That God would change and glorify the living saints when Christ returns to raise the dead- “Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,” (1 Corinthians 15:51)
That all in Christ would be gathered together in one when God’s plan is completed- “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:” (Ephesians 1:9–10)
That Gentiles would be fellowheirs, fellow members of the body, and share in the grace of God with the Jewish believers- s“How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,” (Ephesians 3:3–10) “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)

It is this equality between Jew and Gentile in the body of Christ that was the mystery Paul preached. It was the fact that in Christ we are not Jew, Gentile, etc, but are all one. Paul said he was in bonds for this. It is in Acts chapter twenty and successive chapters that we see the Jewish people rising up against Paul, seeking to destroy him and him eventually being imprisoned. In his trials we find that the Jewish people charging him with taking a Gentile in the temple, though he did not. We also find that it was when Paul stated that God told him that He would send him to the Gentiles that the Jewish people in a frenzy cried saying, “Away with such a fellow from the earth: for it is not fit that he should live.” (Acts 22:22) Recognizing and hating the fact that the grace of God was extended to the Gentiles so that they would be included in all of the covenant blessings and promises made to Abraham and his seed and knowing that this made a spiritual equality between the Jews and Gentiles (See Galatians 3:26-29) was more than they could stand. It was this that stirred their hatred and this for which Paul was imprisoned. The gospel was not the mystery. The sufferings and resurrection of Christ was not the mystery. In many ways, even the church was not a mystery. The mystery was that God would receive the Gentiles and accept them as equal to the believing Israelites.

Why Is This Important?

Why is this a matter that deserves approximately three thousand words and hours of labor in an article? This is an issue of importance because there are those who wish to so divide the Bible that they teach that there are multiple gospels in the different dispensations of time. The reality is that the Biblical presentation of the dispensation of the fulness of times is not about dividing Scriptures or people, but about gathering all in one who are in Christ (Ephesians 1:9-11). Furthermore, there is only one gospel, and that is from beginning to end the gospel of the grace of God. This is why we must pay close attention to the fact that the Scripture’s testimony is:

Abel’s offering was God’s testimony of His giving us Jesus as our sacrifice (Hebrews 11:4)
Noah was justified by faith (Hebrews 11:7)
God personally preached the gospel to Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3;Galatians 3:8)
Jesus fulfilled the promises and prophecies of the Old Testament Scriptures (Romans 3:21-24;2 Corinthians 1:20;Galatians 3:24)
the way of salvation under the law is the same as it is today (Romans 4:1-25;10:1-13)
the gospel of the kingdom is the gospel of Jesus Christ (Romans 1:16;10:15 cf Isaiah 52:7;Mark 1:14-15)
the gospel that will be preached in the end times is the same gospel that has always been preached (Isaiah 59:20-21;Jeremiah 31:31-34;Zechariah 12:8-10;John 6:44-46;Ephesians 2:11-22;Galatians 4:21-31;Revelation 1:5-7;14:6).

These things show us that, from the beginning to end, the testimony of God is that He is unchanging and His purpose is one purpose: that is He plans to glorify Himself through His grace in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 1:3-14;2 Timothy 1:7-10;Revelation 10:5-7). I know of nothing more important that our upholding and defending the unity of Scripture, the immutability of God, and the free grace of God in all ages, and this is why it is important that we deal with this issue. I pray that we all will honor God’s one purpose, united Bible, and His one gospel: the faith which was once and for all delivered unto the saints (Jude 1:3).

March 17, 2023 JasonS Uncategorized

Do God’s Blessings Equal God’s Endorsement?

Today many people are quick to respond to warnings against those who are immoral or those who teach false doctrine and say, “But look how God is blessing them and how many converts they have.” The question that we must ask of the Scriptures is this: “Do God’s blessings equal God’s endorsement?”

“Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.” (Matthew 5:43–45) God’s blessings often fall equally upon the righteous and the unrighteous and upon the unthankful as well as the evil (Luke 6:35). We cannot equate the blessings of God to the endorsement of God.

“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” (Matthew 7:21–23) Sometimes amazing things are done by those who profess the name of Jesus, and yet that is not an endorsement of God. Jesus warned earlier that we know them by their fruits. If we think that we will know someone by the approval and endorsement of men, we will go wrongly. If we recognize the fact that the fruit of which Jesus speaks is the fruit of obedience to His Word, we will understand that there are those who may do “many wonderful works” in Jesus’ name while speeding toward hell and eternity without Christ. Remember, numbers are not what indicates true spirituality and Christianity. Jesus said, “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” (Matthew 7:13–14) In this instance it is much better to be among the few than among the many.

Sometimes folks will say, “But surely the blessings of God on them shows that they are truly His and sent by Him.” It is then that we must remind them of the words of God through Paul, who said, “Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;” (Romans 2:4–5) God’s blessings are not always indicators of God’s endorsement and approval. Sometimes God’s blessings are His tender mercies calling us to repentance and, should a person use these blessings as reason to continue in sin, false doctrine, or to continue in the ministry while having disqualified himself, he is warned that he is treasuring up for himself wrath in the judgment!

Finally, the blessings and presence of God do not mean that a church or person is doing the right thing. Five of the seven churches of Asia in Revelation chapters two and three were rebuked of God, while He still accepted them as His churches. Consider the things for which they were rebuked:

leaving their first love Rev 2:4
teachers who led others astray into greed, lust, fornication, and idolatry Rev 2:14-15
having a woman preacher who led folks into fornication and idolatry Rev 2:20
having a name of being alive while being dead Rev 3:1
for being complacent, self-satisfied, and self-righteous Rev 3:15-17

These folks were still Christ’s churches, yet He was not endorsing their behaviors. They still had the presence and blessings of God although many were sternly warned about the judgment that would be coming on them if they did not repent. While I cannot pretend to know what any of you who read this would think, I do know that I do not want experience any of the things with which Christ threatened these churches! Not only do I want to experience the presence and the blessings of God, but I also want to experience the smile and approval of God. Sometimes we will speak of sin and say, “God won’t bless where that is going on.” These church letters teach us otherwise. God is longsuffering, merciful, and gracious to us, and will often bless us despite ourselves; but we should never think that mercy and grace are equal to an endorsement of us when we are involved in false doctrines or living unrepentant in sin.

