Grace

Posted on April 20, 2012 by Bryan Hodge

The term “grace” is often used by church going people; but what does it mean?  What is the meaning of the word?

In every day speech, we today use the word in a variety of ways: (1) we may speak of God’s grace; (2) Then, we speak of saying grace for our meal; (3) Followed by our observing how gracefully an athlete performed in a sporting event.

Even so, the ancients used the term in a multitude of ways.  Kittel’s says that the word was used of secular Greeks to mean, “…what delights.  It may be a state causing or accompanying joy… In Plato it has the meanings, ‘good pleasure,’ ‘good will,’ ‘favor,’ ‘pleasure,’ ‘what pleases,’ and ‘thanks.’  In Hellenism Charis becomes a fixed term for ‘favor’ shown by rulers … In recipients, Charis denotes ‘thanks’” (Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, page 1301).

How does the Bible use the term?  The original term is translated by the KJV into the following words: acceptable, benefit, favor, gift, grace(-ious), joy, liberality, pleasure, thank(-s, -worthy).  Vine’s says that the word includes the idea of “that which bestows or occasions pleasure, delight… on the part of the bestower, the friendly disposition from which the kindly act proceeds, graciousness, loving kindness… on the part of the receiver a sense of the favor bestowed,  a feeling of gratitude” (Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words, p. 277).  Perschbacher says, “Pleasing show, charm, beauty, gracefulness, a pleasing circumstance, … a beneficial opportunity, a charitable act, generous gift” (The New Analytical Greek Lexicon, page 436).  Thayer lists a variety of ways the word is used including “that which affords joy, pleasure, delight… goodwill, loving kindness, used of the kindness of a master toward his inferiors or servants, and so especially of God toward man… thanks (for the benefits, services, favors)…” …  (Greek-English Lexicon of New Testament, page 666).  Arndt-Gingrich adds, “graciousnes, attractiveness, favor, grace, gracious care or help, goodwill … also by metonymy that which brings someone God’s favor… thanks, gratitude.”  (A Greek English Lexicon of the New Testament and other Early Christian Literature, 2nd Edition, page 877-888).  Scanning the New Testament one finds that the original word is used of: (1) God’s opportunity for salvation extended to man (Titus 2:11; Titus 3:5-7); (2) favor (Luke 1:30; 2:52; Acts 2:47); (3) Kindness (Col. 4:6); (4) Behavior on which God chooses to bestow favor (1 Peter 2:19-20).

The Biblical concept of saving grace is this: (1) There is a “true grace” according to 1 Peter 5:12.  The implied teaching is that there is also false concepts of God’s grace.  But what is the “true grace?”  (2) True grace is from God (1 Peter 5:10).  (3) It is necessary for salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9).  (4) It is available to all (Titus 2:11).  (5) God’s grace includes Christ’s dying of our sins according to Hebrews 2:9.  (6) It has at least some conditions for reception (1 Peter 5:5).  (7) True Biblical grace does not exclude obedient faith (Genesis 6:8 cf. Hebrews 11:6-7).  (8) We today have access to this grace “in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 2:1).  Yet baptism is the way into Christ Jesus (Romans 6:3-4; Galatians 3:26-27).  (9) Baptism is clearly connected, therefore, with God’s grace (Titus 3:7; cf. Titus 3:5).  (10) It is possible to fall from grace (Galatians 5:4; Revelation 3:16).  (11) True grace teaches us to change our lives (Titus 2:11-12).  (12) While God’s grace may be the basis of our salvation. We are not saved by grace alone, without a response of faith (Romans 5:1-2; Ephesians 2:8-9).

My wishes for you: “Grace be with you, Mercy and Peace from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ (2 John 3).

Posted in Grace, Word Study | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Watching For The Lord

Posted on April 18, 2012 by Bryan Hodge

Several times in the New Testament, we are instructed to “watch for the Lord’s coming” or something to that effect.  My question is just what does that mean?  Does it mean that we should all go around gazing up into heaven?

No, it is obvious from the scriptures themselves, that this is not what is intended.  Read Acts 1:9-14.  Notice that the angels asked, “Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven?…” (Acts 1:11); and upon hearing this they returned to Jerusalem and they engaged in prayer, and no doubt other activities.

Moreover, I cannot believe that to “watch” means that we are to look for the signs of His coming.  Matthew 24:36 says, “But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.”  Mark 13:35 says, “Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the Master of the house cometh…”

By the way, concerning Mark 13:35, let me ask a couple of questions.  First, if one was always ready, would it really matter when the Master came?  Second, when the Master does come, will there really be enough time to repent on that occasion?  I don’t get the impression from the scriptures that there will be such time (Matt. 24:38-39 – Did the people of Noah’s day have the opportunity to repent and be saved once the flood waters began to fall, and once the door of that ark was already shut?)

How then is the term “watch” being employed in scripture?  In what sense are we to be “watching for the Lord?”

