My 2021 Christmas Thought

Each year around Christmas I use my daily reflection time to think of something especially pertinent to the miraculous arrival of Jesus to earth as a babe in Bethlehem and His subsequent impact as the Saviour of the world.

In previous years I have written about the Santa deception, God's plan and provision to take away the sin of the world, the use of BC and AD to divide our calendar, and so on.

This year my Christmas thoughts have focused on another purpose God had in sending His Son, Jesus Christ, into our world - to show us what God is like.

Jesus himself declared this aspect of his role:

"The one who looks at me is seeing the one who sent me."
[John 12 : 45  NIV]

This was affirmed by other writers in the New Testament:

The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being,
[Hebrews 1 : 3a  NIV]
The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.
[Colossians 1 : 15  NIV]

Even so, some close disciples were slow to grasp this. Here is part of a 'Jesus-disciple' conversation recorded by John:

Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?"
Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
"If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him."
Philip said, "Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us."
Jesus answered: "Don't you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time?
Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'?" [John 14 : 5 - 9  NIV]

Prior to Jesus' arrival on our planet, people had mixed views about what God was like. The Law and the Prophetical writings in the Old Testament provided some insights but were limited and sometimes quite inconsistent.

To demonstrate the superior witness of Jesus over that of the Old Testament writings, we could look at that miraculous event played out on what we often call Mount Transfiguration, recorded in Matthew 17, Mark 9 and Luke 9.

Moses (representing the Law) and Elijah (representing the Prophets) were seen with Jesus on the mountain by Peter, James and John. When Peter offered to build shelters for Moses, Elijah and Jesus to show equal honour and respect for them, a cloud removed Moses and Elijah, and a voice from the cloud declared:

This is my Son, whom I love; with whom I am well pleased. Listen to him!
Matthew 17 : 5  NIV]

Equal honour was not to be assumed or given. Jesus is the Son.

No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.
[John 1 : 18  NIV]

Listen to him! He knows God perfectly, far better than Moses and Elijah.

Although the Bible teaches us much about God, it really is pointing us to Jesus who is "the exact representation of his being".

This Christmas let's offer God thanks for his Son, the Bethlehem babe, who takes away the sins of the world, and resolve to listen to him as he reveals the God of love and mercy to us.

Blessings, Barry

The Parable of the Hidden Treasure

The Parable of the Hidden Treasure - a new slant on the story.

I haven't often written about the parables of Jesus, concentrating more on the gospel to the Gentiles as espoused by the Apostle Paul.

But recently, in my personal devotions, I have been allowing the Holy Spirit to expand my thinking beyond the obvious and traditional interpretations and applications of the stories Jesus told in Israel.
And I thought I would share one of these more expansive thoughts today using the parable of the hidden treasure reported by Matthew in Chapter 13 verse 44.

The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. [NIV]

Jesus was teaching his Jewish audience that the kingdom he was offering was so valuable that it was worth selling all a person had to obtain it.

The obvious and traditional interpretation of the main point of the parable is that for the enormous worth of the Kingdom any sacrifice, including all that one has, is not too great a price to pay.
Rarely are the other details, like hiding the treasure so others won't find it or buying the whole field, mentioned in these interpretations.

But how about this for a new slant?
Instead of teaching how a Jew ought to response to the good news about the kingdom of God coming near to him, and being prepared to sacrifice all to gain it, maybe Jesus was teaching something about himself.

In that case, Jesus was the man who sacrificed all that he had, not just to have the hidden treasure, the kingdom, but the entire field that contained it - indeed the whole world, as the field is called in a previous parable explanation. (Matt 13 : 38)

Maybe this one verse parable is a description of what Jesus was about to do.
 
Interestingly, after Jesus had been rejected by the Jewish leaders, he hid the kingdom from his public audiences by restricting his teaching to parables, only explaining them to his disciples in private.

The disciples came to him and asked, "Why do you speak to the people in parables?"
He replied, "Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them.
... This is why I speak to them in parables: "Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand.
In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: "'You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.
[Matthew 13 : 10 - 14  NIV]

Jesus deliberately hid the kingdom from this generation of the nation who was chosen to rule in it.

And what did Jesus do after hiding the kingdom?
He went and bought the whole field - the whole world - which he promised to do.

And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself."
[John 12 : 32  NIV]

John also confirmed the Lord's world-wide mission:

 ... we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.
He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.
[1 John 2 : 1 -2  NIV]

And so, eventually, Jesus would not only have the kingdom treasure, but the whole field through His purchase.

The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign for ever and ever."
[Revelation 11 : 15  NIV]

Have you heard such a slant on this parable before - Jesus telling a parable about himself and his purpose in coming to our world?

Blessings, Barry

God Predestines Salvation

There are many Christians who believe that God has predestined certain people to be saved and the rest of mankind to be lost - that God chooses beforehand who will be saved and who will be forever lost.

They usually expect the outcome for those saved to be eternal bliss in heaven with God and for the lost to be annihilation or eternal torment in a place they call hell.

Although God's foreknowledge and predestination activities are mentioned or inferred several times in the Scriptures, there are only two passages (in most of our English translations) that specifically use this word in relation to the future of mankind.

And these passages only refer to the predestination of specific people to be saved, and say nothing about anyone being predestined to be lost.

Here's the first:

... To God’s holy people in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus: ...
For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.
In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. ...
In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.
[Ephesians 1 : 1 - 12  NIV]

It is interesting that it was only the saints, the holy and faithful ones, the first to benefit from God's plan of salvation, that were predestined. Clearly, God has predetermined who will be his saints, the Body of Christ, in the current age.