February 21, 2023 JasonS doctrine

The Importance Of Doctrine

“Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.” (1 Timothy 4:16)

The Importance Of Doctrine

Paul’s instructions to Timothy and Titus are filled with references to doctrine. In fact, we find the Word of God using it in the Pastoral Epistles seventeen of the fifty times the word “doctrine” is used in the New Testament. Considering the fact that these epistles were written to teach and train men in how to lead churches, we can conclude that doctrine is of very great importance in the life of the church.

What is doctrine? The first mention of the word is in the words of Jesus: “And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.” (Matthew 7:28–29) We can quickly see that Jesus’ doctrine was His teaching, because the words are use synonymously (This is also done in Mark 4:1-2.). As we study more throughout our Bibles, we will find that doctrine is the foundation of our faith and of the life that we should live as God’s children. Many will declare that doctrine is unnecessary, yet that is in itself a doctrine, being taught by those who choose to abandon the doctrines of the Scripture.

Let us notice how important it is that we get our doctrine and our practice correct: “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:17–20) The infallible, inerrant, imperishable Word of God is the Christian’s sole authoritative guide. It is the fount of all doctrine/teaching, and is to be respected as such so that we endeavor to be faithful to it even in the very least thing. Notice this, because today many will often speak of some issues as being of little importance. Every bit of Scripture is God’s Word and of equal authority. While there are some doctrines that are of utmost importance because they are fundamental to our salvation (Consider Romans 16:17 in the context of the whole letter.), we are obligated to honor God’s authority by respecting even the smallest of detail, i.e. the jots and tittles, and both teaching and obeying them. There are no unimportant or trivial doctrines. In fact, the one whom God considers great is the one who both teaches and obeys even the least of the Biblical doctrines.

Let us notice further that it is the Scripture that is the source of our doctrine and not what men have to say: “Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying, Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread. But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death. But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition. Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” (Matthew 15:1–9) We continue and find that Paul’s teaching on the inspiration and authority of Scripture shows us that it is the Scripture that is the Word of God and our doctrinal authority. It is the doctrine found in Scripture that instructs, corrects, directs, and perfects us so that we become fitted for the place God purposes for us to fill (See 2 Timothy 3:16-4:5). It is this doctrine that the man of God is to preach to the church, opening the text, explaining the text, and applying the text. This alone is the health of the church. If the church is to be saved from shipwreck (1 Timothy 1:18-20), the man of God must be serious and fervent in doctrine. “Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.” (1 Timothy 4:16)

“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matthew 28:18–20) We call this text “The Great Commission.” It is the mandate of the church to teach, or make disciples of all nations. This is the task of the church, to bring the doctrine of salvation to all people. After men become believers, they are to be baptized and taught, or indoctrinated in all things that Jesus commanded us. This being the command given to us by our Master, faithful churches, Christians, and pastors are the ones who, using the Bible, value doctrine, teach doctrine, and apply doctrine.

Luke records that Jesus “came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and taught them on the sabbath days. And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power. And in the synagogue there was a man, which had a spirit of an unclean devil, and cried out with a loud voice, Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God. And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And when the devil had thrown him in the midst, he came out of him, and hurt him not. And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out. And the fame of him went out into every place of the country round about.” (Luke 4:29–37) Notice that Jesus’ teaching was with power or authority. There are many people today who are focused on issues such as healing, deliverance, prophecy, tongues, and emotionally ecstatic experiences, calling these things the power of God. We must remember that Jesus rebuked people who looked for signs such as this (See Matthew 12:38-42;16:1-4), and realize that the emphasis of Christ is the revelation of God in Scripture and the authority of God in Scripture. What occurred in Capernaum was Jesus teaching with authority. His Word and doctrine were what was important. While many seek signs and emotions as evidence of power, God’s Word here declares that it is the very doctrine of Christ that has the power.

It is very important to note as well that the very ministry of the Holy Spirit is to indoctrinate us: “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” (John 14:26) It cannot be emphasized too much in our day of emotionalism and sign seeking, that the Holy Ghost’s work is to enlighten us to understand the Word and doctrine of Christ.

When, on the day of Pentecost, thousands believed, were saved, baptized, and added to the church, they then “continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” (Acts 2:42) It is imperative to notice that, not only is doctrine essential to the health of the church by keeping us from shipwreck as we have already seen, but the early Christians were immediately immersed in doctrine by the apostles. One does not need to wait until he has reached a certain degree of spiritual maturity before he studies doctrine. In fact, one cannot attain spiritual maturity without right doctrine (See Ephesians 4:11-16.). Doctrine is the foundation of our faith and that which nurtures our growth in the faith.

We cannot preach the gospel to the lost without doctrine. The very work of evangelizing is to present the doctrine that Christ died for our sins and arose for our justification. The high priests asked the apostles, “Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.” (Acts 5:28) That’s right! They preached the gospel and that is a doctrinal stance. Sadly, in our day, it is often those who fail to preach the gospel with clarity who reject doctrine as being important. Even worldly idolatrous people understood that gospel preaching was doctrine (See Acts 17:18-21.), so I am astounded when professing Christians declare that doctrine is unnecessary and divisive. When the Romans believed that gospel and were saved, Paul said, “But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.” (Romans 6:17) True gospel preaching requires the presence of doctrine. Remember, “faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17)

To demonstrate the importance of doctrine, God placed gifted people in the church for the purpose of teaching (Romans 12:6-7). We are very plainly told that the pastors, who are teachers, have the task of indoctrinating the saints that they would grow in Christ. “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.” (Ephesians 4:11–16) The Word of God is also explicit about the value of doctrine because we are told that it is much more profitable to the saints than words that are either difficult or impossible to understand (1 Corinthians 14:6,9). Far from encouraging or embracing anything similar to the often incomprehensible chaos of our modern day charismatic movement, Paul gave us God’s Word commanding us to focus on the teaching and hearing of God’s Word in an orderly manner (1 Corinthians 14:26-40).