Read Matthew 25:1-13.  Let it be observed that the difference between the five wise and the five foolish virgins is not that some slumbered and some did not.  The text says “they all slumbered and slept” (Matt. 25:5).  The reference is to physical death.  Neither is the difference due to the fact that  some knew when the groom was coming, and other did not.  The text says nothing about these things.  In fact, the context seems to indicate the opposite.  None knew when He would come (Matt. 25:13).  What was the difference?  The difference is seen in preparation.  This is clearly seen by looking at verses 3, 4, 7 and 8.  “Watching,” therefore, refers here to being ready all the time for the coming of the Lord, whenever that may be (Matt. 25:13).

Next, read Matt. 25:14-30.  The term “watch” does not appear in the words you just read.  But, notice the “for” in verse 14.  This points one back to the term “watch” in verse 13.  Therefore, as one reads Matthew 25:14-30 it becomes clear that the term “watch” carries the idea of doing what you can, with what He has given you, knowing full-well that He one day will return, and will judge us according to our abilities, and according to how we used what He has entrusted us with.

Next, read Mark 13:33-37.  Let me ask you, if you left your house or business with some hired help how would you want them to be watchful?  Would you want them to stand at the window, or the door, or the gate all the day long watching for your return?  Would you want them to, every five minutes, to interrupt their work, to stop working, to go to the window and look and see if you are coming?  Of course the answer is no!  In what way then were they to watch?  Simply put, they were to be faithfully doing the work  that He assigned and gave them authority to do.  One man by the name of James H. Snowden even wrote, “Even the porter at the gate was to watch, not simply for the householder’s return, but for any intruder or marauder that might be prowling about.  He was to be faithful in his ordinary work as a porter.”  (James H. Snowden, D.D., LL.D., The Coming of the Lord: Will it be Pre-millennial?”  The MacMillan Company, N.Y., (c) 1921, page 161).

The last passage to read is Luke 12:25-37.  Again, “watching” here is associated with doing the Lord’s will, and being ready, and always being prepared for His return.  This is expressed again later in this very chapter, Luke 12:41-47.  But, look at verse 40 which says, “Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of Man cometh at an hour, when ye think not.”

A secular consideration – when I worked in the ‘secular world,’ we at times would have so-called “surprise inspections” from the regional or national corporate office.  Usually, there was a tip ahead of time from another location that had just been inspected.  They would call and say, “They are on their way towards you.”  And I would watch grown men running around like chickens with their heads cut off trying to tidy  things up in short order.  It was almost humorous.  But you know, if the location was ran consistently as it should have been, there would be no panic.  Things should have been ran in such a way that all was ready should the inspector come totally as a surprise.

Brethren, if we live as if the Lord could come at any moment, if we are always prepared, then it really will not matter when He comes.  It is in this sense that we are to be watchful.

Brethren, what will the Lord find you doing when He does come?  Will He find you faithfully using whatever abilities He has given you, for good?  Will He find you working?

One last example:  On May 19, 1780 there was a mysterious day of darkness in New England.  Now I don’t know the specific cause.  I don’t know if an eclipse caused this phenomena.  I don’t know if perhaps smoke from a fire elsewhere caused this strange event.  I suppose such could be researched, but I do know this: It did become dark.  Thousands of people thought that the end of all things was at hand.  During this panic period the Connecticut State Legislature was in session.  So great was the darkness that many had become terrified and moved that they adjourn, thinking that judgment day had come.  One of the members was a Mr. Davenport.  He arose and said, “Mr. Speaker, it is either the day of judgment or it is not.  If it is not there is no need of adjourning.  If it is I desire to be found doing my duty.  I move that candles be brought in and that we proceed to business” (Snowden, page 169-171).

The point I am making is that Christ’s coming will either happen today, or it will not.  It’ll either happen tomorrow, or it will not.  We don’t know the time.  But, let us be doing the business we are given to do, and let us be doing it faithfully each day as if He is coming today.  If we do this then we’ll have nothing to fear.  Such is what it means to “watch.”

Posted in be ready, end times, Premillennialism, Word Study | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Soul Mates

Posted on April 16, 2012 by Bryan Hodge

You’ve heard the term “soul mates.”  What is the meaning of this term?  Many people use this term to refer to a couple intended by God to be together, created one for another.  The idea is that there is only one person out there with whom you were designed to be.

Is this thinking Biblical?  I do read that Eve was made for Adam (Gen. 2:18-ff).  This is the only example of a man and woman created one for another, that I read of in the Bible.  I don’t deny that God’s providence can bring certain ones together.  However, the general teachings of the Bible present a different  view when compared with this “soul mate” concept.  The unmarried daughters of Zelophehad were at liberty to “marry to whom they think best; only to the family of the tribe of their father…” (Numbers 36:6).  Widows are told that, “She is at liberty to marry to whom she will; only in the Lord” (1 Cor. 7:39).  Then, Paul goes on to say, “But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment…” (1 Cor. 7:40), that is if she chooses to remain unmarried such is fine, and in fact, may be better due to the present distress (1 Cor. 7:26).  I do read that man and woman have a choice to marry or not to marry, and even have choice in the selection of a mate.  But I do not read about this concept of “soul mates.”

