Category Archives: SIN

SIN, What does “implacable” mean?

What does “implacable” mean?

WHAT DOES “IMPLACABLE” MEAN?

by Shawn Brasseaux

The word appears once in the King James Bible—Romans 1:31 to be exact. What does it mean? And why does it occur in that part of Scripture?

Romans 1:18-32 is the historical record of how the world wound up in the mess we now find it. When the nations assembled around the Tower of Babel in pagan idol worship (Genesis chapter 11), they made a conscious decision to give up the one true God. The trait “implacable” is part of the final installment of that record, the ultimate condemnation, of those nations. However, we have gotten ahead of ourselves. We should start from the beginning.

Romans chapter 1: “[18] For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; [19] Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. [20] For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: [21] Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

“[22] Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, [23] And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. [24] Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: [25] Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.” Did you notice carefully verses 21, 24, and 25? They hold the key to understanding the trait “implacable.”

Romans chapter 1 continues: “[26] For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: [27] And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.”

Now, we read “implacable” with its context: “[28] And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; [29] Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, [30] Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, [31] Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: [32] Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.”

Now turning to read from 2 Timothy chapter 3, the closing days of our Dispensation of Grace: “[1] This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. [2] For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, [3] Without natural affection, trucebreakers [same Greek word as “implacable”], false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, [4] Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; [5] Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” Did you notice verses 2 and 4?

CONCLUSION

What does “implacable” mean? Why are these individuals suffering from “implacability” anyway? The world got into “this mess” because its ancient inhabitants—at the Tower of Babel (Genesis chapter 11)—willfully abandoned the one true God, the God of the Bible, to pursue their own agenda. “Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful…” (Romans 1:21). They forsook the Creator God. Therefore, He “gave them up… gave them up… gave them over” (verses 24,26,28) to their preferred ideas and behaviors. Consequently, they were left with an internal void… a vacuum that only He can fill. “Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen” (verse 25). Self-serving and self-reliant, they are unnatural (against God’s design in creation) and thus miserable.

Second Timothy chapter 3 mentions “lovers of their own selves,… unthankful,… trucebreakers [same as “implacable”],… lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God” (verses 2,3,4). The Greek word rendered “implacable” and “trucebreakers” is aspondos, “without libation.” In ancient days, such sacrifices accompanied the making of treaties or agreements. However, these individuals cannot be persuaded into a settlement. Constantly fighting and bickering, they are uninterested in peaceful resolutions. Nothing can satisfy them. Why? They did not want God, they hate Him, and what they thought would pacify them (all their anti-God thoughts and behaviors) does not. There is a frantic, manic panic to fill that God-shaped void. Doing anything and everything to entertain themselves, those sinful pleasures are only temporary (Hebrews 11:25).

Using the Scriptures (with Greek and English lexicographical expansions), we see that “implacable” means “unable to be appeased, relentless in hostility, uninterested in a truce.” They gave up God—the most valuable relationship of all—and (unless they come to Him by faith in Christ) their lusts will never be satiated!

Also see:
» Are we all God’s children?
» Why do the wicked prosper?
» Does “once saved, always saved” entitle us to abuse God’s grace?

CREATION AND EARLY MAN, GRACE (CHRISTIAN) LIVING, SATAN AND HIS POLICY OF EVIL, SIN, Why do we suffer?, Why do we suffer?, Why do we suffer?, Why do we suffer?

Why do we suffer?

WHY DO WE SUFFER?

by Shawn Brasseaux

According to the Bible, there are three reasons why we suffer.

1. LIVING IN A SIN-CURSED WORLD

We live in a sin-cursed world, a fallen creation. We suffer the effects of sin. This includes bodily aches, pains, and illnesses. If the Lord tarries, we all will experience physical death as well! Lost and saved people alike suffer the effects of sin. No modern-day “miracle healing” will rescue us from sickness, old age, and death. This does not mean that we do not do the best we can with what we have. We should visit doctors and take medication, but our main concern is the renewal of the inner man (soul). We need to be constantly reminding ourselves of God’s truth by reading and studying God’s Word, the Bible, rightly divided, on a daily basis.

Let us consult Romans 8:18-25: “[18] For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. [19] For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. [20] For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, [21] Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. [22] For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. [23] And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. [24] For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? [25] But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.”

The only way we have “hope” of being rescued from these frail, limited, deteriorating bodies is to be reminded of the above Scriptures. One day, we will be physically redeemed from the effects of sin. What happened to our soul when we trusted Christ will also happen to these physical bodies! Our physical bodies will be redeemed from sin one day. Let us wait patiently for the Lord at the Rapture, to take us out of this present evil world (1 Corinthians 15:51-58; Philippians 3:20-21)!

2. LIVING THROUGH THE CONSEQUENCES OF MISTAKES

We also suffer because we make mistakes and others around us make mistakes. Some of these mistakes are unintentional; others are committed deliberately. Again, lost and saved people alike suffer because of mistakes. The Bible says we reap what we sow. God will not prevent us from reaping the consequences of our actions, both good and bad. If we are make poor decisions, we will suffer those terrible results. If we are make good choices, we will experience good results. The same applies to those around us. Whatever we do will affect them, and whatever they do will affect us.

The Bible says in Galatians 6:7-9: “[7] Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. [8] For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. [9] And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” And, Job 4:8: “Even as I have seen, they that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same.” Finally, Romans 8:13: “For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.”