Doctrine is also essential to the godly life of purity to which we are called. Paul told Timothy, “As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do…But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;” (1 Timothy 1:3-4,8–10) We find here that doctrine is connected to the gospel, and the gospel is connected to moral purity and holiness. Doctrine is referred to as being sound or wholesome or hygienic because sound doctrine leads to sound beliefs and clean living to the glory of God. Doctrine and godliness are two sides of the same coin and cannot be separated. In fact, it is only after God uses Paul to command Timothy concerning doctrine that He guides Paul to warn Timothy about abandoning the faith (doctrine) and making shipwreck. We can be assured that those who abandon sound doctrine will indeed make shipwreck of their faith and often of their morals.

From here we read the Scriptures warning us of false doctrines (1 Timothy 4:1-2), commanding the pastor to be steadfast in doctrine (1 Timothy 4:13,16), encouraging the respect and faithful support of those who labor in word and doctrine (1 Timothy 5:17), calling for people to live godly according to good doctrine (1 Timothy 6:1-6), and giving direction to train men to be teachers of sound doctrine (2 Timothy 2:1-2). It is obvious that sound doctrine is important.

We have seen before that the task of a pastor is to teach sound doctrine. Not only so, but his life is to reflect sound doctrine in godly living so that the man of God might use sound doctrine to call the ungodly to repentance. “For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake.” (Titus 1:7–11) This is important to note, since many today have practically abandoned morality, holding no standards for the qualifications of a minister. God’s Word, however, commands purity of life so that one can effectively teach pure doctrine. It is not at all radical or unreasonable that we take a stand on ministerial qualifications as given to us in First Timothy chapter three and Titus chapter one. It is a righteous thing that we reject those who are disqualified and refuse to fellowship with them. It is not us who have contradicted and rejected the Word of God, but it is those who refuse to truly embrace sound doctrine by living godly in accord therewith.

Remember, we are to withdraw from those who do not hold to sound doctrine. We read, “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.” (Romans 16:17–18) Notice that those who embrace false doctrines are to be marked and avoided because are not truly servants of God and they will deceive others unless we stand against their false doctrines and warn people of them. God used Paul to tell us of these, saying, “Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)” (Philippians 3:17–19) We cannot be ambivalent toward these purveyors of falsehoods: they do not serve Jesus. We are not called to be sweet and accommodating, nor are we to act as if it is harsh, cruel, and hypocritical to call out false doctrine and false teachers. There is no other way to warn and protect the flock of God than this. This is also the way of obedience to God.

For many years there have been folks involved in ecumenical meetings as if the doctrinal differences between pedo-baptists and Baptists are of no concern. Many act as if theological liberals who deny Creation, embrace evolution, deny the virgin birth of Jesus, deny blood atonement, and deny the literal bodily resurrection of Christ are truly Christian brothers. Let us hear the Word of God: “Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:” (2 John 9–10) “But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.” (2 Peter 2:1–3) Considering that such do not know the Lord Jesus, we cannot rightly have fellowship with them, but are commanded to come out from among them (2 Corinthians 6:14-18) and be separate. These people are not in fellowship with God’s people, but are under the judgment of God, as the Scripture has said. Let us then obey God by taking a clear stand against false doctrine.

As we come to the close of this article, let us return to the text with which we began: “Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.” (1 Timothy 4:16) Having warned of abandoning faith (doctrine) and a good conscience, which leads to shipwreck, we are now told how to avoid this. We can all be saved from destroying our spirituality and perhaps our own lives by continuing in good doctrine. It can never be stressed too much how great of a need we have to learn, believe, practice, and continue in sound doctrine. May God help us all to be faithful in this.

February 16, 2023 JasonS doctrine, ecclesiology, Scripture

Concerning Tongues, Prophecies, And Other Sign Gifts

The Temporary Sign Gifts

“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. 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 16:15–20)

What Gifts Are Sign Gifts?

Before Jesus ascended to Heaven, He commissioned His disciples, giving to them commands to preach the gospel in all of the world. As He did so, Jesus also promised the church both His presence (Matthew 28:18-20) and His power (Luke 24:44-53;Acts 1:1-8). As Jesus promised His presence and His power, Mark tells us that He also explained to them that there were signs that would follow or accompany them. These signs were as follows:

Casting out devils
Speaking with new tongues
Taking up serpents
Drinking deadly poison with no harmful effect
Laying hands on the sick for healing.

We also can read First Corinthians chapter thirteen and find that there were also the gifts of prophecy, understanding, and miracle working faith (1 Corinthians 13:1-3).

What Was The Purpose Of The Sign Gifts?

What was the purpose of sign gifts? To answer this accurately, we should first determine what a sign is. The word translated sign is, in the Greek, “σημεῖον (sēmeíon), meaning a sign, mark, token, miracle with a spiritual end and purpose.¹” It is used “of signs, wonders, miracles which God did through someone, joined with térata (5059), things out of the ordinary, wonders (Acts 2:22, 43; 4:30; 5:12; 14:3; 15:12). ²” These signs are by definition both extraordinary and uncommon. This means that they were not things that would be seen or experienced on a regular basis. Considering that the book of Acts covers thirty years or possibly a bit more than that, the occurrences of these gifts (There are thirteen appearances of semeion/signs in thirteen verses in the book.)that are listed are actually very few. The occurrence of tongues is found in chapters two, four, ten, and nineteen. Prophecy occurs only in chapters two, nineteen, and twenty-one. Healings are few There are two instances of dead people being raised. We should also notice that the instances of these signs and/or miracles decrease as history progresses through the book of Acts. Thus we can see that, out of thirty years or so of history recorded in the book of Acts, signs are of uncommon or extraordinary occurrence.

If these gifts are for signs, then we must understand what the signs point toward. Jesus’ commandment to His disciples was to preach the gospel. In Matthew, His words were, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:” (Matthew 28:18–19) That is, they were to proclaim the Word of God. What does the Scripture say about these gifts? It says that they were signs that confirmed the Word of God. “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 16:19–20) And again we read, “Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?” (Hebrews 2:1–4) When the apostles prayed for signs to be performed by the Lord’s power, they did so because they knew they needed God’s help in preaching the Word (Acts 4:29-33), and afterward they preached the Word with boldness and gave witness to the resurrection of Jesus. Also in Iconium the Lord gave testimony to His Word and granted that signs and wonders would be performed by Paul and Barnabas (Acts 14;1-3).