Is there danger in this thinking?  Yes, I do believe so.  Consider this scenario:  Peter and Wendy are married.  They have been married a few years.  The marriage doesn’t seem to have the romantic spark it once had.  The marriage also has certain struggles and difficulties (which all marriages have from time to time).  Wendy believes in this “soul mate” concept.  She begins to think this could not possibly be my soul mate.  This is work and not always roses and fun.  Thus she leaves Peter in search of that one person that was created for her.  She thinks she finds him.  His name is Tom.  She marries him.  Friends warned her what the Bible teaches about marriage, divorce, and remarriage.  She didn’t listen because in her mind she never was intended to be married to Peter.  He was not her intended mate.  She had married Peter, but in God’s plans she really should have married Tom.  Wendy, in her mind, is now simply doing what God has always desired.

A few months go by.  Marriage with Tom is more difficult than she thought.  Bills must be paid.  The house needs cleaning.  Food must be prepared.  This is not how she thought it would be.  Maybe Tom isn’t her “soul mate.”  But he is out there somewhere.  Wendy is going to keep looking.

Folks, marriages don’t just work.  They must be worked on, effort is required.  All is not romance, dining, vacations, and going out.  There is also rearing of children, going to work to earn a paycheck,  housework, dealing with differences, working through arguments, sickness, and disease, and life’s struggles in general.  Many marriages fail due to unrealistic expectations.

Be selective in choosing a mate.  However, God never designed one person for you so that if you find him/her there will be no problems.  Even Adam and Eve had difficulties in their life together.  Work at your marriage.  It is worth the investment!

Posted in Marriage | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Jesus: Divine Language

Posted on April 10, 2012 by Bryan Hodge

One strong evidence to the Deity of Christ is the language used in connection with Him.  I would suggest to you that no other man was so spoken of as Jesus.

First, consider Matthew 28:18-20.  Matthew 28:19 reads, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”  To analyze this, consider first the words “in the name,”  literally “into the name.”  Edward C. Wharton writes, “The phrase, eis to onoma … does not mean that we are to be baptized ’at the command of’ or ’on the authority of’ (as in Acts 2:38 where the phrase is different epi to onomati).  In the Greek papyri into the name was a common phrase for transference of ownership” (The church of Christ, page 46-47).  Arndt – Gingrich’s “A Greek – English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature” says of this wording “Through Baptism … the one who is baptized becomes the possession of and comes under the protection of the one whose name he bears.”  The wording is used of the transferring of ownership.

With the above in mind, listen to brother Roy H. Lanier, Sr., “Would you wish to be baptized into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of Martin Luther?  Or the name of any other human being?  Paul would not allow people to be baptized into his name (1 Cor. 1:13)” – (The Timeless Trinity for the Ceaseless Centuries, page 307).  Jesus is not a mere man.

Second, consider 2 Corinthians 13:14 which reads, “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost be with you all.  Amen.”  Brother Lanier again asks, “How would it sound to you if you heard this: The grace of Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of Peter be with you?  Or the communion of Martin Luther be with you?  Or the communion of Joseph Smith be with you?  Even the followers of these last two men should object to such a connection of persons.  This is ‘holy ground’ and no mere man – sinners all – can be permitted to enter into this circle.  Only persons of Deity may be allowed in the hallowed triumvirate (page 306-307).

Third, Jesus is called the “I am.”  In John 8:58 Jesus said of Himself, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.”  These words are reminiscent of Exodus 3:14, where God said to Moses, “Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I Am hath sent me unto you.”

Fourth, Jesus is referred to as “God” (Heb. 1:8).  And not just “God” but “the Mighty God” (Isa. 9:6).  Wayne Jackson says of this verse, “The term ‘mighty God’ does not suggest an inferior ‘god’ as the watchtower cult contends.  Note the usage of the expression in connection with ‘Jehovah’ in 10:21 and in Jeremiah 32:18 (end note of chapter 3, page 30 of Jackson’s Commentary on Isaiah).  [Robert Morey says, “Note: In the Hebrew of Isaiah 9:6 “Mighty God”  appears without the definite article.  But this is also true in such places as Isaiah 10:21; 49:26.  Since YHWY is called “Mighty God” without the definite article in Isaiah 10:20-21, the absence of the article cannot be interpreted to … reduce Jesus to a god – found on page 96 of the book “How to Answer a Jehovah’s Witness].  He is also referred to as “the eternally blessed God (Romans 9:5 NKJV).  Moreover, He is called “the great God and Our Savior Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13).  There is a Greek grammar rule known as the Granville Sharp Rule.  The rule states that when a solitary definite article (the) precedes compound nouns which are joined by “and” (e.g. the great God and Savior).  The latter noun refers to the same person as the first noun (contrast Matthew 28:19).  Jesus is herein called “the great God.”

