Do all go to a better place?

I recently read a story where a father asked his young son, “ Do you know where you are going when you die?” The son replied, “Yes. I would go to heaven.” The Father asked his son a second question, “If you were to die tonight and God asked you why should I let you into my heaven what would be your answer?” The son answered immediately, “Because I’m dead!”

Do we see the logic in the child’s response? From his understanding of these questions, he believed that a person automatically goes to heaven when they die. Why did the son respond the way he did? It would be safe to say the reality of hell had never been taught to him.

This boy like most people (this includes many in the church) believe in what someone called Justification by death.  A more popular way to say it is Universalism – meaning that everyone is automatically saved when they die.  This is a novel idea, an emotionally comforting one especially when loved ones and friends die. It makes us feel better to believe that they are with their maker because we are now bereaved of them in this life. The pain of their loss is tragic so we take comfort that they are now in the arms of Jesus (we believe/hope).

Those loved ones who have passed on that genuinely professed Jesus Christ, loved him, and loved God’s people, and served the Lord in Spirit and truth, remained faithful to the call of God in their lives, bore visible fruit are definitely in heaven casting down their crown(s) before God Almighty and their Messiah Jesus Christ (Rev 4:10). Praise God for those warriors!

But, this will not be the testimony of most people who will ever walk this earth. Let me prove it.

These are the words of Jesus when preaching his sermon on the mountain, “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life and there are few  who find it” - Matt 7:13-14 (italics are mine).

In laymen’s terms, Jesus is giving us two pictures here. The first picture is the person that tries to get to heaven on their own. They go to church, they feed the poor, visit the sick, they are in the choir, they tithe. They are what some would call a religious fanatic. Others would say they are a dedicated Christian. So what is their problem? They appear to be doing all the right things. They are kind to people, they have a smile that lights up the room.

Their problem is that they are a modern day Pharisee. Everything they do is for the praise of men (Matt 6:5-8a). They love to be seen by men and love their adulation (praise of men). They are self righteous. They have no humility. All their activity is religious externalism. They are deed-oriented. They figure if they do enough “good deeds” as juxtapose to their sins, they will earn God’s favor and make it into heaven (i.e. the wide gate that’s marked “heaven”).

This person’s heart is not right before God. We can’t see it, but God does. What is important to realize is that not everyone going to hell is as rotten as they can possibly be. Multitudes go that are law abiding, caring, generous, thoughtful souls who wouldn’t harm a butterfly. Some of these people have better ethics than some Christians sad to say. It even seems disrespectful to describe them in these terms; that they will be eternally lost.

                This will be most of the world. We just heard Jesus tell us (Matt 7:13).

As much as we may hate to humanly admit it, “good religious people”  go to hell everyday, and irreligious, scandalous, adulterers  murderers, thieves, liars, prostitutes and homosexuals go to heaven.

                Now that doesn’t seem fair at all does it?

Obviously I am not advocating that all the people mentioned above always fit into these same categories in the way I described them, but what I am trying to show is that those who we believe are “good”  are  often evil in God's eyes. And those who are actually evil definitely are not good, but they have been declared righteous by their faith in Jesus Christ ( 2 Cor 5:21). Those wicked people mentioned above know they are wicked, sinful, and lost and are in need of salvation so God saves them and forgives them of their sins (Eph 2:8-9).

They are that tax collector who went to the temple broken and contrite in spirit and said, ‘God be merciful to me a sinner!” (Luke 18:13).

                These like the tax collector are the few (i.e. that enter the narrow gate).

Simply put, in Jesus own words, there will be more people headed to hell than those headed to heaven.       

                Tragic yet true.

                                                                   In the final Analysis

This idea of everyone going to heaven when they die is untrue. As we read in scripture most people will go to hell. Very discomforting thought.

Why even write a morbid article like this especially at this time of the year? Some may see this as extremely offensive and insensitive. That certainly was not my intent. The Bible commands us to speak the truth in love which is what I have endeavored to do with all my articles (Eph 4:15). Often times the truth hurts, it cuts like a knife, but the truth of the Word of God is what sets men free (John 8:32).

The antithesis of this is bondage and lies. When someone believes in justification by death, then they are bound by the lie of Universalism; believing that all will go to heaven. Only those that truly put their trust in Jesus Christ will see the kingdom of God (John 3:3).  Those that put their trust in their own abilities will  NEVER get to heaven for  by no works of the law will no man be justified in His sight (Gal 2:16-17; Rom 4:2; Titus 3:4-6).

