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What Does the Goodness of God Really Mean?

What Does the Goodness of God Really Mean?

The thing I can't walk away from is that the Bible doesn't just say that God does good things. It says that God IS good. It's not just what he does; it's who he is—and who he is never changes.

© 2015 Sarah Thebarge, Contributor, journalist, speaker, author of the memoir "The Invisible Girls"

03/25/2015 06:37pm EDT|Updated May 25, 2015

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Whenever a plane goes down, there is inevitably a news story about the people who were supposed to be on the plane but weren't—either because their alarm didn't go off or there was a traffic jam or they switched travel plans at the last minute.

Yesterday was no exception. Amidst the horrifying reports of a plane dropping altitude over the Alps and then crashing into the mountain with 150 people on board, there was the story of a soccer team who changed their travel plans because they decided the layover in Dusseldorf was too long.

When we hear stories like that, us Christians tend to say, "Wow! Isn't God good!?"

We say that a lot -- "Isn't God good!?" -- when we hear reports of people who inexplicably avoided doom.

A woman has car trouble and avoids the fatal 12-car pile-up on the interstate that she would've been in if her car had started. Isn't God good?

A man goes to his doctor for pneumonia and the chest x-ray shows a tumour in his lung that is entirely removed and cured because the doctor accidentally discovered it when it was still in its early stages. Isn't God good?

I survived an aggressive form of breast cancer when I was 28 years old. Isn't God good? people say a lot when they hear my story of how I almost died, and how God spared my life.

Yes, I always say. God is absolutely good.

But is this WHY God is good? If God hadn't spared my life, would God still be good?

Because here's the thing—for as many stories as there are of people who escaped doom, there are just as many (if not more) stories of people who weren't so "lucky."

There were people killed in that fatal interstate pile-up who usually take a different way to work, but for some reason thought the interstate would be faster that day.

Isn't God good? It sounds obscene to say that.

There were people diagnosed with Stage IV cancer and died weeks later because their cancer was discovered too late. Isn't God good?

No, my instincts say. It doesn't make sense to draw attention to God's goodness in a situation that seems to be the opposite of good.

Two of my friends have died of breast cancer in their 30's.

Isn't God good?

I have to honestly answer that I don't know, and it makes me think hard about what God's goodness even means.

The thing I can't walk away from is that the Bible doesn't just say that God does good things. It says that God IS good. It's not just what he does; it's who he is—and who he is never changes.

In Psalm 46, the psalmist says, "God is our refuge and strength, a present help in times of trouble. Therefore, we will not fear..."

In his commentary on Psalm 46, Charles Spurgeon wrote that God is good—not because he causes things that seem or feel "good" to happen in our lives, but because in the midst of the storm, God comes closer to us than the storm could ever be.

And THIS is why we can say with absolute confidence that God is good.

Therefore, we can say, no matter how bad the storm is, no matter how much pain we experience, no matter how different the outcome is from what we've prayed for, that God is good. In the hardest moments of life, God comes close to us, and he doesn't change, he doesn't falter, he doesn't quit, he doesn't leave, and he doesn't let go.

God is just as good to the 150 people who went down on the Germanwings plane as he is to the soccer team who switched flights at the last minute.

God is just as good to the people who died in the car accident as he is to the people who avoided it.

God is just as good to the parents of obedient children as he is to parents of children who have rebelled.

God is just as good to infertile women as he is to women who have as many biological children as they want.

God is just as good to the family who loses their home in a fire as he is to the family whose house doesn't burn down.

God is just as good to the single person as he is to the person who gets married.

God is just as good to the people who lose their jobs in corporate downsizing as he is to the people who earn a promotion.

God is just as good to the people who drown in a tsunami as he is to the people who are rescued.

God is just as good to the young women who died of breast cancer as he was to me when I survived it.

Isn't God good?

YES! The answer is always a resounding YES. GOD IS GOOD!

But we have GOT to stop only talking about his goodness when an unexpectedly pleasant thing happens. Because God's goodness is not dependent on an outcome or an emotion or a barely-missed-doom story.

God is not good because we avoid danger.

God is good because when the storms of life hit, he comes closer to us than the storm ever could.

He holds us in his loving arms.

He doesn't change.

He doesn't falter.

He doesn't quit.

He doesn't leave.

And no matter what, he never let’s go.

Sarah Thebarge, Contributor
Journalist, speaker, author of the memoir "The Invisible Girls"

Is wine forbidden in the Bible?

Is wine forbidden in the Bible?

Gary Shogren, PhD © 2012

There is a long train of people who are keen to prove that wine in the New Testament era did not contain alcohol, that it was only grape juice. Therefore, Jesus must not have turned water into wine at Cana, nor serve wine at the Last Supper.

Nevertheless: how is it possible that wine (oinos/οἶνος) contain no alcohol if it is a product of fermentation (Mark 2:22) and, if used in excess, causes drunkenness (Eph 5:18; also Prov 20:1, which in the Septuagint uses the word oinos), while at the same time oinos contains no alcohol? In fact, the Greeks had another word for unfermented grape juice, or “must” – it was trux/τρύξ.

Deacons and widows should not be addicted to wine (1 Tim 3:8, Titus 2:3), and that’s wine with alcohol, not grape juice. Paul does not forbid drinking wine, only its abuse.

In fact, Paul’s practical advice that Timothy “use a little wine (again, oinos)” (1 Tim 5:23) makes sense only if that wine contains alcohol: Timothy’s stomach ailments were due to drinking contaminated water, which the alcohol in wine would kill. Likewise, the Good Samaritan treated open wounds with wine and oil, since alcohol is a natural disinfectant.

If Jesus and the disciples celebrated the Passover according to the Bible’s commands, they drank wine, period (Matt 26:27).

Those who love God’s Word need to show extraordinary care, not to make it say anything more or anything less than what it says.

Napoleon speaks

Napoleon speaks

Here is a quote from the well-known anti church anti catholic emperor and revolutionary Napoleon.

“I see in Lycurgus [the legendary law-giver of Sparta], Numa [celebrated by the Romans for his wisdom and piety]. and (Prophet)

Mohammed only legislators who, having the first rank in the state, have sought the best solution of the social problem but I see nothing there which reveals divinity...nothing announces them divine. On the contrary, there are numerous resemblances between them & myself, foibles and errors which ally them to me and to humanity.