Fifth, Jesus is called Jehovah.  This is an important point because while others may be called “god” due to their position, power or might {Exodus 7:1-2; Ex. 22:28 (ASV); Psalm 82; John 10:34-35}, the term Jehovah (YHWY) is never used of a mere human.  The forerunner was to prepare the way for the Lord (Jehovah)- See Malachi 3:1 cf. Matthew 11:10. The New World Translation, produced by the Jehovah’s Witnesses, translates 1 Peter 3:15, “But sanctify the Christ as Lord in your hearts…”  But, this is a quotation/reference from Isaiah 8:13.  The NWT there uses the term “Jehovah”!  Jesus is pictured as the great heart searcher (Revelation 2:23).  Yet such is said of Jehovah (Jeremiah 11:20; 17:10; 20:12).  Also, compare the following: John 1:23 cf. Isaiah 40:9-11; Acts 3:14 cf. Isaiah 43:3; Hebrews 1:10-12 cf. Psalm 102:1-2, 25-27).

Posted in Jesus | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Jesus: His Humanity

Posted on April 6, 2012 by Bryan Hodge

Some people have a difficult time relating to Jesus, because somewhere they have gotten the idea that He was specially protected, and shielded from the difficulties of life as we experience it.  Nothing could be further from the truth of the matter.  Jesus experienced all the aches and pains, trials and pressures of this life that we do, but more so, and with greater intensity.

Upon coming to Earth, He emptied himself (Philippians 2:7 ASV).  He came in the likeness of man (Philippians 2:7; Romans 8:3; Hebrews 2:17).  He was born of a woman (Galatians 4:4).  He was born in a stable.  His first crib (or basinette) was a manger, that is a feed trough for animals (Luke 2:7).  He was circumcised on the eighth day as other Hebrew boys (Luke 2:21).

He was reared in Nazareth (Luke 2:39, 51).  Nazareth was a very insignificant place.  It was a very, very small village.  It never once is mentioned in the Old Testament; Neither, is it mentioned in the Talmud; Nor does the historian Josephus make mention of it, though he mentions 204 Galilean towns by name.  It was not a famous or important place (John 1:46).  He was in subjection to His earthly parents (Luke 2:51).  He evidently grew and developed mentally, intellectually, physically, socially, and in every other way as normal boys grow (1 Samuel 2:26; Luke 1:80; Luke 2:40; Luke 2:52).  He grew up the Son of a carpenter (Matthew 13:55).  He, Himself, evidently learned and practiced the trade as well (Mark 6:33).

So far as His appearance is concerned the Bible says, “He hath no form of comeliness; and when we see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him (Isaiah 53:2).  Homer Hailey wrote of Isaiah 53:2, “There will be no beauty, no royal adornments such as people desire, But only an unimposing peasant carpenter from a small obscure village in Galilee.”  He did not appear with a halo around His head or any special beauty to attract people to Him

He grew tired, or weary (John 4:6).  He needed sleep (Mark 4:38).  He experienced hunger (Matthew 4:2) and thirst (John 4:6-7; John 19:28).  He experienced sorrow (John 11:35; Luke 19:41).  He saw one disciple betray Him (Luke 22:48) and another deny Him (Luke 22:60-61).  Isaiah 53:3 says, “He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief.”  He had physical limitations as a man (Luke 23:26; Mark 15:20-21).  He tasted death (Hebrews 2:9), the most terrible, horrible death imaginable.  The very word ‘excruciating’ literally means ‘out of the cross.’  The cross is synonymous with pain, great pain.

He was tempted (Matthew 4:1; Luke 4:2, 13).  The Bible says that He “was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15).  He “did no sin” (1 Peter 2:22).

What about His miraculous abilities and His inspiration?  Jesus, indeed, worked miracles and was inspired.  But there are a few things which we should remember: #1 – Jesus emptied Himself.  His special powers came not because He was “God in the flesh” (which He was), but His powers came through the anointing of the Holy Ghost (Acts 10:38; Luke 4:18-19; Matthew 12:26-28).  Jesus preached a perfect message by the Holy Spirit (Luke 4:18-19; Acts 1:1-2).  The apostles did their mighty deeds through the same power.  #2 – The Holy Ghost did not come upon Jesus until He was 30 years of age (Matthew 3, Mark 1, Luke 3, John 1 – see especially Luke 3:22-23).  It is not until after this that one finds words like “(He) needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man” (John 2:25 cf. John 1:47-48).  It is not until after this that we have any record of Jesus working miracles (cf. John 2:11).  #3 – Miraculous abilities and inspiration did not keep or shelter one from the potential of sinning (for example: Moses, Balaam, Samson, David, Solomon, the prophet of 1 Kings 13, Jonah, Judas, Peter, those of the churches of Galatia and Corinth, etc.).