Concluding, the scripture plainly tells us many do not go to a better place when they die. Why? “Because men loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil” (John 3:19b).

It’s also a fallacy  I believe that those loved ones who have actually gone on to glory are looking down from heaven watching over us. There is no biblical support for that type of belief. Think about it? If they are in heaven where there is perfect bliss, why would they want to look down on the life of sin they just left? They are in the very presence of the Father and Jesus Christ! There is nothing they can do for their living relatives anyway. If you are in Christ, you will definitely see them again (I Thess 4:13-18).

Women saved in childbearing

Yet she will be saved in childbearing – if they continue in faith and love and holiness with self control.

  -I Timothy 2:15

 

To understand the aforementioned passage we need to start at verse 8 to verse 15 to get the whole flow of thought.

The Apostle Paul speaking says, “I desire that in every place that men should pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or quarreling (some versions say without wrath and doubting); likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel with modesty and self control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper of women who profess godliness – with good works. Let the women learn quietly with all submissiveness. I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather she is to remain quiet.[i] For Adam was created first then Eve, and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor (of the command of God not to eat the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge of good and evil; Gen 3:6-7). The key verse, Yet she shall be saved through child bearing – if they continue in faith and love and holiness with self control or sobriety (I Tim 2:8-15).

Paul here is explaining to Pastor Timothy his son in the faith the conduct and roles of men and women in the church. Paul was giving instructions to Timothy who was the Pastor of the church in Ephesus in Asia Minor which is modern Turkey today.

When Paul says women will be saved in childbearing, he is not talking about salvation of the soul. Because if he were, we run into two problems. 1) It would undermine the clear teaching  of justification by faith (Hab 2:4; Rom 5:1; Eph 2:8-9). 2) It would mean that some women could never be saved because not all women bear children. Salvation by childbearing is a human work, and no human work could ever merit the grace of God (Rom 3:19-20).

So what is Paul talking about here? The woman (Eve) committed the first act of sin in the earth when she ate the forbidden fruit. It must be pointed out that several things led up to this:

a.       She was tempted by the serpent who caused her to doubt God’s word (Gen 3:1).

b.      She listened to the lie she was told by the serpent; by listening to the enemy she focused more on the prohibition of God than his provision. The serpent deceived her into thinking God was not benevolent. We could imagine the devil saying to Eve, “ Why would God put this tree with this beautiful fruit in the garden if He didn’t intend for you to eat it”(Gen 3:5).

c.       By harkening to the serpent she usurped and ignored the authority and protection of her husband who ate with her thus plunging the entire human race into sin (Gen 3:6-7).

 

 As a result of her disobedience God pronounced a lifelong  punishment  upon  Eve and all mothers. God said, “I will surely multiply your pain in childbearing; in pain you shall bring forth children. Your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you” (Gen 3:16).

So Paul is using the Genesis 3 account of Adam and Eve and their roles; how they were misused, and linking them (Adam and Eve), to the role of the man and woman in the church. Although the woman sinned first in the garden, God has not abandoned her. She is the vessel God has chosen to bear godly children through provided she continues in faith, and love and holiness with self control. Paul reminds the woman in 1 Tim 2:15.

So in that sense women are saved, delivered  or preserved by God in bearing children. It is His perpetual covenant with the woman that although she will deliver with tremendous pain due to Eve’s sin, she will soon have great joy because she has borne a child from the Lord (Gen 4:1).  Psalm 127:3 says, “Behold children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward”.  This is the role of the woman, to bear children; for this is a perpetual reminder; of original sin because of the  pain, but  also God’s grace due to his preservation of women with the blessing of child bearing.

 

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[i]Regarding the matter of women speaking in the church read my article on “Men and Women roles in ministry to get  detailed explanation of this subject

Imputation Bad vs. Good

Imputation by definition means: the act of placing something into one’s account. To lay something to one’s charge.

 Imputation is the effect of a prior cause; some act someone has committed.

In the Bible we deal with imputation negatively and positively.

            Let’s begin with the negative.

When Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, their act of sin was imputed, reckoned or charged to everyone of their descendants, the entire human race. Since we were all in the loins of Adam when he sinned, we in God’s eyes are guilty and condemned before we were ever born!

            Guilty by association to our father Adam.

Remember God told Adam specifically, “the day you eat of the tree of the knowledge of Good and Evil, you will die” (Gen 2:17).  Death was the result of disobedience to the command of God. The scripture says when Adam died (spiritually and eventual physical death), we all died (Rom 5:12). We were born dead as a result of Adam’s sin (Eph 2:1; Col 2:13).