And the second:

For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.
[Romans 8 : 29 - 30  ESV]

This passage, written to those loved by God and called to be holy and belong to Jesus Christ, also shows God pre-selecting those who are to be members of Christ's church.

So the only specific predestination I can find in the Scriptures is God deciding beforehand those who would be saved and comprise the Body of Christ during this current age of grace, and participate in the coming millennial kingdom.

But God's plan of salvation does not end there.
Jesus is going to draw all people to himself

And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will drag everyone to me.
[John 12 : 32  DBH]

because he died for the sins of all people

And he is an atonement for our sins, and not only for ours, but for those of the whole cosmos.
[1 John 2 : 2  DBH]

and God's plan is for all people to be saved and come to know God's love and provision for them.

... our savior God, who intends all human beings to be saved and to come to a full knowledge of truth.
[1 Tim 2 : 4  DBH]

So although the word predestined is not used in these references, it's clear that God's predetermined plan of salvation is intended to cover all people.
 
Why do I say predetermined or predestined here?

In all his wisdom and insight God did what he had purposed, and made known to us the secret plan he had already decided to complete by means of Christ.
This plan, which God will complete when the time is right, is to bring all creation together, everything in heaven and on earth, with Christ as head.
[Ephesians 1 : 9 - 10  GNB]

Clearly, salvation for all people has been predestined by God; especially those to be saved as the Body of Christ, the Advance Party, in this age.

We struggle and work hard, because we have placed our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all and especially of those who believe.
[1 Timothy 4 : 10  GNB]

Blessings, Barry

Response to Universal Reconciliation Opposition - Part 14

This is the fourteenth in a mini-series of posts responding to the arguments offered by Dr Arnold G. Fruchtenbaum (Dr Arnold) against God's plan to eventually reconcile and save all His creation.

His arguments against Universal Reconciliation (UR) are offered under five headings, the fourth of which is d. The Final Decision Made in this Life. (see a previous post "Opposition to Universal Reconciliation" here)

Under the d. The Final Decision Made in this Life heading Dr Arnold states that the fourth argument is that, according to Scripture, the final decision is made in this life and cites 2 Corinthians 6 : 2 and Hebrews 9 : 27 to illustrate his assertion.

Let's consider the first of these verses.

For he says, "In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you." I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation.
[2 Corinthians 6 : 2  NIV]

It seems that Dr Arnold is using one of the many interpretative English "translations" of 2 Cor 6 : 2 (like NIV above] to make the point that the day of salvation had arrived for the original readers of this letter, and then infer that this day is therefore the only day salvation is available.

However the is not in the original of this verse. Here is a literal translation from ALT3.

for He says, "In an acceptable time I heard you, and in a day of salvation I helped you".
Listen! Now acceptable time. Listen! Now day of salvation.

The first sentence in the verse is a quote from Isaiah 49. Paul's use of it is the second sentence.

A smooth English translation from the original would use "a" or "an" to help the flow of the sentence when there is no "the" in the original, like this one.

For he says, "In an acceptable time I heard you, and on a day of salvation I helped you." Look: Now is an acceptable time. Look: Now is a day of salvation. [DBH]

Clearly more than one day of salvation exists.

Did Abraham live in a day of salvation?

What does Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness".
[Romans 4 : 3  NIV]

Did David live in a day of salvation?

After removing Saul, he made David their king. God testified concerning him: 'I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.'
From this man's descendants God has brought to Israel the Savior Jesus, as he promised.
[Acts 13 : 22 -23  NIV]

Do we live in a day of salvation?

So then, "Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
[Romans 10 : 13  GW]

It seems a pity that a word that is not in the original Biblical text is used to support a point of view that denies God's plan to reconcile all of creation to Himself by the end of the realm of time.

and here is the motive of our toiling and wrestling, because we have our hopes fixed on the ever-living God, who is the Saviour of all mankind, and especially of believers.
[1 Timothy 4 : 10  Weymouth]

There are clearly many more days of salvation needed, even after death. The final decision is not made in this life for most of mankind.

Now let's consider the Hebrews verse that has been cited to demonstrate that the final decision regarding salvation is made in this life.

Everyone must die once, and after that be judged by God.
[Hebrews 9 : 27  GNB]

By using this verse to make his point, Dr Arnold is inferring that the judgement mentioned here will always produce a guilty verdict after which rehabilitation is not possible.
If God is to complete His plan to reconcile all things in heaven and on earth to Himself, then a restoring process of some sort must follow the judgement after death.

Through the Son, then, God decided to bring the whole universe back to himself. God made peace through his Son's blood on the cross and so brought back to himself all things, both on earth and in heaven.
[Colossians 1 : 20  GNB]

I have written several posts previously that address God's judgements as a righteous Judge and a whole chapter called "God's Merciful Judgement" in the book The Really Good News About God. A free web version of the book can be read on https://www.ibtechservices.com.au/gnw.html.

Here's a snippet from page 146.

So a judgement may have a favourable or an unfavourable outcome, not always an unfavourable one as some people believe the word “judgement” implies.

However, in the case of an unfavourable outcome, the penalty is designed and administered with the purpose of improving the guilty person’s behaviour or character so that he or she will eventually be different.
Once that penalty has been paid and the change in behaviour or character achieved, the previously guilty person will then become as free as a person who was immediately acquitted.

God is always in the rehab business because He is a God of love and mercy.