The next time that you are tempted to feel sorry for yourself read the words of Hebrews 12:2-4, “looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross; despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.  For consider Him that endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.  Ye have not resisted unto blood, striving against sin.”

Posted in Jesus, Miracles, Suffering, Temptation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Synecdoche

Posted on April 2, 2012 by Bryan Hodge

The title above refers to a figure of speech that is extremely common in the New Testament.  It is a figure of speech in which  a part is put for the whole or the whole for the part.  It is the former, the part for the whole, that we’re interested in for the purposes of this study.  Examples of everyday use of the part for the whole: (1) “Shall we break bread” for “shall we eat;” (2) “look at my new set of wheels” for “look at my new car;” (3) “He had 100 head of cattle” for “he had 100 cows;” (4) years ago some used to say “look at her threads” for “look at her clothes,” etc…    Understanding this figure of speech is important to good Bible study.  Let’s consider the following words:

 Hear

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

Is Paul saying here that to be saved all one must do is hear (w/out belief, repentance or anything else)?

Certainly, this is not what Paul means (Ezek. 33:30-33; Matt. 7:24-27; James 1:22).  This is just a case of a synecdoche.  Hearing is being put for receiving the word and putting it into practice.

Repent

Acts 11:18, “When they heard these things, they held their peace and glorified God saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.”

Does this teach that spiritual life is accomplished by repentance (without belief or anything else)?

The context suggests that this is a synecdoche.  Repentance stands for all that is involved in a man’s response to God.  It includes faith (Acts 10:43) and baptism (Acts 11:13-14; cf. Acts 10:48).  Repentance makes a good figure of speech for all that God requires.  This is the case because if a man truly repents (changes his mind), then he’ll have no difficulty doing all that God requires of him.

 Believe

If one can see that the two afore-mentioned words are sometimes used as a part standing for the whole, then one should be able to accept that this is the case with the term ‘believe,’ as well.   It makes a good synecdoche for if one truly believes then one should have no difficulty doing whatever God requires of him.

  1.  Consider Acts 2:  Those listening to Peter’s sermon want to know what they should do about their guilt of sin (Acts 2:37). They are instructed to repent and be baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38).  3,000 individuals respond to this message (Acts 2:41).  Then the record says, “And all that believed were together.” (Acts 2:44).  Wayne Jackson, in his commentary writes, “’Believed’ sums up the obedience described previously” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 416).

2. Consider Acts 4: In Acts 4:4 the number of believers is said to be 5,000 men.  This clearly takes one back to Acts 2:41 where 3,000 are mentioned in connection with baptism.

3.  Consider Acts 16: In Acts 16:31 a Philippian jailer is told by Paul and Silas, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved…”  No doubt they started here for this man likely had little or no knowledge of Jesus.  In Acts 16:33 the man and his household are baptized straightway.  Then listen to Acts 16:34, he is described as “having believed in God” NASB.  Wayne Jackson writes, “Luke describes the whole process, ‘…having believed in God’… the perfect participle depicts the state at which they arrived as a consequence of their obedience” (ibid, 417).  Note, they weren’t described as believers until after baptism.

4.  Consider Acts 19: In Acts 19:2, Paul asked some at Ephesus, “Have you received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?”,  when they told him that they didn’t know of the Holy Ghost, he asked about their baptism (Acts 19:3).  Wayne Jackson writes, “He was not framing a new question on an entirely different theme.  Rather baptism was a part of the belief process, concerning which he had inquired.” (ibid, p. 417).  He then taught them.  They were baptized.  Watch the fact that it was after their baptism, Paul laid his hands upon them and they received the Holy Ghost (Acts 19:2 cf. 19:3 cf. 19:5-6).  Belief in Acts 19:2 must not refer to belief only.

5.  Study John 3:36 ASV, “He that believeth on the Son hath eternal life; but he that obeyed not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on Him.”  Also Acts 14:1-2 ASV, “…a great multitude both of Jews and of Greeks believed.  But the Jews that were disobedient…”  Do a word study and I think you’ll find that the ASV got it right.  See how belief is put in contrast with disobedience.

Vines  indicates that the term  believe can mean “reliance upon not mere credence.”  Thayer indicates that the term can mean “a conviction – conjoined with obedience.”

6.  Consider Acts 10: Peter tells Cornelius, “Whosoever believeth in Him should have remission of sins.” (Acts 10:43).

Does this mean that belief alone is man’s required response for salvation (without anything else like repentance)?

No, this can’t be what is meant.  I know this by looking at Acts 11:18, “God to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.”

 Conclusion

Here’s a suggestion.  Let’s take all that the Bible says is necessary for salvation.  Let’s not insert the word ‘only’ before anything that God hasn’t.  Let’s not pit scripture against scripture.

Posted in baptism, Cofession, Faith, Plan of salvation, Repentance | Tagged , , , , , , | 9 Comments

“God Hath Spoken by His Son!”