David realized this truth when he confessed his sin of adultery and murder to the Lord in Psalm 51. David said, “Behold I was brought forth in iniquity and in sin did my mother conceive me” (Psalm 51:5). David recognized that he was a sinner by nature even before he sinned experientially.

We are not sinners because of what we do, we are sinners because of who we are – by nature. As a result of our sinful nature inherited from our parents all the way back to our first parents Adam and Eve, we commit sin. This proves that we deserve condemnation; we do the same things our first father did, we disobey God.

In Romans 5:19a we read, “For by one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners…”.

What this verse explains is that Adam’s sin was charged against us by God due to the fact we were in  Adam when the sin occurred. Seems like a raw deal, all of the human race being made guilty by the act of one man’s trespass, but that is how our sovereign Lord decided He would punish sin – by imputation.

           Don’t despair reader, their is a wonderful solution to this horrific dilemma.

As we look at  imputation positively, we go back to Romans 5:19 and look at the second part of the verse which reads, “by the act of one man’s obedience many will be made righteous” (Rom 5:19b).

Obviously the act of obedience being discussed here is the loving act of the Lord Jesus dying on the cross and shedding his blood for sin. In Philippians 2:8 it reads, “And being in human form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.

In Romans 5:19 the writer Paul is explaining to his readers just as one man’s disobedience made all sinners, one man’s obedience will make many righteous once they believe. Imputation is a double edged sword, cutting to the soul both negatively and positively. Those of us who are in Christ righteousness has been imputed, reckoned or deposited to our account. Our sins are no longer counted against us thanks to the obedience of the last Adam.

We read some wonderful truths in the following passages of scripture regarding imputation:

“For since it was through a man that death came into the world, it is also through a man that the resurrection of the dead has come. For just as (because of their union in nature) in Adam all people die, so also (by virtue of their union of nature) shall all in Christ be made alive” (I Cor 15:21-22) Amplified.

Further along in the chapter we read, “The first Adam became a living being (an individual personality), the last Adam (Christ) became a life giving Spirit (Restoring the dead to life)” (I Cor 15:45) Amplified.

 Another account of imputation we read is in Isaiah 6. When Isaiah sees the glory of the Lord he is overcome with the shame of his own guilt and sin, "Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!"

Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a burning coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar. And he touched my mouth and said: "Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for" (Isaiah 6:5-6, Esv).

                                                            
                                                                  Conclusion

 

Being that Adam was our representative in the earth, we received the benefits he received such as dominion over the earth, the benefit of a will, emotions, companionship etc,  and we had to receive the punishment of his sin which is death. Many have debated the idea that the rest of mankind should not have to suffer for one man’s sin. We cry “THAT’S NOT FAIR!” If we are honest if Adam and Eve had not sinned, one of their descendants would have down the line once the devil tempted one of them with another lie and plunged the world into sin and death anyway.

The message then turns evangelistic due to the fact that Jesus Christ reversed the curse of death, and now has provided the way to everlasting life to those who choose to believe in Him. We can now partake of a divine nature to replace the sinful nature (2 Peter 1:4).

There is a incredible contrast with these two men. With the first Adam sin was imputed due to natural birth. With the last Adam righteousness was imputed to due re-birth. With the first Adam humiliation due to sin, with the last Adam exaltation due to cleansing of sin.

With the first Adam we were written in Hell’s most wanted list, with the last Adam are names are written in heaven’s list (Luke 11:20).

The writer’s proverb: “The righteous can approach the throne because of the blood, the wicked are despised because of the blood they shed.”

Is pleading the blood of Jesus biblical

"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death."

                                                                                                                                    -Revelation 12:11



The question needs to be answered because there a lot of Christians making this declaration. This is a particularly popular confession in the Neo Pentecostal – Charismatic movement. This phrase is used in prayers all the time. To many using this phrase no doubt is supposed deliver more power and force in their prayer; to move the hand of God to grant their petition.

Just recently a neighbor who admitted she’s afraid of certain animals in the neighborhood like Skunks and Raccoons  said that she “pleads the blood” that God will not allow her to see these animals. Others will use this same phrase when it comes to protecting their homes, cars, finances, loved ones, health,  jobs, etc.

But, is this phrase a cure all to our problems? Is Jesus’s blood supposed to do all these things?

                                               What was and is the purpose of Jesus shed blood

Simply put, Jesus shed his blood to cleanse humanity of sin. Hebrews 9:22 states that, “Without the shedding of blood, there is no remission.” Leviticus 17:11 said the blood makes atonement for the soul.