For God has made all people prisoners of disobedience, so that he might show mercy to them all.
[Romans 11 : 32  GNB]

Judgement is not the end, as Dr Arnold infers. It is an essential step on the way to reconciliation with God, so fulfilling His plan to bring the whole universe back to himself.

Blessings, Barry

Vaccinated or Not?

The challenges and costs (personal, corporate, national and global) of the current pandemic are severe enough. But the debate about vaccine types, brands and safety has added another dimension to people's concerns.

However I will use this post to mention another concern: the potential for communities to be divided between the vaccinated and the un-vaccinated.

There is much talk about the freedoms vaccinated people will have compared with those who have not been vaccinated when national and global restrictions are lifted.

There seems to be a fear held by many of the vaccinated about being in close proximity to the un-vaccinated, resulting in certain activities only being available to the vaccinated. Given that data currently available suggests vaccines are of most use to prevent serious disease and death, proximity to others is probably a mute point, especially when mask-wearing is often mandated.

However, I do not wish to discuss the medical side of this, but the social/moral cost that is looming, which is largely being ignored.

Although some citizens are required to be vaccinated by their governments or their workplaces, by and large vaccination is a personal choice - as is remaining un-vaccinated.
People need to make their own choices on their personal circumstances after sorting through the vast range of official and social media advice being offered.

With that choice made, each group has chosen its personal level of protection - and life should open up and return to "normal" with each group needing to respect the freedom of the other group to choose as they have decided.

I find this approach to be consistent with St Paul's instructions to first century Christians belonging to a multi-national church in Rome composed of Jews and Gentiles. Their backgrounds were clearly very different, as were their paths to church membership.

In the disputes that arose, mainly because the Jews wished to impose their path to membership on the Gentiles, there was great pressure on harmony in the church.

Romans chapters 14 and 15 are filled with wise advice on handling that situation. Here are some samples using the NIV translation.

You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God's judgement seat?
(14 : 10)
Therefore let us stop passing judgement 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 : 13)
Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.
(14 : 19)
Accept one another, then, just as Christ has accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.
(15 : 7)

I think we could use this advice as encouragement to accept and avoid being judgemental toward fellow saints who have made a different vaccine choice to us.

And, wherever God gives us the opportunity, to encourage others to adopt the same approach.

Blessings, Barry

Serious Big Picture Distractions

The last post, Keeping the Big Picture in View, was a reminder to keep God's Grand Plan in mind when observing and experiencing life's more challenging circumstances.
However there are sources other than life's sufferings and injustices that might distract us from keeping God's Big Picture in view.

The first is the misleading English Bible translations that most Christians own.

I have discussed this problem in several posts over the years so I won't take space here. But you can find two of them here and here; or just put "translation" in the search box on the right.

The most common and most misleading translation is the use of "eternal" when "aionian" or "eonian" or "of the age" should have been used.
And I have written about this many times too. You can find two posts here and here; or just put "age" or "aionian" in the search box.

However, the "eternal" mistranslations in English were initiated by very early (4th and 5th century AD) mistranslations between Greek and Latin, but the end result is the same. The difference between life in the coming kingdom and genuine eternal life has been hidden. Certainly believers (only) will have kingdom life, but others need to wait until the second resurrection for their preparation into eternity.

These mistranslations and the prophetic theology derived from them has produced doctrine that is so embedded in the mainstream churches that it is considered heretical to challenge it, even with accurate literal translations and the better theology they produce.

The second is the supply of misleading books and websites authored by Christians who don't know or accept God's Big Picture or build their theology on the mistranslations just mentioned.

We are blessed to have access to so much Bible teaching and discussion on the internet, as well as millions of books in print or in digital format.
However, we need to treat that abundance a bit like our shopping at a supermarket - choosing some to read while leaving others on the shelf.

And even after you dive into your selected site, you might still find some articles that appeal and some that don't.
I have some excellent sites that I learn so much from, yet they contain articles or points of view that conflict with God's Big Picture.

For example, the site For What Saith the Scriptures? authored by Shawn Brasseaux contains some excellent material.
Unfortunately, a few articles contain paragraphs that depart from Scripture.
Here is one of them:

God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself; however, that does not mean that everyone will eventually go to heaven.
Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 4:10:“For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.”
While salvation from sin and hell is being offered to everyone through Jesus Christ’s finished crosswork, the phrase “specially of those that believe” proves that the merits of Christ’s work at Calvary cannot profit each individual until he or she trusts it.

Not only does Shawn fail to appreciate God's Grand Plan, but he actually contradicts it by filtering the verse through his own predetermined position (using terrible grammatical skills) to make his own position sound more Biblical than the Bible's.

You might see the poor grammar more easily with this parallel:
I like ice-cream, especially chocolate.
Shawn's grammar would accuse me of only liking chocolate ice-cream - which I can assure you is incorrect!

1 Timothy 4 : 10 correctly says that God will save all men, and of all the saved, believers have something special about them. Indeed they do. They are the Body of Christ, the Advance Party, through whom Christ administers the coming kingdom age.

So, although I learn much from this site, I am very cautious when reading an article that ignores or contradicts God's Grand Plan.

Now I can understand these commentators echoing traditional mainstream church doctrines based on faulty translations, because that's their starting point. But to actually change the text or contradict the text to uphold their doctrinal position is inexcusable.

So how do I avoid these distractions in my personal Bible Study?

I know the English words to watch out for in Bible translations - hell, eternal, forever and ever, torment, annihilation,  - and I am alert to the theology and points of view that deny or oppose God's Grand Plan of universal reconciliation. And I read Bibles and books and websites with these alert flags automatically in place.

But I wasn't always like this.
For many years, whenever I ran into poor Bible translation or interpretation or commentary (or author opinion) that contradicted what God had clearly declared in other parts of Scripture, I would give up reading that site (or that book).

In the case of books, there were many sitting on my shelves for years that I would never open again - and I would not give them away either as that would have me contributing to the distribution of false information (fake news, we call it these days).

But I have now changed my practice.
I now keep reading most authors for whatever sound teaching and commentary they are providing, but ignore or put a line through those parts that I can't align with Scripture or that contradict God's Grand Plan.

I seem to be following the advice given by Charles C. Ryrie in the Foreword of a book on Eschatology on my shelves:

The author's consideration of the Biblical material is thorough and thought-provoking. His conclusions will not always meet with full agreement even by those who share his approach, but those who read this book cannot help but be instructed and stimulated by his work.

Many years ago, I remember being dumb-struck by an author who seemed to be correct in so many areas and yet seemed horribly incorrect in another. I had spoken openly about my amazement of this author's apparent blind spot, when one young staff member said to me, "Barry, if he was correct in everything, you would worship him."

How profound!
I have since believed that God is not going to reveal all of His truth to any single person or group for that reason.
So I don't expect any author or teacher or preacher to have everything sewn up any longer.

And that surely includes me!
I still have many questions to be answered and points of understanding to be resolved, even though I spend many hours a week trying (especially during Victoria's "endless" lock downs).
I always write my theology in pencil. 😀

So I supermarket shop my way through books, websites and Bible translations - taking what is helpful to understanding and appreciating God's Grand Plan to reconcile all things to Himself and leaving other items on the shelf.

Blessings, Barry

Keeping the Big Picture in View

The Bible's Big Picture is rarely mentioned and possibly not even known by many.
So what is it?

For in him (God's Son) all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.
... and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
[Colossians 1 : 16, 20  NIV]

The Big Picture in one sentence: God, through His Son, Jesus Christ, created the universe and will eventually live in harmony with it for ever.

This means that everything that happens between the beginning (creation) and the end (reconciliation) must be contributing to that end result - even bad things like sin and death.

This idea was expressed by the young Indian manager in the movie The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel in his response to complaints about deficiencies in the hotel's amenities, "Everything will be all right in the end. So if it's not all right, then it is not yet the end."

The key players in God's grand plan are named Adam - the first Adam and the last Adam.

The first man Adam became a living being; the last Adam, a life-giving spirit.
[1 Corinthians 15 : 45  NIV]

As such, each had a major role to play.

For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man.
For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.
[1 Corinthians 15 : 21 - 22  NIV]

So in all our reading of the Scriptures, in all our observation of what's happening in the world around us, it is important to keep in mind:
God created the heavens and earth and is going to live in joyful harmony with all of it in the end;

The first Adam brought death into the world and the last Adam brings life into it.
"Everything will be all right in the end. So if it's not all right, then it is not yet the end."

Let's also not be tempted to think God's grand plan is going to fail because something seems to have gone terrible wrong.
God is in charge of His universe, so will complete His project.
He assures us:

I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come.
I say, 'My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.'
From the east I summon a bird of prey; from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose.
What I have said, that I will bring about; what I have planned, that I will do.
[Isaiah 46 : 10 - 11  NIV]

One of the most tragic experiences for a believer is see a close friend or a member of the family die without knowing the Lord.
We need to remember that "is not yet the end".

Sure we would have preferred that person to have known the Lord and have been part of the kingdom in the next age, and we probably worked and prayed for that to happen.

But at the end of the ages, through judgement at the GWT and refining in the LOF, everyone will be reconciled to God and enjoy eternity in harmony with Him.

Let's be assured that believers are just the firstfruits of the crop, and the main harvest is still to come.
If

For he (Christ) must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet.
[1 Corinthians 15 : 25  NIV]

and

The last enemy to be destroyed is death.
[1 Corinthians 15 : 26  NIV],

then

there will only be life remaining - which can be also be expressed this way:

For God has bound everyone over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all.
[Romans 11 : 32  NIV]

In brief, let's always keep the Big Picture in view.
Trusting God is in control and will complete His grand plan for His creation gives us peace now and hope for the future.

Blessings, Barry
 

Trusting God to Get Through

We are currently going through another statewide lock-down due to a mini surge in COVID-19 cases.
A couple of days prior to a recent Sunday service I received an email from the minister of our church:

I am planning on leading a series of services with themes which fit under the theme of "Keeping afloat as people of faith in today's world."
I wondered whether you might be willing to share a little about "the things" that have helped you remain afloat in the faith?

Without thinking, I immediately replied "yes".
But when I began to think about it, I realised what a challenge I had given myself.
Why?
Because I'd never thought about it before - my faith just seems to happen, just seems to be there.

Clearly, it must be a gift from God as it doesn't need me to rouse it into action, and it doesn't seem to be affected by the circumstances I am in.

Certainly there have been many challenges over the years that God has used to stretch my faith, often making me wait until the last minute to show His hand in some situation, but never to weaken it, or cause me to doubt Him.

To condense my response to just the one thing that helps me most is my belief in the sovereignty of God.
Indeed, I devoted a whole chapter to that topic in The Really Good News About God, so I won't repeat any of that discussion here.

I believe God created the world and is in full control of His creation.
So whatever He causes or permits, I trust God knows what He's doing, no matter how it looks from down here.

When God arranged for His Son to be brutalised and murdered, it looked like a disaster and tragedy from down here, but God knew what He was doing to guarantee the salvation of the world.

Even in the current COVID climate, there is disaster and tragedy down here, but God seems to be using it. More people seem focused on God, more are praying, more are demonstrating neighbourly love, care and support, and more are looking for the real purpose in life.

This position seems to agree with Paul's view in his letter to the church at Corinth.

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
[1 Corinthians 10 : 13  NIV]

This verse makes more sense, and shows an even stronger connection to what I have shared above, using two translation options.
First, the Greek for "temptation" and "tempted" can just as accurately be translated as "testing" and "tested".

Second, the NIV (and most other translations) doesn't make logical sense.
How can providing "a way out" enable you to endure the testing?
Surely "a way out" enables you to escape the testing, not endure it.

If we replace "a way out" with "an outcome" the verse demonstrates that a planned outcome is provided with the testing.
In other words there is purpose in the testing.

Let me confess that I have only been able to find a couple of translations which include this optional translation: "outcome" for "a way out".
However, it is interesting to note that the Greek word from which "a way out" is translated is used only one other time in the New Testament.

Here it is:

Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.
[Hebrews 13 : 7  NIV]

And most translations agree, either literally or in meaning.
Clearly, in Hebrews "outcome" is the correct English translation and makes perfect sense, but "a way out" or "a way of escape" is used in Corinthians to produce an illogical statement.

So here is my translation of our verse:

No testing has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tested beyond what you can bear. But when you are tested, he will also provide an outcome (purpose) so that you can endure it.
[1 Corinthians 10 : 13  BV = Barry's Version]

And this thought is supported by the familiar encouragement given by Paul to the church at Rome:

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
[Romans 8 : 28  NIV]

Interestingly, Robert Frost, one of America's best-loved poets, has a similar statement to these from Paul.

 "The best way out is always through."

This quote also reflects a famous Yiddish proverb, "If you're going through hell, keep going".

So, how do I keep afloat in the faith?
By trusting God is in full control and uses all my circumstances, good and bad, easy and tough, for a purpose or outcome He has already prepared for me, even when it mightn't look like it.

Just ask Jesus.
His view from "down here" was very similar to ours during tough times ...

"My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death."
"My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will."
"My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done."
[Matthew 26 : 38, 39, 42  NIV]

... but knew His Father had a planned outcome that He was able to submit to.

And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.
For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
[Hebrews 12 : 1, 2  NIV]

That's another way of saying how to "remain afloat in the faith" - follow Jesus ! - because He trusted His Father was in full control of His circumstances.

Blessings, Barry

This is My Son

I read my Bible in various ways.
Sometimes while looking for something in particular, I skim through chapter after chapter until I find the targeted reference or event.
Other times I read very slowly and often pause for quite a long time while the truth of what I've read sinks in, soaks through my mind and meshes with other truths already stored there.

Here's an example of a long pause today.
Matthew 3 : 17 records:

And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased."

This declaration came after Jesus became a man and was baptised by John in the Jordan river.
God was saying that this Jesus, in His humanity, was His beloved Son.
The human Jesus fully identified with Adam and his descendants so He could take away our sins.

For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people.
[Hebrews 2 : 17   NIV]

Matthew 17 : 5 records:

... and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased."

This identical declaration came after Jesus was transfigured before Peter, James and John on the mountain.
God was saying that this Jesus, in His divinity, was His beloved Son.
The divine Jesus fully identified with the realm and glory of heaven.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
[John 1 : 1  NIV]

Jesus was indeed the "Son of Man" and the "Son of God".

This immediately meshed with a statement from Paul in the introduction of his letter to the Roman church.

... the gospel of God ... regarding his Son, who as to his earthly life was a descendant of David, and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord.
[Romans 1 : 1 - 2  NIV]

This conjunction of "Son of Man" with "Son of God" in one person really pushes the minds of us mere creatures to the limit, doesn't it?

That's why we have a spirit, indwelt by the Holy Spirit, to extend us beyond our soulish boundaries.

What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us.
[1 Corinthians 2 : 12  NIV]

As a follower of Jesus, I also have an identity in the world and in heaven.
I need to live fully engaged with the world, fulfilling the calling God has given me, while fully engaged with the Spirit, living as a child of God.

Blessings, Barry

Unmodified Scripture Teaches God's Truth

One of my regular privileges is to "attend" various Bible Studies from around the world using Zoom.
Although I enjoy the scholarship presented by Biblical scholars far more educated and experienced than me, I do have some difficulty with the theology they occasionally develop from that scholarship.

Sometimes, they even insert their theology into the actual texts they "quote".
For example, recently, one verse discussed from Chapter 5 of the Book of Romans contrasted the effect of Adam and Christ on the human race.
Here is the verse.

So then as through one trespass, all men were condemned; even so through one act of righteousness, all men were justified to life.
[Romans 5 : 18  NIV]

That seems a very clear statement to me, and is certainly consistent with many other texts, like:

For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive.
[1 Cor 15: 22  NIV]

However, the study leader's notes and words added some of his personal theology to the verse.
This verse became:
So then as through one trespass, all men were condemned; even so through one act of righteousness, all men were justified to life if they believe.

But what Jesus did on behalf of all mankind does not depend on our belief for it to be true.

Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.
[1 John 2 : 1 - 2  NIV]

It's a bit like the law of gravity on our planet.
It does not require our belief for it to be true.
Yet at some point in our life's experience we will come to believe and appreciate it.

God's Word is truth without our need to modify it - although it is equally true that we need to be reading an accurate English translation of the original languages of the Scriptures to be seeing that truth.

It is also true that we are not all acquainted with this truth, or given the faith to believe and appreciate it, at the same time.
Continuing the 1 Corinthians text from above in a more literal translation:

For just as in Adam all die, so also in the Anointed all will be given life.
And each in the proper order: the Anointed as the firstfruits, thereafter those who are in the Anointed at his arrival, then the full completion when he delivers the Kingdom to him who is God and Father.
[1 Corinthians 15 : 22 - 24  DBH]

We are currently in the second stage when God is choosing those to be "in the Anointed at his arrival".
These are the Body of Christ, the advance party.
And between this stage and the "full completion" stage is the Messianic Kingdom or Millennium, in which the Body of Christ is to serve King Jesus in His Kingdom.

With an accurate translation of the Bible, it is not difficult to see God's plans for His creation just as they are recorded.

However, many of our most popular translations leave us second guessing as to what God has in store and whether He is really in charge and can therefore execute His plans successfully.
Modifying what was originally recorded is an unnecessary (and risky) exercise for truth-seekers.

Blessings, Barry

Does God Sin?

Most Christians would be horrified by the thought. Yet these same Christians unconsciously believe that He will, if He hasn't already.
Let me explain.

First, let's remember that to sin means to miss the mark, to not achieve the goal, or to miss the target being aimed at.
So anyone who misses their target has sinned.

Second, let's remember that God's target is to save the world.

God intends all human beings to be saved and to come to a full knowledge of truth.
[1 Timothy 2 : 4  DBH]

So if God doesn't hit His target, He will have sinned.

The Bible describes the progress God has made towards achieving His goal as a consequence of Jesus' first coming:

Jesus paid the death penalty for the sins of all people.

For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people.
[1 Timothy 2 : 5 - 6  NIV]

Consequently, God is no longer at odds with his creation.

God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people's sins against them.
[2 Corinthians 5 : 19  NIV]
For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him (Jesus), and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
[Colossians 1 : 19 - 20  NIV]

The Bible also describes what has yet to be achieved for God to reach His goal (as a consequence of Jesus' second coming):

Jesus will "round us all up" eventually.

And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.
[John 12 : 32  NIV]

Everyone destined to die in the natural realm will become alive in the spiritual realm.

For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.
[1 Corinthians 15 : 22  NIV]
Just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people.
[Romans 5 : 18  NIV]

Total peace and harmony will exist throughout the whole creation - it will be returned to its original perfect order.

He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!"
[Revelation 21 : 5  NIV]
With all wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.
[Ephesians 1 : 8 - 10  NIV]

To our natural minds, limited by our earthly experience, this looks a most unlikely outcome, doesn't it?
But Christians should not be so limited.
Indwelt by the Holy Spirit, and with God's written Word so readily available, we are equipped to know things beyond the natural.

Without this equipping, we would not believe other unlikely events such as the virgin birth of Jesus, his miracles and his resurrection.
Although most Christians do believe these, they don't believe God will hit His target of saving the world.

Most Christians seem to believe this result will not be achieved - God will miss His target - most of His creation will finish up estranged from Him, and eternally tormented to boot.

They don't realise that by believing that God will miss His target they are actually inferring that God will sin.

I'm not one of them.
God is not a sinner. Nor will He be.
He will achieve everything His Word says He will. Praise God!

Blessings, Barry

Is Being a Heretic so Bad?

Firstly, let's define a heretic.
A heretic is a person who believes, teaches, or advocates something opposed to accepted beliefs.

One of the world's most famous heretics was Galileo.
He was condemned as a heretic by the Roman Catholic Inquisition for his heliocentric view that the earth revolves around the sun, and spent the rest of his life under house arrest. The Catholic Church took over 300 years to correct their mistaken view and action, but finally offered a formal apology.

Of course, the views of heretics aren't always correct as were Galileo's. All views need to be researched and debated, and corrected if proved to be incorrect.

I am considered a heretic by many Christians, and have even been de-platformed because of what I teach about the success of Jesus in dying for the sins of the world.
And a heretic I am: I believe, teach and advocate something that is opposed to accepted church beliefs.

Most churches and Christian missions teach, and consequently most Christians believe, that people who are not in a personal relationship with Christ during their lifetime on this planet will spend eternity being tormented in a place they call hell. And that under the supervision and with the approval of a God of love!

I too believe in a God of love; indeed, unconditional love.
I also believe that a person needs to be in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ to be living and reigning with Him in the coming Kingdom Age.
But I also believe that all will be reconciled to God and eventually living with Him in the eternal realm beyond that Kingdom Age.

To not believe that is to completely ignore God's purpose in creation.
And what is that purpose?

In all his wisdom and insight God did what he had purposed, and made known to us the secret plan he had already decided to complete by means of Christ.
This plan, which God will complete when the time is right, is to bring all creation together, everything in heaven and on earth, with Christ as head.
[Ephesians 1 :  9 - 10  GNB]

The Bible also describes Christ's role in fulfilling this purpose, from beginning to end:

Christ is the visible likeness of the invisible God. He is the first-born Son, superior to all created things.
For through him God created everything in heaven and on earth, the seen and the unseen things, including spiritual powers, lords, rulers, and authorities.
God created the whole universe through him and for him.
... Through the Son, then, God decided to bring the whole universe back to himself.
God made peace through his Son's blood on the cross and so brought back to himself all things, both on earth and in heaven.
[Colossians 1 : 15 - 20  GNB]

These Scriptures, describing God's purpose and His plan to achieve it, I believe to be true - which makes me a heretic.

The Church in Rome was also taught about God's great purpose.

So then, as the one sin condemned all people, in the same way the one righteous act sets all people free and gives them life.
And just as all people were made sinners as the result of the disobedience of one man, in the same way they will all be put right with God as the result of the obedience of the one man.
[Romans 5 : 18 - 19  GNB]

The Bible points out there are two persons, two acts, and two results affecting the entire human race.
Adam's disobedience and its race-wide, life-destroying result presents a dark and depressing situation.
Jesus Christ's obedience and its race-wide, life-giving result is bright and glorious.

Generally, the accepted church believes the dark and depressing part of these verses without hesitation, but the bright and glorious part is disbelieved, or somehow explained away - unless you're a heretic!

Blessings, Barry
 

Sharing the Gospel with a Dying Unbeliever (again)

Almost ten years ago I wrote a longish post on this subject to help concerned Christians prepare for their time with unbelieving family and friends as they approached death. (Sharing the Gospel with a Dying Unbeliever, March 11, 2012)

However I thought a shorter post might be useful, and again it is written to these same concerned, caring Christians.

Be assured, that if you share the gospel, the good news, that's all you have to do.

The good news for your friend:

God loves you and holds nothing against you because Jesus, God's Son, came to earth and paid the penalty for your sin.

Whatever happens next is entirely up to God - you have no part in it.

If God has chosen this person to be living in the kingdom age, he will give faith to him/her to believe this good news, and the Holy Spirit to confirm it.
If not, he/she will be resurrected at the end of the kingdom age and will have a personal experience with the risen Lord Jesus at the Great White Throne.

Faith is required and will be given in this age; personal experience at the end of the next - so that all of us will belong to Jesus eventually.
Jesus promised:

And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.
[John 12 : 32  NIV]

So, just do your job (share the good news) and stand back and let God do his.

Blessings, Barry

The Myth of Freewill

For many years I have discussed and written about several topics that seem to arouse strong negative responses from fellow Christians.
 
For example, in the chapter titled 'God's Supreme Sovereignty' in "The Really Good News About God", I discuss the myth of mankind's freewill.

I don't have a problem with the "will" part, but with the "free" part, and I use events in the lives of several Biblical personalities to illustrate this myth - Job, Jonah, Joseph, Saul/Paul.

In my Gospel reading for today, I bumped into another excellent example in Matthew 26.
Peter was determined to stand by Jesus, no matter what.

"Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will."
"Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you."
[Matthew 26: 33, 35  NIV]

However, Jesus knew better; he knew what was to eventuate.
To his disciples, he said:

"This very night you will all fall away on account of me."
[Matthew 26 : 31  NIV]

To Peter he said:

"Truly I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times."
[Matthew 26 : 34  NIV]

And, of course, Jesus was correct. Peter's determined will was overridden by what had been previously ordained to happen.

... those standing there went up to Peter and said, "Surely you are one of them; your accent gives you away".
Then he began to call down curses, and he swore to them, "I don't know the man!"
Immediately a rooster crowed.
[Matthew 26 : 73, 74  NIV]

The thought that God might be sovereign over his creation is scary to some people, foolishness to others and a challenge to the supposed integrity, independence and freewill of others.

However, like every creator or inventor in the earthly realm, God ensures his creation fulfils the purpose for which he created it.

For that I am very thankful.
Why?
Because it means that whatever God has decided will happen, must happen, regardless of the will or plans of others.

Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.
[Proverbs 19 : 21  NIV]

And what is God's purpose in creating the heavens and the earth?

He (God) made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfilment - to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.
[Ephesians 1 : 9, 10  NIV]

 

And Jesus promised to do the heavy lifting to get the job done.
As well as paying the death penalty for our sin, he took the responsibility of bringing all people to himself over the course of time to complete God's unity plan.
Jesus said:

And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.
[John 12 : 32  NIV]

It seems to me that anyone who does not believe God will achieve what he has planned, does not believe God is sovereign - is in total charge of his universe.

Even so, I know many Christians who say they believe God is sovereign and yet expect billions of people to "out-will" God and thwart his plan to save and unite the world. Go figure.

The only freewill in the entire universe is God's !!

Blessings, Barry

Easter Holidays

To many people, Easter is just another holiday season.
In the Quick Crossword that I attempt most days, Easter is usually the answer to the clue "Holiday Season".

Supermarkets have been stocked with chocolate bunnies and eggs, hot cross buns, and the like, for some time, but no mention of why the buns have crosses on them.
It seems that the vast majority of the world's population knows nothing about the real reason for celebrating this "holiday" season.

Maybe those of us who do know could be sharing what we know with those who don't.

That sounds easy ... or does it?
But how do you start a conversation like that?
I like to gently ask leading questions.

When I see someone eating a hot cross bun or mentioning their purchase of hot cross buns, I often ask if they know why the buns have a cross on them.

When discussing the holiday season I always refer to the Friday as "Good Friday", as most calendars do. I then look for any opportunity God might give me to ask if they know why the Friday is called 'good'.

Only a simple explanation is necessary which could be based on the following facts:

God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
[Romans 5 : 8  NIV]
... by means of the physical death of his Son, God has made you his friends, in order to bring you, holy, pure, and faultless, into his presence.
[Colossians 1: 22  GNB]

If the holiday conversation continues, I refer to the Sunday as "Resurrection Sunday" and look for any opportunity ...

For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his.
[Roman 6 : 5  NIV]

Even after Easter, I will ask people what they did over Easter.
Did you go away?
Did you travel on Good Friday?
Did you get some hot cross buns?
And then see if God is opening any doors from there.

Being led by the Holy Spirit is so important.
If he doesn't create the opening, we mustn't force one.
If he does, then we follow his leading by stepping in to it.

The Spirit lives within us for good reason, and has always gone ahead of us to open doors and prepare the way if that is his intention with that person on that occasion.

We need to trust his leading - "go" or "whoa" - and follow the nudges in our spirit.
Let's remember:

... you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
[1 Peter 2 : 9  NIV]

Blessings, Barry

Who Deserves to be Saved?

The answer you give to this question probably depends on your upbringing.
Jews might believe it is them, because they belong to the nation God chose to head up his kingdom.
Others might believe it is those who live good, moral lives, because they follow the Ten Commandments
Still others might believe it is those who place their faith in Jesus Christ, because of the teaching of their church.

However, the Bible suggests that none of these deserves to be saved.

There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
[Romans 3 : 22, 23  NIV]

This seems pretty hopeless doesn't it?
Although no one deserves to be saved, God's solution completes the sentence above.

and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
[Romans 3 : 24  NIV]

Even though none of us deserves it, Jesus has provided all of us with the solution.
The Bible reveals this in many places and these occurrences have been discussed in many previous posts.

But today this post will focus on the word 'freely' from verse 24.

Other translations use 'as a gift' or 'without charge' or 'by the free gift' or 'gratuitously' for the word 'freely' in the NIV text.

The Greek word under-pinning 'freely' is 'dorean', and it pops up in a few other places. We'll use one of those places to get a fuller understanding of its meaning.

John 15 : 18 - 25 records a training session conducted by Jesus for his disciples.
In preparing his disciples for ministry without him, Jesus warned them that they would be hated as he was.
He finishes with:

"They hated me without reason."
[John 15 : 25  NIV]

Other translations use 'gratuitously' or 'without a cause' or 'undeservedly' for the phrase 'without reason' in this sentence.

This final statement could be paraphrased as:
"I've given them no cause for this."
or
"They've just decided to hate me in spite of what I taught or showed them."
or
"Nothing I did warranted me being hated."
or
"I certainly didn't deserve their hatred."

If we use these underlying thoughts, we would understand verse 24 to be saying that we are all undeservedly justified by his grace, even though we have given God no cause or reason for him doing so.

So, who deserves to be saved?
Clearly, no one.
We have given God no reason to befriend us, let alone save us.

But he's done it anyway!
The "contract" was signed 2000 years ago.

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
[2 Corinthians 9 : 15  NIV]

Blessings, Barry

Comfort or Call to Action?

The last two posts have mentioned the comfort (and confidence) given to believers by the promises in verses like Romans 8 : 28.

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
[ESV]

Interestingly, the sentence structure of this verse in the Greek is not really clear.
The above ESV translation, and many others, translate on the assumption that "all things" is the subject of the sentence, so that the "all things" are what work for good for those who love the Lord.

However, it is quite possible that "God" is the subject of this sentence, so that it is God who does the work.
The NIV nudges itself in that direction with:

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
[NIV]

It is also possible that it is God and those who love Him is the subject and therefore are those who are working together for good.
The NIV offers this alternative in a footnote:

that in all things God works together with those who love him to bring about what is good—with those who have been called according to his purpose.

The Good News Bible and the Revised Standard Version offer this construction in the body of their translations.

We know that in all things God works for good with those who love him, those whom he has called according to his purpose.
[GNB]
We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose.
[RSV]

So although our comforting version (where God works all things for our good) is by far the most popular English translation, it is possible that this verse is also calling us to work with God to achieve the good He has planned.

Which fits nicely with:

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
[Ephesians 2 : 10  NIV]

The question: Comfort or Call to Action?
I say: BOTH.

It's good to know that God has everything in hand for my good 

AND 

providing I am doing what God has called me to do, He will be working with me to see it achieved.

Blessings, Barry

Handling Life's Adversities

There are two verses I find helpful in handling the hardships and temptations of life. The first is:

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
[Romans 8 : 28  NIV]

This verse is a great comfort and assurance for those who trust God in all areas of their lives.

We mentioned it in the previous post called "Go With the Flow - with Jesus".
So we'll look at the second verse.

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
[1 Corinthians 10 : 13  NIV]

The first part of this verse assures us that God doesn't try to break us down, but to build us up.
Consequently our temptations are custom-designed for us, God ensuring that they never push us too far in doing their job in making us stronger.

But what about the second part of the verse?
Is it your experience that God always makes a way for you to escape your hardships?
That's not mine.

Nor does this part sound logical.
How can an 'escape' or a 'way out' enable us to endure something?

So I wonder if there is a better English translation of the Greek that is usually translated 'an escape' or 'a way out' so that it more closely matches our experience - and is more logical?

The Greek word involved is 'ékbasis' which means 'moving out from and to an outcome'.
It is used only once more in the Bible - in Hebrews 13 : 7.

Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. [NIV]

'ékbasis' is here translated as 'outcome' - not a way out or moving out, but an outcome.

So let's use this translation, and tidy up the structure of the sentence a bit, in the second part of our Corinthians verse.

But when you are tempted, he will a provide an outcome also, so that you can endure it.

If we can trust that God has provided a custom-designed outcome for our circumstances, then we can endure it, even eagerly submit to it, as we look forward to seeing that outcome come to pass.

That's peace in adversity.
Blessings, Barry