Posted on March 29, 2012 by Bryan Hodge

“God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in times past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom he made the worlds; who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of is person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins sat down on the right hand of the majesty on high” (Hebrews 1:1-3).

What a beautiful passage!  God now speaks to us by his son.

 Time Past

God once spoke to man “at sundry times.”  The wording literally means, “in many parts” or “in many portions.”  The New American Standard Bible reads, “in many portions.”  God revealed his plan for man a little at a time.

God once spoke “in divers manners.”  The wording literally means “in many ways.”  The New American Standard Bible so translates it.

 Time Present

God now speaks “by his son.”  This son is not just some other prophet.  He was in the beginning with God and by him the worlds were made (see Hebrews 1:1-3; John 1:1:1-3, 14; Ephesians 3:9; Colossians 1:16-17).  He is the son (Hebrews 1:1-3 cf. Hebrews 3:5-6).  He is the heir of all things (Hebrews 1:1-3; cf. Matthew 28:18; John 5:22-23).  He is the one who upholds all things (Hebrews 1:1-3 cf. Colossians 1:17).

Man has never seen God in his essence (John 1:18; John 6:46; 1 John 4:12; Exodus 33:20).  However, Jesus is the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person” (Heb. 1:1-3).  When we come to know the Son, we come to know the Father (John 1:18; John 14:9; 1 Timothy 3:16).

This Jesus shed his blood for us (Hebrews 1:1-3).  He sat down after making this perfect sacrifice for our sins (Hebrews 1:1-3 cf. Hebrews 10:11-12).  He is risen, death did not defeat Him (Hebrews 1:1-3; Hebrews 1:13; Hebrews 8:1; Heb. 10:12; Hebrews 12:2).

A Paraphrase

Dr. Robert A. Morey paraphrases Hebrews 1:1-2 this way, “God spoke to the fathers through the prophets in bits and pieces and in many different ways.  The entirety of God’s revelation was not given to humanity in a single instance but was dispersed in different ways to different people over several thousand years.  Each new revelation was like a piece of a cosmic puzzle  Even when the last of the Old Testament prophets had all the pieces which were given to those before Him, he still could not understand the total picture.  It was only after the coming of Christ that the last remaining pieces were supplied and the puzzle completed.”  (Death and the Afterlife, p. 22).

God has blessed us by speaking to us by his Son. It is his Son who has “the words of eternal life” (John 6:68).

Posted in God`s word, Hebrews, Jesus, Textual study | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Gospel

Posted on March 24, 2012 by Bryan Hodge

Our English term “gospel” comes from the Anglo-Saxon term “godspell” which originally meant “good spell, good story,” or “good news.”  It was used to translate the Greek word “euangelion” which meant “good news” or “good tidings.”  (See Webster’s Unabridged).  Outside the Bible the word was used among the Greeks not only of good news in general but as “a technical one for news of victory.”  (See TDNT in one volume, p. 269).

The “gospel” at times refers to the entirety of the New Testament. (1) In Colossians 1:5, we find that “the words,” “the truth,” and “the gospel” are one and the same.  A literal reading here word be “the word, which is the truth” (genitive of identification) and “the truth, which is the gospel” (genitive of identification) (2) In Acts 14:21-22, it is made clear “the faith” and “the gospel” refer to the same body of doctrine.  (3) In 1 Timothy 1:10-11, Paul equates “sound doctrine” and “the gospel of the glory of the blessed God.”  (4) In Hebrews 4:2, “the word” and “the gospel” are used interchangeably (Also compare Mark 16:15 with Acts 8:4 and Acts 13:5, 7).  (5) The gospel is to be preached to, and put in ptractice by the non-Christian (Mark 16:15; Acts 16:10; 1 Corinthians 4:15; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9).  (6) The gospel is to be preached to, and practiced by the Christian (Romans 1:15; Galatians 2:14- lit. “the truth which is the gospel).

However, the very heart of the gospel is the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-4).  This is the message of victory from which we receive the opportunity for victory.  This is the message which gives meaning and good news to the rest of the body of the New Testament.

Now, don’t miss this – the gospel is not only to be preached (Mark 16:15; Rom. 1:5).  It is to be obeyed (2 Thessalonians 1:6-9).  But how does one obey the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ?  How does a non-Christian obey the gospel?  The answer is found in Romans 6:3-4.  Christ died – even so, one must die to the former manner of life, and also unto self – this takes place in repentance (Romans 6:2b; Galatians 2:20; Galatians 6:14).  In repentance a man is dead to the love and practice of sin;      But, not yet the guilt.  Christ was buried – likewise, one is to be buried (not sprinkled or poured).  This is the point that one becomes dead to the guilt of sin by coming in contact with the blood of Christ (Revelation 1:5; Revelation 7:13-14; cf. Acts 22:16 cf. Romans 6:4a).  Christ was raised – in like manner, one is to begin a new life at the point of exiting the water (Romans 6:4, 6, 11).  A person is dead to the love and practice of sin in repentance – but such a one is not raised to a new life until after he/she comes out of the watery grave.  This is how the non-Christian obeys that “form of doctrine,” that is “the gospel” (2 Thessalonians 1:6-f cf. Romans 6:17).