We also discover that post salvation the blood is still cleansing us of sin. I John tells us, “If we walk in the light as he is in the light we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin” (I John 1:7).  

The blood continues to be the cleansing agent for our sins. It is an infinite provision to those who believe.

Revelation 1:5b says, “To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood.”

In the Old Testament the tenth and final plague God placed on the Egyptians was the death of all the first born. Moses commanded the children of Israel to kill a lamb of the sheep or goats of the first year, take some of the blood, and place it on the door posts and lintel of their homes, after which the Lord will pass over  every house with the blood, and kill the first born of all the first born with out the blood (Ex 11:5; 12;1-50). This event marked the beginning of the Passover ceremonial feast which is still held to this day by Israelites as the Lord commanded (Ex 12:14). Passover is in the month of Abib (means ripe due to the grain harvest) or Nisan (the Babylonian name) which falls in our months March/April every year.

This event obviously shedding the blood of a spotless lamb pre-figured Jesus shedding his blood. Jesus is our Passover lamb. John the Baptist said it this way,” behold the lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). How? By the shedding of His precious blood at Calvary’s cross.

In Ephesians 1:7 we read, “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of His grace.”

Colossians 1:14 says the same thing, “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.”

In Hebrews 9:11-14 we read, “But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is not of this creation. Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh, how much more shall the blood of Christ who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?”

Here we see by Jesus shedding his blood on God’s alter – the cross, He fulfilled all the sacrificial types of the Old Covenant. His sacrifice of Himself ushered in the New Covenant. The Old Covenant was completed. Jesus was a High Priest of a different order; He was both the sacrifice and the sacrificer.  The OT High Priest offered the blood of animals, Jesus our everlasting High Priest offered  up himself. His blood was the purchasing agent that bought us out of the sin slavery market (I Cor 6:20).

            All the aforementioned describes the reason for Christ’s blood sacrifice. Blood is our physical life force. Without it we die. When Jesus shed His blood for our sins, that proved He literally died for the life of flesh is in the blood; it makes atonement for the soul(Lev 17:11).

 So we see that pleading the blood is not biblical. It is merely a mantra, an almost magical sounding incantation that some Christians recite that has no power. Those that do this are subliminally making the blood a fetish, an object of worship which the Bible never proscribes.

Yes we are to thank God for the shed blood of Jesus. We thank God for it’s washing away of our sins forever, but  when one is pleading Jesus blood over their situation, that prayer is unbiblical.

The Apostles and those of the first century church never referred to the blood in this way.

The focus of our pleading should be to God, not to the blood. The blood of Jesus can not hear prayers. It’s purpose was fully accomplished when Jesus shed it on the cross; to forgive sins.

            The forgiven sinner was passed over from death and granted life instead because of the blood.[1]

NOTES

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[1] Other articles dealing with this subject pro and con. The writer posted these for a

Contrast of his article for the reader. Writer’s vote: 1^st article – Con; 2^nd – Pro

http://www.wordlibrary.co.uk/article.php?id=30

http://www.gotquestions.org/pleading-the-blood.html

Husbands love your wives

Husband love your wives as Christ loved the church and gave himself for her, that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that He might present the church to himself in splendor without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church.

                                                                                                                                                                -Ephesians 5:25-29

 

This is a tall order for a man. This command is a huge responsibility for us as husbands. It requires obedience by both spouses. The husband has to be willing to lead his wife in this manner, and the wife must be willing to follow her husband as he endeavors to imitate Christ’s love for his church toward her.

 

                                                   What type of love did Christ express to His church?

Quite frankly, Jesus loved his church (his bride) to death. So we see that the love of Christ was pure, selfless, self sacrificing and powerful.

Jesus in John 15:13 says this, “No greater love has no one than this, that He gives His life for His friends.”

Jesus also declared In John 17:17 as he is praying to the Father regarding the disciples and future believers, “sanctify them (the church, bride, the elect) through your truth; your word Is truth.” That statement is the washing, cleansing, purifying work of the word of God mentioned in Ephesians 5:26.

Jesus loved his church from the inside out. What I mean is that He ministered to her spiritual needs first than her physical needs.  This began with his teaching in the synagogues in Galilee in Matthew chapter 4.

                             

                                 What is the husband’s responsibility toward his wife?

 

The first thing the husband has to do is be exposed to God’s word regarding the treatment of his wife. Secondly, he needs to understand what the Bible teaches regarding his responsibility toward his spouse. Let’s go over these commands in order.

First he is commanded to love his wife. This isn’t merely physical intimacy, but the love of Christ toward His church that He gave his very life for. The word love here is the Greek word agapao. General meaning being God’s aggressive intentional, purposeful benevolence toward man; it’s ultimate expression was in the giving of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ to the world. This love held nothing good back toward those who it was for. This love is a delivering, sanctifying and eternal love. This type of love husbands should always express toward their wives. This love is to be exhibited not as a reaction to her submission, but a proactive love due to the example set forth by Christ when He proactively loved his church as condemned sinners (Romans 5:8). As a result of our selfless love toward our wives, the power of God will manifest, and wives will want to submit to the leading of her husband; realizing now her husband is leading with the love Christ exhibits toward His church. It’s a love that tenderly invokes reciprocation.

Secondly, it is the responsibility of the husband to assist in the ongoing sanctification of his wife. Remember, the husband is a type of Christ, and the wife is a type of the church here on earth. In keeping with that motif, it is the duty of the husband to present his wife as holy before the Lord. How are we to do that?

By teaching her the word of God.[i] Yes a woman is required to read and study God’s word on her own, but it is also the husband’s responsibility to be the leader in that effort. A woman that knows her husband is interested in her spiritual development shows  her that he loves her deeply and is watching over her soul, not just her body. Her salvation, and the assurance of it is just as important to him as it is to her. Assurance of her salvation can only be realized if the word of God dwells in her richly (Col 3:16). Husbands must help  their wives gain confidence in God’s word. Only then can a woman’s joy in salvation be realized. Husbands should be most grieved when their wives  fall into sin. Being that you are now one flesh, her moral failure becomes yours (Like Eve’s became Adam’s). Encourage your wife to hasten to the throne of grace to repent of her sin and restore her fellowship to her Father; for sin in our lives diminishes joy which causes anxiety in our relationship to God and our spouse. The Failure of a husband to do this will result in him most likely having a contentious, bitter and non submissive wife who will bring him shame and grief. These works of the flesh are inherent in our being due to the fall, and will be brought to the forefront if not mortified by the power of God’s word.

Third, we are to cherish and honor our wives as we honor ourselves; that would be body and soul. When we get married the scripture says the two become one flesh (Gen 2;24; Matt 19:5). Husbands are to be providers and protectors of their wives. We are to defend their honor, dwell with our wives according to knowledge (I Peter 3:7) realizing she is the weaker vessel which is by God’s design, not a result of the fall. It’s also important for husbands to heed the advice of their  wives . I believe the best counselor for a husband  is his wife; for she knows him better than anyone else.

Another very vital important element a husband must do in ministering to his wife is to pray for her daily.  Get in the habit of blessing your wife. What woman wouldn’t melt at the idea of her husband invoking God’s blessing on her life? The Bible tells us that Jesus ever lives to make intercession for us. This is Jesus in his role as our High Priest (Heb 7:25). Husband are  the  priest of their homes. We have to be the leaders of our wives and children when going to the throne of grace to find grace to help in a time of need (Heb 4:16).

A husband  must learn what his wife enjoys when it comes to physical intimacy. Find out what gives her pleasure in the bedroom. This involves the husband listening to make sure her needs are met sexually. Do not insist on just getting your needs met and hers are left unfulfilled. For some drawing a warm bath will get her in the mood, for others  flowers, poetry or a simple dinner date, cooking her favorite meal, cleaning the house, an unexpected getaway telling her you love her.  When a husband proves his love for his wife in the simple things, it will be a joy for her to meet his most personal needs; granted that she is a sensible woman.

Lastly, husbands must be faithful to their wives. A wife must be confident she can trust the man that  sleeps in her arms. The following text is from the wisest man who ever lived, King Solomon speaking to his son he says in Proverbs 5:1-23:

My son, pay attention to my wisdom,
    turn your ear to my words of insight,
² that you may maintain discretion
    and your lips may preserve knowledge.
³ For the lips of the adulterous woman drip honey,
    and her speech is smoother than oil;
⁴ but in the end she is bitter as gall,
    sharp as a double-edged sword.
⁵ Her feet go down to death;
    her steps lead straight to the grave.
⁶ She gives no thought to the way of life;
    her paths wander aimlessly, but she does not know it.

⁷ Now then, my sons, listen to me;
    do not turn aside from what I say.
⁸ Keep to a path far from her,
    do not go near the door of her house,
⁹ lest you lose your honor to others
    and your dignity^[a] to one who is cruel,
¹⁰ lest strangers feast on your wealth
    and your toil enrich the house of another.
¹¹ At the end of your life you will groan,
    when your flesh and body are spent.
¹² You will say, “How I hated discipline!
    How my heart spurned correction!
¹³ I would not obey my teachers
    or turn my ear to my instructors.
¹⁴ And I was soon in serious trouble
    in the assembly of God’s people.”

¹⁵ Drink water from your own cistern,
    running water from your own well.
¹⁶ Should your springs overflow in the streets,
    your streams of water in the public squares?
¹⁷ Let them be yours alone,
    never to be shared with strangers.
¹⁸ May your fountain be blessed,
    and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth.
¹⁹ A loving doe, a graceful deer—
    may her breasts satisfy you always,
    may you ever be intoxicated with her love.
²⁰ Why, my son, be intoxicated with another man’s wife?
    Why embrace the bosom of a wayward woman?

²¹ For your ways are in full view of the Lord,
    and he examines all your paths.
²² The evil deeds of the wicked ensnare them;
    the cords of their sins hold them fast.
²³ For lack of discipline they will die,
    led astray by their own great folly (NIV)

                                                          Conclusion

Any husband who claims to be a man of God must commit himself to the word of God regarding his role. A man who practices these things is complete, lacking essentially nothing. Understand that we as husbands do not do this alone for we are actively imploring the Holy Spirit’s power to be successful. Many have said that marriage does not come with a instruction manual or how-to’s; that is untrue. God instituted marriage and his word is all the manual we need. Other books that can provide advice from a biblical perspective can be most helpful also, but let’s start doing things God’s ways husband and wives. It would definitely decrease the divorce rate in the church.

Any man that can manage his home well would most likely be a good manager in the church; that is become an Elder, Pastor-Teacher, Bishop. Any husband who does not have his family under control, should never lead in the church for the scripture says if a man can not rule in his own house, how can he take care of the church of God (I Tim 3:5)?

Wives submit to your husbands in everything just like the Church submits to Christ.  Just as Christ is the head of the Church, the husband is the head of the wife and must submit to his leadership. God’s word demands it (Eph 5:22-24; I Cor 11:3). Husbands love your wives as Christ loved his church and gave himself for her (Eph 5:25). Colossians 3:18-19 also commands for wives to submit to your husbands and for husbands to love your wives and do not treat them harshly.

 

NOTES

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[i] The implication the writer is presenting is the husband is a man of God. Obviously an unsaved man can not do this. Remember the book of Ephesians was written by Paul to believers. The believing  husband has been saved to render this responsibility. Failure to conform to this role is a disservice to himself his spouse and ultimately disobedience to God.

 

 

 

 So You Got What You Wanted Right?

Her beauty is what attracted you to leave behind your wife and children. Departed certain love to lie in the bosom of a stranger. Sum of your choice has depleted your body and soul many nights, but you got what you wanted right?

Halle Berry is what you saw outwardly, a mausoleum is what she is internally. She’s siphoned your youth, resources and vitality; refused sound counsel again your life is now vanity.

The Kim Kardashian of your life has cast her spell of “love” and “romance.” Your indiscretions have affirmed her hex. You’re under total control of her power and might. So again I ask you, you got what you wanted tonight right?

Your stupor has you turned you out. You’re turning tricks for a love that slays men. You’re in a haze of confusion, derided by peers. You’re an anomaly even to yourself.

So you got what you wanted right? You’ve forsaken the covenant of your God. You’re committing whoredoms, beholding vile images - Jaded by corruption and indecision as you tender your next fornication.

You’re middle aged and foolish. The player lifestyle has no benefits. You can’t afford the premiums it imposes or the co-pays she extracts. You’re pierced through with many sorrows.

You must recall where the breach happened in your matrimony to pull asunder this holy sacrament. Are you sure you got what you wanted sir? Reproach has you in the abyss of shame and you’ve scandalized your name.

Implore the forgiveness of the Lord and spouse. Fall on your face in contrition and humility. You’ve made yourself a stranger to her who loved you with all fidelity.

Just as you got what you wanted and missed on what you had, resurrect your visage in haste and turn to joy from sad.

Written March 27, 2011

 

 

The most tragic life

The Bible tells us that Jesus chose twelve disciples to be his full time followers and helpers. These are their names:  Simon who Jesus surnamed Peter, and Andrew his brother; James and John the sons of Zebedee. Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus (sometimes called James the Less), and Lebbaeus whose surname was Thaddaeus; Simon the Canaanites  or  Zealot and Judas Iscariot.

Jesus gave these men power over all demons and to cure all diseases. They also were called to preach the gospel of repentance (Matt 10:1-8a; Mark 6:8-13; Luke 9:2-6).

But, there was one disciple who did all the things the 11 did, but was not true. He was Judas Iscariot the last one always mentioned in the roll call of the apostles.

It is important that we ask the question, was Judas genuinely saved at one point, but due to his betrayal of Jesus lost his salvation and became eternally lost or was he chosen like the rest, but was never a true follower of our Lord Jesus?

                This matter is critical and we need to examine it carefully.

Jesus knew along Judas would betray him for he said in John 6:70-71, “Did I not choose you the twelve and one of you is a devil?” He spoke of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, for it was he who would betray Him, being one of the twelve.

So, we must ask another question, why did Jesus choose Judas knowing he would betray Him?

Jesus chose Judas to fulfill the word of God. Judas betrayal is prophesied by King David in Psalm 41:9: “Even my own familiar friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.”

David was most likely speaking about an actual friend, but the Spirit of God prophesied through David to speak about the future betrayal of Jesus by Judas. There are several prophesies in the Bible that are what scholars call  Messianic  prophesies (i.e. referencing the Messiah). Psalm 41:9 is one of them.[i]

Jesus quotes this same verse the night of his betrayal at the last supper which was the institution of holy communion; a sacrament that believers practice today. Jesus said in Matthew 26:24, “The Son of Man goes as it is written of Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better (italics added) if that man had never been born.” What an indictment against Judas! We must keep in mind is that not only did Judas betray the Messiah the savior of mankind, he betrayed God Almighty in the flesh!

                Most tragic.

Now I must ask the billion dollar question, since it was prophesied before he was born that he would betray Jesus, how could Judas be held responsible for his actions? Judas betrayal was predetermined by God. Did not God plan the betrayal of Jesus?

The answer is yes. [ii]

Although God knows all things and sovereignly made provision for the betrayal of His Son by Judas, it by no means made Judas less culpable for his sinful actions. Jesus taught a doctrine of repentance and salvation for three years so he had no excuse for his behavior.  Judas acted independently because of his love for money. That is why he sold Jesus out for 30 pieces of silver; the price of a slave (Ex 21:32). This also showed Judas contempt he had for his Lord; Judas regarded Him as a common slave. Truly Judas had been possessed by the devil at this point (Luke 22:3; John 13:27). Judas was unaware that he was fulfilling prophecy. He willfully betrayed Jesus because he was evil; how much more so should he be righteously condemned when he was in the presence of Jesus for three years?

Jesus reiterates in John 17:12 that Judas amongst the twelve was lost so that scripture could be fulfilled. Judas was chosen for that reason and that reason alone; he was never chosen for salvation as the others were.

 Just like Joseph’s older brothers sold him into slavery for twenty shekels of silver the price of a slave at that time, in like manner Judas sold Jesus as a slave to his enemies (Gen 37:28; Matt 26:15). Judas followed Jesus not because he loved Him and recognized his own sinfulness. He did it for the money ultimately.

Sounds like a lot of false teachers today who are only in the church for the money. They do not love God or His people.

                What ended up being Judas’s fate?

Fear and  guilt gripped Judas once he realized the enormity of his sin for he said to the religious leaders, “I have betrayed innocent blood and threw the money down in the temple and hanged himself “(Matt 27:3-5).

Did Judas repent? Yes.  But it was not godly sorrow that led to genuine repentance and salvation. Judas was a pathetic victim of his own inherent wickedness acted out to the full. Judas thought it was better as we say “on the other side”  where he thought the grass was greener. Since Judas loved money, he felt by getting money by any means necessary; even betraying Jesus, it would satisfy him. But once he was stricken with guilt by sending an innocent man to his death for chump change, and realizing his lust for money brought only condemnation instead of satisfaction, Satan who was in him drove him to kill himself which brought him satisfaction for he comes  only  but to kill, steal and destroy (John 10:10).  Our adversary the devil goes about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour (I Peter 5:8).

That is what he did with Judas, and that’s what he wants to do with us.

 

                                                          Concluding Thoughts

Judas no doubt was the most tragic soul in all of human history. Why do I say that? He had all the privileges of the other disciples. And for a time, appeared to be genuine follower of Jesus Christ. It goes to show us that appearances are often tragically deceiving. Judas preached the gospel, performed miracles, healed diseases, cast out demons, raise the dead (Matt 10:8). Learned from the greatest Teacher, Preacher, Prophet, Evangelist, Apostle of the universe the Lord Jesus Christ. And yet for all that, died and went to hell for a mere 30 pieces of silver?