3. LIVING AS CHRISTIANS IN THE MIDST OF UNBELIEVERS

We Christians suffer because we live in this present evil world. Satan’s policy of evil and its associates aim to persecute God’s people in various ways. Corrupt human governments can pass legislation against Christians to scare them into silence. These Christians can be threatened with imprisonment, fines, torture, and/or death. In the United States of America, we are fortunate that we still have religious liberty. People in other countries are being imprisoned, tortured, and/or put to death for Jesus Christ. Satan can use others to threaten us and ridicule us. Furthermore, he can use our loved ones (family members and friends) to cause us grief and hinder our testimony (cf. Matthew 10:14-39, Jesus’ words to His 12 apostles).

Second Timothy 2:3 says: “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” And, Acts 14:22: “Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.” Finally, 2 Timothy 3:10-12: “[10] But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, [11] Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. [12] Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”

The Lord Jesus said in John chapter 15: “[17] These things I command you, that ye love one another. [18] If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. [19] If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. [20] Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. [21] But all these things will they do unto you for my name’s sake, because they know not him that sent me. [22] If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin. [23] He that hateth me hateth my Father also. [24] If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father. [25] But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause.” First John chapter 3 warns Israel’s believing remnant in light of Jesus’ words: “[11] For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. [12] Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous. [13] Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.”

Second Corinthians chapter 12 says that, no matter we suffer, no matter how much hatred the world spews at us, brethren, God’s grace has fully equipped us in Christ to handle all of life’s situations, good and bad: “[7] And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. [8] For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. [9] And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. [10] Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”

Finally, Philippians 4:11-13: “[11] Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. [12] I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. [13] I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

In closing…. If we must suffer, dear saints, let it be because of Christian living and not because of foolish living! 🙂

Also see:
» Was God “unfair” to punish us for Adam’s sin?
» Is God chastening me?
» Why do the wicked prosper?

Are we humans created in “the image of God?”, Are we humans created in “the image of God?”, Are we humans created in “the image of God?”, CREATION AND EARLY MAN, SIN, SOUL SALVATION FROM SINS

Are we humans created in “the image of God?”

ARE WE HUMANS CREATED IN “THE IMAGE OF GOD?”

by Shawn Brasseaux

In the Christian world, it is common to hear that we are created in God’s image. If we have heard it all of our lives then it must be true, right? Probably 99 percent of Christendom is under the impression that we are made in God’s image. But, what does the Bible say? Of course, it says something else entirely. Let the Bible speak for itself.

The Bible says in Genesis 1:26-27: “[26] And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. [27] So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.”

While the Bible does indeed say that Adam and Eve were created in God’s image, and thus in no way were animals (animals were not created in God’s image), it never says that we were created in God’s image. Here is why it is important to make the distinction. Genesis 5:1-3 says: “[1] This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him; [2] Male and female created he them; and blessed them, and called their name Adam, in the day when they were created. [3] And Adam lived an hundred and thirty years, and begat a son in his own likeness, and after his image; and called his name Seth:”

Notice above how the language that describes Adam is starkly different from the language that describes his son Seth. Adam was “created… in the likeness of God” (verse 1). That is clearly what the Bible says. However, post-Fall, Adam and Eve had a son, and that son was born after Adam’s “own likeness, and after his image” (verse 3). The entrance of sin into the world changed human makeup. What was once the reflection of God’s glory was now the reflection of man’s wretchedness. Seth was not sinless as Adam originally was. Adam’s progeny, even today, has inherited a sin nature, or what the Bible calls the “old man” (Romans 6:6).

Rather than being after God’s image, we are after Adam’s image. We are naturally sinful, dead in our trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1-3). To be made in God’s image means that man reflects God and His righteousness. Sinful man is not an accurate representation of God. However, Jesus Christ is a perfect representation of God. Notice these few Scriptures:

  • John 14:9: “Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?”
  • Hebrews 1:3 says Jesus Christ is “the brightness of [His Father’s] glory, and the express image of his person.”
  • The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 4:4 that Jesus is “the image of God.”
  • Colossians 1:15 says Christ is “the image of the invisible God.”
  • Colossians 2:9 says that “in [Christ] dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.”

Before the Fall in Genesis chapter 3, Adam was a perfect representation of God and His righteousness. One Adam sinned, however, death has passed upon all men (Romans 5:12). In order to gain God’s righteousness, we have to be in Jesus Christ, and the only way that will happen is if we rely on Calvary’s finished crosswork, the exhibition of Christ’s righteousness. As 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, “For he [God the Father] hath made him [Jesus Christ] to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”

The danger in believing that we are made in God’s image can be summed up in the following statement: “Human nature is not evil in itself. We are still made in God’s image. We are not completely corrupted by sin. Sin has merely impaired or weakened us.” I have read this claim before and I have heard others say it before. (Even religious people claim this nonsense.) It takes little discernment to see that this statement is very appealing and flattering to the flesh. (“I am not that bad! Although I am not perfect, I still have something to offer God. I want to do the best I can with what I have so God will be happy with me! God helps those who help themselves!”)

Friends, to suppose that we are made in God’s image means we completely miss the fact that we have no fellowship with God in our natural state. As David said, we are conceived in sin. We were shapen in iniquity. Psalm 51:5 says: “Behold, I was shapen in inquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.” From birth, no human reflects God’s righteousness and holiness. That is what sin is! This is why God wants to give us a new nature in Christ, one that is not offensive to Him, one that will generate good works instead of sinful actions.

In the Bible, we read that a rainbow of colors surrounds God’s throne. The Prophet Ezekiel saw a yellow rainbow (Ezekiel 1:4,27) contrasted with a throne the color of sapphire (deep blue); centuries later, John the Apostle saw the rainbow as emerald green (Revelation 4:3). You can envision a kaleidoscope of colors, perhaps flashing lights, around God’s throne. This is the manifestation of God’s righteousness. Let us return to Adam being made “in the image of God.” There is additional detail to provide. The Bible says Adam and Eve “were both naked…and were not ashamed” (Genesis 1:25). How could they be naked, and yet unashamed?

In 1 Timothy 6:16 we read of Jesus Christ “dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto….” Again, God’s righteousness and holiness emanate from His body in the form of a bright light. “O LORD my God… who coverest thyself with light as with a garment” (Psalm 104:2). Originally, before the Fall, Adam and Eve did not wear physical clothes, but they were clothed with something… they were clothed with the righteousness of God Himself because sin had not entered into creation yet.

As we mentioned earlier, God created man in His image (Genesis 1:26-27); man was originally sinless, as perfect as God. When Adam and Eve disobeyed by eating the forbidden fruit, God’s righteousness left their bodies. They were sinners now, so God’s light no longer covered them (spiritually and physically). Adam and Eve were physically and spiritually naked, so they frantically gathered itchy fig leaves and covered themselves (Genesis 3:7). The LORD God, in His great love and grace, sought these lost souls. Adam and Eve hid, too afraid to approach our holy and righteous God. But, God in His brilliance devised a plan to restore them. “Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them” (Genesis 3:21). The Bible says that God killed innocent animals. He used the blood to provide Adam and Eve’s spiritual clothes (forgiveness), and the skins served as their physical clothes.

By the way, if you are familiar with your Bible, you will recall that Joseph had a coat of many colors. God was using Joseph to preview Jesus Christ: “Now Israel [Jacob] loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of a many colours” (Genesis 37:3). God was going to use Israel, Joseph’s family, to reflect His glory in the Earth. This is what Adam and Eve failed to do.

Isaiah 61:10 summarizes (saved Israel speaking): “I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.” God did that for Adam, Eve, Israel, and in Christ He does that for us too! If we have trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ, we have been clothed with God’s righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21). In Christ, we are just as Adam and Eve were before the fall, in perfect standing before God.

Our physical bodies are still connected to Adam, but the day is coming when we in Christ Jesus will receive glorified bodies “fashioned like unto His glorious body” (Philippians 3:20-21). This is what we call “the Rapture,” or what the Bible calls “the redemption of our body” (Romans 8:23). We close by reading 1 Corinthians chapter 15, noting especially verse 49: “And as we have borne the image of the earthy [Adam], we shall also bear the image of the heavenly [Christ].”

First Corinthians chapter 15: “[38] But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body. [39] All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds. [40] There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. [41] There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory. [42] So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: [43] It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: [44] It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. [45] And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. [46] Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. [47] The first man is of the earth, earthy; the second man is the Lord from heaven. [48] As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. [49] And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. [50] Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. [51] Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, [52] In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. [53] For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. [54] So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. [55] O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? [56] The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. [57] But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. [58] Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”

Also see:
» Why did God ask where Adam was?
» Does God give us “points” for trying to be good?
» Does “once saved, always saved” entitle us to abuse God’s grace?

SIN, Why did God give Israel King Saul if Saul was evil?

Why did God give Israel King Saul if Saul was evil?

WHY DID GOD GIVE ISRAEL KING SAUL IF SAUL WAS EVIL?

by Shawn Brasseaux

During a recent family Bible study, my inquisitive 10-year-old niece asked me, “If God knew the future, why did He let Saul become king of Israel? Saul was bad.” So, why did God allow evil Saul to assume Israel’s throne? In a few words, “The God of the Bible loves free will that much.” To the Scriptures we go!

We begin reading in 1 Samuel chapter 8: “[1] And it came to pass, when Samuel was old, that he made his sons judges over Israel. [2] Now the name of his firstborn was Joel; and the name of his second, Abiah: they were judges in Beersheba. [3] And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment.” How extremely unfortunate! Samuel’s sons were terrible, godless rulers. Their wickedness encouraged Israel to look for someone else to replace Samuel when he died.

We keep reading in the Bible: “[4] Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to Samuel unto Ramah, [5] And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations. [6] But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the LORD.”

Israel was ungrateful. She did not like the special position that God had given her. Like most professing Christians today, the Jews wanted to be like everyone else. They refused to be the “oddball” nation anymore. “Now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.” Samuel knew this is trouble in the making, so he prayed to the LORD. Let us see what the LORD says: “[7] And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them. [8] According to all the works which they have done since the day that I brought them up out of Egypt even unto this day, wherewith they have forsaken me, and served other gods, so do they also unto thee. [9] Now therefore hearken unto their voice: howbeit yet protest solemnly unto them, and shew them the manner of the king that shall reign over them.”

The LORD told Samuel some very simple words. Samuel was to give Israel exactly what she wanted. Israel had not really rejected Samuel but she had really rejected Samuel’s God. Israel had really rejected JEHOVAH God. They do not want Him to rule over them. As they had done centuries earlier (the book of Judges, for example), Israel went and worshipped pagan gods. They did not submit to the one true God. They preferred idols of wood and stone. God was not surprised that Israel now wanted a king. She had a false religion like the heathen. Now, she wanted a government like the heathen. But, God wanted to warn them. He instructed Samuel to warn them of the disadvantages of a monarchy. Notice what Samuel did with God’s instructions and how Israel reacted:

“[10] And Samuel told all the words of the LORD unto the people that asked of him a king. [11] And he said, This will be the manner of the king that shall reign over you: He will take your sons, and appoint them for himself, for his chariots, and to be his horsemen; and some shall run before his chariots. [12] And he will appoint him captains over thousands, and captains over fifties; and will set them to ear his ground, and to reap his harvest, and to make his instruments of war, and instruments of his chariots. [13] And he will take your daughters to be confectionaries, and to be cooks, and to be bakers. [14] And he will take your fields, and your vineyards, and your oliveyards, even the best of them, and give them to his servants. [15] And he will take the tenth of your seed, and of your vineyards, and give to his officers, and to his servants. [16] And he will take your menservants, and your maidservants, and your goodliest young men, and your asses, and put them to his work. [17] He will take the tenth of your sheep: and ye shall be his servants. [18] And ye shall cry out in that day because of your king which ye shall have chosen you; and the LORD will not hear you in that day. [19] Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, Nay; but we will have a king over us; [20] That we also may be like all the nations; and that our king may judge us, and go out before us, and fight our battles.”

Verse 19 says Israel “refused to obey the voice of Samuel.” They said, “Nay; but we will have a king over us.” They stubbornly refused to listen to God’s warnings. They wanted a king, no matter what the result. Samuel told the LORD: “[21] And Samuel heard all the words of the people, and he rehearsed them in the ears of the LORD. [22] And the LORD said to Samuel, Hearken unto their voice, and make them a king. And Samuel said unto the men of Israel, Go ye every man unto his city.”

Note, “And the LORD said to Samuel, Hearken unto their voice, and make them a king.”

Israel was so determined to have a king. She twice argued with Samuel to anoint a king. She did not want God ruling over her as King. Like all sinners, descendants of Adam are no different today. They want to be their own ruler. So, God gave Israel exactly what she wanted. He loves free will that much! Your sinful decisions will end in disaster but God will give you your way if you insist. You study 1 Samuel chapters 8-31, to see the horrible outcome of Israel’s decision to have a king instead of God being their Ruler!

Why is the world in so much trouble today? Romans 1:28 explains: “And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient.”

Also see:
» Did God give angels free will as He gave to mankind?
» Why does God let Satan exist?
» How do God’s foreknowledge and our free will work together?

CALVINISM, Did God give angels free will as He gave to mankind?, Did God give angels free will as He gave to mankind?, Did God give angels free will as He gave to mankind?, SATAN AND HIS POLICY OF EVIL, SIN

Did God give angels free will as He gave to mankind?

DID GOD GIVE ANGELS FREE WILL AS HE GAVE TO MANKIND?

by Shawn Brasseaux

Friend, we will answer your question by reasoning together using the Holy Scriptures. According to the Bible, “free will” (sometimes called “volition”) is the capacity to choose between doing good and doing evil—that is, following God’s plan for your life versus following Satan’s policy of evil. To fail to believe and obey God’s Word to you is to automatically follow Satan in his rebellion against the Creator God. Let us first review “free will” as it pertains to us humans, and then it will be easier for us to address the concept as it relates to angels.

FREE WILL AND HUMANS

We will briefly look at two simple events from Scripture—Adam and Eve, and Christ’s earthly ministry—to see how free will operates in people.

First, the well-known verses God spoke to Adam before the Fall. The Bible says in Genesis 2:16-17: “[16] And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: [17] But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.” Please take very special care to note the words “mayest freely” in verse 16. Mankind was instructed to “freely eat.” God could have said, “Of every tree of the garden thou wilt eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou wilt not eat of it.” Why did God not say this? Because that would have made Adam a robot! God did not tell Adam exactly which tree to eat from. He simply told Adam not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. God gave Adam the opportunity to enjoy such bountiful provision. He had all those trees from which to eat! “Adam, you may—not must—eat from all of these trees! Just avoid that one—just one, just one!—tree, the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.” It was a very simple arrangement, simple instructions.

However, by the time we get to chapter 3 of Genesis, great trouble is brewing. We are introduced to the Bible’s first tragic passage: “[1] Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? [2] And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: [3] But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. [4] And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: [5] For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.”

Satan is a sneaky, snake-like, deceptive character (verse 1). Notice how he questioned God’s Word and then encouraged Eve to challenge God’s Word (verse 2). In verse 3, when quoting God to Satan, Eve omitted the word “freely,” demonstrating her ignorance of her free will. She denied God’s grace, God’s provisions, and because she forgot all of that bounty, Satan enticed her to sin and gain some additional “benefits.” Satan told her that she could gain some hidden wisdom, something God had withheld from her and Adam. Eve was at a crossroads: (1) she could stay with God’s provisions and be content with the identity that God had given her with Adam, or (2) she could follow the serpent and eat of the forbidden fruit, hopefully gaining what God had not given her. What did poor, confused Eve decide?

Verses 6-7 relay the SAD outcome: “[6] And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. [7] And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.”

It is absolutely critical to realize that God had absolutely nothing to do with this whole scenario in Genesis 3:1-7. He had given Adam clear instructions. Evidently, Adam, the spiritual head, had not adequately and clearly passed this information on to Eve. Still, God did not force Adam and Eve to do anything, one way or the other. God did not make Adam and Eve eat the forbidden fruit. God did not make Adam and Eve not eat the forbidden fruit. Again, God left the decision in the hands of Adam and Eve. The Bible says that Eve was deceived, genuinely misled, but Adam knew exactly what he was doing when ate the forbidden fruit (1 Timothy 2:14). We need to blame the responsible party. Sin entering into the world was ultimately Adam’s fault (Romans 5:12). He should have known better. Friends, we need to quit blaming God for our stupid mistakes!

Okay, now to another brief example. John 5:40 settles the issue once for all—people choose hell for themselves! They choose sin for themselves! They choose error for themselves! The Lord Jesus Christ declared to the unbelieving Jews of His day: “And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.” Certain theological circles (those that embrace Calvinism) argue that no one can truly go to heaven unless God first chose him or her to go to heaven. Does God really “predestinate” or “elect” some people to go to heaven and others to go to hell? No, it is theological mumbo-jumbo. It is not Bible, just theological speculation that amounts to nothing. It is not God’s Word, just man’s word that will profit us nothing.

Reading John 5:40 with its context: “[39] Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. [40] And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.” And verse 43, a reference to the Antichrist: “I am come in my Father’s name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.” Will we believe the Lord Jesus Christ’s simple words? Or, will we believe what a fallible theologian says? Jesus affirmed that the reason why His audience did not have eternal life was because they refused to come to Him! It was not because God selected them for hell and eternal damnation. It was not because God selected them for unbelief and sin. They thought their religion made them “good enough” without Jesus, so Jesus did not force Himself on them. Jesus Christ did not force Himself on Adam and Eve, either.

Again, just days before He died, Jesus Christ stated in Matthew 23:37: “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!” Why did Jerusalem not come to Jesus? Was it because God selected them for unbelief? For hell? For judgment? For sin? No! He said He wanted often to gather them to Himself but they refused to come. God did not select them for hell; they chose hellfire for themselves. Beloved, may we never take away someone’s free will: it is their (eternal) loss if they refuse to come to Jesus Christ by faith. We need to respect their choice. God respects their choice, and we do as our Heavenly Father does.

FREE WILL AND ANGELS

Sometime before the Fall of mankind in Genesis chapter 3 (which we discussed in our earlier comments), Satan and the other members of God’s angelic host were all in harmony and unity with their Creator, the Lord Jesus Christ. As Adam and Eve would later be given a special identity and position/function in the Garden of Eden, Lucifer (Satan’s name before his fall) and the angelic host had a special identity and position/function in Heaven.

The little book of Jude 6, verse 6, explains: “And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.” The idea here is the angels’ willful abandonment of their home and position in Heaven. It is not that God just randomly tossed them out of Heaven and imprisoned them in Hell. They chose not to “keep [or, guard] their first estate” and they “left their own habitation.” They had unique roles in Heaven, levels of authority over certain heavenly realms, but this was not enough for their satisfaction. These fallen angels—called “the devil’s angels” in Matthew 25:41—were discontented with the identity and job that God had given them. They wanted to do something else and they did it. They left their identity, their authority, and so on, seeking something else. In other words, like Adam and Eve would do later, the angels sinned. The Apostle Peter discussed this in 2 Peter 2:4: “For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment.” God gave angels free will; otherwise, this verse teaches that God caused the angels to sin! But exactly what happened to cause these angels to sin and permanently lose their role in God’s plan for creation?

In Isaiah chapter 14, we see a flashback. What was Satan’s origin? How did such a wicked creature come about? If God can create nothing evil and sinful, then what happened to Satan? Just before Satan (working through the Antichrist) is utterly defeated, yet future from our day, we see Israel mocking him in Isaiah chapter 14. Lucifer had such great hopes in outsmarting God, such great endeavors to gain the worship of all creation, and God in His infinite wisdom foiled them all! Satan’s original plan fell apart because of God’s ingenuity! Marvelous!

The Bible says in Isaiah 14:12-15: “[12] How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! [13] For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: [14] I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. [15] Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.”

As we briefly noted earlier, the Prophet Isaiah reflects on Satan’s original five-fold plan of long ago. Satan uttered an “I will” statement five times. What does the term “will” denote? Satan had made a choice—five choices actually. It was not a simple mistake, an accident, but something methodical, a carefully planned scheme that would end up spanning long ages of time. Lucifer made five deliberate decisions, and all were poor choices. In other words, Lucifer exercised free will. As with Adam and Eve, God did not make Lucifer choose evil. Like with Adam and Eve, God did not make Lucifer choose good, either. Lucifer decided to operate independently of God’s will and plan for him. Mark it—the greatest definition for sin is Isaiah 53:6ab: “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way.” Just what righteous path did Lucifer swerve from to pursue his malevolent goals?

In Ezekiel’s prophetic masterpiece, we see another flashback to Lucifer/Satan’s original role in God’s creation. Lucifer—Hebrew, “the light bearer”—was basically creation’s “choir director.” Chapter 28, verses 13-19, paint a fascinating portrait of this wise and beautiful creature. Lucifer was one of the five cherubs (angelic-like creatures) that surrounded God’s throne. In fact, Lucifer’s wings functioned as a canopy, a “covering” for God’s throne. Lucifer wore a garment that was decorated with precious stones, similar to Israel’s high priest’s breastplate. Lucifer’s clothing, when paired with God’s radiance, provided a “kaleidoscope” and/or “prismatic” rainbow-effect in Heaven! To fulfill his office in Heaven, Lucifer’s body generated music. “Thou was perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created; till iniquity was found in thee” (Ezekiel 28:15). Something developed in Satan, an evil plan formed in his brilliant mind, and he sought to execute that plan—no matter the cost!

The Bible says of Lucifer, “Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty” (Ezekiel 28:12). In verse 3, “Behold, thou art wiser than Daniel; there is no secret that they can hide from thee.” Lucifer was a very cunning, creative creature, the most brilliant of all God’s creatures. God had intended Lucifer to use his ingenuity to invent songs, write and perform musical arrangements, et cetera, to praise the Lord Jesus Christ (Creator). Lucifer, however, fell into pride. “Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness” (verse 17). Paul commented, “lifted up with pride… the condemnation of the devil” (1 Timothy 3:6). Basically, Lucifer fell in love with himself and lost focus of His Creator. Finally, Lucifer concluded that he was so beautiful and so wise, he belonged on the throne instead of the Lord Jesus Christ, and that he should be worshipped and served instead of the Lord Jesus Christ (see Matthew 4:8-10 and Luke 4:5-8).

The Prophet Ezekiel, in chapter 28, verse 18, describes how Lucifer “defiled [his sanctuaries] by the multitude of [his] iniquities, by the iniquity of [his] traffick….” Lucifer tainted those holy places in Heaven that he was originally functioning in. In other words, he filled Heaven with wickedness, his plot to overthrow Jesus Christ as rightful King of the Universe (Colossians 1:16-18). That word “traffick” in this context means “trade or dealings.” To wit, Lucifer was enticing other angelic creatures to follow him in his rebellion against the Creator God. With the exception of Michael and Gabriel, it seems as though all of God’s most powerful angels followed Lucifer. At this point, God created hell. “Everlasting fire…prepared for the devil and his angels,” the Lord Jesus called it in Matthew 25:41. The dreadful reality of eternal hellfire evidently halted any more angels from following Lucifer. Lucifer and his fallen cohorts are now restricted to the second heaven (outer space) and the first heaven (Earth and its atmosphere). “I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven,” Jesus commented in Luke 10:18. While we could continue into the future, Satan’s doom, we must (unfortunately) stop here for sake of brevity.

CONCLUSION

Yes, angels have free will, just as we humans have free will. The God of the Bible values free will, even to the extent of risking His plan for creation. He did not and does not want robots. He wanted and wants creatures who delighted (and delight) in doing in His will with Him. Sin is doing whatever you want, you refusing to follow God’s plan for you. Lucifer and his angelic cohorts wanted to decide for themselves what was good and what was evil. Satan later used this attitude to entice Eve, and attack Adam (all of mankind), in the Garden of Eden. Satan and his angels abandoned God’s purpose and plan for them. Then, Satan encouraged Adam and Eve to abandon God’s purpose and plan for them. In short, the fallen angels and fallen man did not want the Creator God to reign over them. This parallels what eventually happened when Israel and Rome conspired to kill Jesus Christ. Note Psalm 2:1-3, written about 1,000 years before it happened: “[1] Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? [2] The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his anointed, saying, [3] Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.” (Verse 3 says Israel and Rome did not want the LORD [Father God] and His Anointed [Messiah/Christ Jesus His Son] ruling over them! This is, again, free will.)

Also see:
» Why does God let Satan exist?
» How can a loving God send people to hell forever?
» What are Satan’s current operations?

Was God “unfair” to punish us for Adam’s sin?

Was God “unfair” to punish us for Adam’s sin?

WAS GOD “UNFAIR” TO PUNISH US FOR ADAM’S SIN?

by Shawn Brasseaux

A frequent objection raised against the Holy Bible regards the issue of the curse of sin. It is asked, “Why do we have to suffer in a fallen creation because of something Adam did?” Let us be Berean Bible students and search the Scriptures for enlightenment. God’s Holy Word just might surprise us with His answer!

Once Adam ate the forbidden fruit, the Bible says that sin and death entered into the world (Romans 5:12). Historically, this “bondage of corruption” (Romans 8:21) appeared in Genesis chapter 3, and it still exist. All of creation was tainted by sin. Even today, members of the scientific community study the most obvious effects of sin—disease and death. The presence of sin detrimentally revolutionized agriculture and the natural world (including the animal and plant kingdoms), government, marriage and family life, economics, and so on. Our current world is far from what it was originally.

Before we get to the results of Adam’s sin, we want to look at the consequences of Eve’s sin. We read of the LORD’S answer to Eve: “Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee” (Genesis 3:16). Do you ever wonder why women experience severe pregnancy and labor pains, why they endure so much sorrow in bringing forth their children? Do you ever wonder why God appointed the husband as the head of wife? The Bible tells us that it is because of Eve’s act of sin, which was influential in Adam’s sin. (For our female readers asking why they have to suffer for Eve’s sin, we will address that concern in due time. It all relates to our original question.)

Ultimately, however, it was Adam’s sin that caused the Fall of the human race. The Bible, in Romans 5:12-19, emphatically states that a man, not a woman, was the primary party to blame. “By one man sin entered into the world, … Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come…. For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; …. For as by one man’s disobedience….”

What are the results of Adam’s sin? We read of this curse God placed on creation, in Genesis 3:17-19: “[17] And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; [18] Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; [19] In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.” Do you ever wonder why life is so miserable for so many? Do you wonder why there are thorns and thistles prevalent in the plant kingdom? Do you ever wonder why labor is so hard, especially farming and the production of enough food for human consumption? Do you ever wonder why people physically die? The Bible clearly declares the answers.

At this point, the question arises in the minds of men and women: “Why do I have to suffer because of Adam’s sin?” Women would ask, “Why do I have to suffer because of Eve’s sin?” These are excellent questions, and the Bible has the answers. How can God be fair in allowing us to suffer the effects of the sins of our parents, Adam and Eve? By asking these questions, we are prompted to discover wonderful, truly wonderful, Bible verses and truths.

All we have to do is read Romans chapter 5. Please be very mindful of the bolded phrases in these verses, which we will briefly analyze after reading that chapter in its entirety here:

“[1] Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: [2] By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. [3] And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; [4] And patience, experience; and experience, hope: [5] And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. [6] For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. [7] For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. [8] But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. [9] Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. [10] For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. [11] And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. [12] Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: [13] (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. [14] Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. [15] But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. [16] And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification. [17] For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) [18] Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. [19] For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. [20] Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: [21] That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.”

The perceptive Bible student will notice, particularly in verses 12-21, contrasting ideas that can be categorized into two groups. We see the negative—Adam, disobedience, sin, wrath, and death. We also see the positive—Jesus Christ, obedience, righteousness, peace, and life. With that said, we see that there are actually two “federal heads”—two individuals who led two groups of people. Adam leads sinners and Jesus Christ leads saints. There are those who are “in Adam” and who thus share Adam’s identity—sinners. There are those who are “in Christ” and who thus share Christ’s identity (2 Corinthians 5:17)—saints.

Adam represents fallen man and Jesus Christ represents redeemed man. While we do indeed suffer the effects of Adam’s disobedience—a deliberate sin—we can enjoy the benefits of Christ’s obedience to Father God at Calvary’s cross. So, overall, it balances out. Men and women suffer because of Adam’s sin in Eden, but men and women can enjoy God’s riches because of Christ’s obedience at Calvary.

While women do suffer because of Eve’s poor choice—unlike Adam, she was deceived (2 Corinthians 11:3-4; 1 Timothy 2:11-15)—women can benefit from something God Himself did with a descendant of Eve. God did not leave mankind hopeless in the Garden of Eden, for He declared to Satan the Serpent that He would one day defeat him: “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel” (Genesis 3:15). This “seed of the woman” (Jesus Christ, whose physically body was formed in the womb of the virgin Mary, a descendant of Eve) that came through Eve, and then defeated Satan at Calvary (Colossians 2:15; Hebrews 2:14), is the way whereby women can benefit from Eve eternally. All we have to do to receive Christ’s identity—whether man or woman—is to trust alone in His death, burial, and resurrection as sufficient payment for our sins.

So, in Adam, we are all naturally sinners, on our way to eternal hellfire. In Christ, we are all naturally saints, on our way to heaven. Before we consider it “unfair” for God to punish us for Adam’s sin, we need to remember that it was “unfair” for God to punish His sinless Son, Jesus Christ, for our sins! (Very rarely does one ever consider the latter half of the foregoing sentence.) Again, God’s wisdom balances it all out. Indeed, looking just at the bad news in the book of Genesis causes us to overlook the good news in the book of Romans.

Also see:
» Why did God ask where Adam was?
» Why does God let Satan exist?
» Why do good people suffer? (LINK TEMPORARILY UNAVAILABLE)

“Judge not that ye be not judged?”, “Judge not that ye be not judged?”, BIBLE CONTRADICTIONS / CONFUSING VERSES SIMPLIFIED, SIN

“Judge not, that ye be not judged?”

SHOULD WE SPEAK OUT AGAINST THE WORLD’S SINS? THEN, WHAT DID JESUS MEAN, “JUDGE NOT, THAT YE BE NOT JUDGED?”

by Shawn Brasseaux

In this day and age of “political correctness,” the Bible-believing Christian is being intimidated to keep silent about sin. As long as people are happy doing whatever they are doing, they should be left alone, and we are expected to stay quiet, no matter how vile or disrespectful the action is. Sadly, Matthew 7:1 is often used against the Bible believer who exposes sin for what it is. “Judge not, that ye be not judged.” What did Jesus mean here? Was He teaching that we should be totally silent about the world’s sins? That we should not stand up for what is right and godly? Before someone “judges” the Bible believer in this regard, the critic needs to note the context of the verse to which he or she clings.

It is usually haughtily said to the Bible-believing Christian who exposes sin for what it is, “This is the way God made me, so stop judging me. Jesus said not to judge.” Then, Matthew 7:1 is appealed to: “Judge not, that ye be not judged.” In fact, in the recent past, the world’s most prominent religious leader commented about homosexual clergy within his church. Pope Francis stated, “If someone is gay and he searches for the Lord and has good will, who am I to judge? We shouldn’t marginalize [prevent from having attention or power] people for this. They must be integrated into society.” Such apathetic, pathetic words from someone who claims to be “the vicar of Jesus Christ” (which Jesus Christ?; 2 Corinthians 11:3,4). If anything, even the pope seemed to be using Matthew 7:1 to conclude that we should not defend godly behavior and that we should not speak out when moral decay waxes worse and worse.

Naturally, when God’s Holy Word pricks the conscience, the desperate sinner will then “take cover” behind any available “fig leaf” (his or her parents did it back in Genesis 3:7-11). Perhaps nothing is more absurd than when the unholy sinner uses God’s Holy Word to justify his or her sin—completely disregarding the Bible’s purpose (which is to expose sin so man can see his need for the Saviour Jesus Christ!). Rather than being held accountable to God Almighty for wresting (twisting) His Word to make it say something so as to bolster our sin, why not leave it alone and believe it, setting aside our pride and admitting our fault, our unrighteousness, our sin, like the Bible so clearly proves? Rather than idly speculating what type of “judging” to which Jesus referred in Matthew 7:1, it would spare us much heartache and shame if we would—who would have guessed it?—simply read the context!

We will not understand what Jesus Christ meant in Matthew 7:1 unless we read the context: “[1] Judge not, that ye be not judged. [Because/Explanation/Reason] [2] For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. [3] And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? [4] Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? [5] Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye” (Matthew 7:1-5).

By simply reading the verse with its context, the clarity is astonishing! When any dear soul attempts to argue, “Judge not, that ye be not judged,” politely remind them that there are four succeeding verses to quote too. If you happen to have your King James Bible in hand, let him or her read those verses. To what type of “judging” is Jesus referring? According to Jesus, He is talking about a “hypocrite” (verse 5). Certainly, Jesus knew what He meant, did He not?

Before we proceed any further, let us define “judge.” To “judge” means “to form an opinion or conclusion about.” God’s Word, the Holy Bible, enables us Christians to form sound conclusions about various life issues, doctrines, beliefs, practices, and so on. “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Surely, God intended us to “judge,” for His Holy Spirit inspired the words “prove [test, discern, examine] all things” and “hold fast [seize, take, grip] that which is good.” Unless we “judge,” how will we determine what is “good?”

What Jesus Christ was discussing in Matthew 7:1 is that we should not judge hypocritically. Our Lord is referring to hypocritical judging. Romans 2:21-22 provides an example: “[20] Thou [Jew, verse 17] therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal? [22] Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege?” The Jews should have taught the Gentiles the Word of JEHOVAH God. Alas, the Jews were equally guilty of breaking God’s laws as the Gentiles—the Jews acted like the Gentiles who did not even know JEHOVAH!

What Jesus Christ meant in Matthew 7:1 is that in His kingdom on earth, no hypocritical judging will be tolerated. Whatever standard by which a Jew condemns others’ actions, his own activities will be evaluated by that same standard. For instance, he will come under God’s condemnation if he ridicules a thief, when he himself has been dishonest (a fact he ignores). He emphasizes the sin of one person (the “mote,” or speck), but he has many sins (the “beam,” or log)—in fact, he is guilty of the same sins!

This, however, does not mean we Christians are to remain apathetic—silent—about sin. Clearly, Jesus, in Matthew 7:1, was not teaching we should be silent about exposing sin (He merely forbade hypocritical judging; verses 2-5). The Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul preached against sin in order to show lost people they needed to be saved from those sins through the finished crosswork of Jesus Christ (Acts 13:26-41; Acts 14:11-18; Acts 17:16-31; Acts 24:25; et cetera). Notice the Holy Spirit’s references to specific sins which gender His righteous wrath—murder, envy, pride, homosexuality, drunkenness, fornication, idolatry, witchcraft, disobedience to parents, theft, hatred, gossiping, cruelty, lying, and so on (Romans 1:21-32; 1 Corinthians 6:9,10; Galatians 5:19-21; 1 Timothy 1:9,10; 1 Peter 4:1-5). Notice Paul’s divinely-inspired instructions about having no relations with Christians who are fornicators, covetous, extortionists, idolaters, railers, and drunkards (1 Corinthians 5:9-13).

Christ declared, “He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day” (John 12:48). God in His Word has already declared what is and what is not sin. Technically, we are not judging the world; God’s Word does that when we believe it and preach it! Remember, “But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:15,16).

Dearly beloved in Christ, let us be bold to speak out against sin by sharing God’s Word with others, but let us do it in meekness and love (2 Timothy 2:24-26). Our goal is not to be unkind to lost people, but to tell them the answer to their sin problem is only found through the shed blood, death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ! By preaching this Gospel of Grace, we remind ourselves we were once where they are.

Also see:
» Why is there sin in the world? (LINK TEMPORARILY UNAVAILABLE)
» Is not hell only reserved for “bad” people? (LINK TEMPORARILY UNAVAILABLE)
» Do all religions worship the same God? (LINK TEMPORARILY UNAVAILABLE)