What about the Christian?  How does he obey the gospel?  It is possible for the Christian to continue in a life of sin at some point after baptism (Romans 6:12).  But such should not be.  One was raised to walk in the newness of life (Romans 6:4).  The term “newness” does not refer to the newness in time (neos), but newness in nature or character (kainos).  One is to use his body as an instrument of righteousness, not unrighteousness (Romans 6:11-13).  One’s resolve should be to strive to be each day an instrument of righteousness “created in Christ Jesus unto good works” (Ephesians 2:20).  How does the Christian obey the gospel?  He keeps on walking as a new creature (Colossians 1:23; Colossians 2:6-7).  McGarvey well said, “Only the resurrected rise from the grave.  Therefore, one who has not fully resolved to live as having died unto sin has no right to be lifted from the waters of baptism” (Thessalonians, Corinthians, Galatians, Romans. p. 343).  One obeys the gospel by continuing to live the new life and not reverting back into the old manner of life.  Should one revert, he needs to repent (1 John 1:9; Acts 8:22).

Posted in Plan of salvation, Word Study | Tagged , | 21 Comments

Judah’s Justice

Posted on March 20, 2012 by Bryan Hodge

Judah married a Canaanitish woman (Genesis 38:1-2).  He and his bride produced three sons during their marriage (Genesis 38:3-5).  We’re not told how long they were married; However it, evidently, was for some long time: They lived together long enough to see at least two of their sons reach adulthood and die (Genesis 38:6-11).

In the passing of time, Judah’s wife also met death (Genesis 38:12).  This must have created a great loneliness and emptiness in his life.  Bob Spurlin has written on the loneliness after the death of a spouse  “Regardless of how long your marriage lasted before its separation at death, when you remain behind, a part of you is gone.  No longer are you a couple as changes will occur and adjustments must be made, and the same will be true with your friends who remain a couple.  Normalcy as you know it is over and you are no longer considered a couple, which causes a sense of stress with your married friends.  If our spouse dies after the children have left home you discover how empty the house is and what a lonely place the house has become.  You sleep alone, instead of next to a warm body.  You eat your meals on your own and eating out is difficult, if not impossible.  There is a great void in being alone.  If you have not experienced handling finances, taking care of, or servicing the car, handling the lawn mower, cooking a meal, making use of the washer and vacuum cleaner may take an adjustment” (Don’t Ever Give Up, p. 55-56).  Could this describe how Judah might have felt?

Judah, perhaps in his loneliness, went into a veiled woman he took for a harlot (Genesis 38:12-18).  “We need to realize that after one has spoken the beautiful language of sex with his mate and his mate dies that there might be added temptation to get involved in activities like these, but they are sinful.  Sex can be enjoyed only in the realm of scriptural marriage.”  (Wesley Simon’s chapter in the Book of Genesis, 2001 Memphis School of Preaching Lectureship, p. 363).

The woman was really Tamar.  Tamar was a widow,  and twice over Judah’s daughter-in-law.  God had struck her first husband – Er, and her second husband- Onan dead (Gen. 38:7, 10).  According to Leverite custom she should next be wedded to Shelah.  Judah instructed her to wait until Shelah was old enough to marry (Genesis 38:11).  But then, when Shelah was of age, Judah still hadn’t given him to her for a husband (Genesis 38:14).  What was she to do?  She was not free to marry, she had been promised to Shelah.  If she could not have this last son of Judah’s as her husband, she would remain childless and have no one to care for her in her old age.  Judah feared to give Shelah to her (he thought she was cursed, it seems – Genesis 38:11).  Thus, she took matters into her own hands and schemed a way to compel this family of Judah’s to care for her.

Three months elapsed.  The story circulated that Tamar’s with child (Genesis 38:24).  Judah heard the reports.  He had her brought to him with the intent of having her put to death (Genesis 38:24).  But, when she was brought forth she produced evidence which proved that she had been with Judah.   Judah’s reaction is found in Genesis 38:26, “Judah acknowledged them (the evidence – B.H.) and said, ‘she hath been more righteous than I; because that I gave her not to Shelah my son.  And he knew her again no more.’”  To Judah’s credit he acknowledged his sins and he never again committed fornication with her.

It is easy for us to be guilty of  “Judah’s Justice.”  We see the sins of others so plainly.  Yet, we overlook our own sins, and don’t apply the same standards to them (Matthew 7:4-5; Romans 2:1-3, 21-23).  Before we apply God’s word to others, let’s remember to also apply  it to self.

Something else: Judah initially knew if this thing were known it could bring shame (Genesis 38:20-23).  I heard someone on the radio say the other day that there are three things to keep in mind when making an ethical decision: (1) What if everyone knew or could see what I’m about to do?  (2) What if everyone did what I am about to do, would the world be better or worse?  (3)  What would my heroes, those I look up to, do if they were in my shoes?  Read 1 Peter 2:21-ff; Phil. 2:5; John 13:35; Hebrews 12:2-4; 1 Corinthians 11:1.