It is not so with Chris t. Everything in Him astonishes me. His spirit overawes me, and His will confounds me. Beside Him and whoever else in the world, there is no possible term of comparison. He is truly a being by Himself. His ideals and His sentiments, the truths which He announces, His manner of convincing, are not explained either by human organisation or by the nature of things.

His birth and the history of His life; the profundity of His doctrine, which grapples the mightiest difficulties, and which is, of those difficulties, the most admirable solution; His Gospel, His apparition, His empire, His march across the ages and the realms, is for me a prodigy, a mystery insoluble, which plunges me into a reverence which I cannot escape, a mystery which is there before my eyes, mystery which I cannot deny or explain. Here I see nothing human. The nearer I approach, the more carefully I examine, everything is above me, everything remains grand—and of a grandeur which overpowers.

His religion is a revelation from an intelligence which certainly is not a man. There is a profound originality, which has created a series of maxims before unknown. Jesus borrowed nothing from our sciences. One can absolutely find nowhere, but in Him alone, the imitation or the example of His life.”

Simple, Unconditional, Gift of Salvation

Simple, Unconditional, Gift of Salvation

  1. Bare, basic, unadorned, unembellished
  2. Not limited or constricted, without conditions, free of restrictions
  3. Freely given, without return, without price or cost, no strings attached
  4. The saving or deliverance of a person from sorrow, sin or evil

How often have we heard that the Salvation which comes from God is Simple, Unconditional, and a Gift? Just turn the TV Box on at almost any time during the week (at least in the Western World), and we can hear some very interesting Evangelists proclaiming how simple the unconditional gift of salvation from God is. They will even turn your $100.00 gift into $1,000.00 with no strings attached. Just give your money to “us”. (Not ta Biblia, them)??? So, let’s get on with it and see what we can learn.

As we can see at 4 above, a very straightforward, even simple, definition of Salvation is “The saving or deliverance of a person from sorrow, sin or evil”. Sorrow is anything that causes our life to be reduced to despair, anguish, depression and/or grave danger. Sin is regarded in Judaism and Christianity as the deliberate and purposeful violation of the will, laws, and rule of God. Evil is doing anything morally wrong or that is contrary to any goodness as recorded in the Bible, and we have sinned. What can be simpler than that? Salvation is the process whereby a person (or humankind in general), is removed from the acts and influence of sin and evil, by the Will and Work of the Godhead, to become one with the creator of all things, that is God Himself, revealed as Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Next, we come to Unconditional, and here we run into a few problems. If “Unconditional” means “Not limited or constricted, without conditions, free of restrictions” then it means that Salvation has no rules or guidelines placed upon its acceptance. It means that we can “do what we want to do, be what we want to be, yeah” and God will have to accept us graciously and mercifully into His kingdom.

Is this what God through our Lord Jesus, by the Holy Spirit, and through the Apostolic writers, says to us? Let’s look at the story of the malefactors (one who has committed a crime) on their crosses with Jesus crucified between them.

In Luke 23:38 we read “ And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.


Luk 23:39 And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.
Luk 23:40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?
Luk 23:41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.
Luk 23:42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
Luk 23:43 And Jesus said unto him, “Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.”

(Because the original text was written without punctuation, some translators like to write this previous saying of Jesus as “Verily I say unto thee today, thou shalt be with me in paradise.” I’m not going to argue either way. I’m not a translator. But I like to believe that the first version of this verse is possibly more correct).

In Luke 23:38 above we read that the notice written above Jesus as he was nailed to the cross proclaimed Him as King of the Jews. In other words, “This is your Messiah, the Anointed One!” The Religious rulers wanted this changed to say, “He said, I am the king of the Jews.” Pilates terse response was “What I have written, I have written.” (See John 19:19-22).

Next in verse 39 above, we read that one of the malefactors calls Jesus to save Himself as well as the two sinners crucified with Him. There is no remorse, no contrition, and no sorrow in this man. Just a selfish desire to get out of the predicament he finds himself in by his own actions. He wants unconditional salvation!

But the other sinner berates his fellow sufferer, pointing out that they have been justly accused and condemned. It’s a confession of sinfulness, and repentance. (See 1 John 1:9; Matthew 4:12-17; Luke 13:1-5) Then the sinner appeals to Jesus as “Lord”, thus showing faith in Him, and appeals to Jesus for eternal salvation. “Remember me” is his plea. To my mind this sinner turned believer is treating the Old Covenant promises regarding the Messiah as a gracious Gift from God, one that only the Messiah can give. (See Isaiah 53:11) And Jesus’ response? Most definitely will you be with Me in paradise! Jesus accepts this repentant believer into His Kingdom.

(Some people would say that the Blood of Jesus had not been shed to cleanse this man of his sins, nor had he been baptised, but it is debatable how soon after this transaction the spear was plunged into Jesus’ heart, and anyway, the malefactors sins were covered by the yearly sacrifices made by the High Priest on the holy day of Yom Kippur. This was the Mosaic ceremony set aside each year when the whole of the Jewish population came before God in faith to repent of their past sins in the previous year).

Then Jesus’ died and His blood was shed for the sins of the whole world, past, present, and future. If I can be assured nearly 2,000 years after the event that the Blood of Jesus Christ, God’s Son, cleanses us (including me) from ALL sin, then we can be sure that the confessing, repentant, believing malefactor was certainly cleansed by the holy and glorious Blood of Jesus the Messiah! He had to be, to fulfil Jesus’ promise of being in Paradise with Him!

Salvation from Sin and Peace with God is very simple but has never been unconditional. Even during the Old Covenant days, there had to be confession, repentance and shedding of blood to pay for sin. Read your Bible from Genesis 1 to Deuteronomy 34 and see for yourself. TAKE YOUR TIME and trust the Holy Spirit to lead you into the truth (John 14:25-27) that God does have the ability to save us, He does have the desire bring us to repentance and faith and salvation, and it is His Will that those who respond to Him in obedience shall surely enter the Kingdom of God and His Christ.

© 2022 Jeffrey M Pearce.

Two Songs

Two Songs

These two songs were heard on the internet and were, I believe, a blessing to all who heard them.

The first was sung by an old man who had recently started coming to a Church and had met Jesus. His song in his native tongue in South America was transcribed and translated as he sang in his local church one day, and it became well known in that continent. It sounds beautiful in the original language, but the song in English although strange brings out the truths of God as sung in the original.

It is sweeter than honey
That pulls me out of this cave
And it takes me to heaven.
I’ve seen fire and earthquakes
Strong wind that blew on me
I have lived so many dangers.
But your voice then calmed me
You give orders to the stars
And the sea you put your limits
I feel so secure
In your hands Oh! Almighty
There are no bolts or gates
That do not close before your voice
No more pain or guilt
Remains standing before us
And the storm subsides
In the voice of Him who created all.
For Your Word is pure
A shield to those who believe in You!

There wasn’t a dry eye in the Church building when I heard the original recording in the native language.

Then there was the recording of Walt Mills beautiful “Country” style Gospel song that he sang in duo with Rev. Jimmy Swaggart on 28th August 2013. Now I know that Rev. Mills and Rev. Swaggart are Pentecostalist and Armenians [and I am not], but I was inspired to praise God for the way in which He can lead us to glorify Him with such a simple and encouraging song. I listened to the recording and haven’t been able to get it out of my mind and heart since then!

I'm On My Way to Heaven Lyrics

Well, I'm on my way to heaven and my journey gets sweeter every day. Walking with Jesus; Talking with Jesus all along the way. My soul gets so happy, I shout and I sing night and day. Well, I'm on my way to heaven, and my journey gets sweeter every day.

I've had ups and downs, sorrows and frowns may pass my way, but I've paid no attention, dropped the contention, had no time to stray. Problems only seem to weigh me down, turn my sunny skies to grey, But I'm on my way to heaven, and the journey gets sweeter every day.

God was good enough to save me, washed my old sins away. Now he leads me and guides me, protects me and hides me, keeps me every day. I know that He loves me, for He entered my heart to stay. Well, I'm on my way to heaven, my journey gets sweeter every day.

© 1977 Walt Mills.

Both these items can be seen and listened to on the internet. God bless you as you listen and enjoy!

JMP.

True Bible Prophecies

True Bible Prophecies

© Jack Chen. 2017. We thank Mr. Chen for his exceptional study and exposition of this amazing delivery of God’s historical prophecy and achievements. Please contact us Mr. Chen!

Jack Chen studied Apologetics for a semester

Answered March 10, 2017

Here are the primary indications of the Bible’s legitimacy:

  1. Christian Manuscripts
    1. Old Testament Reliability:
      • Dead Sea Scrolls (400–300 B.C.) - the Dead Sea Scrolls were a collection of 981 texts discovered at Qumran + includes manuscripts from all books of the Old Testament except Esther
      • Septuagint (300 – 100 B.C.)- oldest known translation of the Hebrew bible. The name is derived from 70 Jewish scholars who did the translation.
      • Affirmation from the New Testament- there are currently over 5800 + Greek manuscripts / 10000+ Latin Manuscripts / 9000+ manuscripts in other languages (Syriac, Slavic, Ethiopian, Armenian) / Early church father’s quotes can reconstruct most of the New Testament.
      • Early Church Father Quotes- “… as I possessed all the existing works of the Fathers of the second and third centuries, I commenced to search, and up to this time I have found the entire New Testament, except eleven verses.” - Sir David Dalrymple
    2. Non-christian Manuscripts
      • Babylonian Talmud- “On the eve of the Passover Yeshu was hanged.. For forty days before the execution took place, a herald went forth and cried, “He is going forth to be stoned because he has practiced sorcery and enticed Israel to apostasy” - (Baraitha Bab. Sanhedrin 43a)
      • Annals 15.44 -Nero fastened the guilt and inflicted the most exquisite tortures on a class hated for their abominations, called Christians by the populace. Christus, from whom the name had its origin, suffered the extreme penalty during the reign of Tiberius at the hands of one of our procurators, Pontius Pilatus, and a most mischievous superstition, thus checked for the moment, again broke out not only in Judaea, the first source of the evil, but even in Rome … - Tacitus (Roman Historian)
      • The Death of Peregrine, 11–13- The Christians, you know, worship a man to this day – the distinguished personage who introduced their novel rites, and was crucified on that account. You see, these misguided creatures start with the general conviction that they are immortal for all time, which explains the contempt of death and voluntary self-devotion which are so common among them; and then it was impressed on them by their original lawgiver that they are all brothers, from the moment that they are converted, and deny the gods of Greece, and worship the crucified sage, and live after his laws. All this they take quite on trust, with the result that they despise all worldly goods alike, regarding them merely as common property. - Lucian (Greek Satirist)
    3. Archaeology
      • The Tel Dan Stele (900 – 850 BC)
        • A stele found in Tel Dan talks of King David’s victories
        • Discovered in 1993 in an excavation led by Dr. Avraham Biran
      • The Meesha Stele (846 BC)
        • Records Meesha, the King of Moab, fighting against Israel – mentions Omri, David, and YHWH
      • Silver Amulet Scrolls (700 – 650 BC)
        • The Aaronic blessing (Numbers 6:24 – 25) is written on them “May YHWH bless you and keep you; May YHWH cause his face to shine upon you and grant you Peace”
      • Hezekiah’s Tunnel
        • Referenced in 2 Kings 20:20 and 2 Chronicles 32
      • Glossary of Caiaphas – the bones of the family of Caiaphas – inscribed “Joseph son of Caiaphas”

    Further indications:

    1. Prophecies
      1. Messianic Prophecies
        • Born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2, Matthew 2:1; Luke 2:4-7)
        • Born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:21-23) as a descendant of Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3; 22:18; Matthew 1:1; Galatians 3:16), of the tribe of Judah (Genesis 49:10; Luke 3:23, 33; Hebrews7:14), and of the house of David (2 Samuel 7:12-16; Matthew 1:1)
        • Herod killing the infants (Jeremiah 31:15; Matthew 2:16-18)
        • Taken to Egypt (Hosea 11:1; Matthew 2:14-15)
        • Heralded by the messenger of the Lord (John the Baptist) (Isaiah 40:3-5; Malachi 3:1; Matthew 3:1-3)
        • Anointed by the Holy Spirit (Isaiah 11:2; Matthew 3:16-17)
        • Performed miracles (Isaiah 35:5-6; Matthew 9:35)
        • Cleansed the Temple (Malachi 3:1; Matthew 21:12-13)
        • Ministered in Galilee (Isaiah 9:1; Matthew 4:12-16)
        • Entered Jerusalem as a king on a donkey (Zechariah 9:9; Matthew 21:4-9)
        • First presented Himself as King 173,880 days from the decree to rebuild Jerusalem (Daniel 9:25; Matthew 21:4-11)
        • Rejected by Jews (Psalm 118:22; 1 Peter 2:7)
        • Died a humiliating death (Psalm 22; Isaiah 53) involving: rejection (Isaiah 53:3; John 1:10-11; 7:5,48), betrayal by a friend (Psalm 41:9; Luke 22:3-4; John 13:18), sold for 30 pieces of silver (Zechariah 11:12; Matthew 26:14-15), silence before His accusers (Isaiah 53:7; Matthew 27:12-14), being mocked (Psalm 22: 7-8; Matthew 27:31), beaten (Isaiah 52:14; Matthew 27:26), spit upon (Isaiah 50:6; Matthew 27:30), piercing His hands and feet (Psalm 22:16; Matthew 27:31), being crucified with thieves (Isaiah 53:12; Matthew 27:38), praying for His persecutors (Isaiah 53:12; Luke 23:34), piercing His side (Zechariah 12:10; John 19:34), given gall and vinegar to drink (Psalm 69:21, Matthew 27:34, Luke 23:36), no broken bones (Psalm 34:20; John 19:32-36), buried in a rich man's tomb (Isaiah 53:9; Matthew 27:57-60), casting lots for His garments (Psalm 22:18; John 19:23-24).
        • Rose from the dead! (Psalm 16:10; Mark 16:6; Acts 2:31)
        • Ascended into Heaven (Psalm 68:18; Acts 1:9)
        • Sat down at the right hand of God (Psalm 110:1; Hebrews 1:3)
      2. Non-messianic prophecies:
        • The Succession of Great World Kingdoms (Daniel 2:37-42). Even negative critics agree that Daniel foretold the governments in order of Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome. Cyrus King of Persia (Isaiah 44:28-45:1). Since Isaiah lived between about 740 and 690 BC and Cyrus did not make his proclamation for Israel to return from exile until about 536 (Ezra 1), there would have been no human way for him to know what Cyrus would be named or what Cyrus would do.
        • Israel to Be Returned to Its Land A Second Time (Isaiah 11:11-12). The first time God reclaimed a people was from Egypt through the Exodus; the second time is from the Babylonian Exile (Isaiah 51:9-11).
        • The Closing of the Golden Gate (Ezekiel 44:2-3). The Golden Gate is the eastern gate of Jerusalem, through which Christ made his triumphal entry on Palm Sunday before the crucifixion (Matthew 21). Ezekiel predicted its closing and in 1543 Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent closed the gate and walled it up, not knowing he was fulfilling prophecy. It remains sealed to this day exactly as the Bible predicted.
        • The Destruction of Tyre (Ezekiel 26:3-14). The prophecy was partly fulfilled when Nebuchadnezzar destroyed the city and left it in ruins. Alexander the Great later attacked the seemingly impregnable Island of Tyre by taking the stones, dust, and timber from the ruined mainland city to build a causeway to the Island. This prophecy is comparable to saying that Chicago will be destroyed and never rebuilt.
        • The Doom of Edom (Petra) (Jeremiah 49:15-17). Given the virtually impregnable nature of the ancient city carved out of rock and protected by a narrow passageway, this was an incredible prediction. Yet, in 636 AD it was conquered by Muslims and today stands deserted but for tourists.
        • Destruction of Jerusalem (Mark 13:1-2). Fulfilled literally when the Romans completely destroyed Jerusalem and the temple buildings. According to historian and eyewitness Josephus, some of the stones were 37 feet long, 12 feet high and 18 feet wide. Stones were even pried apart to collect the gold leaf that melted from the roof when the temple was set on fire.
      3. Lack of contradictions
        • The Bible comprises of 66 books written by > 40 people with different backgrounds over a period of about 1600 years. Yet, they are all coherent.

TRUE AND FALSE REPENTANCE

TRUE AND FALSE REPENTANCE

“For godly sorrow works repentance to Salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world works death.” 2 Corinthians 7:10.

The Christian Religion sets several simple standards of doctrine and action with which we can govern our spiritual life and physical daily living. Jesus says, “My yoke is easy, and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:30) and when we act according to His precepts and commands we find that living as Christ would have us live is easy and a light burden. Many people who are not converted to Christ think that it would be a great burden or a heavy and painful cross to become a genuine Christian. This is not so. If the person is genuinely converted, all will be well. Life may be difficult, but with God’s help, all will be well. However, if the conversion is spurious or false, then the burden may end up finally being painful and heavy.

Let me explain. Whenever we go to do some work, we all recognise that there is a right and a wrong way to do the job. If we do it right the first time, the job will go well, the results will be what we require, and the job will be done in a reasonably quick time. However, if we try to cut corners, or do the job in a different fashion, we all know that we generally run into trouble with the job, the results do not come up to standard (and may not even be acceptable) and we will have wasted a lot of valuable time and effort and possibly material.

It is the same with conversion. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is simple and very direct and cannot be added to and must not be made “easier”, for by doing so we lose the impact, the very essence of the Gospel. It is also the same with Repentance. It cannot be left out of the Gospel, for the Lord Jesus Christ says, “Unless you repent, you shall all perish in a similar way,” (Luke 13:3 and 5). Nor can Repentance be glossed over, for God “commands all people everywhere to repent.” (Acts 17:30). Nor should Repentance be made the only part of the Gospel essential to Salvation, for confession of sin (1 John 1:7-10), true faith, and cleansing of sin by the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:5-9) are also indispensable parts of the Gospel. We must look at Repentance in its true form to enable us to be truly converted. Any false form of Repentance will only lead to a spurious conversion and a false hope in Christ.

In Christian theology to REPENT means to have a change of mind, turning from sin to God. REPENTANCE is a change of ways or actions, turning from unrighteousness to holiness. TRUE REPENTANCE is such a sorrow, hated and abhorrence for a sin that the individual forsakes that sin entirely. The love and desire for that sin is crucified, put to death, and never allowed to grow in the heart or mind again. The repentant sinner sees that all sin is a transgression of God’s Laws of Holiness and Purity which were ordained for his or her personal cleanliness, holiness and ultimate happiness. He or she sees that any violation of these perfect eternal laws is a slap in God’s face, and he or she hates himself or herself for hurting God so by sinning in such a base, degrading way. He or she regards sin in himself or herself, whether “small” or “great”, to be contrary to the type of person God wants them to be (“You must be Holy, for I am Holy.” 1 Peter 1:16; Leviticus 11:45), and knows that any sin, all sin, will lead to eternal punishment and death. “The wages of sin is death.” (Romans 6:23).

True Repentance is a gift of God (Acts 5:29-32) which stems from right thoughts and motives. The repenting sinner wants to get right with God to please Him, to be profitable to Him, and so that sin may no longer have dominion over his or her body and life (Romans 6:12-18). True Repentance results in the person making right whatever he or she has made wrong, where possible. He/she makes restitution where necessary, without counting the cost. He or she knows that God would require him or her to pay back what he or she has stolen, or to try to help those whom he or she has hurt in one way or another. Their repentance leads to righteousness by faith in Jesus Christ (Acts 20:18-21), Holiness (Hebrews 12:12-15), Purity (1 Timothy 4:11-16), and love of all things good, pure and holy (Philippians 4:5-9). Have you experienced this?

FALSE REPENTANCE on the other hand is not sound as genuine Repentance is sound. Spurious Repentance stems from wrong motives (“I don’t want to burn in Hell, so I had better repent”), and does not involve a hatred and an abhorrence of sin (The sinner still wants to sin but is afraid of being found out). He thinks that if he or she repents intellectually, he or she will be alright with God and can then carry on doing as he or she thinks is right. This is just plain selfishness. There is still a love for self and sin, rather than a love for God and righteousness. False Repentance is generally only temporary in nature, for the person having it continually relapses into his or her past sins. It is a forced reformation, for the person thinks that he or she must repent. (In True Repentance the sinner wants to reform. There is a difference. The first is of the head, the second of the heart.) False Repentance does not involve a hatred of sin and all evil. It does not make restitution unless beneficial to the person himself or herself. It degrades the Lord Jesus Christ. It leads to self-righteousness in the person and a desire to tell others how wrong they are, demanding that they repent. (Jesus calls, the devil demands). Being judgemental has no part in the Kingdom of God and His Christ.

This is True and False Repentance. The first is to love God, the other is to love self. The first is to hate sin, the other is to continue to love sin. We either love God and abhor sin, or we love sin and abhor God.

What will you do?

Romans 1

Romans 1

Romans 1:1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called [by God] to be an apostle,[a chosen one, a sent one, one with a message], separated unto the gospel of God [as Paul’s principal aim or goal in life].

Rom 1:2 (Which he [God] had promised afore [prophesied, foretold] by his prophets [God and authority in Judaism; Jews believe in one God, who created the world and who is revealed through the Torah and Tanakh. These are the main sources of wisdom to help them to improve their relationship with God and to live good lives.]

The Ten Commandments

The covenant at Sinai

The Torah teaches Jews about the covenant God made with all Jewish people at Mount Sinai. God gave Moses a set of ten laws that they should follow in order to please him. God told Moses that if these rules were not followed, God would punish people who disobeyed them. Today these laws are known as the Ten Commandments.

The Ten Commandments are found in the book of Exodus. They are:

  1. Do not have any other gods.
  2. Do not make or worship idols.
  3. Do not disrespect or misuse God’s name.
  4. Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy.
  5. Honour your mother and father.
  6. Do not commit murder.
  7. Do not commit adultery.
  8. Do not steal.
  9. Do not tell lies
  10. Do not be envious of others.

Exodus 20:1–15

The Ten Commandments were given to Moses by God for all Jewish people, and all who would join the Jewish faith by becoming proselytes, to follow. They form part of the covenant made at Mount Sinai.

Moses

Jewish people believe that Moses was the most important prophet as he was chosen by God to pass on these laws to all of the Jewish people. It is believed by some that God gave the laws to Moses verbally before they were inscribed on stone. However the Torah says that the tablets were written “by the finger of God.” (Exodus 31:18).

Importance of the Ten Commandments today

The Ten Commandments still hold great significance for Jewish people today for many reasons:

  • They are a guide for Jewish living today.
  • Following the Ten Commandments is part of the covenant made at Mount Sinai, which applies to all Jews.
  • God will judge Jews and Gentiles alike on how well they have observed these commandments.
  • Following the commandments helps Jews to become better people today.
  • The commandments help Jews to treat other people with respect.
  • The commandments guide Jews to love and worship God effectively.

Question

  • Explain why it is important for Jews to follow the Ten Commandments?
  • Firstly, Jews believe that they entered into a covenant with God (the covenant at Mount Sinai) in which they promised to follow these laws in order to live as God wants them to.
  • Secondly, Jews believe that God is a judge and that he will base his judgement on how well they have observed these commandments.]

in the holy scriptures [the Torah and Tanakh])],

Rom 1:3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh [Matthew 1:1-25];

Rom 1:4 declared to be the Son of God with power [Acts 10:38; Romans 9:22] , according to the spirit of holiness [Heb 12:14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: 1 Peter 1:13-25 calls all people of faith to live a life of holiness. Literally, holy living means that the Christian lives a life that is set apart, reserved to give glory to God. It is a life of discipline, focus, and attention to matters of righteous living.], by the resurrection from the dead: [The resurrection showed that Jesus was the Son of God. The resurrection provides hope of a future resurrection and eternal life are well grounded. The crucifixion is when sin was overcome. It all follows step by step, one step at a time, one after another, each step as important as the next, line upon line, precept upon precept (Isaiah 28:9-13). Betrayal, Judgement, Crucifixion then Shedding of Blood and Cleansing of Sin, Death by Crucifixion, Grave and Burial, Resurrection, Instructions to Disciples, Ascension.]

Rom 1:5 By whom we have received grace [So, what is the Grace of God? Modern theologians say that it is unmerited and undeserved favour. However, the Encyclopaedia Britannica of 1771 says that Grace is “the work of the Spirit, renewing the soul after the image of God, and continually guiding and strengthening the believer to obey His will, to resist and mortify sin, and to overcome it.” Quite different to the modern definitions. And here is another (source unknown), “the empowering presence of God.” As with the first description of unmerited and undeserved favour above, this description, while true, is only part of the story. Grace is the empowering presence of God giving the greatest treasure to the least deserving.

Ephesians 2:5 by Grace we are saved through faith.

Ephesians 2:7 so that He might show in the ages to come the immeasurable wealth of His Grace, by means of His goodness to us through Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 2:8 by Grace are you saved through faith … it is The gift of God

Ephesians 3:8 on me … was this grace bestowed to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ.

Ephesians 4:7 but to each of us Grace is granted and measured by the gift of Christ.

Romans 3:24,25 being Justified freely by His Grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a reconciling sacrifice through faith in His blood.

Romans 5:15-18 justification, overflowing of Grace, gift of righteousness through Jesus Christ, and through one righteous act is justification and life.

1 Timothy 1:14 and the Grace of our Lord was present in greater abundance with faith and love that rest in Christ Jesus.

Titus 2:11-14 saving Grace … renounce godlessness and worldly passion. Live godly lives with expectation of that glorious hope, ...glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 4:16 let us come boldly to the throne of Grace with assurance, so that we may receive mercy and find Grace to help in time of need.

Our Bibles tell us that Grace relates to the following. Please look up your concordances or Bible software:

Justification and Life

Salvation through Faith

Sanctification and Holiness

Goodness through Jesus Christ

Unsearchable riches of Christ

The gift of Christ

Redemption

Reconciliation through faith in Jesus' Blood

Righteousness

Spiritual Abundance

Faith and Love

Glorious Hope … Glorious Appearing of Jesus Christ

Assurance

Receive Mercy.

And more.

The following description may not apply to the many references of grace written in Paul the Apostle’s books and letters. They are general references regarding displays of kindness, benevolence, goodness, encouragement, self-control and giving. The following is not! So, what does all this lead to?

The Grace of God when applied to Election, Salvation and Sanctification is the divine regenerating and inspiring influence of the Holy Spirit in Faith, (Absolute Trust and Obedience), which leads to God taking away our hardened hearts, confession of our sins, repentance, faith in cleansing of our sins by Jesus’ Blood, regeneration, reconciliation with God, and full salvation and sanctification, till we pass into glory. Grace is God giving the greatest treasure to the least deserving—which is every one of us. It is given because of God’s unmerited favour.],

and apostleship, for obedience to the faith [Why is obedience important in faith? By obeying in all things, even the mundane, you are showing God that you are willing, ready, and able to obey whatever HE asks of YOU. Obedience to God is not only a way to worship him, but a way to get closer to him, prepare for whatever he leads you to, and grow as a genuine Christian person. Why is obedience so powerful? In everyday situations, people obey orders because they want to get rewards, because they want to avoid the negative consequences of disobeying, and because they believe an authority is legitimate. In more extreme situations, people obey even when they are required to violate their own values or commit crimes. But Obedience to God shows our respect toward Him, our Belief and Faith in Him, our reliance on Him, our utmost terror of being without Him, our concern of being without His leading, guidance, and benevolent control. THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS THE BEGINNING OF WISDOM (Job 28:28). THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS THE BEGINNING OF KNOWLEDGE (Psalm 111:10). FEARING OUR BENEVOLENT GOD LEADS TO OBEYING HIM IMPLICITLY, WITHOUT QUESTION, LEAVING ALL THE RESULTS TO HIM (Proverbs 8:13). When we seek to put our own control ahead of God’s instructions, we are seeking to take control from God, and I can assure you from the Holy Bible, and from experience, that this is when things start to go wrong! And what is Faith? How do you define faith in Jesus? To have faith in Jesus Christ means to have such Absolute Trust in Almighty God and Obedience towards Him resulting in our determined desire to do His revealed Will in ALL things and that we obey Him in whatever He commands. As we place our faith in Jesus Christ, becoming His obedient disciples, our Heavenly Father will forgive our sins and prepare us to return to Him. WITHOUT FAITH, ABSOLUTE TRUST AND OBEDIENCE, IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PLEASE HIM!

for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder [10 Things Christ Promises to Reward …Prayer and Fasting (Matthew 6:6, 17-18). ...Compassion for the vulnerable (Matthew 25:37-40). ...Bearing insults and being excluded for the name of Christ (Luke 6:22-23). ...Love for your enemies (Luke 6:35). ...Generous giving (Luke 6:38). ...Hospitality that cannot be repaid (Luke 14:12-14). ...Endurance through pressures in ministry (2 Corinthians 4:17-18). ...Quality work for your employer (Colossians 3:23-24). …Faithfulness through trials (1 Peter 1:6-7). …Faithfulness to the Truth (2 John 1:7-8).] …

of them that diligently [Diligence is, essentially, applied strengths, or “strengths in action”, and in English it has always meant “careful and hard-working”.]

seek >HIM. (Hebrews 11:6) among all nations, [no exceptions, no one is exempt] for His [glorious] name

Rom 1:6 Among whom are ye also the called [chosen, elect] of Jesus Christ

1:7 To all [Christians] that be in Rome, beloved [a beloved friend, object etc is one that you love very much] of God, called to be saints [a saint is a “HOLY ONE,” someone who is SET APART for God's special purposes. As a result, every> truly Born-Again follower of Jesus Christ is a saint.] Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord [What Does It Mean to Say That Jesus Christ is Lord? For Jesus to be Lord of your life means that He is the ruler, the boss, the master of your whole life. He cannot be Lord of a part — He must be given control of the entire life - the whole life;Dr. Roger D. Willmore, Pastor First Baptist Church, Boaz, Alabama writes There is coming a day when every person who has ever lived will bow and acknowledge that Jesus Christ is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. But for the Christian that great confession should be an everyday reality. A Christian should live moment by moment in faithful submission to the lordship of Jesus Christ.

While attempting to know more about the lordship of Christ and at the same time yield more fully to His lordship, I discovered that I, in presenting this glorious subject to others, made an appeal to people that was incorrect and potentially misleading. There was a time when I would conclude my sermon by making an appeal to my hearers to make Jesus Lord of their life. The Lord knew the intent of my heart, but I am not as sure that the same was true of those who heard my appeal. We do not make Jesus Lord — He is Lord! Now, when I preach on the lordship of Christ, my appeal to those in the audience is not to make Jesus Lord; I now appeal to them to surrender their lives to the sovereign rule and ownership of the Lord Jesus Christ. ©1992-2022 Dr. Roger D. Willmore] Jesus Christ [Iesous Christos, Yeshua ha Mashiach, Jesus the Messiah].

Longing to Go to Rome

Rom 1:8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.[the then known Roman world, i.e., from roughly Mesopotamia in the East to Portugal in the West, from Britain in the North to approximately Upper Egypt in the South.]

Rom 1:9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel [good news; strong telling] of His Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always [can mean 'on every occasion', or 'forever' ] in my prayers;

Rom 1:10 Making request [to ask for, especially politely or formally], if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous [to be successful] journey by the will of God [God's will is the first cause of everything that exists] to come unto you.

Rom 1:11 For I long to see you, that I may impart [to pass on, transmit or communicate information or understanding about a topic to another person or group] unto you some spiritual gift [the word of knowledge, increased faith, the gifts of healing, the gift of miracles, prophecy, the discernment of spirits, diverse kinds of tongues, interpretation of tongues, wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord, Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor and Teacher] to the end ye may be established [officially recognised or generally approved of];

Rom 1:12 That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.

Rom 1:13 Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.

Rom 1:14 I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.

Rom 1:15 So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.

The Righteous Shall Live by Faith

Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

Rom 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

God's Wrath on Unrighteousness

Rom 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

Rom 1:19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.

Rom 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

Rom 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

Rom 1:22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

Rom 1:23 And changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things.

Rom 1:24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:

Rom 1:25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

Rom 1:26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:

Rom 1:27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet.

Rom 1:28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

Rom 1:29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,

Rom 1:30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,

Rom 1:31 Without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:

Rom 1:32 Who knowing the judgement of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

THEOLOGY – The Trinity: Four Pages of Biblical Proof

THEOLOGY - The Trinity: Four Pages of Biblical Proof

Posted on February 2, 2023 by Bryan Wolfmueller

Earlier today I was digging around The Doctrinal Theology of the Evangelical Lutheran Church on the topic of the filioque. The four pages that follow gave a wonderful outline of the Biblical Proof of the doctrine of the Holy Trinity.

Download these four pages here:

Trinity-Bible-Passages Download
(Download the entire book for free here.)

Here’s the outline:

The scriptural proof we give partly according to Gerhard, and partly according to Quenstedt and Hollazius.

In the Old Testament Gerhard finds indicated: “Where God is spoken of, I. a plurality of persons, and II. when by name, a Trinity of persons.”

I. The plurality is shown (I, 186 seq.):

(a) By those passages which employ the plural term Elohim, concerning God . . . Gen. 20:13; 35:7; Deut. 5:26; Josh. 24:19; 2 Sam. 7:23; Job 35:10; Ps. 149:2; Is. 44:2; 54:5; Jer. 10:10; 23:36, where observe that this plural word is not only construed with a singular verb in very many passages of Scripture (to denote the unity of the divine essence), but even is sometimes joined with a plural verb and adjective (to make known more clearly the plurality of persons).

(b) By the passages in which God speaks of Himself in the plural number, Gen. 1:26; 3:22; 11:7; Is. 6:8.

(c) By the passages in which God speaks of God, and the Lord of the Lord; for there, in like manner, plurality of persons is signified. Gen. 19:24; Ex. 16:7; 34:5, 6; Numb. 14:21; 2 Sam. 5:24; 7:11; Ps. 45:7; 110:1; Jer. 23:5, 6, 33.15; Dan. 9:17; Hos. 1:7; Zach. 2:8, 9.

(d) By the passages in which mention is made of the Son of God; for it is necessary that He be also true God. Ps. 2:7; 72:17; Prov. 30:4. Finally, there are to be referred hither all the testimonies of the Old Testament in which Jehovah is said to send an angel, to whom the name Jehovah or divine works are ascribed; for then by the name angel is meant the Son of God, who, with the Father and the Holy Ghost, is true God. Ex. 23:20, 21.

II. The three persons in one essence, are proved (I, 190 sq.):

(a) From the passages in which three persons of the Godhead are distinctly enumerated, Gen. 1:1, 2; Ex. 31:1, 3; 2 Sam. 23:2; Ps 33:6; Is. 42:1; 48:16; 61:1; 63:7; Hagg. 2:5.

(b) From the passages in which the name of Jehovah and God is thrice repeated in one connection; for there, according to the corresponding mode of revelation of the Old Testament, three persons of the Godhead are implied. Numb. 6:23-26; Deut. 6:4; Ps. 42:1, 2; 67:6, 7; Is. 33:22; Jer. 33:2; Dan. 9:19.

(c) From the Trisagion of the angels. Is. 6:3.

(d) From the passages in which God speaks concerning God, and the Lord concerning the Lord, as above. I, c.

But of the Old Testament proof-passages for the Trinity, Gerhard. 157 (III, 218) says in general: “1. We do not say that in the Old Testament and the New Testament there is the same clearness and evidence of the testimonies concerning the Trinity; because the clearer revelation of this mystery was reserved for the New Testament. 2. Nor do we wish that, in a discussion with an obstinate adversary, a beginning be made with the more obscure statements of the Old Testament. But we only assert that from the Old Testament some testimonies, in constructing the doctrine of the Trinity, both can and ought to be cited, since God always from the beginning revealed Himself thus, in order that the Church at all times might, in this manner, acknowledge, worship, and praise Him, namely, as three distinct persons in one essence.”

In the New Testament there is shown, I. The Trinity of persons in God; and, II. The true divinity of each person.

I. The Trinity of persons.

QUEN. (I, 324 seq ): “The Holy Trinity is proved in three ways: (1) From 1 John 5:7. (2) From the wonderful theophany at the baptism of Christ, where three persons of the Godhead are manifested. Matt. 3:16,17. (3) From the solemn formula of baptism given by Christ. Matt. 28:19. But we cannot be baptized εις ονομα of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, unless the name of these three, as equal in authority, dignity, and essence, be invoked over us. Hence, we argue: He to whose faith, religion, worship, and obedience we are bound, is true God.”

II. The true divinity of each person.

1. (QUEN. I, 329): “The Deity of the Father is proved (1) by the names peculiar to the true God alone; (2) by attributes, e.g., eternity, infinity, omniscience, omnipotence, etc.; (3) by works truly and purely divine; (4) by the truly divine worship.”

. (I, 332 sq.): “The Deity of the Son is proved:

 From His names. Some names are essential, others personal. Those are essential which express the divine nature and essence of Christ. Personal names are those which designate His person.

(1) Divine essential names: In the Old Testament, Christ, the branch of David, is called Jehovah, our righteousness. Jer. 23:6. He is called Jehovah, whom Jehovah anointed, Is. 61:1, 8; Adonai, Is. 6:1-3, cf John 12:41. In the New Testament, the Son of God. (a) He is called God absolutely, without any limiting or alienating condition. John 1:1; 20:28. (b) To the divine names, the words are added, by which the incarnate Son of God is designated. Thus Paul, Acts 20:28. The same apostle, 1 Tim. 3:16; Heb. 2:14; John 1:14; 1 John 4:2,3. (c) To the divine names, epithets are annexed, by which He is declared to be supreme God. For (α) Christ is named by St. John the true God and eternal life, 1 John 5:20. (β) By St. Paul, the Son of God is called the great God. Titus 2:13. (γ) By the same apostle, Christ is named God over all, blessed forever, Rom. 9:5. He is called the Lord from heaven, 1 Cor. 15:47; He is said to be Lord of all, Acts 10:36, and therefore Lord of heaven and earth, which is the description of the true God, Matt. 11:25; Lord of lords and King of kings. Rev. 17:14; 19:16.

(2) Divine personal names: Christ is called in Holy Scriptures, (a) God’s own Son, Rom. 8:32; having God as His own Father, John 5:18. (b) The only-begotten Son of the Father, John 1:14. (c) The Son existing in the bosom of the Father, John 1:18. (d) The first-begotten Son, Heb. 1:6. (e) The Son above angels, Heb. 1:5. (f) The Son equal to God the Father, John 15:17,18.

II. From Divine Attributes

For the Son of God is: (1) Eternal, Col. 1:17; Heb. 13:8; John 1:1, 14; Rev. 1:8. (2) Infinite and omnipresent, John 1:48; Matt. 18:20; 28:20. (3) Immutable, Ps. 102:27; Heb. 1:12. (4) Most holy, Dan. 9:24. (5) Omnipotent, Rev. 1:8; John 10:28. (6) Omniscient, John 21:17; 2:25. (7) Most happy and αυταρκεστατος [perfectly self-contented], John 16:15. (8) Most glorious, 1 Cor. 2:8; John 17:5.

III. The Divine Works of the Son, proving His deity, are either ad intra, as the active procession of the Holy Ghost, and the sending of the same (elsewhere discussed); or ad extra, since in the Scripture divine works ad extra are ascribed to Christ, the Son of God. From them His true deity is effectually proved. Moreover, there is ascribed to Him: (1) The creation of the world, Gen. 1:2; Ps 33:6; 102:25; Prov. 8:30; John 1:3; Col. 1:16; Heb. 1:10. (2) The preservation and governing of all things, John 5:17; 1 Cor. 8:6; Heb. 1:3. (3) The working of miracles, Ps. 72:18. (4) The redemption of the human race, Hos. 13:14; Zach. 9:11. (5) The preservation and protection of the Church, Matt. 16:18. (6) The raising of the dead, Job 19:25; John 6:39, 40; 11:25. (7) Salvation, Matt. 1:21.

IV. The final argument for the deity of Christ is derived from His divine worship and honor. These are ascribed to Him (1) in general, John 5:23; (2) specifically, Is. 45:23; Phil. 2:10; John 14:1; Matt. 28:19.”

(3) (I, 340): “The Deity of the Holy Ghost is proved:

I. From His divine names. For He is distinctly called Jehovah, 2 Sam. 23:2, רוח יהוה the Spirit of the Lord spake by me, cf. v. 2, and Acts 1:16; Is. 1:21; Ez. 1:3, etc., with Zech. 7:12; Luke 1:70; with 1 Pet. 1:11; 2 Pet. 1:21; Is. 6:8, 10, with Acts 28:25, sq., etc., etc., θεος, Acts 5:3, 4; 1 John 5:7, 9, etc., etc., κυριος, 2 Cor. 3:17; 1 Cor. 13:4, 5.

II. From essential divine attributes ascribed to Him; namely, Eternity, Heb. 9:14. Omnipotence, Is. 11:2. Luke 11:20; 1 Cor. 12:11. Omniscience, 1 Cor. 2:10-12. Goodness and mercy, Neh. 9:20; Ps. 103:11. Omnipresence, Ps. 139:7.

III. From divine works, such as the creation of the universe, Gen. 1:2; Job. 26:13; Ps. 33:6. Preservation, Job 33:4. The working of miracles, Acts 10:38. Add to these, works of grace and justice, of which Scripture speaks frequently.

IV. From divine worship, such as (a) Adoration, Is. 6:3; Acts 28:25 and 26. (b) Invocation, 2 Cor. 13:13; Rev. 1:4. (c) Faith in the Holy Ghost, Matt. 28:19.”

The Perfect Church

The Perfect Church

© 2023 Jeffrey M Pearce

One of the traits of the Modern "Church", as seen amongst Christian Believers, is that many of these acknowledged "Believers" consistently move from "church" to "church" for reasons not immediately apparent to those outside these organisations of people desiring something or another.

What are they doing going around between varying congregations? Are they seeking to hear every acknowledged "good" speaker? Are they seeking a congregation of believers who have the same beliefs, theology and doctrines as they themselves have? Perhaps they are moving from one place to another seeking miracles, gifts, and the power of God? How about looking for prophets who will tell them God's Will for the future? Surely God would want that for all of us? Or a group of friendly people who will offer them fellowship and friendship without demanding too much of them privately and financially? Perhaps the most consistent of these movers and travellers are those who go from church to church to find those who 2 Timothy 4:3... will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

2 Tim 4:4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables."

None of these ways are the way to find the perfect church. And what is a perfect church anyway? Well lets look at this phenomena! A perfect church is;

A group of people who gather together for

  1. similar beliefs and activities
  2. mutual fellowship and friendship
  3. to worship, adore and admire the same supernatural person
  4. following the leadership of one male person who is able to pass on the message of the supernatural one,
  5. assisted by one or more elders/deacons as required for administration purposes
  6. with another person, a pastor/shepherd whose sole purpose is to look after the spiritual and mutual well-being of the individual and family members of the congregation
  7. acknowledging their sins and turning away from those sins in true acts of repentance
  8. knowingly and deliberately refusing to put down anyone who is, or who may wish to be, part of the mutual fellowship and congregation
  9. refusing to speak about anyone behind their back that would have a disparaging effect on that person
  10. refusing to join a group of people which excludes others of the same fellowship
  11. above all, has Godly Benevolence to ALL that shows the Love of Christ without hypocrisy to one and all!

Does your Church uphold these simple acts of faith that would encourage new people to remain with you to worship on a regular basis? Do YOU uphold these same acts of faith?

Uphold the centre point of Matthew 25:21-46.

Whatever you do to the least of my brethren, you do to Me!