The complete commentary of the book of First John

The author of this letter  is the same Apostle who wrote the Gospel of John , 2^nd and 3^rd John, along with last book of the Bible, The book of Revelation. It’s easy to see the consistency in style; how the Holy Spirit uses John in this epistle just like he used him in the Gospel of John. This book along with the others were written at the close of the first century according to scholars – around 90-95 A.D.

James and John was originally called by Jesus “Sons of Thunder” (Mark 3:17). James who was the older brother of John was killed by Herod (Acts 12:2). John was part of the inner-circle-three along with his brother James and Peter. These three are the ones that were eyewitnesses to the transfiguration of Jesus (Matthew 17:1).

John referred to himself as the disciple whom Jesus loved (John 13:23; 19:26; 20:2; 21:7, 20).

The Apostle by this time is an old man providing eye witness testimony to what he has seen, felt and heard (I John 1:1). The reader can rest assured that John’s summation of the events will be pinpoint accurate, and with Spirit of God as his guide one hundred percent correct. Anyone that opposed his teaching was from the spirit of the antichrist and should be avoided. John said those that do not listen to the Apostle”s doctrine is not of God (I John 4:6).

Main themes:  John is instructing like a loving father would to his children. Some of the main areas are: belief in the only begotten Son of God (I John 4:15; 5:1, 10a). Loving our brother (I John 3:11, 23; 4:20). Not loving the world (I John 2:15-17). Confession of sin (I John 1: 6-10).

These commands and many more were taught to John by the Lord himself. John was simply imitating and reiterating these same transforming message(s) that his Savior gave to him.

                                                                      Chapter One

The Apostle John was sovereignly chosen by Christ to be a disciple. John declares he witnessed the miracles, and was taught by the Lord; this same Lord he is going to declare to his own spiritual children.

John says the same Jesus we have heard from the beginning is He who we have seen and handled. Anyone who believes on the Lord Jesus has genuine fellowship with the Father and with the Son. This relationship produces fullness of joy (vs. 1-4).

John goes on to teach saying no one can say they have fellowship with God and walks in darkness. Darkness is an expression that is synonymous with  a sinful lifestyle. Remember Jesus said in the gospel of John 3:19, “Men loved darkness rather than light because their deed are evil.” The person that makes this false claim is a liar (the one that claims fellowship with God yet walks in darkness). The true children of light are those made pure by the blood of Christ. We can’t be children of the light and darkness at the same time – has to be one or the other (vs. 6-7).

One of the most powerful verses in all of scripture, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (vs.9). The mark of a true child of God is ongoing acknowledging and confession of sin. Our sins have been forgiven forever judicially because the Lord Jesus wiped away our sins on the cross. Jesus paid our eternal sin debt to the Father and He was satisfied.  This means we will never eternally perish. This sacrifice of our sins was the ultimate High Priestly act to God the 

Father on our behalf. But, because we continue to disobey and offend the Lord in this time and space  due to our sinful flesh, and often un-renewed minds, confession is still a command so that the blood of Jesus continues to be an infinite provision and cleansing agent for us.

For whoever claims they have no sin John says is a liar and is not even saved (vs, 10).

                                                                     Chapter Two

The Lord Jesus Christ is our defense attorney (advocate) before the Father when I sin (vs. 1). Our relationship is secure when we obey God. We will never do this perfectly, but because of the Spirit of God, and our willingness to obey, we will succeed (vs.2).

Liars are the ones that claim relationship with God yet deny Him in their actions (vs.4). This describes the world at large.

He who hates his brother walks in darkness and can not see the light. Darkness is wickedness, sinful (vs. 9-11).

False teachers/believers are labeled as Antichrists, the Greek word is “Antichristos” means against or instead of.

A person who is an Antichrist is against Jesus or is purporting to be Jesus – take the place of Him – a false messiah. These are the ones that will depart from the faith they once embraced; they are apostates (vs. 19).<!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[i]<!--[endif]-->

Genuine believers always persevere in faith because they are preserved by the Holy Spirit. We will abide in the truth to the end (Phil 1:6). As a result, we have the promise of eternal life right now and forever (vs. 24-29).

                                                                      Chapter Three

The word hope in vs. 3 is the Greek word elpis which means a favorable and confident expectation. It’s not a natural hope that is unsure of what may happen. The hope described here in vs. 3 is based on divine truth so it’s a certainty that what was promised (the return of Christ in the future) will happen.

Vs. 6 & 9 appear to be contradictory on the surface. We read in I John 1: 8-10 that we clearly do sin and to deny that we sin is to make God a liar, so the word is not in us.

So, what does John mean in vs. 6 & 9 in chapter 3?

A clue to understanding vs. 6 & 9 is vs. 7. It says, “he who practices righteousness is righteous. Verse 8 says he that sins is of the devil…

There is a commonality between the righteous and the wicked in that each performs their deeds on a continual basis.

For the righteous righteousness, for the wicked wickedness. So verse 6 & 9 can not be stating that we can not literally sin. A more accurate translation is we can not continue or practice sin and call ourselves Christians because of the indwelling Holy Spirit (vs. 9). Those born of God have been born from above. A heavenly birth is perfect essentially with no sin because it does not involve man – it’s from God alone.

Man never ever contributes to his salvation in that God needs us in order to make salvation actual or complete. We are only the beneficiaries of sovereign grace, not co-signors of it.<!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[ii]<!--[endif]-->

Verses 10-15: John reiterates the importance of loving the brethren. He that doesn’t love his brother is like  Cain who killed his brother Abel out of envy. Cain was evil and Abel righteous. So the Apostle states that he that hates his brother is a murderer at heart and does not possess eternal life.

Essentially that type of person is a dead man walking.

Eternal life was hinged on the solitary love act of Jesus Christ dying on the cross for his people; the ultimate act of forgiveness to those who believe. For if He could accomplish this for an enumerable company of sinners, how much more should we be willing to forgive our brother for any offense committed against us? One that hates his brother is either envious, offended because of him or both.

Love for our brother is a command of the Lord, and an essential component of true salvation along with practicing righteous, holy living. This distinguishes the children of God and the children of Satan.

John teaches us that love is an action word. True love always does. True loves meets  the temporal needs of those less fortunate. Love must be demonstrated amongst the family of God or else how will the world know we belong to God (John 13:35)? Vs. 16-17.

We can only have true joy in our salvation and our relationship to the Father if we do what He commands us. A life of obedience is a life of joy. We please God this way and our prayers will be answered (vs. 18-22).

Once again John binds believing on the Lord Jesus Christ and loving our brother together. These are the commandments of the Lord. We must not disobey them. By obeying these commands, we assure our hearts that God is in us, and we in Him. We are inextricably linked forever with our creator and sovereign of the universe (vs. 23-24).

                                                                   Chapter Four

John commands his readers to judge or test the spirits because of prevailing false teachers and their demonic doctrines. Believers must have discernment when it comes to determining truth from error. We must be most discriminate in what someone is teaching (vs. 1).

The Spirit of God is operating in a person when one declares that Jesus Christ is God incarnate; that is Jesus was manifest in the flesh. Anyone who denies this truth is not of God, but is of the evil spirit of the Antichrist which is currently in this world (vs. 2-3).<!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[iii]<!--[endif]-->

John said those that are of God listens to us. This fact distinguishes truth from lies (vs. 6).

And again John is commanding that we love one another. Love proceeds from God. Those that love are from God. Those that do not love are not of God for God is love (vs. 7-8).

The ultimate expression of the Love of God was that Jesus was made incarnate to save sinners (vs.9).

Since God loved us and sent Jesus to die to pay our sin debt, the least we can do is love one another (vs. 10-11). This is a sacrificial love.

Other love benefits in this chapter deal with: God abiding in us due to God’s love. God’s love provides confidence in the day of judgment. God’s love assures us that we can be fearless; for love and fear never mix. For the Christian our love must increase, and our fear decrease. This is an ongoing progressive act.

God’s love is an aggressive, tenacious, efficacious force. It’s so powerful, that it regenerates us from the dead, grants us repentance and faith to believe and be saved.

Is it any wonder the Apostle says, “We love Him because He first loved us?” Our ability to love God is only possible because of God’s antecedent love toward us. We have no capacity or willingness to love God until His love was first perfected in us in a mighty way.

That’s why it’s tragic for someone to say he loves God and hates his brother; that person is a liar. We can’t see God so how can we say we love God whom we can’t see and hate our brother we can see?

Our love for God is in direct connection on how we love our brother. If we hate our brother we hate God as well (vs. 12-20).

                                                                         Chapter Five

Only those that truly believe that Jesus is the Christ are born of God. Again John stresses the importance of loving one another. These two truths believing on the Lord Jesus Christ and loving one another are  bookends in this letter.

Proof that the love of God is in our hearts is when we obey the commands of the Father and Jesus Christ which are not a chore to carry, but should be joyful (vs. 1-3).

No doubt John was echoing Jesus command when Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15).

Another wonderful feature of being born of God is that we are world conquerors. The faith we have been given to believe on the Lord Jesus  makes this a reality in the life of the believer (vs. 4-5).

John discusses the internal witness of Jesus incarnation – came by water (baptism) and blood (crucifixion). This witness is by the Holy Spirit which of course is the Spirit of truth (vs. 6).

Most of vs. 7 up to the word “record” and all of vs. 8 are not in the ancient Greek manuscripts. They are variant readings.

Next John goes on to say God’s testimony of Jesus is true and anyone that does not believe God’s testimony might as well say God is a liar which of course is blasphemous. God here is testifying of Jesus Christ the one He sent to give us eternal life. He that has the Son has life and receives the testimony of the Father. He that does not have the Son does not have life but death due to the fact he has rejected the testimony of the Father (vs. 10-13).

As a matter of fact John says in his gospel said he that does not have life the wrath of God abides on him (John 3:36).

Those who belong to the Lord also have the benefit of petitioning the Lord in prayer  (vs. 14-15).

Verse 16b regarding the sin unto death is one of the most difficult passages in all the bible. Some believing the sin unto death is one solitary sin. It is not because notice John never mentions a single particular sin. A sin unto death has to mean a unbroken pattern of rehearsed unconfessed, unrepentant sin a believer (in this text not an unbeliever) is engaged in. A person could be involved in fornication (I Cor 5:2, 5), adultery, lying (Acts 5:1-11), stealing, idolatry, drunkenness, anger, malice, unforgiveness, etc.

Anyone of the aforementioned sins and those not mentioned if not dealt with could lead to ruin; meaning God in his perfect wisdom may decide to end that person’s life – very serious! Their habitual evil behavior is contaminating the body of Christ and should they refuse to repent it would be better that they die and go on to glory than to live like they are a child of the devil. As a matter of fact, God may give you over to Satan for the destruction of your sinful flesh (I Cor 5:5).  No wonder why John said not to pray for that person, because God has pronounced final judgment on them.  This is also hard to determine as well unless you spend quality time with an individual and you know their lifestyle in a personal way. Only then will you be able discern if prayer is warranted or should be withheld.

If we are truly honest, too many of us live like we are not even saved. An insult to our Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus.

We need personal, corporate church, and national revival beloved (II Chronicles 7:14), or else our God may decide to put our lights out (Revelation 2:5). Let’s turn from our wicked ways and repent.

In vs. 17, these same sins are committed by other believers, but they are not a patterned behavior with them. You know you can pray for these individuals because the person is brokenhearted over their sin. They are quick to confess their offences to God (I John 1:9),  and they also request forgiveness and healing through prayer (James 5:16).

In this scenario, this sin is not unto death.

John reiterates as he did in chapter 3 that we are not to practice sin (vs. 18).

Last two admonitions from John: Jesus Christ is eternal life; keep yourself from Idols (vs. 20-21).

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<!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[i]<!--[endif]--> There are many that unfortunately believe that apostates were once genuine believers that decided to depart from the faith. We know that Jesus had many followers other than the twelve, However when He told them what was required of them to follow Him truly, the majority turned their backs on the Lord and walked away never to return (John 6:66). The problem was they  chose Jesus for a while, but He never chose them. Those that walked away were never given to Him from His Father (John 6:37-40). They were never true believers in Him or else they would have remained. They only wanted to see what Jesus could do for them, not what they could do for the Lord.

<!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[ii]<!--[endif]--> Our salvation is in three parts. 1. The Father God planned our salvation before time; i.e. created the blueprints.  2. He sent Jesus to the earth to save those who He commanded Him to save in time by His substitutionary death. Jesus said, “All those whom the Father has given to me will come to me, and those that come to me I will in no wise cast out.” (John 6:37). 3. The Holy Spirit applies salvation to the hearts of those who believe (the elect) in time now and forever. Salvation is infinite from eternity past to eternity future.

<!--[if !supportFootnotes]-->[iii]<!--[endif]--> A first century heresy that denied the incarnation of Jesus was called Docetism. Docetism said Jesus was divine but only appeared to have a body but really didn’t. This totally flies in the face of everything Jesus did as the God/man. Perform miracles, heal the sick, fed the multitudes, became hungry, tired and slept, and most importantly died for the sins of mankind. Only a real human being can shed blood. A spirit being has no blood. Jesus was fully God from eternity past, and became fully human through Mary. Both natures reside in Him; separate and distinct in one body. These natures never co mingle.

The complete Book of James Commentary

                                          

There are four men named James in the New Testament.  James the brother of John the Apostle (Matt 10:2). The disciple James the son Alpheaus also nicknamed James the “less”(Matt 10:3a). James the father of Judas (not Iscariot, Luke 6:16; Acts 1:13)).  James the half brother of Jesus and brother of Jude who’s the author of the book that bears his name (Jude 1).

James the brother of John is eliminated because he was martyred by Herod (Acts 12:2). James the “less” was never considered the author neither was James the father of Judas (not Iscariot). That only leaves James the half brother of Jesus. According to scholars this was the earliest N.T. book written, around 49 A.D.

James was not a believer in Jesus until after his resurrection (John 7:5; I Corinthians 15:7). The book focuses on practical obedient living. Commands like, “be doers of the word and not hearers only”  is very straightforward (2:24).

Another practical insight is. “ do not boast about tomorrow for we do not know what a day may bring forth”. We are to depend on the will of God as to what he has determined will happen (4:13-16).

James’ letter is Hebrew in scope in that it’s addressed to the diaspora (those Israelites scattered abroad) in different parts of Palestine and the world; first the 10 northern tribes were deported by the Assyrians in 722 B.C., and  the destruction of the first temple by the Babylonians and the expulsion of the 2 southern tribes of Israel in 586 B.C. Along with persecuted believers taken by Rome as slaves.

Chapter 1:2 is the fire that lights the fuse of the dynamite for the whole book of James, “count it, evaluate, consider it all joy when you fall into various tests knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” That phrase is the explosion for the rest of the book.

James also commands his readers to ask for Godly  wisdom (1:5). If we do that, then the rest of the directives in the book will become a joy to do, because our perspective is right with God; we’re relying upon Him to grant us wisdom in the commands He has given us.

The Spirit of God gives James the perfect foreward for the whole of the book. If we can change our attitude from a temporal to a heavenly eternal perspective, the rest falls into place. The beginning command and admonition of the book sets the tone for the remainder of this brief, powerful and concentrated epistle.

The letter begins with straightforward in-your-face truth and ends just as powerful and unambiguous.

                                                                   Chapter One

James opens his letter by dealing with a matter his people could very well relate to, trials.

           

               Our attitude in our trials:

a.       We are to have joy (vs. 2)

           

           What is trials benefit to us:

a.         Produces patience in us when our faith is challenged (vs. 3)

b.       Causes us to grow because of trial’s positive result in us (vs. 4)

c.       Will receive a crown of life as a result of enduring tests and for those that love the Lord (vs. 12a)

James commands us to ask for Godly wisdom. The question he asks, “if any lack wisdom, let him ask of God” is rhetorical; the obvious implication is that we lack wisdom in all areas so we’re to always entreat God for direction all our lives (vs. 5).

No man is ever tempted by God to sin. Sin is antithetical to the Lord.  Man is driven by his own sinful desires and falls into temptation. The temptation is not sin, but the yielding to the temptation is (vs. 13-15). Remember Jesus was tempted in all points yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15). What is all points? The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, the pride of life (I John 2:15, 16).

Every good and perfect gift is from the Lord (vs. 16). This passage is parallel to having all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ Jesus (Eph 1:3).

We’re also to hasten to listen, be slow to speak, slow to anger. Anger does not produce the righteousness of God.

Remember, the Bible says a soft answer turns away wrath, but harsh words stir up anger (Proverbs 15:1).

James stresses the importance of not only hearing the word, but doing it. What’s the point of even listening to God’s word if we do not endeavor to apply it to our lives? The blessing is in the performing of the word. The word of God is our mirror. It shows us our sinful reflection and what we need to fix. To look into God’s law, know and understand it demands, and do nothing about ourselves is nonsense. It contains all the answers (vs. 22-25).

Finally, vs. 26, 27 discusses true and false religion: False religion would be that of Pharisees mention in the gospels (Read entire chapter of Matt. chapter 23). True religion is a life of holiness and goodwill toward the downtrodden (Read the sermon on the mount, Matt. chapters 5-7).

                                                                    Chapter Two

In vs. 1-9 the writer says that our faith should not be partial; we’re to treat everyone the same. It’s favoritism to treat the rich in this world with the best seats in the Church; that is the celebrities that visit or dignitaries, or the biggest donors to your Church’s campaigns. We’re to treat the one with dirty, smelly clothing the same. All deserve honor for God has chosen, regards and loves the poor.

James says it is the wicked rich that are suing you in the courts and are the ones that blaspheme the name of God. Partiality in the kingdom of God is evil for we are all one in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:28).

We are commanded to obey all of God’s law. Have we not broken the law if we have not committed adultery, but have murdered James says? James also says that to the one that shows no mercy, no mercy will be given to them. We want to operate under the law of liberty and not judgment (vs. 13).

In vs. 14-21, the writer stresses that genuine faith just doesn’t believe in God, it perseveres in that belief and produces fruit commiserate with that faith. We’re saved by works in the sense that our works gives evidence that our faith is real. True faith must produce good works (Eph 2:10; Heb 10:24) or it’s a dead faith. We are indeed saved by grace through faith. The same saving faith is also a practical faith that motivates us to action for the benefit of the kingdom.

Remember, fruitfulness is a natural by product of the true believer.

It is not optional.

                                                                  Chapter Three

James gives a sober warning to those that are teachers; telling them that they will be judged harshly for what they teach. Instructors have a tremendous influence on their students and what they teach can lead to great discovery and reward, or disaster if they are wrong in their knowledge of biblical truth. TEACHERS: YOU NEED TO KNOW WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT!! (vs. 1).

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An aside:It is the personal strong opinion of the writer of this commentary that if you’re unqualified to teach, you should leave the pulpit immediately and become a disciple of the word (i.e. learner) before entering it again. You do not want to be the cause of a parishioner(s) repeating error and applying said error on account of your unskilled preaching.

James discusses animals can be tamed and trained, ships can be driven about with a small rudder, but no one can tame the tongue. It is full of deadly poison, and set on fire by hell. We bless God and curse men who are made in God’s image. How so many people have been destroyed by our words! They do indeed cut like a knife.  James says this is wrong. Trees only produce one kind of fruit. Fountains do not dispense fresh and bitter water at the same time so why should we bless and curse out of the same mouth? This is evil   (vs. 2-12).

James goes on to say that wise people display their works in meekness and wisdom. This type of person has a confident godly wisdom that gives liberally and not with selfish and pretentious motives. Ungodly wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, and devilish (vs. 15). Godly wisdom is an oasis to all. It is kind and gentle, peaceable, full of mercy, understanding, fruitful (vs.17,18).

                                                        Chapter Four

James condemns those that have unhealthy lusts/desires for worldly things. Their attitudes are that of fighting, murder and coveting. These wicked desires are rooted in our sin nature, our unredeemed flesh which we must continue to suppress.

James continues by saying that what people fight so furiously for they will not obtain because it’s not requested the right way (see I John 5:14). They will not have it due to selfish motives (vs. 1-3).

James warns his readers that when you love this world, you are an adulterer against God, and you become an enemy of Him (vs. 4).

              

               Read I John 2:15.

 We are not to be entangled with this world’s system. Be sorrowful, contrite over your sin. Gladness should be turned to gloom and your laughter to sorrow. James is instructing his readers to the way of genuine  repentance of sin.  (vs. 5-10).

No one genuinely coming to Jesus Christ will come without sincere guilt for their sins. They’ll come broken, tired of their lifestyle because their sins have worn them out. Their bones will ache until they are healed spiritually and renewed (Psalm 32: 1-5).

He continues giving us instructions to not speak evil of each other. We are not to slander, defame or malign one another. We have no right to judge one another in this way. Whoever judges is a judge of the law, and is not a doer of it. There is only one judge and lawgiver (vs. 11, 12).

This type of judging is based on falsehood not truth, and is nothing more than gossip. Righteous judging must be based on fact.

James concludes this chapter by saying we are not to presume what we will do tomorrow, because tomorrow may never come. It is by the grace and will of God if we do anything at all. Our lives are very brief, we are here and then we are gone. Boasting about an uncertain future is arrogant and evil (vs. 13-17).

                                        

                                                                        Chapter Five

James condemns the wicked rich. He tells them all of their possessions will be destroyed. These are the worldly things that they love and trust in. Unfortunately they have trusted in these things to their own shame and destruction. James also indicts them because they have stolen money to fill their coffers and have refused to pay their employees  fair wages.  The Lord hears the cries of those the rich have  afflicted by defrauding the common man who needs to pay his bills, and feed his family.

James also says they have murdered the innocent so like righteous Abel their blood will cry from the ground as a testimony against the evil rich who is like that wicked brother Cain who killed his brother (Genesis 4:8), (vs. 1-6).

James goes on to say that we are to be patient until the coming of the Lord. We are to look to the prophets as examples of patience and long suffering (vs. 7,8).

Admonishes us not grumble against one another (vs. 9).

We should look at the life of Job who endured much physical and mental anguish. God’s mercy and compassion sustained the prophets and Job and it will also sustain us (vs. 10, 11).

Let our word be our bond (vs. 12).

                                                     

                                                                        

  

  

  

                                                                     Final Admonitions

Pray if you are suffering (vs. 13).

Sing if you’re happy (vs. 13a).

If anyone is sick call the elders of the Church and let them pray, and anoint with oil in the name of the Lord. The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise them up (vs. 14-15).

Confession of sins to one another is pointless if intercessory prayer isn’t implored to combat the sin to receive forgiveness and healing of our offenses. The confession to  another is not for gossip and public consumption so others can be judgmental of our failures and shame.  James says the prayer of the righteous makes tremendous power available.

This is a healthy and cleansing thing to do in the body of Christ. Just remember the confession and prayer must go hand in hand. Confession without prayer and vice versa is ineffective. The writer says look at the prophet Elijah as an example of one persistent in prayer (vs. 16-18).

This parallels I john 1:9, “if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

James acknowledges those that  evangelize the wayward save a soul from death (eternal), and their sins will be removed (vs. 19,20).

Was Jesus ever rude to His Mother?

In John 2 we read about the wedding at Cana that Jesus, his Mother, and His disciples attended. When the wine ran out Mary said to Jesus, they have no wine (vs. 3). Jesus replied to His Mother, “Woman, what does your concern have to do with me? Mine hour has not yet come.” Vs. 4.

I often wondered why Jesus would address His Mother in this way when she asked Him a simple question. Was her question out of line?  On the surface it seems His reply to her was rude and harsh, but was it?

The word hour is the Greek word Hora which simply means any period of time. In relation to Jesus, His hour is dealing with His suffering and death.

It’s obvious Mary knew that Jesus could meet her request (though she didn't know how) otherwise she would not have asked Him. Mary told the attendants do whatever Jesus tells you (vs. 5).

 Mary’s request was simply a temporal matter, to keep the party going – nothing wrong with that. But, it did not fit into Jesus’ mission.

Jesus performed His first miracle of turning the water into wine not for his Mother’s sake, but for His own, to manifest His glory (vs. 11), and so that His disciples would believe in Him; and subsequently all those who are the chosen.

Jesus was on divine assignment so it seems that is why He politely rebuked His Mother when she made the request. Any requests that did not fit in to why he was on the earth were subordinate to Him which apparently warranted the response He gave His Mother.

This exchange was not dishonoring to His Mother, because remember Jesus was His Mother’s creator, savior, Everlasting Father, her Wonderful Counselor, and her Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6,7). Although He was born of her, He was/is her God and preceded her because He is eternal. Although she was His Mother, she knew she was subordinate in the relationship. The most unique relationship in human history.  

As a matter of fact we know that Jesus loved His Mother because in Matthew 15:4, He recites Exodus 20:12, “Honor your Mother and Father.”

In John 19:26, 27 when Jesus dying on the cross in agony for His Mother’s sins commands the Apostle John to take Mary – Jesus Mother into his own home, and care for her as his own Mother. Jesus naturally knew He couldn’t care for His Mother any longer placed her in the care of one of His disciples.

Jesus was the most loving son a Mother could have. Not only did He care for her natural needs, He was dying for her eternal salvation right before her eyes! She eye witnessed the greatest love act ever performed; her son - the guiltless dying for the sins of the guilty (John 15:13).

Is it sinful for Christians to consume alcohol?

There are many in the church that are staunch opponents of Christians consuming intoxicating beverages; beer, wine, champagne, rum, vodka, margaritas, etc.

Drinking because of the propensity of drunkenness is considered sinful and should be avoided at all costs by Christians some will say. It’s considered worldly, a compromise, carnal and pagan. They are also called "Sippin Saints". But, is this assessment fair? Is it actually sinful for believers to drink, even socially?

For the record the writer has never drank – a personal choice. I do not condemn believers that do – their choice.

What does the bible have to say about it?

                                                               Old Testament

The King-Priest Melchizedek offered bread and wine to Abram after he and his men defeated some kings and rescued his nephew Lot (Genesis 14:18).

When Jacob lied to his father Isaac and pretended to be his brother Esau so he could steal the double portion blessing of the first born, he fed his father Isaac the game (probably Venison), and he drank wine (Genesis 27:25).

God required wine in one of the Israelites daily offerings; not for consumption, but for worship (Exodus 29:40).

In Deuteronomy 14:22-26 we read, “You shall surely tithe all the increase of your grain that the field produces year by year. And you shall eat before the Lord your God in the place where He chooses to make His name abide, the tithe of your grain and your new wine and your oil of the firstborn of your herds and your flocks, that you may learn to fear the Lord your God always. But if the journey is too long for you, so that you are not able to carry the tithe or if the place where the Lord your God chooses to put His name is too far from you, then you shall exchange it for money, take the money in your hand and go the place which the Lord your God chooses. And you shall spend that money for whatever your soul desires; for oxen or sheep, for wine  or similar (some versions say strong) drink, for whatever your heart desires; you shall eat there before the Lord your God, and shall rejoice, you and your household.”

This was an annual ordinance amongst the children of Israel. They were to have a celebration, a party and rejoice in all the Lord’s goodness towards them when they offered the tithe. Wine was permitted for them to enjoy; obviously not a sin before the Lord.

A warning regarding drinking wine and strong drink is in Proverbs 20:1, “Wine is a mocker. Strong drink is raging; whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.”

The temptation to become inebriated is always lurking at the door so the wisdom of King Solomon provides his insight to be careful of the violence of lingering long at wine and intoxicating drink.

Proverbs 23:29-35 candidly describes one who is actually drunk and hungover:

Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaints?

Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes? ³⁰ Those who linger long at the wine,

Those who go in search of mixed wine. ³¹ Do not look on the wine when it is red,

When it sparkles in the cup, When it swirls around smoothly. ³² At the last it bites like a serpent

And stings like a viper. ³³ Your eyes will see strange things, And your heart will utter perverse things.

³⁴ Yes, you will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea, Or like one who lies at the top of the mast, saying

³⁵ “They have struck me, but I was not hurt; They have beaten me, but I did not feel it

When shall I awake, that I may seek another drink?”

Being in a drunken stupor is obviously sinful and a reason not to drink at all. Being drunk impairs judgment, dull the senses, brings embarrassment, and is an abuse of the fruit of the vine.   

So we see the wine is a staple commodity within the economy of the Patriarchs and Israel. It was also a good product used in commerce as it is today. Wine is like money; what we call “a-moral”; it’s neither good or bad. Its effects is based on the possessors of it.

                                                                

                                                              New Testament

Jesus turned water into wine at the wedding of Cana in John 2:9. Even unbelievers will cite this account in the Bible; some most likely to pervert the meaning of the text so as to indulge in their liquor to get drunk.

Paul recognized that we have liberty in Christ but provided this caveat in I Corinthians 10:23,24, “All things are lawful for me, but not all thinks are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify. Let no man seek his own, but each one the other’s well being.”

What Paul is saying is that mature Christians should support young and immature Christians in their conduct so that they do not stumble. As an example, if you are at dinner and you order a glass of wine, and realize your friend is a new convert and a recovering alcoholic, sober for several years, your freedom may become a stumbling block to that weaker brother or sister; unintentionally tempting them to slip back into a life of reckless drinking. Your good is now evil spoken of because of the choice you made although you gave thanks for your meal with a clear conscience ( I Corinthians 10:30).

The weaker Christian’s conscience is defiled and you’ve sin against them and Christ Paul says (I Corinthians 8:13).  In an instance like this, your love for your weaker brother has to supercede your liberty to eat or drink certain things in their presence so that they do not fall, hindering their faith in God.

                

Long story short, in this scenario one should leave the wine alone.

Romans 14:13-23 says this:

   ¹³ Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister. ¹⁴ I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean. ¹⁵ If your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy someone for whom Christ died. ¹⁶ Therefore do not let what you know is good be spoken of as evil. ¹⁷ For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, ¹⁸ because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval.

¹⁹ Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. ²⁰ Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a person to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. ²¹ It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.

²² So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves. ²³ But whoever has doubts is condemned if they eat, because their eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.

Ephesians 5:18, “Be not drunk with wine where in there is excess, but be filled with the Spirit.”

                                                                       

 These passages are parallel to that of I Corinthians 10:23-33. We are to sacrifice our liberty and love our brother and sister if what we are doing causes them to be offended. In those days it was common for foods to be offered to idols prior to it reaching someone’s dinner plate. Now, you’re consuming that food and drink with a pure conscience, you have given thanks for it. But, if someone tells you that the food you’re eating was part of some pagan ritual offered to some false god, and their conscience is smitten, then Paul says you’re better off not eating that food and drink for conscience sake; that is for the one who told you conscience. You’re not bothered how the food arrive to you because you know an idol is not real, but the one who told you is bothered. In their mind the food and drink in this instance is cursed and not blessed, and see it as an offense to them for you to consume it.

                                                                                  

                                                                                  Conclusion

The main subject once again is alcohol consumption. We as Christians have to/should ask ourselves the questions,  “is what I’m doing expedient or helpful, or is what I’m doing harmful and causing a stumbling block to my brother or sister who I’m commanded to love and for who Christ died?” Yes we have liberty in Christ, but a Christian’s choice to drink should not plant bad seeds and ruin our gospel witness or hinder the kingdom. Remember, we have unbelievers looking at us too. If we are no different than them, our light is dim or not shining at all. Something as simple as eating and drinking should not be able to tear down the kingdom of God due to our misconduct, but that’s exactly what happens when we abuse our liberty.

We must conduct ourselves in such a way that we endeavor to edify all and not offend any. Our liberty in Christ must be treasured, honored, and used with holy discretion. It should never be flaunted which in of itself is an abuse and makes what God gave as good to be talked about by others as evil due to misuse.

Drinking in of itself is not wrong, however drunkenness is sin. Drinking innocently in the presence of a weaker brother and sister is sin if it causes them to drink or eat and condemn themselves. Why? Because they did not eat or drink with a clear conscience; without faith or confidence. The Bible makes the offender culpable for their stumbling. The one offended has committed sin as well because they made a choice they knew they had no fortitude to handle; an indictment due to their weakness.

Remember love has to be the ultimate aim, not our liberty. That’s the best choice.

So, is consuming alcohol always a good choice? Based on the aforementioned sometimes no. Environment and moderation has to be your standard. Once again, we can’t allow our liberty to be an occasion for someone to malign the kingdom of God. If eating and drinking certain things causes an offense, we should avoid it for the kingdom of God’s sake. What should be more important, your liberty in Christ or sacrificing your liberty to love your weaker brother and sister in Christ?

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God (I Corinthians 10:31).

Did Jesus preach the gospel to the dead in hell?

The writer does not know how widely this view is held, but there are some who believe when Jesus died, that his spirit went to hell and preached the gospel to the dead.[i]

The question then would be if he indeed did this, to whom did he evangelize and why?

In 1 Peter 3:18-20 we read this, “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit by whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison who formerly were disobedient when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is eight souls were saved through water.”

The term preached in verse 19 is the Greek work kērussō which means to herald or proclaim. This is not in reference to preaching the gospel which is defined by a different Greek word, euangelizō. The spirits mentioned in verse 19 are not in reference to human spirits, but demon spirits. Between Jesus death and resurrection his human spirit went to the lower parts of the earth and heralded victory over the evil spirits who are confined to some sort of prison in the underworld.

These are the spirits made reference to by Peter and Jude. 2 Peter 2:4 says, “For if God did not spare the angels that sinned (Genesis 6. i.e. Sons of God), but cast them down to hell (Greek word is Tartarus the lowest and darkest place in Greek mythology) and delivered into chains of darkness to be reserved for judgment.”

Jude 6 makes reference to these same wicked beings stating they did not keep their first estate or abode, but are in everlasting chains awaiting final judgment which is the eternal Lake of Fire (Rev 20:10).

This region is not where the wicked human spirits descend to, but a special place where these evil angelic spirits are consigned to.

Of course not all demons are bound. Many of them are on the earth today doing Satan’s bidding.

Another text that relates to what Jesus did when he descended is Colossians 2:15, “He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to an open shame, by triumphing over them in him.”

The words rulers and authorities make reference to ranks of angels. Jesus defeated Satan and the kingdom of darkness when he died on the cross. His lowest point of humiliation was also his greatest exaltation because he rose from the dead (Genesis 3:1;John 12:30; 1 John 3:8).

                                                           What about Abraham’s bosom?

 There is also a belief that the O.T. saints were not in heaven when they died, but their souls were in a part of the underworld called Paradise or Abraham’s bosom – a Talmudic expression for heaven. We read about this account in Luke 16:19-31 where there is a rich man and a beggar named Lazarus. Eventually, both men die. Lazarus goes to Abraham’s bosom a place of comfort, and the rich man is in hell being tormented in flames.

It’s been debated whether this account is a parable or an actual event in history. The writer leans toward this being a parable. The gist of the account is that heaven and hell are real places. Lazarus was at Abraham’s side, the place of honor in comfort (heaven), and the rich man is eternally separated from God in anguish (hell).

The reality that a rich man could go to hell and a poor man go to heaven was despicable to the Pharisees thinking because they loved money (Luke 16:14). A rich man was deemed as blessed and favored of God whereas a poor man was disfavored and despised by God. In this account Jesus taught the exact opposite of what the Pharisees believed.

Due to the fact that the rich man recognizes Abraham and Lazarus give some the illusion that Abraham’s bosom and hell were in proximity due to the mention of a great gulf between the two places. What is interesting is that gulf was so wide that it was impossible for one to reach the other (Luke 16:26). We’re dealing with literally the “other side” (i.e. the abode of the dead), and from this narrative the occupants of heaven and hell communicated with one another.[ii]  The writer does not believe that Abraham’s bosom was a literal place in the underworld were O.T. saints were kept prior to Jesus coming down to preach the gospel to them so they could believe on him, be saved, and then be taken to heaven; i.e. led captivity captive (Ephesians 4:8-10). The saints of old were already justified by faith when they were chosen by God and believed his word.[iii] Their spirits went to be immediately with the Lord at death. Abraham’s bosom I believe is a euphemism for heaven.[iv] We know the bible says God took Enoch up to heaven with him (Genesis 5:24). Elijah was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind (2 Kings 2:1, 11). Jesus said many will come from the east and west and sit with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 8:11). Jesus told the thief on the cross, “this day you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43).

Both Moses and Elijah appeared with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration clearly indicating both were in heaven before the crucifixion (Matt 17:1-4; Mark 9:2-13; Luke 9:26, 27).

Scripture also tells us to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord (2 Cor 5:8). 

These texts clearly tell us a child of God even in the O.T. were immediately in the presence of the Lord after physical death or translation not in the underworld. So in the final analysis, it is unbiblical to assume that Jesus went to hell or Hades to preach the gospel to dead souls.  The gospel is for the living not the dead – whether human or demonic.

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[i] i.e. O.T. Saints not the wicked dead. The hell I’m making reference to is regarding the grave the abode of the dead, not the place of torment.

[ii] The writer will not present this case dogmatically for we are dealing a McCabe issue. I do not believe anyone knows for sure what was going on completely between the rich man and Abraham; the accounts seems to support the idea there were two compartments in Hades, one for the righteous (pre-crucifixion) that was some sort of holding tank awaiting for Jesus to take them away between his death and resurrection, and the suffering part of Hades, the region for the wicked dead where the rich man abided in flames and torment.

[iii] It’s important for the reader to keep in mind that the word  O.T. saints received was the gospel (good news) too. It just was not as revelatory as the N.T. gospel because God had not manifested himself in the person of Jesus Christ back then. The word back then was powerful to save souls and it did, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, etc.

[iv] It’s a mystery to the writer why Jesus described heaven this way. Perhaps has to do specifically with his audience the Pharisees. They would have understood his language.

Who hardened Pharaoh's heart?

This is an interesting issue and a tough one I’m sure for many people when they read the account in the book of Exodus. Without careful study, it can be a very confusing narrative, and raise questions about the actions of God in dealing with Pharaoh. I will try to make some sense of it.

God speaking to Moses we read In Exodus 7:3-4, “And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart and multiply signs, and my wonders in the land of Egypt, but Pharaoh will not heed you so that I may bring My armies and My people, the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt with great judgments.”

However in Exodus 7:13, 23; 8:15,32; 9:6,34,35 it says that Pharaoh hardened his own heart and refused to heed the warnings of the Lord and let Israel go free.

So here’s the apparent dilemma if these passages are not handled properly.

On the surface it appears that God is hardening Pharaoh’s heart and subsequently punishing him for his obstinacy in refusing to let the people go. If that was the only reason for hardening’s Pharaoh’s heart, then God would be unfair. For why would God incite a certain sinful reaction out of Pharaoh, and then punish him for the reaction He provoked? God never tempted Pharaoh to sin (James 1:13).

The reason God hardened Pharaoh’s heart here is so that he could display His mighty power in front of this wicked ruler and the Lord’s name would be declared throughout all the earth (Exodus 9:16); to show 

Pharaoh that He (the Lord) is mightier than all the false gods of Egypt.

Pharaoh also hardened his own heart because he was a wicked man and refused to let the people go, refusing to acknowledge the God of the Hebrews. Pharaoh was a rotten sinner way before he ever encountered God. He was by no means innocent. Pharaoh acted independently, and was totally culpable for his actions. God used the wickedness of Pharaoh against him to display His mighty power in his midst.

The plagues struck against Egypt although very horrific when analyzed carefully exhibited great mercy to the Egyptians. The presence of God was among them, although negatively in judgment. Had they been wise, they would have feared, God, and used those opportunities of judgment against them to repent and be spared the calamities they suffered, but refused which already God knew.

                

Their destruction was just.

So in the final analysis, the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart served the following purposes:

      

 1.   God hardened his heart to display his awesome power among Pharaoh. The hardening God did to               Pharaoh was indirect .God abandoned Pharaoh to his own wicked devices by removing any moral restraints so that Pharaoh could sin on a wholesale basis; magnifying his stubbornness, and hastening his destruction (Romans 1:18-32).  It also shows that God has complete sovereignty over men’s hearts – providing mercy or hardening who he wants so that His purposes may stand (Proverbs 21:1; Roman 9:18). God used Pharaoh's sin as an advantage against him to magnify himself. 

2.       Pharaoh hardened his own heart due to his inherent wickedness.This he did autonomously figuring he was gaining an advantage each time. He was totally unaware that God was also hardening his heart for His own glorious purposes. Pharaoh hardened his heart continually when the power of God continually defeated him diminishing each time any hope of repentance.

Two passages describes Pharaoh’s wicked disposition and those like him:

Proverbs 28:14b says, “But he that hardens his heart will fall into calamity.”

A parallel verse appears in Proverbs 29:1, “He who often rebuked hardens his neck (i.e. stubbornness) will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.”

Every time a plague hit the land of Egypt, it was a judgment from God and a great and clear sign for Pharaoh to repent, but he refused. The "hardening advantage" Pharaoh thought he had was the same actual advantage the Lord used through Pharaoh's sin to judge and destroy him.

Pharaoh received what he deserved, divine justice.