Posted in Ethics, Judgment | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

“Rain, Rain”

Posted on March 12, 2012 by Bryan Hodge

When I was a child I used to chant, “Rain, rain, go away, come again some other day.”  But now, I understand the physical need for rainfall.  I appreciate it.  You probably do too, especially after drought times.

There are also some great spiritual lessons to be learned from rain.  With all the rainfall that we have experienced recently, I thought this might be lessons of a timely nature as well.

Lesson #1:  The value of good words.  Deuteronomy 32:1-2 reads of Moses’ words of revelation from God, “Give ear, O ye heavens, and I will speak; and hear, O earth, the words of my mouth.  My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distill as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and the showers upon the grass.”  God’s words, like dew and rain, give refreshment and vitality.  God’s words provide life-sustaining properties (John 4:13-14).  They are meant for our good (Deuteronomy 6:24; John 10:10 cf. 6:68).

Job said of the benefit his own words provided to others, “…my speech dropped upon them.  And they waited for me as for the rain; and they opened their mouth wide as for the latter rain” (Job 29:22b-23).  Like rain to a thirsty land, so says Job were his words.  Psalm 65:10, 12 reads, “Thou waterest the ridges thereof abundantly: Thou settlest the furrows thereof… They drop upon the pastures of the wilderness: and the little hills rejoice on every side.”  That’s what rain does.  That’s what evidently Job’s words did for others.  Questions: Do our words cause people to grow and develop?  Do our words strengthen?  Do they bring joy?  Do people long for our communication like the earth longs for rain?  Ephesians 4:29 reads, “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying (building up-B.H.).”

Lesson #2:  The value of fellowship.  Psalm 133:1, 3 reads, “Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity …As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion.”  Mt. Hermon, in far northern Israel, is 9,232 feet in height.  It is snow-covered much of the year.  In the summer dew descends upon this mountain so copious at night that one would think it rained heavily all night.  Mt. Zion does not refer to the mountain of Jerusalem but to Hermon (cf. Deuteronomy 4:48).  This dew allowed the “cedars of Lebanon” to prosper.  The precipitation on this mountain was the source and supply of the Jordan that watered the land below, and that supplied lake Galilee.  Questions: Do our relationships as Christians help sustain spiritual life?  Do we bring comfort one to another (1 Thes. 4:18)?  Can we say of the fellowship here “how good and how pleasant…!”?

Lesson #3: The power of God.  Rain storms remind us of the power of God, and provide an excellent opportunity to teach such to our children.  In Job 26:14b Job exclaims, “But the thunder of His power …”  Remember when you were a child how frightened thunder made you?  God controls the thunder (Job 28:26-28; 1 Samuel 7:10).  He controls and created this natural world.  That booming bass sound of thunder ought to remind us that our God is a mighty God.  It will be a “fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” in an unsaved condition (Hebrews 10:26-31).

Lesson #4: A good foundation is needed.  Torrential downpours can bring catastrophe.  Storms can be violent.  Houses built upon no, or little, or weak foundations have almost no chance.  Even so, if we are to survive the storms of this life, we must have a good spiritual foundation.  Jesus said, “Therefore, whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rains descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon the house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.  And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the wind blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.”  (Matthew 7:24-27).   Questions: Is your marriage built upon the word of God?  The best marriage book ever written was the Bible.  If people would listen to and do what it teaches, marriages would not fall apart so easily.  Do you rear your children according to the Bible?  The greatest pattern you can possibly follow to have your children turn out right is the Bible.  Is your life built upon the rock?  Such would keep us firm (instead of falling apart) during the difficulties of life.

Lesson #5:  Scientific foreknowledge.  Ecclesiastes 1:7 reads, “All the rivers run into the sea; yet the sea is not full; unto the place from whence the rivers come, thither they return again.”  Ecclesiastes 11:3a reads, “if the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth.”  Amos 9:6 says, “He that calleth for the waters of the sea, and poureth them out upon the face of the earth; the Lord is His name.”  Brother Bert Thompson has written, “The idea of a complete water cycle was not fully understood or accepted until the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries.  The first substantial evidence came from the experiments of Pierre Perrault and Edme Mariotte.  Astronomer Edmund Haley also contributed valuable data to the concept of a water cycle.  More than 2,000 years prior to their discoveries, however, the scriptures indicated a water cycle.”  [From the book, “A Study Course in Christian Evidences by Bert Thompson (Apologetics Press, Inc. Montgomery Alabama) c 1992 page 129].

Lesson #6:  The rainbow. Perhaps in times of heavy downfall like these we should remind our children of the great rainbow promise (Gen. 9:11-17).

Posted in Nature, science, Unity, Weather | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment