Monthly Archives: May 2016

BIBLE CONTRADICTIONS / CONFUSING VERSES SIMPLIFIED, ESCHATOLOGY (END TIMES) / PROPHECY, Is the Rapture in Matthew 24:40-41 and Luke 17:34-36?, Is the Rapture in Matthew 24:40-41 and Luke 17:34-36?

Is the Rapture in Matthew 24:40-41 and Luke 17:34-36?

IS THE RAPTURE IN MATTHEW 24:40-41 AND LUKE 17:34-36?

by Shawn Brasseaux

Can we find the Rapture in Matthew chapter 24 and Luke chapter 17? Some say yes. Others say no. We will not take anyone’s word for it. We will not idly speculate either. As Bereans, we will look into God’s Word for ourselves and let it interpret itself.

Matthew 24:36-41 says: “[36] But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. [37] But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. [38] For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, [39] And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. [40] Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. [41] Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.” (Note people being taken away in verses 40-41.)

Luke 17:24-37, the (longer) parallel passage, provides additional details worth mentioning: “[24] For as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven, shineth unto the other part under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day. [25] But first must he suffer many things, and be rejected of this generation. [26] And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. [27] They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all. [28] Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; [29] But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. [30] Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed. [31] In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back. [32] Remember Lot’s wife. [33] Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it. [34] I tell you, in that night there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left. [35] Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left. [36] Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. [37] And they answered and said unto him, Where, Lord? And he said unto them, Wheresoever the body is, thither will the eagles be gathered together.” (Note people being taken away in verses 34-36.)

When the Son of man, Jesus Christ, returns to Earth at His Second Coming, people will be taken away. Matthew 24:40-41: “Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.” Luke chapter 17: “[34] I tell you, in that night there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left. [35] Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left. [36] Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.” Who exactly is being taken? Believers, or lost people? Where exactly are they taken? Heaven, or somewhere else? We need not guess. The Bible tells us!

The Lord Jesus said the key was to understand what happened during the Great Flood of Noah’s day. Matthew chapter 24 again: “[38] For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, [39] And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” Who was taken in the Great Flood? Friend, if you know your Bible, you understand it was certainly the unbelievers taken away in the Flood. No believers perished. Remember, the believers were safe in the Ark that Noah built according to God’s instructions. Jesus Christ’s Second Coming will likewise take away the unsaved/lost people, leaving only the believing remnant (Israel and her Gentile blessers) on Earth.

Luke 17:37 again: “And they answered and said unto him, Where, Lord? And he said unto them, Wheresoever the body is, thither will the eagles be gathered together.” The disciples wondered where these people were taken. They were not taken to heaven! They were not taken to meet the Lord in the air as in the Rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:17)! The Lord said they would be taken to where the eagles gather. The people being taken away in Matthew 24:40-41 and Luke 17:34-36 are being judged and destroyed. This is the great judgment/wrath at Christ’s Second Coming, when God kills His enemies and instructs scavenger-birds to gather and eat their corpses (Revelation 19:17-21). This is “the Supper of the Great God” (verse 17) and “the Marriage Supper of the Lamb” (verse 9).

THE RAPTURE, A SECRET UNTIL JESUS CHRIST REVEALED IT TO PAUL

Attempting to argue against those who say Jesus never preached about the Rapture, people will take Jesus’ words in Matthew 24:40-41 and Luke 17:34-36 about individuals being taken away, and make them apply to people being taken to heaven in the Rapture. But these individuals are not taken away to heaven. Jesus Himself said they are taken away in judgment! As the Great Flood destroyed the unbelievers, so the Second Coming will take away the unbelievers from Earth (Luke 17:37; Matthew 24:39).

Actually, Jesus never talked about the Rapture during His earthly ministry. Why? Because the Rapture was fiction? No. Because it was not yet time to reveal the secret of the Rapture. For the Holy Spirit to lead Paul to call the Rapture a “mystery” (secret) in 1 Corinthians 15:51 would be a lie if Jesus had already revealed the teaching of the Rapture years earlier in Matthew 24:40-41 and Luke 17:34-36. Israel is not involved with the Rapture, so Jesus had no reason to tell Israel about it in the Four Gospels. The Rapture is an event strictly involving the Church the Body of Christ (believers only) being removed from Earth before Israel’s prophetic program resumes. Hence, we can find the Rapture only in Paul’s epistles, Romans through Philemon. God did not reveal the Rapture until Paul’s ministry. In Israel’s program, there is no secret gathering together unto Christ in the air; Jesus Christ comes on the Earth for Israel (Zechariah 14:1-4).

Also see:
» What does 1 Corinthians 15:52 mean “at the last trump?”
» Are we “doom and gloom” Bible prophecy believers?
» What is “the Marriage Supper of the Lamb?”

BIBLE CONTRADICTIONS / CONFUSING VERSES SIMPLIFIED, CALVINISM, Jacob have I loved but Esau have I hated?, Jacob have I loved but Esau have I hated?

Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated?

“JACOB HAVE I LOVED, BUT ESAU HAVE I HATED?”

by Shawn Brasseaux

“As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated” (Romans 9:13). Calvinists consider this a useful “proof text” to argue that God loves some people and that He hates others. They say that God chooses for heaven those He loves, and chooses for hell those He hates. He chooses those He loves for blessings, and He chooses those He hates for curses and judgment. Is this really what Romans 9:13 teaches? Or, are Calvinists reading things into the verse that do not belong? Friends, let us say it again and again and again. Context, context, context!

It is not wise to read Romans 9:13 alone. Romans 9:10-13 should be read together: “[10] And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac; [11] (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;) [12] It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger. [13] As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.”

When the Scriptures talk about “election,” it has nothing to do with being chosen by God unto soul salvation and eternal life. One easy verse to prove this is Isaiah 42:1, where Israel’s Messiah (Jesus) is called the “elect” of JEHOVAH God the Father. In fact, the whole verse reads: “Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.” What does “election” mean in the Bible? It means to be chosen to serve the God of the Bible! People in history who believe God’s Word to them, God then chooses them (as believers) to serve Him.

Look again at Romans 9:11-12 to see the Bible’s definition of “election”: “[11] (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;) [12] It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger.” Note how the Apostle Paul, like the Prophet Isaiah earlier, connected “election” with “service.” In the Bible, unlike in theology, both terms have nothing to do with people going to heaven or hell, but rather those who are justified before God, God has given them a role in which to function/serve as members of His family.

THE GOD OF ABRAHAM, ISAAC, AND JACOB

In the case of the Abrahamic Covenant, God promised to use Abraham and his seed to form a nation of people He would use to bless all the other families (nations) of the world. We read in Genesis 12:1-3: “[1] Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: [2] And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: [3] And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.”

That covenant God made with Abraham was then passed on to his second son Isaac (rather than his firstborn son, Ishmael). Note Genesis chapter 17: “[18] And Abraham said unto God, O that Ishmael might live before thee! [19] And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him. [20] And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation. [21] But my covenant will I establish with Isaac, which Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time in the next year.”

By his wife Rebekah, Isaac had two sons, twins who were named Esau (firstborn) and Jacob. God’s words to Rebekah are Genesis 25:23: “And the LORD said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger.” Earlier, we read where Paul quoted this in Romans 9:12: “It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger.”

We see now that the Abrahamic Covenant has moved from Abraham’s son Isaac to Isaac’s second son Jacob (rather than his firstborn, Esau). This was confirmed in Genesis chapter 28: “[13] And, behold, the LORD stood above it, and said, I am the LORD God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed; [14] And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed. [15] And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of. [16] And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the LORD is in this place; and I knew it not.”

So, when the Bible uses the expression, “the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob,” what it is really communicating is the extension of the Abrahamic Covenant to Abraham’s son (Isaac) and grandson (Jacob). Jacob later fathered 12 sons, and they became the 12 tribes of Israel, forming the nation God originally spoke of to Abraham in Genesis chapter 12. “And he [God] gave him [Abraham] the covenant of circumcision: and so Abraham begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat the twelve patriarchs” (Acts 7:8).

Going back to Romans chapter 9 to summarize these Old Testament concepts: “[6] Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: [7] Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called. [8] That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed. [9] For this is the word of promise, At this time will I come, and Sarah shall have a son. [10] And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac; [11] (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;) [12] It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger. [13] As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.”

“JACOB HAVE I LOVED, BUT ESAU HAVE I HATED”

Okay, now we have gotten to the tricky verse, the difficult verse. When Paul wrote this in Romans 9:13, he was quoting Malachi 1:2-3: “[1] The burden of the word of the LORD to Israel by Malachi. [2] I have loved you, saith the LORD. Yet ye say, Wherein hast thou loved us? Was not Esau Jacob’s brother? saith the LORD: yet I loved Jacob, [3] And I hated Esau, and laid his mountains and his heritage waste for the dragons of the wilderness.”

The Prophet Malachi wrote about 400 B.C., over 1,000 years after Esau and Jacob had died. Malachi was not referring to the two men individually, but rather their descendants, the nations that originated in them. The context—in Malachi 1:2-3 or Romans 9:13—is not individuals but rather nations. Malachi is addressing Israel, a nation, God’s special nation. Go back to God’s words to Rebekah in Genesis 25:23: “And the LORD said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger.” This is talking about how Jacob’s nation (Israel) will rule over Esau’s nation (Edomites). God, as per the Abrahamic Covenant, has chosen Israel as His chief nation in the Earth. Israel is to be His channel of salvation and blessing to the nations of the world. If Esau’s descendants are to partake of the salvation and blessings of the God of creation, they must come to Him through His nation, Israel. The Edomites have to bless (serve, submit to) Israel if they are to be blessed of God.

CONCLUSION

The key to understanding Romans chapter 9 is to remember that it does not deal with the salvation of individuals, but rather nations (Israel versus Edomites/Gentiles). What Paul is arguing in the first half of this chapter is that not all of Abraham’s descendants are participants in God’s purpose and program in the Earth. The Old Testament covenants apply only to descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Contrary to Islam and the Qur’an, Ishmael and Esau are not part of God’s special nation and are not heirs of the Abrahamic Covenant. They are not God’s servants in the Earth. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and their children will be God’s earthly servants. But, not only that. Only believing descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob will become God’s special people. God does not consider every descendant of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, a member of “Israel.” A true Jew is one who has both Abraham’s physical genes as well as Abraham’s (spiritual) faith. But, we must stop and save that for another study!

Also see:
» Does Acts 2:47 support Calvinism?
» How do God’s foreknowledge and our free will work together?
» Does Acts 13:48 support Calvinism?

DENOMINATIONS, CULTS, & FALSE TEACHING, Did not Jesus speak words not recorded in Scripture?, Did not Jesus speak words not recorded in Scripture?, ROMAN CATHOLICISM

Did not Jesus speak words not recorded in Scripture?

DID NOT JESUS SPEAK WORDS NOT RECORDED IN SCRIPTURE?

by Shawn Brasseaux

Recently, while listening to a Roman Catholic radio program, I heard an “apologist” claim, “Sacred Tradition is necessary because John says Jesus taught many things that were not recorded in Scripture.” Of course, he never actually read the verse from John. Whether he did this inadvertently or deliberately, he misquoted the verse. Perhaps he hoped no one would actually look in John, find the verse he was referring to, and read it to see he lied about what it said. The Holy Bible never said what this religious leader claimed it said! But, how many would actually look into the Bible and see if what he said was so, anyway? In this Bible study article, we will examine two of the “pet” passages the Roman Catholic Church uses to defend its “Scripture plus Tradition” position. What the Roman Church says about these passages, and what these passages actually say, are two different things entirely.

Having personally dealt with Roman Catholic “apologists” for many years now, I know they are very desperate for Scriptural justification. They will appeal to any verse—or any piece of a verse—to argue against Bible-quoting Protestants. No matter how greatly they abuse the Bible text, Roman Catholic apologists will never think twice about grabbing verses out of context. Their only goal is to defend their theology and church. Scripture means nothing to them if they cannot use it to teach what they want to teach.

Interestingly, Roman Catholics always enjoy touting: “If it were not for our church, you Protestants would not even have the Bible!” Of course, this is fallacious. Actually, the Bible, having almost no Roman Catholic doctrine in it, is a very poor example of a “Roman Catholic” book. Since the Bible says precious little about Roman Catholic beliefs, Romanists must largely appeal to “Sacred Tradition” as their authority. The “Tradition” portion—the bulk of their doctrine—is not found in the Bible. They quite readily admit it. But, they will go to great lengths to prove that the Bible allows for “Sacred Tradition” to speak where Sacred Scripture is silent. They claim: “John’s Gospel says Jesus taught many things that are not in the Bible. That is why we need Sacred Tradition!” Are they correct? Did John really endorse “Sacred Tradition?”

The Bible says in John 20:30-31: “[30] And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: [31] But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.” As stated in our opening statements, religionists use this passage to form the following argument: “Jesus spoke more in His earthly ministry than what the Scriptures record.” Is that what these two verses are saying? Of course not! Re-read the verses. Did they say anything about what Jesus spoke and taught? No, but they did mention what Jesus did.

If you have ever read through Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, you noticed that the Gospel Record According to John is tremendously unique. Matthew, Mark, and Luke are very similar to each other. Hence, they are commonly called the “Synoptic Gospels.” In stark contrast, John takes a very different approach to Christ’s earthly ministry. John’s Gospel Record stands by itself. Unlike the so-called “Synoptic Gospels,” John documents just a small portion of Christ’s earthly ministry.

To form John’s Gospel, the Holy Spirit selected eight special miracles—seven of which are found only in John. They are not found in Matthew, Mark, or Luke. These eight special miracles in John’s Gospel are various aspects of what God wants to do for and with the nation Israel. Our King James Bible calls these eight particular miracles “signs” in John 20:30. Of course, Jesus performed more than eight miracles during His earthly ministry. This is all what John 20:30-31 is teaching. The Bible does not say, “And many other *words* truly *spoke* Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book.” That is the way Romanists want the verse to read, but, of course, it is a misreading. The emphasis in John 20:30-31 is on the eight special miracles recorded in John. John did not write about the other miracles featured in Matthew, Mark, and Luke.

From the King James Bible, we read John 20:30-31 again: “[30] And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: [31] But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.” For our Roman Catholic readers, we cite the New American (Catholic) Bible: “30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of (his) disciples that are not written in this book. 31 But these are written that you may (come to) believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through this belief you may have life in his name.” The Catholic Bible and Protestant Bible are agreed that the emphasis of John 20:30-31 is on what Jesus did (miracles, signs) rather what He spoke and taught!

John 21:25 should be understood likewise: “And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.” Once more, the stress is not on what Jesus taught but rather on what He did. Jesus’ miracles found in the book of John are just a portion of all the miracles He performed during those three years. John admitted his book focused on only eight of the miracles Jesus performed. For more information on how the Gospel Record of John is structured, please see our study linked at the end of this article, titled, “Should we use the book of John in evangelism?”

Please do not misunderstand me. No honest person could ever say that Matthew through John contains all the words Jesus spoke in three years. I gladly admit Jesus spoke and taught many things that are not recorded in the Bible. The statements He made “in red” are just a portion of what He spoke during three years. That does not matter because 2 Timothy 3:16-17 and Colossians 1:25 make it clear that, apart from the written Bible text, we need no more revelation from God. The Holy Spirit superintended what was to be included in the canon of Scripture. Even the Roman Catholic Bible has 27 New Testament books (just like the Protestant Bible). If you were looking for everything else Jesus spoke during those three years, you would be foolish to appeal to an organization that hates the words He did speak and record in His Bible! You study history, you study Roman Catholic theology, you speak to Roman seminarians, priests, bishops, et cetera, and you can see just how anti-Bible they really are. They laugh and criticize the Holy Bible. Would God have used these people to preserve His Word for us? (And they claim they are “Bible believers!” Ha!) I have seen non-Christian people treat the Bible with more respect than Roman Catholic priests treat it!

If we respect the words of God’s apostles, then we will accept what the Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 3:16-17: “[16] All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: [17] That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” The Bible—the written text, the “Scriptures” (“script”=“writing”)—is all that we need to be “throughly furnished unto all good works.” Even the Roman Catholic Bible teaches that in these verses. Saint Paul argued that if it is not in the Bible, it is not a “good work.” If the Scriptures contain all that we need for a productive Christian life, and they do, then what is the purpose of Sacred Tradition? Church tradition is useless. It will only take away from the Scriptures that are completely sufficient for us.

Also, Paul wrote in Colossians 1:25 that he was made a minister of God to “fulfill [bring to completion] the word of God.” Saint Paul said he gave us the final revelation from God. Once he penned his second letter to young Timothy, Paul died, and the revelation from God was complete (refer to 2 Timothy 3:16-17). Paul died 2,000 years ago. Since his death, the Papacy and other Roman leaders have continually supplemented the Bible with “Sacred Tradition.” Saint Paul said that, once his ministry concluded, there would be no more information from God to mankind. Yet, the Roman Church continually appeals to the “church fathers” for further divine insight, men who lived decades and centuries after Saint Paul died! Why? They have no regard for what God has revealed in the Bible.

CONCLUSION

Friends, we would have to be willfully deceptive to say that John 20:30-31 and John 21:25 teach there is additional revelation from God apart from the written Word (the Bible). It is most ridiculous! Those verses are talking about what Jesus “did” rather than what He “taught” and “said.” John’s Gospel selected only eight miracles whereas Jesus did many more during His earthly ministry (see Matthew, Mark, and Luke). The purpose of John’s Gospel can be found in our study, “Should we use the book of John in evangelism?,” linked at the end of this article.)

SUPPLEMENTAL: EVEN IF THE BIBLE CRITICS WERE RIGHT….

For sake of argument, let us suppose that God wanted us to follow church tradition to compensate for the fact that not everything Jesus said is recorded in Scripture. How would we know that church tradition would carry just as much weight as Jesus’ written words? Would there not be a risk that church tradition would challenge, and take away, from the written Word of God? Why, of course—and it has! I have spoken to so many people who claim to follow the Bible and “Sacred Tradition,” but when I pressed them about it and asked them to explain themselves, they finally blurted out, “I do not follow the Bible! I do not care what the Bible says! I follow tradition!”

For people who supposedly familiarized themselves with “God’s Word” in catechetical school, for people who supposedly “studied the Bible” for years at seminary, Roman Catholic “apologists” know almost nothing about what the Bible teaches. No, they do not study the Bible. They simply study theology and then pick out Bible verses that even remotely resemble what they learned in school. Instead of getting their theology out of the Bible, they look for their theology in the Bible. If there is no Bible verse that clearly supports their particular denominational doctrine, they will find the Bible verse closest to what they believe and then force the verse to read their way. John 20:30-31 and John 21:25 are just two examples of this. Their handling of the verse may be phrased as,” A better reading is….” If they disagree with the verse, especially in a King James (Protestant) Bible, they say (most conveniently), “What a poor translation!” Well, in the case of John 20:30-31 and John 21:25, their Roman Catholic Bible says just what the Protestant Bible says. What Jesus “did” not what Jesus “taught!”

Also see:
» Should we use the book of John in evangelism?
» Has God’s Word failed?
» Does doctrine really matter?

BIBLE CONTRADICTIONS / CONFUSING VERSES SIMPLIFIED, DISPENSATIONAL BIBLE STUDY, Is Israel “cast away” or not? Has Israel “fallen” or not?, Is Israel “cast away” or not? Has Israel “fallen” or not?, Is Israel “cast away” or not? Has Israel “fallen” or not?, THE NATION ISRAEL

Is Israel “cast away,” or not? Has Israel “fallen,” or not?

IS ISRAEL “CAST AWAY,” OR NOT? HAS ISRAEL “FALLEN,” OR NOT?

by Shawn Brasseaux

Many consider Romans chapters 9-11 the most difficult part of the book. Calvinists have so abused and confused chapter 9 that people fear reading and teaching it. The “sinner’s prayer” people have abused and confused chapter 10, making it harder for lost people to understand the Gospel of Grace. Those who believe that we have replaced Israel have abused and confused chapter 11, causing people to fight about it as well.

Amidst all the confusion surrounding these chapters, people struggle with so-called “contradictions” as well. For example, the conflicting ideas presented in Romans chapter 11—Israel’s casting away versus her not being cast away, and Israel’s fall versus Israel not falling—at the beginning of the chapter force people to stop attempting to understand it before they have even begun it. In this study, let me first show you exactly what verses they find troublesome. Then, I will share with you other Bible verses that shed light on these “problematic” verses.

ISRAEL—CAST AWAY OR NOT?

The Bible opens Romans chapter 11 with the following: “[1] I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid [May God never let that happen!]. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. [2] God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel saying….” Now, verse 15 upsets the Bible reader: “For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?”

Did you notice the contrasting ideas in the above Scriptures? Verses 1 and 2 say God has not cast away His people Israel. Then, verse 15 says He has cast away His people Israel. Has Israel been cast away, or not? It sounds like double-talk but it is not.

Returning to the Romans 11:1-2: “Hath God cast away his people? God forbid [May God never let that happen!]. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. [2] God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel saying….” The expression—God has not cast away Israel—has a twofold meaning.

Firstly, when Paul wrote the book of Romans (circa Acts chapter 20), there is a remnant of believing Jews still living. There is still Israel’s Little Flock, led by the 12 apostles (note verse 5)—these believers are “the Israel of God” (Galatians 6:16).

Secondly, during the Acts period, there are believing Jews outside of the nation Israel. Paul cites himself as an example (verse 1 of Romans chapter 11). This group of believing Jews belongs to the Church the Body of Christ. All these believing Jews—whether in the Little Flock or in the Body of Christ—prove that God has not cut off all contact with all Jews. The believing Jews in the Little Flock still have access to Him. The believing Jews in the Body of Christ have access to Him. Unbelieving Jews are being offered fellowship with Him, but they must believe Paul’s Gospel and join the Church the Body of Christ. Paul’s Gospel is “Christ died for our sins, He was buried, and He rose again the third day” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).

Additionally, Israel’s Little Flock is the group of believers that God intended to form going all the way back to Abraham. God has not removed Israel from his program forever; He has not permanently rejected Israel. The triune God will deal with Israel yet future. Verse 12 of Romans chapter 11 speaks of Israel’s “fulness” (as opposed to her “diminishing”). Verse 15 discusses God “receiving” Israel (as opposed to God “casting [her] away,” or Him rejecting her). Verse 26 talks about “all Israel shall be saved” (as opposed to her spiritual blindness in our Dispensation of Grace).

When Romans 11:1-2 says that God has not cast away His people Israel, it simply means that they are not eternally out of God’s program. He still has a purpose and plan for them one day. Israel is simply “cast away” in the sense God has momentarily rejected them in order to deal with us Gentiles (verse 15). That God may deal with the whole world in His grace, He removed Israel from her privileged position. Since Israel was unwilling to reach Gentiles on God’s behalf, so worthy of His wrath, He temporarily set Israel aside so He could directly deal with all people (nations) in His longsuffering and kindness (including the unbelieving, rebellious Jews). “For God hath concluded all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all” (Romans 11:32). And, verse 15 in part again, “For if the casting away of them [Israel] be the reconciling of the world [Gentiles]….” This truth is also briefly mentioned in 2 Corinthians 5:19: “To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.”

When Father God is finished forming the Church the Body of Christ (mystery), He will return to forming the nation Israel (prophecy). This leads us to our next section.

ISRAEL—FALLEN OR NOT?

The Bible says in Romans chapter 11: “[11] I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid [May God never let that happen!]: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy. [12] Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness?”

Did you notice the contrasting ideas in the above Scriptures? The first part of verse 11 says Israel did not fall. The rest of verse 11 and verse 12 say Israel has fallen. Did Israel fall, or not? It sounds like double-talk but it is not.

Returning to Romans 11:11-12: “[11] I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy. [12] Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness?” These two verses actually span a period of time rather than a single moment in time. Israel stumbled but did not fall. Later, Israel stumbled and did fall. Exactly what does this mean? We must look in the context for explanatory verses.

Israel’s “stumbling” loops back to what Paul wrote in Romans chapter 9. We read in its closing verses: “[31] But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. [32] Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone; [33] As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.”

According to 1 Peter 2:5-8, the “stumblingstone and rock of offence” laid in Zion was none other than the Lord Jesus Christ. Specifically, this refers to His earthly ministry (Matthew through John). Israel stumbled in that she made the mistake of rejecting Jesus as her Messiah/King. While this occurred throughout the three years of Christ’s earthly ministry, Israel nationally and formally rejected Jesus during His trial before Pontius Pilate, at the end of His earthly ministry. Speaking on behalf of their nation, Israel’s religious leaders cried out, “We have no king but Caesar” (John 19:15). They officially rejected their birthright as the children of Abraham. They wanted no part in being God’s special people to bless all the families of the world (Genesis 12:1-3).

While Israel demanded Jesus’ crucifixion, God did not set them aside as a nation. Remember, Jesus pled from Calvary, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). Father God indeed forgave Israel of the crucifixion of His beloved Son and their Messiah. He gave them a renewed opportunity of repentance in the opening chapters of the book of Acts. Israel had one year to change their minds about who Jesus was, and accept Him. Unfortunately, Israel again rejected that offer. After one year of trying to turn Israel around, with very few Jews converting, God finally set Israel aside. In Acts chapter 7, Israel nationally rejected the Holy Spirit (who had been speaking through Stephen and the others in the opening chapters of Acts). Unlike the blasphemy against Jesus Christ at Calvary that was forgiven, the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost could not be and was not forgiven of Israel (Matthew 12:31-32).

So Israel did stumble at Messiah Jesus during His earthly ministry, but she did not fall before God at the cross. However, Israel rejected the Holy Spirit in early Acts, and then she fell. Through Israel’s fall salvation is coming to us Gentiles. This is where Paul’s ministry comes into view. Romans chapter 11 again: “[11] I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy. [12] Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness? [13] For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office: [14] If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them.” (A side-note: Verse 14 is Paul conducting his “special” ministry during Acts so as to entice the lost Jews to join the Body of Christ and avoid God’s wrath coming upon them.)

CONCLUSION

  1. Has God cast away Israel? “No,” Romans 11:1-2 says. In the Bible, there is still a believing remnant in Israel—that is, the Little Flock—whom God will use to accomplish His will in the earth one day (Luke 12:31-32; cf. Matthew 19:27-28; Romans 11:3-7). While that group of believing Jews does not exist today, it did exist during the Acts period (the time when Paul wrote the book of Romans). Nevertheless, Israel is not permanently rejected of God. After our Dispensation of Grace ends, she will be restored nationally so as to inherit all of God’s promises and blessings first guaranteed to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, et cetera (Romans 11:25-29).
  1. Has God cast away Israel? “Yes,” Romans 11:15 says. So God could deal with us Gentiles and form the Church the Body of Christ, He has momentarily rejected Israel. She is not His favored nation today. God considers all in unbelief—Jew and Gentile—that He might have mercy upon all (Romans 11:32). “As concerning the gospel, they [the Jews] are enemies for your sakes…” (verse 28). While Israel is not nationally converted to JEHOVAH God today, individual Jews can be saved today by believing Paul’s Gospel (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). These Jews can join the Body of Christ, and join God in His plan for the heavenly places.
  1. Did Israel fall? “No,” Romans 11:11 says. She stumbled (made a mistake) when she rejected Jesus as her Messiah/King during His earthly ministry. But, God did not set her aside at the cross of Calvary. She did not fall at Calvary. He continued to deal with her nationally during the first seven chapters of Acts. Peter continued to call all of Israel to repentance and Christ Jesus in Acts chapters 2, 3, 4, and 5. Stephen had a ministry attempting to convert Jerusalem in chapter 6. However, at the end of that year of preaching, in chapter 7, Stephen indicted Israel for her persistent unbelief. Please note there was no offer of repentance in chapter 7 but rather a warning of impending judgment from God. That was the pause of God’s dealings with national Israel, lest the whole world would have been consumed in God’s wrath.
  1. Did Israel fall? “Yes,” Romans 11:11-12 says. She fell when she refused to hear the testimony of the Holy Ghost speaking through the 12 apostles during early Acts. The culmination of her unbelief occurred in Acts chapter 7, when God finally set Israel aside and went to the Gentiles (through Paul) without Israel. For more information, please see the links below to our various related Bible studies.

Also see:
» Have we been “grafted into Israel?”
» Why did Jesus stand in Acts 7:55-56?
» Can you explain Peter and the 11’s ministry in Acts 7-15?
» Can you explain Matthew 21:43?
» What is Replacement Theology?
» Have I blasphemed against the Holy Spirit?
» Can you explain Paul’s first miracle?

DISPENSATIONAL BIBLE STUDY, Why do people grow angry when we share right division with them?

Why do people grow angry when we share right division with them?

WHY DO PEOPLE GROW ANGRY WHEN WE SHARE RIGHT DIVISION WITH THEM?

by Shawn Brasseaux

There are several reasons why people get angry when we share dispensational Bible study with them. In this Bible study article, I will share with you the reasons that come to my mind.

1. EMOTIONS

Friend, you must always remember you are dealing with an extremely personal matter. Regardless of the friendliness and sincerity of denominational Christians, they still have emotional attachments to their particular group’s tenets. Even if they are saved people who understand justification by grace through faith in Christ without works, they have the same emotions that lost people have. A saved person’s “flesh” (sin nature) is just as rotten as a lost person’s “flesh.” If the Christian is not renewing his or her mind daily with sound Bible doctrine, he or she is operating on the same basis the lost person is functioning. There is no Spirit of God working in either life. They are all merely “coasting along” in the energy of their flesh, to burn out soon and find themselves miserably stranded.

If you have had any experience in a denominational system yourself, you know that church tradition is extremely hard to abandon. Some people go their whole lives—perhaps even 100 years—and never give up their religion. Perhaps it is a theological system that family and friends embrace. Thus, in their mind, it is a betrayal of loved ones to listen to right division. A lot of people are in their particular denominations or local churches because of close family ties. Also, there are preachers’ salaries involved. There are egos (pride) associated. People will have to start admitting that they are wrong. They will have to concede that they have been taught wrong. They will have to admit that they have believed wrong. They will have to disclose that they have taught others wrong. As you can imagine, this is quite devastating for lost and saved people alike. Much of their lives have been based on lies, and who wants to admit a faulty foundation?

First Timothy chapter 6 mentions people who do not consent to wholesome words, even to the words of our Lord Jesus Christ. Note their malady, and how we are to deal with them. First Timothy chapter 6: “[3] If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; [4] He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, [5] Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.”

We are to teach others sound Bible doctrine. Tell them how to have their sins forgiven by faith in Christ’s finished crosswork alone (found in Paul’s epistles). After they are saved unto eternal life, tell them about why God saved them from their sins (also found in Paul’s epistles). But, if they “consent not to wholesome words, even the word of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness,” if they refuse to hear us at any point, the Scriptures tell us to “withdraw” from them. That is, leave them in their ignorance (1 Corinthians 14:38—which applies first and foremost to Christians, and, if we are to “withdraw” from rebellious Christians, all the more from lost people!). The Holy Spirit says they are “proud, knowing nothing.” They refuse to admit that they are wrong, and they refuse to admit that they have been teaching wrong. Pride has gotten in the way, and they have pushed the Bible out of the way. You need not waste your time with them. Friend, move on to people who do want to listen to the truth!

2. DENOMINATION

If right division were embraced, if Paul’s apostleship to us were accepted as true, the first thing that would go would be water baptism. Every group in Christendom holds to some type of water baptism, so every group would literally fall apart! Tithing (forced giving), Sabbath-day keeping, “healing” services, confession of sins, prayer books, “praise and worship services,” “anointed preaching,” bodies of scholarship, and so on, all of that would have to go as well. They recognize exactly what they would have to abandon and they grow angry because they are too much attached to these practices and ideas (recall our comments in point #1).

In their minds, their particular denomination teaches exactly what God would have them do. They equate loyalty to their church with loyalty to God. “I want to follow Jesus in ‘believer’s baptism.’ I want to follow Him in ‘healing the sick,’ ‘raising the dead,’ and ‘handling snakes!’ I want to ‘love my neighbor as myself.’” On and on they go. They sincerely think that by following the denomination in “obeying” Matthew through John and early Acts, they are following Jesus Christ. When they hear teaching contrary to what they have heard in their local church for years and years, when they hear about “Paul the man” with “words of divine authority,” they see that new information as an infringement upon “God’s instructions” to them. They feel threatened so they erect a wall. Their emotions have been breached (see point #1), their conscience has been pricked, and now they feel they must defend themselves! They blurt, “I follow Jesus. I do not follow Paul, a mere man!” (All the while they are following men leading the denomination. All the while they obey the traditions of men.)

Although they have already erected a wall to “tune you out,” inside, they have reached a crossroads. Having seen dispensational Bible study, having heard the Bible rightly divided, they struggle to “make the break from religion.” For most, the pull toward religion is just too irresistible. There is far too much to lose, so they stay with the denomination they have known for all those years. There is a great desire to retain “the religion Mama and Daddy believed and died with.” (Again, they view you as “maligning their deceased loved ones.”) In fact, they may still have relatives and friends in that church so they do not want to lose fellowship with them. Considering the great losses, they turn a blind eye to God’s Word.

Please understand, not all of these people are deliberately being dishonest. Unfortunately, some people utterly refuse to embrace the truth. Sometimes, they know good and well that they are teaching wrong, but they keep their traditions. I remember one local Bible teacher was very much aware of Pauline dispensationalism but he did not want to fully embrace it because: (1) he was a Baptist and he wanted to hang on to his water ceremony, and (2) he did not want to upset the Baptist church where all his relatives and friends were. Friends, remember, you cannot make a living in a denomination unless you sign a contract affirming that you agree with their doctrine. You cannot embrace dispensational Bible study and expect your salary (income) and your relationships to remain fully intact. This leads us to point #3.

3. SOCIALIZATION

Remember, all things fall apart in the religious system if dispensational Bible study is embraced and upheld. This is especially concerning “friendships,” “marriages,” and “peers.” You may lose your personal business, your spouse, your “friends,” everything. Many in the Grace Movement—myself included—know this all too well.

People are going to have to start disagreeing with their “alma maters” (the “higher learning” institutions from which they received their education/training and advanced degrees). For example, a man feels indebted to his denominational college or seminary. To embrace dispensational Bible study means he must part with his “academic heritage.” That means disappointing his former professors, jeopardizing his friendships with former classmates, losing his endorsements, losing his reputation as a “champion” in that group or denomination, and so on. He will endure a string of very painful names—“heretic,” “apostate,” “church splitter,” “traitor,” “troublemaker,” “fanatic,” “Paul-worshipper,” “Bible-worshipper,” and much nastier words too vulgar to repeat here!

Note John 9:19-23: “[19] And they asked them, saying, Is this your son, who ye say was born blind? how then doth he now see? [20] His parents answered them and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind: [21] But by what means he now seeth, we know not; or who hath opened his eyes, we know not: he is of age; ask him: he shall speak for himself. [22] These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue. [23] Therefore said his parents, He is of age; ask him.” Jesus had indeed healed that blind man, but his parents refused to speak about it, fearing excommunication from the synagogue!

And, of course, the capstone of it all is John 12:42-43: “[42] Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: [43] For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.”

My dear readers, human nature has not changed one bit in the 2,000 years since John chapters 9 and 12. Often, people are just not willing to give up their “prestigious” positions in their community. This can be with respect to professing Jesus Christ as Saviour, professing to believe the King James Bible, professing to be a Pauline dispensationalist, or professing to be a Bible-believing creationist. They will have to endure the “stigma” of “someone who believes things that very few people believe.” In the first installment of His great commission of His 12 apostles, the Lord Jesus warned, “And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake…” (Matthew 10:22). People really do not hate us. They hate Jesus Christ whom we serve. Beloved, let us not give into the temptation of giving up Jesus Christ just so we can have the “praise of men.” Galatians 1:10: “For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.”

4. SALVATION

Friends, we might as well face it. There are some people on their way to hell and they do not realize it. This is because they have been taught a false Gospel and have false security. There is absolutely no soul salvation is a “sinner’s prayer.” There is absolutely no soul salvation in a water baptism, a church membership, a “tithe,” a visit to a confession booth, a partaking of some “holy meal,” growing up in a “Christian” home, and so on. Following Paul’s epistles, understanding they are to and about you, will automatically divorce you from “Repent and be baptized” (Acts 2:38). It will automatically separate you from “faith without works is dead” (James 2:26). Unfortunately, people will hang on to these verses as part of their “Gospel message.” Rather than admit that their church tradition is wrong, that they have been taught wrong for so long, they will keep these misconstrued verses. It will result in their eternal damnation in hellfire. They would rather just continue in “hopes” of those verses applying to them. This leads us to point #5.

 5. REGULATION

Another reason why people dislike dispensational Bible study is that it removes works as a requirement to please God. Religion is very popular because it allows you to do things in the flesh. You get a sense that you can do things to make God happy with you. It can be a water baptism, a church membership, a series of prescribed prayers, a monetary donation, whatever. Then, you can brag about your “goodness.” Religionists have been so indoctrinated that they believe their Christian life cannot function without the Law. They believe the Law (especially the Ten Commandments) can help them manage their sin. They think it can help them quit bad deeds and help them start doing good deeds.

Oh, how ignorant they are of Galatians 5:18: “But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law!” The Bible says that the Holy Spirit never leads any believer to be under the Law today. Whoever teaches you to place yourself under the Law today, he or she is not led by God’s Spirit, and God’s Spirit is not leading you to place yourself under the Law! These works-religion people do not understand that God’s grace teaches us how to live. Law tells us to live righteously, but never provides us with power to live righteously. On the other hand, grace tells us to live righteously because we have the power in Christ to live righteously. Righteous living is the outward manifestation of the set-apart position we have in Jesus Christ. The sixth chapter of Romans makes that very clear.

The Bible says in Titus 2:11-14: “[11] For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, [12] Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; [13] Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; [14] Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”

6. MISINFORMATION

It is so sad, ever so sad to say it, but some people have been taught absolute nonsense in the name of “dispensational Bible study.” I have met some people who have given dispensational Bible study an extremely bad name. They almost made me abandon it years ago. Not having a good grasp of dispensational Bible study themselves, especially the book of Acts, they have confused and perverted others. All in the name of “dispensational Bible study,” they give more ammunition so our critics can use it against us. This is also why some people dislike right division. All they have to do is hear the word “dispensationalism” and “right division” and they shut down and start with emotional objections. They need to be taught true dispensational Bible study. It may be that they have never heard a clear dispensational Bible presentation in the first place. They need us to tell them, so, brethren, let us be gentle and loving as we do it.

7. “I AM COMFORTABLE JUST BEING SAVED UNTO ETERNAL LIFE!”

Unfortunately, some Christians are content with simply being saved. “I am on my way to heaven. I have trusted that Jesus died for my sins. All I need to know from the Bible, I know. Now, please, leave me alone!” In other words, they never get beyond a Gospel message. Spiritual growth requires great study and much effort. “Brother, there is just too much thinking at your grace church. Looking for books in the Bible and flipping pages is just so exhausting.” That is, they would rather attend church where the denomination/preacher interprets the Bible for them. Other than showing up, sitting in the pew, and shouting an occasional “Amen!,” such minimal effort is all they think God requires of them. As long as they can sing, dance, tap their feet, and clap their hands, they need not bother turning Bible pages and reading Bible verses!

While we rejoice that these people have believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, that they are safe and secure in Christ, there is much more to Christian living than having the assurance of salvation unto eternal life. A Christian not mastering the Bible, not going beyond the Gospel in his or her comprehension, he or she is like a “vegetable,” someone who, although living, has severe spiritual brain damage and cannot function properly (if at all). Which Christian life do you prefer? Someone who knows the Gospel (less than one percent of the Bible), or someone who is quite familiar with the Bible? God’s will is not simply for you to be saved unto eternal life, my friend. First Timothy 2:4 also says Father God wants you to come unto the knowledge of the truth. You only do this by study His Word, His way!

Think about it another way. How much value would you place in a medical doctor who knew nothing more than how to take your temperature? What would you think of a carpenter who knew nothing more than how to saw and nail two pieces of wood together? What would you think of a mechanic who knew nothing more than how to change motor oil? I am being facetious, of course, but these “professionals” would be anything but. They are ridiculous. How much more a Christian who boasts knowing a handful of verses, when their Bible has thousands upon thousands of verses? Instead of knowing all the counsel of God, able to tell others, they themselves must be taught.

As we mentioned earlier, they do not want to learn and grow because that requires study and effort. By you mentioning dispensational Bible study, you are challenging them to study the Bible on their own. This they dare not do. They are comfortable exactly where they are in their Christian experience and understanding of the Bible. They feel intimidated and will not dare to venture beyond their “box.” Their denomination has taught them all they care to know about the Bible. Oh, friends, dear brethren, may we never, ever, EVER become apathetic!

In closing, I leave you with one of our archived devotionals.

HARD AND STUBBORN, SOFT AND PLIABLE

“He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy” (Proverbs 29:1 KJV).

Yea, the more you share the Bible with someone who refuses to hear it, the harder he or she will get inside and the more resistant he or she will become.

Second Timothy chapter 3, verses 16 and 17, say: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” The Bible is useful for “doctrine” (teaching), “reproof” (telling you what you are doing wrong), “correction” (telling you how to think so you can fix your behavior), and “instruction in righteousness” (telling you how to have a lifestyle that pleases God).

When the Word of God is shared with others, it challenges them. It exposes their ignorance (lack of understanding). It tells them what they are doing wrong. It tells them how to think so they can fix their behavior. It tells them how to have a lifestyle that is pleasing in God’s sight. Of course, the flesh, prideful self, does not like this. Every time the Bible is read or preached, every person’s flesh stiffens up in the audience. After all, Hebrews 4:12: “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

Do you ever wonder how people can become so antagonistic toward the Bible? They can hear God’s words for the 1000th time, and still not make the choice of faith. Why? Proverbs 29:1 explains. Every time they heard God’s Word, they did not receive it. Light rejected is darkness. Spiritual reproof rejected becomes hardness. They become increasingly calloused. Recall how Moses stood before Pharaoh, with Pharaoh’s heart repeatedly rejecting God’s Word. May we not be Pharaoh! Once we hear God’s Word to us, Paul’s epistles of Romans through Philemon, may we believe it, before we too are hardened!

Also see:
» Can we “witness too much” to family members?
» If dispensational Bible study is true, how come so few believe it?
» Has God’s Word failed?

Could you explain Paul’s first miracle?, Could you explain Paul’s first miracle?, DISPENSATIONAL BIBLE STUDY, ESCHATOLOGY (END TIMES) / PROPHECY

Could you explain Paul’s first miracle?

COULD YOU EXPLAIN PAUL’S FIRST MIRACLE?

by Shawn Brasseaux

The Apostle Paul’s first miracle recorded in Scripture is in Acts chapter 13. We would do well if we surveyed that account and explained its elements. In doing so, we will better understand what Paul’s ministry is all about.

We read in Acts 13:1-12: “[1] Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. [2] As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. [3] And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. [4] So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus. [5] And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister. [6] And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus: [7] Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God. [8] But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. [9] Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him. [10] And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? [11] And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand. [12] Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.”

Notice how, when Saul (Paul) and Barnabas began their first apostolic journey, a Jew involved with Satan worship, attempted to hinder them from ministering to a Gentile political leader. Led by the Holy Ghost, Paul supernaturally blinded Elymas because Elymas, a Jewish sorcerer, attempted to prevent this Gentile from hearing God’s Word and trusting Christ. What is the significance of this miracle?

Remember, as per the Abrahamic Covenant, God formed Israel so He could utilize them in a kingdom to send His salvation to the Gentiles (non-Jews). The LORD God had told Abraham, “In thee shall all families of the earth be blessed” (Genesis 12:3). When God sent Israel’s Messiah-King, Jesus, the Jews demanded His crucifixion. Even after Jesus was resurrected, they still rejected Him: Israel refused the apostles’ ministry (technically, the Holy Spirit’s ministry) in the early Acts period. Until all of Israel was saved, her kingdom could not be established, keeping the Gentiles from receiving salvation. But God had a plan to circumvent this rebellion!

Elymas symbolizes lost national Israel that prevents Gentiles from hearing God’s Word. Paul writes, “the Jews…[forbid] us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway…” (1 Thessalonians 2:14-16). Elymas’ other name is “Bar-Jesus,” meaning “son of Jesus,” and “Jesus” means “Saviour.” The Jews should have been God’s spiritual people so they could reach Gentiles, and yet, most were lost in Satan worship as the Gentiles were (works-religion, pagan idolatry).

Note what Paul wrote in Romans 11:11-13,25-29: “[11] I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy. [12] Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness? [13] For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office: … [25] For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. [26] And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: [27] For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins. [28] As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the father’s sakes. [29] For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.”

As Paul begins his apostolic journeys, God signifies, through the blinding of Elymas, that He will temporarily spiritually blind Israel and send salvation to the Gentiles through Paul’s ministry, without Israel (Romans 11:11-13). In our dispensation, Israel is “[blinded]…until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in” (Romans 11:25). When our dispensation ends (the Rapture), God will return to Israel (verses 26-29). Just as Elymas was blinded “for a season” (Acts 13:11)—not eternally—Israel is temporarily blinded. God is not finished with Israel.

(If you have not already read it, please see our companion study below about Peter’s first miracle. The other two studies below are also supplemental, so please consult them for more information. Our study on Paul’s name change is also very beneficial in this regard.)

Also see:
» Can you explain Peter’s first miracle?
» Why was Saul’s name changed to Paul?
» Is God finished with the nation Israel?

Could you explain Peter’s first miracle?, Could you explain Peter’s first miracle?, ESCHATOLOGY (END TIMES) / PROPHECY, THE NATION ISRAEL

Could you explain Peter’s first miracle?

COULD YOU EXPLAIN PETER’S FIRST MIRACLE?

by Shawn Brasseaux

The Apostle Peter’s first miracle recorded in Scripture is in Acts chapter 3. We would do well if we surveyed that account and explained its elements. In doing so, we will better understand what Peter’s ministry, and that of the 12 apostles, is all about.

We read in Acts 3:1-11: “[1] Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. [2] And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; [3] Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms. [4] And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. [5] And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. [6] Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. [7] And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. [8] And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. [9] And all the people saw him walking and praising God: [10] And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him. [11] And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon’s, greatly wondering.”

Apostles Peter and John, going to the Temple in Jerusalem to pray at the “ninth hour” (3 P.M.), see a lame man sitting at the Temple gate called “Beautiful.” The man has been lame from birth, unable to walk for over 40 years (Acts 4:22). He begs for goods/money from those who pass by him to enter the Temple. When he asks something of Peter and John, Peter replies, “Look on us!” That is, Peter’s appearance—his clothing especially—was not that of a wealthy individual. Peter and John were just common people, who had recently sold all their material possessions as Jesus commanded (Luke 12:31-34). They were certainly not demanding “deserved personal jets” and “thousand-dollar suits” as many of today’s so-called “ministers (ha!) of Jesus Christ!” But, Peter and John can offer this lame man something. Spiritual healing pictured by physical healing!

By the way, the lame man symbolizes Israel, spiritually impotent from her beginning (dead in her sins; Matthew 1:21; Matthew 18:11). By performing this miracle through Peter, the Holy Ghost is signifying to lost Israel that He can heal them spiritually like He physically restored the lame man. Notice Acts 4:8-12: “[8] Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, [9] If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; [10] Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. [11] This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. [12] Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”

Interestingly, in case you did not notice, the Temple gate by which the lame man sat was called “Beautiful” (Acts 3:2). He sat just outside God’s blessings (Israel’s kingdom), but he needed strength to get there. He needed God’s power to raise him up! After Peter healed him, he walked into the Temple, leaping and praising God (verses 8-10).

At His Second Coming, Jesus Christ will heal Israel of her existing lost, impotent state (Acts 3:19-21). As God gave the lame man strength to walk into the Temple, He will empower Israel to rise up in salvation (Romans 11:26-29) and literally walk into her kingdom (Isaiah 35:1-10; Ezekiel 37:1-28). In the name of Jesus Christ, Israel will be healed, delivered into her kingdom of everlasting salvation, peace, and prosperity (Jeremiah 23:5-8; Hosea 2:14-23; Luke 1:67-75; 1 Peter 2:9-10).

Yes, in this the Dispensation of Grace, Israel lacks her once privileged position before God. Her Temple is destroyed. Jews are scattered worldwide, absent from the land that God promised their father Abraham. Sadly, Israel is lost, far removed from JEHOVAH who dealt with her patriarchs in time past (Romans 10:1-3; Romans 11:11-32; 2 Corinthians 3:14-16). This is only temporary! (This brings us to Paul’s first miracle recorded in Scripture. Please see the link below for this study’s companion article. The other two studies below are also supplemental, so please consult them for more information.)

Also see:
» Could you explain Paul’s first miracle?
» Why did Jesus Christ heal on the Sabbath day?
» Did John 10:16 predict the Church the Body of Christ?

BIBLE VERSIONS AND MANUSCRIPTS, JUST ASKING / CURIOUS QUESTIONS, What made the crucified thief repent?, What made the crucified thief repent?

What made the crucified thief repent?

WHAT MADE THE CRUCIFIED THIEF REPENT?

by Shawn Brasseaux

At the beginning of the crucifixion, both thieves (or malefactors, criminals) mocked Jesus Christ hanging on the cross. But then, one thief had a drastic change in mind and heart. Why?

We begin reading at Luke 23:33: “And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.” By the way, you must have a King James Bible to read of “Calvary” here. Modern English versions remove the term—you cannot sing or teach about “Calvary’s cross” if your Bible never says anything about it!

During Jesus’ crucifixion, He was subjected to much taunting and laughter. The common Jews mocked Him, so did their religious leaders and the Roman soldiers. Even the two crucified thieves criticized Him as a fraud. “The thieves also, which were crucified with him cast the same in his teeth” (Matthew 27:44).

Verses 34-39 of Luke chapter 23 continue: “[34] Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. [35] And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided [ridiculed] him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God. [36] And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar, [37] And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself. [38] And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. [39] And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.”

Later, one of the thieves had a change in heart: “[40] But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? [41] And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.” Evidently, the thief read the superscription and believed it, and Jesus Christ guaranteed his soul salvation! Verses 42 and 43 conclude: “And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise!” The convicted thief, being nailed to a cross himself, unable to do anything else, saw the sign over Jesus’ head—“THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.” So, he cried to out to Jesus in faith: “Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom!” The thief saw and trusted Jesus as “King” and “Lord” indeed.

SUPPLEMENTAL: THE MODERN-VERSION PERVERSION OF LUKE 23:42

People often ask why we make such a “big deal” about using the King James Bible. We already saw how modern English versions remove the word “Calvary” from Luke 23:33. This is significant because that term “Calvary” no longer has a Biblical basis; it can no longer be rightly called a “Scriptural” term. Do you see how dangerous the modern-version issue is? But, there is something more serious in the modern versions concerning this passage. Most never catch their error. I will gladly expose them for you, my friend.

The modern versions, following their handful of underlying corrupted Greek manuscripts from Alexandria (Egypt), do not contain the title “Lord” (kurie) in Luke 23:42. Rather than the King James expression (supported in most Greek manuscripts), “He said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me…,” the thief in a modern version says, “Jesus, remember me…” (NASB, NIV, HCSB, Amplified, ESV, NLT, NRSV, The Voice, et cetera). That is, the modern English versions—so-called “bibles”—have removed a reference to Jesus being “Lord!” Furthermore, they have hidden the thief’s testimony, his acknowledgement of Jesus not simply being “King” but also the “Lord.” This is just one of the dozens of places where the modern versions do this. They hide the correlation that the Jesus of the New Testament is the “Lord” (JEHOVAH) of the Old Testament. Since these Bible editors and translators have such a low opinion of the Lord Jesus Christ, why would we want to use their worthless manuscripts and useless books as the bases for our lives? Once again, a simple verse shows us that the King James Bible is theologically superior to all the modern English versions and all their manuscripts combined!!!!

Also see:
» Were there five crosses on Calvary?
» Why does the Bible say Jesus was hanged on a “tree?”
» Why did Jesus forbid others from preaching that He was Christ?

Can you explain “God be merciful to me a sinner?”, SOUL SALVATION FROM SINS

Can you explain, “God be merciful to me a sinner?”

CAN YOU EXPLAIN, “GOD BE MERCIFUL TO ME A SINNER?”

by Shawn Brasseaux

Friend, as you may know very well, Luke 18:13 is one of the proof-texts of the so-called “sinner’s prayer” crowd. While they are doing their best to share Jesus Christ with lost people, certain professing Christians have confused others by popularizing the prayer, “Lord, have mercy on me!” They use the verse to persuade lost people to get on their knees and cry at so-called church “altars.” These people seeking salvation in Christ today are urged to plead for God’s mercy as the publican did. Unfortunately, those who use Luke 18:13 as a salvation verse for people to follow today, have no idea what it is actually teaching. We hope to shed some light on this highly abused verse.

The Bible says in Luke chapter 18: “[9] And he [Jesus Christ] spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: [10] Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. [11] The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. [12] I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. [13] And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. [14] I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.”

Before we proceed, we must acknowledge that this parable has a unique setting. Jesus said it involved two men praying in Israel’s Temple in Jerusalem. Unlike us, they were not praying in some Gentile church building. And the publican was certainly not at home repeating a “sinner’s prayer” with some smooth-talking televangelist. Luke 18:13 involves Israel’s Temple in Jerusalem. Never forget that, my friend.

To better understand this “Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican,” we should review some basics of the Mosaic Law system. At Mount Sinai, Exodus chapter 20 onward—also in Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy—God gave the Law of Moses to the nation Israel. It encompassed many rules and regulations (headed by the Ten Commandments, but involved hundreds of other laws), a priesthood (Levitical/Aaronic priesthood), a place of worship (Tabernacle), a complex religious calendar, and various animal sacrifices. During the centuries between Moses ministry and Jesus’ earthly ministry, the Law of Moses, or Judaism, became increasingly watered down (corrupted). Israel’s religious leaders had added manmade rules and regulations, passing off these rabbinical traditions as “just as much the Word of God as the Sacred Writings.” (Sounds just like Roman Catholicism, yes?)

This amalgamation of God’s pure Law and manmade religious tradition was present during Christ’s earthly ministry. Hence, the Lord Jesus heavily criticized it. This works-religion had caused many Jews to believe that they did not need a Saviour (Him). Heading this self-righteous group were the Pharisees and the Sadducees, Israel’s religious leaders. As Luke 18:9 said, they “trusted in themselves that they were righteous.” It was for this reason that Jesus spoke the Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican in the following verses (Luke 18:10-14). Now that we have a better understanding of the background, we can return to the actual text.

Verses 11 and 12, of Luke chapter 18: “[11] The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. [12] I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.” The Pharisee thanked God that he was not as other men are. He was not an extortionist, unjust, an adulterer, or even as that publican (tax collector). Rather, he fasted twice a week and he gave tithes of all that he possessed. Such wonderful religious works! (Pardon my sarcasm.) In fact, the Pharisee was so content with his religion that he thought he was better than everyone else.

Now, we read about the publican. Verse 13: “And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.” Observe how this tax collector stood quite a distance away from the Pharisee. This publican would not even lift up his eyes unto heaven. Rather, he smote his breast. He literally used his fist to strike his chest, signifying great sadness (sorrow). Unlike the Pharisee clothed in his self-righteousness, the publican knew good and well that he was an undeserving, wretched sinner. Yet, he recognized something that the goody-goody Pharisee had overlooked. What? We must go back into Israel’s history again, when the Mosaic Law was first given.

When God formed Israel’s religion under Moses, one of the most important days on their spiritual calendar was the Day of Atonement. See all of Leviticus chapter 16 for details. For brevity’s sake, we look at two verses: “[15] Then shall he [the high priest] kill the goat of the sin offering, that is for the people, and bring his blood within the vail, and do with that blood as he did with the blood of the bullock, and sprinkle it upon the mercy seat, and before the mercy seat: [16] And he shall make an atonement for the holy place, because of the uncleanness of the children of Israel, and because of their transgressions in all their sins: and so shall he do for the tabernacle of the congregation, that remaineth among them in the midst of their uncleanness.”

God commanded Israel’s High Priest (originally it was Moses’ brother Aaron) to enter the Holy of Holies—the innermost chamber where God’s presence was in the Tabernacle—once a year and sprinkle goat’s blood on the Mercy Seat (lid of the Ark of the Covenant). It was to atone for, or cover, the sins of all the people of the nation Israel. The blood was on the Mercy Seat. The blood was between God’s presence (which was above the Mercy Seat) and the broken Ten Commandments (which were under the Mercy Seat, in the Ark of the Covenant). That shed blood restored Israel’s fellowship with God. It made them “at one.” Eventually, under King Solomon, the Temple replaced the Tabernacle. Still, the rituals of the Day of Atonement continued, and right up to the time of Jesus’ earthly ministry. Now, let us return to that parable of the Pharisee and the publican to conclude.

CONCLUSION

In Luke 18:13, when the publican prayed, “God be merciful to me a sinner,” both he and God were thinking about that goat’s shed blood sprinkled on the Mercy Seat there in the Temple. The publican agreed with God that he was a sinner, that he could not approach Him, a holy righteous God, on the basis of his works. He knew he could approach God only because of the atoning blood on the Mercy Seat. That animal blood was a picture, or type, of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice of Himself on Calvary. (You can refer to Hebrews chapter 10 in its entirety.)

In stark contrast, the Pharisee, please note, was not approaching God by faith in shed blood. He told us exactly what made him think God would accept him—his faithful fasting and tithing (Luke 18:12)! In other words, he bragged about giving up pleasures and giving out money. Do, do, do! Typical of religion! Sounds just like Cain and Abel. Ignoring the blood provision God makes, and attempting to do something to replace God’s work. Jesus said, in Luke 18:14, that the publican was justified rather than the Pharisee. The publican had humbled himself (humility) whereas the Pharisee had exalted himself (arrogance).

The problem with using Luke 18:13 and us asking God to show us mercy today, is for us to forget the greatest event in all of human history. Something so drastic happened in world history after Jesus Christ told that parable in Luke chapter 18. It was His sacrificial death on Calvary’s cross! On this side of Calvary, how and why does God show us mercy? Is it because of some animal blood sprinkled on the Mercy Seat in the Temple at Jerusalem today? Of course not, beloved! That Temple was destroyed nearly 20 centuries ago! God showed (past tense) us mercy (pity, compassion) by sending His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to die our death and endure His wrath on our behalf—the fulfillment of that animal’s blood. For us to request God show us mercy today, is really quite blasphemous. He has no more mercy to show us than what He already did at Calvary’s cross. When He offered His Son as the fully satisfying payment for our sins, He gave us a way to escape the flames of hell due us because of our sin! There is no greatest way for Him to show us mercy. Rather than asking for God’s mercy, just enjoy it in Christ!

Ephesians 2:1-7: “[1] And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; [2] Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: [3] Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. [4] But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, [5] Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) [6] And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: [7] That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.”

Titus 3:4-6: “[4] But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, [5] Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; [6] Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;”

Also see:
» Must I say the “sinner’s prayer?”
» What about Romans 10:9-10?
» Why did Israel have to keep so many strange laws?

BIBLE CONTRADICTIONS / CONFUSING VERSES SIMPLIFIED, Did Matthew mishandle Hosea 11:1?, Did Matthew mishandle Hosea 11:1?, THE NATION ISRAEL

Did Matthew mishandle Hosea 11:1?

DID MATTHEW MISHANDLE HOSEA 11:1?

by Shawn Brasseaux

Some have greatly criticized the book of Matthew because it uses Hosea 11:1 to apply to Jesus Christ. Originally, Hosea was talking about God calling Israel out of Egypt. Yet, Matthew adapted Hosea’s statement to say God called Jesus out of Egypt. Was Matthew wrong for doing this? To the Scriptures!

King Herod was willing to do anything and everything he could to prevent a young king (Jesus) from taking his throne. So, as many know, he purposed to kill Jesus (who was as much as two years old at the time). Many Jewish babies and young children were slaughtered in the process. The angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream in Matthew 2:13. God, having complete knowledge of the situation, instructed Joseph to take Mary and Jesus and flee to Egypt. Now, we read Matthew 2:15: “And [young Jesus] was there [in Egypt] until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.”

Matthew was obviously citing Hosea 11:1, which reads: “When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.” A difficulty has now arisen in the minds of some. How could this verse about the nation Israel also pertain to Jesus Christ as Matthew suggests? If we are skilled in the Scriptures, there is no “difficulty” here. In fact, that “strange” application of Hosea 11:1 enables us to see parallels between Israel and Christ both past and future. Rather than being ungrateful and lazy complainers, we can be studious Bible readers and actually learn something from God’s marvelous Book!

Read what Moses was instructed to tell Pharaoh, just before Israel’s deliverance from Egypt: “And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD, Israel is my son, even my firstborn” (Exodus 4:22). Who is the nation Israel? Is not Israel God’s “son?” According to the Bible, yes. Now, see what God says of Jesus: “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). Is not Jesus God’s “Son?” Again, according to the Bible, yes. Even if we knew nothing else, even if we stopped right here, we can see the close affinity between Israel and Jesus Christ. But, let us take it a step further. More clarity could be—and will be—provided. Exactly what can we learn from all of this?

To begin, we ask a basic question. What is a “son” in Scripture? We find the Biblical definition of sonship in Galatians chapter 4: “[1] Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; [2] But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father. [3] Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: [4] But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, [5] To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. [6] And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. [7] Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.”

Please understand that adoption in God’s Word is not used in the sense as we use it. It is not taking a child out of his or her biological family and placing him or her into a foreign family. In the Bible, the adopted son stays within his biological family: he receives a prominent position in his family. The father has ensured that son has been trained since he was a child. After that period of instruction, the son can join the father in doing what the father enjoys (like running a family business). In the Bible, an adopted son is someone whom the father declares to be an adult. That is, the adopted son is a mature individual capable of making wise decisions about matters related to the father’s interests. If the father is unavailable, he can trust his son to act sensibly in his stead.

By the way, we as members of the Church the Body of Christ, we are not “servants,” doing the Father’s will because we are obligated to do it. No, Galatians says we are “sons,” doing the Father’s will because we have freely decided to do it. Father God has not forced us to do it. Out of gratitude for what He has done for us at Calvary, we simply delight in doing what He wants accomplished. His word effectually works in us who believe (1 Thessalonians 2:13). It is really His power that drives our Christian life. We will talk more about this later in reference to Jesus Christ.

Okay, back to the nation Israel. As per the Abrahamic Covenant, God wanted Israel to be His channel of salvation and blessing to the Gentiles (see Genesis 12:1-3). As with the case of sonship, Israel should have learned to trust God’s Word and depend on God’s works. Yet, once God delivered them from Egypt, they fumbled (see Hosea 11:1-4). They failed to learn the instruction that God had given them; consequently, they never did function as God’s “adopted-son” nation. So wrapped up in their own religious “goodness,” they never saw the goodness of His grace (what He wanted to do for them and with them). They had no idea what God was doing in the Earth, so they had no capability of working alongside God.

Exodus chapter 15, the Song of Moses, highlights what God had just done for Israel in destroying Pharaoh and his armies in the Red Sea: “[16] Fear and dread shall fall upon them; by the greatness of thine arm they shall be as still as a stone; till thy people pass over, O LORD, till the people pass over, which thou hast purchased. [17] Thou shalt bring them in, and plant them in the mountain of thine inheritance, in the place, O LORD, which thou hast made for thee to dwell in, in the Sanctuary, O LORD, which thy hands have established. [18] The LORD shall reign for ever and ever.”

Look at what God is doing in the passage—“the greatness of thine arm,” “thou hast purchased,” “thou shalt bring them in,” “thou shalt plant them in the mountain of thine inheritance,” “in the place O LORD which thou hast made for thee to dwell in,” “the Sanctuary O LORD which thy hands have established,” “the LORD shall reign for ever and ever.” It is not about what Israel is doing and has done, but what God has done for her and wants to do with her! Israel’s deliverance from Egypt was a precursor to God coming down from heaven and dwelling with the Jews on Earth. They were to be His kingdom of priests, ready to tell the Gentiles all about their wonderful God! Alas, Israel failed. It was such a miserable disaster. They refused His Word and wanted works-religion instead. They wanted their works to be the issue. They could not function as God’s “son,” His co-worker. They had no idea what His Word was. They were in no condition to share it with the world. Israel should have been ready to be God’s people as soon as He delivered them from Egypt. They had been set free from Satanic bondage and had been heading to God’s Promised Land. Now, that had ended. They fell under God’s curse (because of their works), and are still awaiting His blessings (because of His grace).

Fast-forward 1,500 years, to our opening comments. Young Jesus has fled to Egypt, the same land in which Israel was in bondage many centuries earlier (Matthew 2:13-18). However, by the time of Matthew 2:19-23, Herod is dead, and Jesus can safely return to “the land of Israel” (note that expression in verse 21). Once He enters the Promised Land, Jesus is delighted to do the Father’s will. What Israel failed so miserably in doing, Jesus went on to do it. He was so faithful to Father God’s will, and, by doing so, He forced Israel to learn the lesson that God had been trying to teach them for centuries. They could never make themselves His people; He would make them His people. Only He had that power for sonship!

We find the writer of the book of Hebrews quoting Psalm 40:6-8. In fact, it is quoting what the Lord Jesus Christ said to His Heavenly Father at His incarnation in Mary’s womb. Note Hebrews chapter 10: “[5] Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: [6] In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. [7] Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God. [8] Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law; [9] Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.”

Not only did Jesus say that He came to do God’s will. If we look at the original quote, Psalm 40:8, it says, “I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.” Our Lord Jesus took great delight in doing His Father’s will because His Father’s Word had filled His heart (cf. John 2:17)! Earlier, we made the comment that Jesus was not so much a servant, or someone forced to do His master’s will. No, He decided to do His Father’s will because He delighted in doing His Father’s will. Note these few examples from the Scriptures that highlight Christ Jesus’ faithfulness:

  • “And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him” (John 8:29).
  • “But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work” (John 5:17).
  • “Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me” (John 7:16).
  • “For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak” (John 12:49-50).
  • “He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me” (John 14:24).
  • “I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father” (John 8:38).
  • “Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work” (John 4:34).

In short, Jesus Christ showed us (and Israel) what sonship in its fullness is all about. He constantly depended upon His Father’s words to Him. He was not working out of fear or obligation, but out of love and delight. He was not working independently of His Father, doing whatever He wanted. He accomplished His Father’s will with joy unspeakable. He did every miracle He was sent to do. He preached every sermon He was meant to speak. Ultimately, He went to Calvary to die first and foremost for Israel’s sins, and secondarily, for our sins.

Notice the prayer our Lord Jesus spoke to His Heavenly Father just hours before His crucifixion. John 17:3-8: “[3] And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. [4] I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. [5] And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. [6] I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word. [7] Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee. [8] For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.”

That earthly life was over. Above all, Jesus Christ lived that sinless life in and among the nation Israel for 33 years. They saw just how high the bar of God’s righteousness was. His life was a constant reminder that they could never strive enough in religion and make themselves holy. They could never glorify His Father as He had done for those few short years on Earth. He had shown them that He was the way to the Father. The only way they could ever be God’s people was to trust Him to do the work for them.

CONCLUSION: “ISRAEL IN THE LORD”

With all of that said about Jesus Christ, and how faithful He was as God’s Son, and all of that said about how Israel was so disobedient to God, how will Israel ever function as “God’s son-nation?” Is not Israel a nation of sinners? How will mere mortal humans be able to fulfill God’s will as perfectly as Jesus Christ?

Isaiah chapter 45 predicts Israel’s future restoration to God: “[24] Surely, shall one say, in the LORD have I righteousness and strength: even to him shall men come; and all that are incensed against him shall be ashamed. [25] In the LORD shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory.” The nation Israel will one day come to understand that their “justification” before God is not dependent upon their works in religion (Law of Moses). Rather, their right standing before God will be dependent on them being “in the LORD.” They must have God’s righteousness, God’s power, applied to them. God Himself will make them His people, imputing His righteousness to them and writing His law in their hearts so they will do His will. This is the purpose of the New Covenant, which will be given to Israel’s believing remnant at Christ’s Second Coming. For sake of brevity, we will cite the references without commenting—Jeremiah 31:31-34, Ezekiel 36:25-28, Acts 3:19-21, Romans 11:25-29, Hebrews 8:8-13, and Hebrews chapter 10 (particularly verses 15-17).

Remember what Father God said at Jesus’ water baptism? “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). God will be pleased with Israel when Israel is in His Son, Jesus Christ (“in the LORD”). Jesus Christ will give them “power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name” (John 1:12). It will be only be Israel in Christ, that will be able to accomplish God’s will. He will bring them out of all the nations under heaven (pictured by their Egyptian deliverance), and bring them into His land so they can do His will forever in His glorious kingdom (pictured by Jesus Christ’s earthly ministry)!

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Also see:
» Are we “doom and gloom” Bible-prophecy believers?
» Why did Jesus select evil Judas Iscariot to be an apostle?
» Who is “the Israel of God” of Galatians 6:16?