When Scripture speaks of the Word being confirmed, it simply means that it is being established or validated. While we know that the Word is able to stand on its own, we also know that during the times of the Apostles folks did not have a complete Bible. Christianity was also a new thing for the whole world. It stands to reason that the Word preached would need an initial introduction and confirmation so that folks would recognize its veracity, and what better way to do so than by helpful demonstrations of the power of God? In fact, remember that Jesus said that there was only one sign that would be given to Israel and that was His being raised from the dead. “Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee. But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” (Matthew 12:38–40) Notice that it is to the resurrection that Peter refers when he speaks of the signs that appeared on the day of Pentecost: “This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.” (Acts 2:32–33) In other words, the signs of tongues, etc were not signs that were separate from the resurrection of Christ; but they testified to the resurrection of Christ, being the result thereof. The sign gifts specifically related to the resurrection of Christ and the testimony thereof, and we are unable to separate them from either the reality of the resurrection or the testimony/word/preaching of the resurrection. Notice Acts chapter four once again: “And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.” (Acts 4:29–33) These texts quite obviously demonstrate that the Word of God preached was the apostles’ testimony of the resurrection of Christ and the signs were a result of the resurrection of Christ in order to validate their words. These signs were not separate from the sign of the resurrection, but are actually part of that one sign which is the resurrection.

For Whom Were The Gifts A Sign?

For whom were the gifts a sign? While there were Gentiles who exercised and profited from the sign gifts, they were primarily given for the Jewish people. Paul said, “In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord. Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.” (1 Corinthians 14:21–22) Paul quotes from Isaiah 28:9-13 to establish that tongues were given to Israel and not to Israel in general, but to unbelievers who would refuse the evidence for the resurrection of Christ and not believe! Far from being evidence of salvation that every believer must have, tongues were given to convict unbelieving Jews and to leave them without excuse!

We do see, however, that the gift of prophecy was given to believers as a ministry. We read, “he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.” (1 Corinthians 14:3–4) Prophecy was given to the church to build up, encourage, strengthen, and comfort. This particular sign gift often confuses people, and many think that it refers to preaching. Prophecy and prophesying, however dealt with two things: foretelling or telling the future and forth-telling, which “denotes the one who speaks in the name of a god, declaring the divine will and counsel in the oracle³.” This foretelling is seen in the many prophecies of the future that are found in the Bible. Forth-telling is found in all of the inspired Scriptures, when God’s men spoke and wrote what they knew were the words given them by God. This differs from preaching, which is the declaration of the Word already written (2 Timothy 4:1-2). This gift of prophecy was probably the same as the gift of knowledge and understanding (1 Corinthians 13:1-3) and was a temporary gift which we were told would cease (1 Corinthians 13:8-9). To have a word of knowledge and understanding from God for the edification of the church was a sign that Spirit of the risen Christ was filling and guiding the person speaking, and was thus a confirmation of the validity of what the person said. We should note that it this gift has most definitely ceased, since the final word of prophecy gives this warning: “I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” (Revelation 22:18–19) Once the prophetic Word of God was completed, there has been no need for any other prophetic word.

Why The Sign Gifts Were Temporary

Why were the sign gifts temporary? We can give several reasons why the sign gifts were temporary.

First of all, the very nature of a sign is to point to something greater than the sign. Considering the fact that the sign gifts were given to confirm the Word, then they must do as John the Baptist did and decrease while the Word of God increased (See John 3:30). In fact, that is what we see in the Scriptures: as the Word of God grew and multiplied in the book of Acts, there came a time that we see fewer and fewer instances of the exercise of the sign gifts. We also see that Paul, as great of a man of God as he was, did not always exercise these sign gifts, but seemingly they began playing out. Epaphroditus, we read in Philippians chapter four, had become so sick that he had almost died. As Paul spoke of him, he stated that he sent Epaphroditus carefully to the Philippians, as though he was still somewhat fragile in health. He also later told Timothy, “Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick.” (2 Timothy 4:20) These things show us that the sign gifts were fading, because they otherwise would have been exercised at will and used to heal these two brothers.

We must also remember that the sign gifts, while effective in helping some Gentiles, were primarily to the Jews. Paul quoted from Isaiah 28:10-12, saying, “In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord. Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.” (1 Corinthians 14:21–22) This prophecy was primarily for the Jewish people who refused to believe despite hearing the Word of God and seeing the confirmation thereof. Tongues specifically were a sign for unbelieving people, we see, and not for the purpose of giving a person the assurance that he was saved. As we near the end of the book of Acts, we find not only that the occurrences of these sign gifts were decreasing but also that God was turning away from the Jewish people because they refused to believe the gospel. With the Jewish people not heeding the gospel despite the confirmation, this gift that was given specifically to help point them to faith in Christ faded away as the apostles turned their preaching toward the Gentiles. “And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening. And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not. And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers, Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive: For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it. And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves.” (Acts 28:23–29)

Let us also notice that Mark’s testimony shows Jesus specifically giving these gifts to the eleven apostles (Mark 16:11), and they are later called “signs of an apostle.” (2 Corinthians 12:12) The importance of this is great, because it was the apostles who were given the duty of testifying to the resurrection of Christ, being eyewitnesses (Acts 1:15-22), and these apostles had very specific qualifications, which were: being baptized by John, having followed Jesus throughout His earthly ministry, and having been an eyewitness to the fact that Jesus had risen and that He had ascended into Heaven. Obviously, the times of the apostles are passed, because there is no one alive today who could ever fit these qualifications. The apostles, bearing witness of the resurrection, had the resurrection signs given them to confirm the Word of the resurrection as the spoke and preached. With the passing of the apostles and their eyewitness testimony, these sign gifts passed.

Scripture also specifically testifies to the temporary nature of these gifts in two places:

“Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.” (1 Corinthians 13:8–10)

“Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?” (Hebrews 2:1–4)

These two passages hardly need any comments added, since one specifies that the gifts were temporary and would pass, while the other very plainly states that they were already in the past. By this we know assuredly that the sign gifts are no longer with us.

As time passed, the message of the resurrected Christ would also need no miraculous confirmation because there was no greater confirmation than that of the souls saved and lives changed by Jesus. Paul said, “For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing. For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.” (1 Thessalonians 1:5–10) Having trusted Jesus, the Thessalonians began to carry the gospel, and their changed lives gave adequate witness to the reality of the message of Christ. Jesus also stated that the very love of the saints one to another would testify of the reality of our conversion: “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” (John 13:35) There is no need miraculous of proof when we have living, walking proof of the miracle of of the resurrection and the reality of folks’ conversion before us.

The Primacy Of The Word

As has been previously stated, the sign gifts were given to confirm the Word of the apostles concerning the resurrection. It would not be fitting to retain the signs once a person had the fulness of the Word of God, which is self-attesting. Today we have the completed Bible, which testifies that it is the way people are saved: “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17) “Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.” (1 Peter 1:22–25) It is also sufficient for the teaching of the church. Paul said, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Timothy 3:16–17) The Scriptures are proclaimed as being all that we need to teach us, correct us, and direct us as the saints of God.

Someone may protest that we need the Holy Spirit also; and the Scriptures definitely attest to that, while also showing that the Spirit would guide through the apostolic age so that we would be given the Scriptures: “I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.” (John 16:12–14) Far from promoting the continuation of signs and wonders, Jesus told us that that Spirit would guide so that we would have all truth, and He would show us things to come. It is by no means a coincidence that the last book that God gave us is a book that tells us of things to come (Revelation 1:19), and it ends with this admonition: “For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” (Revelation 22:18–19) Why do we no longer need sign gifts? Because Scripture is sufficient. Why do we no longer need special gifts and words of knowledge? Because the Bible is enough. Why do we not need prophecies? Because, if a prophecy does not agree with the Word of God it is false, and if it does agree with the Word of God it is unnecessary. We have a book filled with books, a true library of sacred writings, all sixty-six books being the Word of God; He speaks to us in these books, and we no longer have need of anything to confirm them because the very soul saving and life changing power of God is manifest in their message when it is preached and when it is believed.

Paul testified of this even while the sign gifts were still in use, saying, “And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 2:1–5) Paul knew that the most important thing was the people hear the Word of God and believe it, and He sought to bring Scripture to bear on every situation so that people would hear and believe God above things that they saw and heard outside of Scripture.

What Of The Signs And Wonders That We See Today?

First of all, we must remember that it is not what we see that is the standard of what is right or wrong, nor is it our feelings or the sincerity of others that is the standard. Only the Scripture is the standard. Isaiah said, “To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” (Isaiah 8:20) Jesus took the disciples to the Scripture when He appeared to them on the Emmaus Road: “Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.” (Luke 24:25–27) “And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things.” (Luke 24:44–48) We can also refer to the fact that Paul stated that the inspired Scriptures are God’s sufficient guide for the life, teaching, and correction of the church of God (2 Timothy 3:14-4:5). Remember also that the Revelation ends by establishing the sufficiency of Scripture, declaring that there should be nothing added to or taken away from it (Revelation 22:18-19). No matter what we see, who we like, or what may appear to be real, we must yield to the authority of the Scripture and what is said therein.

The alleged signs and wonders that we see today are nothing more than end times deception. Jesus promised that these things would happen: “Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” (Matthew 24:23–24) This is not simply something that is in the future, because John said that it had already begun in his day: “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.” (1 John 4:1–3)

Some will say, “But these folks are sincere!” Or, “But I saw these things with my own eyes!” First of all, we just saw above that deceitfulness will be very strong, so we cannot always believe the testimony of our eyes and ears; and we definitely must not believe that above the Word of God! Jesus said, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” (Matthew 7:21–23) Folks can be sincere and yet unbelieving. Folks can do wonderful works and seemingly cast out devil and yet be unbelieving. Folks, I did not say that; Jesus said it!

Today there is a surge in meetings that are claimed to be revivals. We are told that they are great works and movements of God, and they are filled with babbling that folks call tongues-speaking, have what appears to be wonders of healings and deliverance, and people declare that they have prophecies or a word from God. Many people flock to these things, propelled by the excitement, moved by the idea that they might be part of a revival that will be written in the history books. Often the leaders of these movements declare that any and all who examine these things in light of Scripture are putting God “in a box,” or are Pharisees seeking to find fault. In reality, God continues to speak to us in the Bible and He warns us of these end times deceptions and their increasing frequency: “But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.” (2 Timothy 3:13) Instead of our putting God into a box, it is the deceivers and the deceived who put God into a box, because they seek to confine Him in a movement of which He is no part; they try to bind God to a spiritual event that He has not instigated; and they long to have God endorse what His Word explicity denies.

I am not saying that we should despise these people. Far from despising them, we should feel for them. Our hearts should go out to them, because they are misled. Jude said, “And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.” (Jude 22–23) With great compassion we must warn against these heresies, cry out against them, and call our friends and loved ones out from among them. Pastors must speak out against them and give solemn warnings to the deceivers and the deceived, praying that God would give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth (2 Timothy 2:24-26). While deceivers are enemies of the truth, we must be friends to their souls and tell them the truth concerning the gospel and the sufficiency of the Word of God seeking to be a blessing to them.

1 Spiros Zodhiates, The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament (Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 2000).

2 Spiros Zodhiates, The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament (Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 2000).

3 Gerhard Friedrich, “Προφήτης, Προφῆτις, Προφητεύω, Προφητεία, Προφητικός, Ψευδοπροφήτης,” in Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, ed. Gerhard Kittel, Geoffrey W. Bromiley, and Gerhard Friedrich (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1964–), 795.

December 30, 2022 JasonS doctrine

Divine Sovereignty and God’s Will

The Sovereignty of God

What is meant when we speak of the sovereignty of God? First of all we mean that God has supremacy of authority or rule. There is no authority above Him. God is the supreme authority in all Heaven and Earth. In this study we shall seek to learn the extent of God’s sovereignty, the exercise of God’s sovereignty, and how God’s sovereignty and man’s will relate.

The Absolute Sovereignty of God

There is one thing we must be assured of: God is absolutely sovereign. There is no authority above Him. “There is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.” (Rom 13:1) (KJV) God is the ultimate authority and the source of all other authority.

God’s sovereignty is over all of Creation. There is neither one thing nor one person that is not under His authority. Whether it is the weather or the heart of one who is a powerful person, God is the authority over all of them. “Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all. Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all. Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.” (1 Chron 29:11-13) (KJV) “The LORD most high is terrible; he is a great King over all the earth.” (Ps 47:2) (KJV) “The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.” (Prov 21:1) (KJV)
“I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.” (Isa 45:7) (KJV) “The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the LORD hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet. He rebuketh the sea, and maketh it dry, and drieth up all the rivers: Bashan languisheth, and Carmel, and the flower of Lebanon languisheth. The mountains quake at him, and the hills melt, and the earth is burned at his presence, yea, the world, and all that dwell therein. Who can stand before his indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of his anger? his fury is poured out like fire, and the rocks are thrown down by him. The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him. But with an overrunning flood he will make an utter end of the place thereof, and darkness shall pursue his enemies.” (Nah 1:3-8) (KJV)

God’s sovereignty is also one that cannot be thwarted. He used the prophets to say: “He is in one mind, and who can turn him? and what his soul desireth, even that he doeth.” (Job 23:13) (KJV) “Yea, before the day was I am he; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand: I will work, and who shall let it?” (Isa 43:13) (KJV) “Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it.” (Isa 46:9-11) (KJV) “All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and

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he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?” (Dan 4:35) (KJV)

God’s sovereignty is not an arbitrary rule in this world, but a ruling that is according to the good pleasure of His loving and holy nature: “Our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.” (Ps 115:3) (KJV) “Whatsoever the LORD pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places.” (Ps 135:6) (KJV) Paul the apostle also spoke of “him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will.” (Eph 1:11) (KJV) While God works His will in this world, He does it in a manner that is pleasing to His loving and holy character. In all things, however, God is the King of kings and Lord of lords. “In his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.” (1 Tim 6:15-16) (KJV)

Divine Sovereignty and Providence

The doctrine of Divine sovereignty is a great comfort to those who understand that God’s sovereignty is always linked with His providential care for His people. What is providence? Providence speaks of God’s foresight, forethought, and plan to care for His people. Paul stated that, “we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Rom 8:28) (KJV) It is only logical to understand that the sovereignty of God is the only way by which He could providentially cause all things to work together for our good.

Solomon spoke of God’s sovereign providence when he said, “A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.” (Prov 16:9) (KJV) As we live our lives we make plans, but our plans are often not wise. Thankfully, God cares for His children and, in sovereign love, directs our lives so that we benefit from His great love instead of destroying ourselves. David stated, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.” (Ps 37:23,24) (KJV) What a blessing it is to know that God is not only watching over our lives, but is actively involved in holding us up in spite of our often falling.

Divine providence often leads us through paths that we don’t understand. Life is often difficult, dark, and perplexing. In the midst of this we must understand that God’s providence is still real. The Psalmist understood this when he said, “Thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried. Thou broughtest us into the net; thou laidst affliction upon our loins. Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place.” (Ps 66:10-12) (KJV) Sometimes God, in His providence, sends us through hard trials that we might be purified and made holy. At other times we are caused to suffer grief and heartache at the hands of other people. It is often as though we are deluged with trouble, or burned in the flame. Life is often extremely difficult. In these dark times we are often tempted to think that God has forsaken us. He has not. He is still caring for us, and, in the end, will bring us through our trials having made us better and happier servants of His. In spite of this wonderful assurance, we often think that we must immediately understand all that is happening to us. May God help us to remember the wise statement

of Solomon, “Man’s goings are of the LORD; how can a man then understand his own way?” (Prov 20:24) (KJV) We simply cannot see into the mind of God. We must trust Him as David did when He said, “I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me.” (Ps 57:2) (KJV)

There is no doubt that Joseph understood the providence of God. It is only because of Joseph’s faith in God’s providential care that he could forgive and comfort his brothers who had sinned against him. After the death of Jacob, his father, Joseph’s brothers came declaring that Jacob had left word for Joseph to forgive his brothers. Joseph’s reply was, “Fear not: for am I in the place of God? But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.” (Gen 50:19-21) (KJV) One can only do that if they have faith in the overruling sovereignty of God and His providence. What a great help it would be to all of us if we would but repent of bitterness and resentment and embrace the fact that God is at work in our lives even when times are the most difficult.

Divine Sovereignty and Sin

As we study this great truth we find ourselves questioning the issue of sin. Did God create sin? Does God condone sin? After all, it seems that He uses sin to further His purposes. Joseph told his brothers that God used their sin to accomplish good.

The first thing we must notice is that God by no means condones or creates sin. The scriptures declare that “God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.”( 1 John 1:5) (KJV) The God of all creation is righteous with no sin about Him. The Psalmist stated, “Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness.” (Ps 45:7) (KJV) God despises sin. Not only is this so, but God does not condone sin in any fashion. “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man.” (James 1:13) (KJV) God does not in any manner create, encourage, or condone sin.

What do we do, then, with statements such as the following? “I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.” (Isa 45:7) (KJV) “Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and the people not be afraid? shall there be evil in a city, and the LORD hath not done it?” (Amos 3:6) (KJV) One important thing to keep in mind is the fact that there is more than one sort of evil. There is moral and ethical evil, and then there is evil which is nothing more than the difficulties and tragedies of life. When the prophets spoke of evil coming from the hand of God, they were saying that He controls the world and that the good or the bad happenings are in His control. Remember that Nahum said, “The LORD hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet.” (Nah 1:3) (KJV) Whether it is an earthquake, or a hurricane, God is in control. Yes, these things are evils in the sense that they are horrifying events. Insurance companies still call these “acts of God.” The reason that they do so is because they know that the occurrences of natural catastrophes are beyond human control. They are, however, in the control of God. “Who is he that saith, and it cometh to pass, when the Lord commandeth it not? Out of the mouth of the most High proceedeth not evil and good?” (Lam 3:37,38) (KJV) Everything that occurs in this world does so because of the decree of God. Destruction and its attending heartache are no exceptions.

Now we are faced with another question. How does God not approve of evil, nor create sin if all things happen because of His command? This question is a valid question that certainly needs to be addressed. This writer is convinced that evil occurs because God allows it to happen. God’s decree does not necessarily demand His active participation in a deed. God simply commanded/ordained that sin and evil be allowed to occur since men could make such a choice for their lives. In so doing, God would still retain control over the world and men would have a great deal of choice in their lives. In other words, God did not decree that Adam sin without Adam’s choosing to sin. Neither did God encourage and condone Adam’s sin. Rather, God decreed that Adam would have the choice between sinning and doing rightly. Knowing that Adam would choose to sin, God ordained that Adam would be allowed to do so.

As we consider this decree of God to allow sin but not approve of it, let us notice an instance where it did indeed happen in life. The man is Balaam. He is a prophet of sorts. He is called by a wicked king, Balak, to curse the children of Israel. There’s a lucrative offer made to Balaam if he will only come and pronounce a curse from God on Israel. God’s command to Balaam is, “don’t go.” (See Num 23:12) Balak’s men return with another lucrative offer. Balaam seems to desire to go, even though he declares that he can only do what God tells him to do and can only speak what God tells him to speak. In fact, this time, Balaam even gets permission from God to go. (See Num 23:20) There is a problem, though. The will of God had already been expressed to Balaam. God did not desire for Balaam to go. God had revealed His will. Now, however, God is allowing/permitting Balaam to go to Balak, although it is not the desire of God that Balaam do so. As we read further in the chapter we find that God stops Balaam on the road and shows Balaam his error. Although Balaam is still allowed to go, we find that God only allowed it and did not endorse Balaam’s going to Balak. Balaam sinned by going, yet God permitted that sin. I believe that this shows us the fact that God’s command concerning sin is not His directly being involved in sin, but His permitting men to make their own foolish choices in life.

Another instance in which this can be seen is in the fact that God wills/desires that all men be saved; yet not all are saved. Consider the following verses: “Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Tim 2:4) (KJV) “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9) (KJV) God desires the salvation of all. All are not saved, however. In fact, some are spoken of as being ordained to destruction. “For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Jude 4) (KJV) “Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.”( 1 Peter 2:7,8) (KJV) “The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.” (Prov 16:4) (KJV) Most serious Bible believers hold to the truth that God does indeed desire that all be saved and sincerely offers the Gospel to mankind. Yet the Bible teaches that there are some who are ordained to judgment and condemnation. How? Why? They are ordained of God to condemnation

because God knew that they would refuse to honor God. While God reveals His hatred for sin and His desire that all be saved from sin, He forces no one to be saved. This being so, God permits men to choose sin and continue in it to their destruction.

Finally, we should consider the sovereignty of God in relation to the sin of other people and its effects upon us. Many times people ask, “Why does God permit (fill in the blank with any specific tragedy)? At other times it is asked, “Why does God do things such as this?” One Jewish rabbi wrote a book about bad things happening to “good people.” All of these questions miss the true issue. The issue is not whether bad things happen (they do). It is not about God doing the bad things (He doesn’t). It is not altogether about God permitting those things (although He does). The real issue is that all of us are sinners, not good people.

All of us are sinners who do not deserve good from God. “All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” (Rom 3:23) (KJV) All of us are under the judgment of God. “We know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.” (Rom 3:19) (KJV) “You hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins…. and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.” (Eph 2:1,3b) (KJV) We were destined to face the wrath of God. We do not deserve the good that happens to us. Now, those of us who are saved do indeed have hope and assurance that things are well between us and God. On the other hand, we are still in a world that is sinful. “The creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.” (Rom 8:20-23) (KJV) All of creation is subject to futility, emptiness, and sorrow. Rape, murder, torture, war crimes, domestic violence, wrecks caused by drunken drivers, cancer, heart disease, and all other ills of this world are the result of Adam’s sin. All of creation is filled with the turmoil that came into the world because of man’s sin. Man chose to sin. God didn’t make that choice for him; man made the choice for himself. Man knew that trouble, pain, and death would be the result of sin, yet he sins even today. Thankfully, there is the promise of a future deliverance from all sorrow. One day Jesus Himself shall return to this Earth and change the whole world into a place of peace and righteousness. “We, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.” (2 Peter 3:13) (KJV)

Concluding Remarks

It is very difficult to address every question and objection to a truth that is as great as this. There is no way to righteously overlook, or treat lightly, the pain, sorrow, and suffering of people in this life. I do trust, however, that the glorious truth that God is in control will cause someone to look upward and place their confidence in Him, knowing that He alone holds the future in His hands. Most objections to this truth are emotional objections. That being so, we would do well to consider the wise words of a man who lived a life of depression, yet chose to trust in the sovereignty of God:

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God moves in a mysterious way His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea And rides upon the storm.

Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never failing skill
He treasures up His bright designs And works His sovereign will.

Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take; The clouds ye so much dread Are big with mercy and shall break In blessings on your head.

Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, But trust Him for His grace; Behind a frowning providence He hides a smiling face.

His purposes will ripen fast, Unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste, But sweet will be the flower.

Blind unbelief is sure to err And scan His work in vain; God is His own interpreter, And He will make it plain.

God Moves In A Mysterious Way William Cowper

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December 12, 2022 JasonS doctrine, salvation

The Marks Of True Conversion

Marks Of True Conversion

“Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did. But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men, And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.” (John 2:23–25)

There were many people who believed during Jesus’ ministry, and on this particular day many believed because they saw His miracles; yet Jesus did not commit Himself to them. That is, though they believed Him, He did not believe them. Bearing this in mind, we must recognize that there is such a thing as a false conversion.

Jesus said, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” (Matthew 7:21–23) While many people love to quote, “Judge not,” from the first verse of this chapter, Jesus explicitly states that there are some whom He will reject in the judgment because they professed Him while not being truly converted.

James also taught about false conversions saying, “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?” (James 2:19–20) There is a faith that is not a real faith. There is a faith that is a dead faith. There is a faith that does not save. It is the faith of devils! Certainly we should beware of this and search ourselves to be sure that we are truly converted.

We can even read that Jesus warned that Satan was busy making false converts. “Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.” (Matthew 13:24–30) “Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field. He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man; The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.” (Matthew 13:36–43) Immature tares, we are told, look just like wheat. It is only when the crop nears maturity that it is evident that tares are present. Some have even called tares, “bastard wheat.” That is very interesting considering the fact that we are told of some who are “bastards and not sons.” (Hebrews 12:8)

This is a very sobering reality, and it is one that must be taken seriously. Can you imagine hearing Christ tell you, “Depart from me, I never knew you?” This is why we should all examine ourselves to be sure that we are saved. None of us needs to be so cocksure that we never take God’s words of warning seriously.

With these things before us, we can see that there is such a thing as a false conversion; but what are the marks of true conversion? This is what we will now seek to determine from the Scripture.

Jesus began His ministry by preaching “And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.” (Mark 1:15)

As we study this text, we find three important things:

We are to repent. What is repentance? “But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard. He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went.” (Matthew 21:28–29) Repentance literally means, a change of mind. Notice that the young man who repented did exactly that. When we change our minds, our behavior also changes. After the young man repented, he obeyed his father’s command. The apostle Paul said that it was a profitable thing that he preacher “ repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Acts 20:21) When we change our minds about our sins and our heart toward God, we will then trust Christ. We also find that true repentance not only brings us to faith and salvation, but it also results in a changed life. “Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.” (2 Corinthians 7:9–11)
Believe the gospel. What is the gospel? Mark said that Jesus preached the gospel of the kingdom. We find that the gospel is the good news that God rules (Isaiah 52:7), and this is what Paul stated that this is the gospel (Romans 10:14-17), and we must believe it. What is meant by it being good news that God rules as king? It simply means that God is fulfilling the promise to redeem His people by His promised king (Genesis 3:15), forgiving us of our sins and making us His children and citizens of His kingdom through the death of Christ for our sins and His resurrection from the dead as conqueror of sin and Satan (Colossians 1:13-14;1 Corinthians 15:1-4;Romans 4:25;Romans 6:9-10).
Believe the gospel. This good news of which I just spoke is what we are to believe. What is meant by believing the gospel? It simply means that we put our trust in the God who gives us good news and promises us eternal life through Jesus Christ. In fact, faith and trust are used as meaning the same thing in Ephesians 1:11-14. In what are you trusting? Faith is trusting in God and not in ourselves and our goodness. Paul said, “Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” (Romans 4:4–5) Faith is when we stop trusting in anything other than God and His goodness, willingness, and power to save our souls.

The next thing that we need to notice is that the gospel message gives glory to God. Paul spoke the Romans saying, “What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.” (Romans 4:1–3) God has determined to save men so that His name will be honored (Ephesians 2:8-10;1 John 2:12), and the gospel is called “the glorious gospel of the blessed God.” (1 Timothy 1:11). The gospel is the good news that God is glorious and will glory and exalt Himself by freely forgiving and saving all who trust in Him. Notice that the gospel is not about the man who preaches, nor is it primarily about the person who is being saved: the gospel is about God’s greatness. When God saves a person, He will give that person a love for God (See 1 John 5:1), and that person will learn to exalt and honor God above all. In fact, that is the gospel promise: “And the LORD thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live.” (Deuteronomy 30:6) And this happens when we trust Christ: “Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.” (1 Peter 1:22–23)

Not only do we love God after we are saved, but we see that we will love the brethren. “We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.” (1 John 3:14) We are told that we are indwelt by the Spirit of God when we are saved, and that He will lead us to love God and love others: “the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” (Romans 5:5) Love for others is a mark of true conversion. Sadly, many cult leaders or cult like leaders tell their followers that they are converted and then lead them to be hateful toward their family members who are either unconverted or who refuse to follow this particular leader. We must realize that this sort of divisiveness is not of God: “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” (1 John 4:7–8) One who is truly converted will love his family members enough to want to see them converted also instead of turning against them. Love is a mark of true conversion.

As we saw when we spoke of repentance, a changed life is a mark of conversion. In fact, that is what conversion is, a change: it is a change of heart, life, and eternal destination. John said, “This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” (1 John 1:5–7) “He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” (1 John 2:4–6) When God saves a sinner, He rescues him from the condemnation of sin as well as from the power of sin. The old sinful habits will be exchanged for holiness. In conversion, the old man has died and we are new creatures in Christ: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17) Remember, however, that Jesus stated that those who do not do the will of God do not enter into the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 7:21-29). When a person is converted, they are truly and forever changed.

There are three important things to take from this:

If you do not bear the marks of true conversion, you need to closely check yourself to see why. Have you truly trusted Christ?
If you are struggling with confusion, yet know you have trusted Christ, take comfort in the signs of God’s grace that are present in your heart and life.
If you find that you have not been truly converted, repent and believe the gospel!

September 13, 2022 JasonS Uncategorized

Hermeneutics 7 notes

lesson-7 Download

September 7, 2022 JasonS Uncategorized

Hermeneutics 6 notes

Lesson 6

The Heart and Bible Study

Psalm 25:9,14;119:1-2

To be with/in the Word is to be in God’s presence. 2 Timothy 3:16-17;Hebrews 4:12-13 cf John 1:1-4,14;Revelation 19:11-13
Meekness James 1:19-25 cf Philippians 2:12-13 See also 1 Samuel 3:1-10,19
Prayer and submission Psalm 119:18,27,36
Laying aside things in order to receive the Word James 1:19-21;1 Peter 2:1-3;Psalm 119:113
Desire to be changed in order to glorify God Psalm 119:7,32-33;139:23-24
Crave the Word and cry aloud for understanding. 1 Peter 2:1-3;Proverbs 2:1-5 cf Psalm 119:131;James 1:5 and diligently apply yourself to learning 2 Timothy 2:15
Meditate Psalm 1:1-6 Notice that the one who meditates in the Word and enjoys the Word is described as a godly man who will stand in the judgment. Cf Joshua 1:7-8
Godly fear and trembling Habakkuk 3:16-17;Isaiah 65:1-2
Be committed Psalm 119:50-51;112,143 cf John 8:31-32

Author: JasonS

The Mystery of The Gospel

Do God’s Blessings Equal God’s Endorsement?

The Importance Of Doctrine

Concerning Tongues, Prophecies, And Other Sign Gifts

Divine Sovereignty and God’s Will

The Marks Of True Conversion

Hermeneutics 7 notes

Hermeneutics 6 notes

Hermeneutics 5

Hermeneutics 4

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