                Unthinkable.

Jesus himself said it would have been better for Judas not to have been born than to betray him (Matt 26:24). Judas with open eyes knew what he was doing although he was unaware of the depth of his treachery until Jesus was condemned (Matt 27:3). Judas felt sorry for what he did, but that ungodly sorrow impeded his ability to genuinely repent for sinning against the almighty. His guilt drove him to destruction instead of godly sorrow and repentance. He was driven away from God instead of to God. Had Judas not killed himself he could have gone to Jesus and begged for forgiveness, but he never gave himself the chance for the guilt of his sin was far greater than any humility he may have had  to implore God’s forgiveness of his sins.

Jesus restored Peter when he denied Him (John 21:15-17). Judas was beyond restoration once he committed suicide. He was/is eternally lost.

  

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[i] Some others are Psalm 22, 34, 68, 69.

 

[ii] God’s reason for planning Jesus’s betrayal and capture was so that he could be crucified, buried and raise from the dead for the elect’s justification. The Father planned this out of love for mankind. Judas’s reason for betraying our Lord was purely from hatred and selfish motives. What Judas and the devil  planned for evil, God orchestrated it for good; the salvation of mankind. God uses good and evil to fulfill his sovereign plan proving he is Lord over all things; even the evil which also serves Him.

What Jesus you want me to mutilate myself?

In Matthew 5:27-30 Jesus preaching at the sermon on the mount teaches these words:

                “You have heard that it was said to those of old, “You shall not commit adultery.” But I say to you that whosoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish than for your whole body to be cast into hell.”

                This is very strong language from our Lord. Is Jesus advocating self mutilation? No. Jesus is using a literary rhetorical device called Hyperbole. He is using exaggerated language to drive home his point. [1]Jesus is discussing the sin of adultery. This sin along with all sin is so dangerous and deadly, that it would be better to dismember any offending parts of our body, cast it away from us so that the whole body would not perish in hell on account of that offending body part. However, that will never work because the sin does not reside just in our flesh. It resides in the heart; the engine that drives our body.

Casting off a sinning member of your body will not get rid of sin.

                Matthew 15:18-20a Jesus speaking said, “But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart and they defile a man. For out of the heart proceeds evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. These are the things that defile a man…”

                The point Jesus was making is that what we do comes from our core being the heart, and the outflow of those behaviors mentioned above are made manifest through our flesh. So, in the final analysis our bodies are the victims of our corrupt minds.  The heart and body work together when doing good or evil. The heart conjures up the expression, and the body fleshes it (pun intended) out.

                Let’s examine one more account of hyperbole in the Bible.

 In John 6:47-66 we read:

            “⁴⁷ Very truly I tell you, the one who believes has eternal life. ⁴⁸ I am the bread of life. ⁴⁹ Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, yet they died. ⁵⁰ But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which anyone may eat and not die. ⁵¹ I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.”

⁵² Then the Jews began to argue sharply among themselves, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?”

⁵³ Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. ⁵⁴ Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. ⁵⁵ For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. ⁵⁶ Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them. ⁵⁷ Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me. ⁵⁸ This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your ancestors ate manna and died, but whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.” ⁵⁹ He said this while teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum.

⁶⁰ On hearing it, many of his disciples said, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?”

⁶¹ Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, “Does this offend you? ⁶² Then what if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before! ⁶³ The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life. ⁶⁴ Yet there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him. ⁶⁵ He went on to say, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled them.”

⁶⁶ From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him” (NIV).

Two things this text is not teaching is 1) cannibalism and 2) communion. Once again, Jesus is teaching by way of hyperbole. Although Jesus is using what his audience deems as crass language; eating his flesh and drinking his blood, He is using this analogy to express that He is the True Manna from heaven, i.e. the Bread of Life. Anyone that eats his flesh, and drinks his blood (not literally, but spiritually), that believes on Him will have eternal life. His audience should have grasped this truth, but they were spiritually dead (vs. 52).

That is why they turned their backs on the Lord (vs. 66).

Although the language is extreme which was Jesus intent, it drives the point home. He is the bread that we all must partake of in order to be saved.

Although we know Jesus primarily  taught by way of parables, hyperbole was another teaching method implored by our Lord.

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[1]  We all do this in everyday vernacular, e.g. “I’ve told you this a million times! I’m dying to go on vacation. This book weighs a ton! I’ve got a million things to do, et al.” All of these phrases are hyperbole.