Hebrews 11:39-40 (KJV)
And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:
God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.
Wait...why would the faithful not receive the promise?
Does it mean these people are lost？
The promise is actually that of salvation in Christ Jesus. It is a fact that it was only in the “last days” that full plan, the mystery, was revealed (c.f. Heb 1:2; Rom 16:25,etc)
All the ancients had was a localized promise (Heb 11:13).
Yet all the same, faith enable them to be in contact of Christ’s blood, which although was yet to be physically manifested, yet saved by “reaching back” in time, but still yet really because the Lamb was already slain from the foundation of the world (Rev 13:8).
The last bit sounds really awkward with the double negative, and almost sounds as if the faithful in the past had to depend on us to be made perfect! But really the “us” refers to the better “provision” that the writer had been talking about for the last few chapters.
So basically is the writer continuing to reassure the reader that hey, even those who have not heard of the mystery of the gospel have secured their promises, why are you, whom the mystery had been directly revealed upon fretting and still being insecure such as to desire to hang on to the old law? Don’t you realize that even they needed the same promises as us, to be made perfect, to finally lay hold to the heavenly promise which they knew nothing about?
And so it remains for us today to fully appreciate all that God had laid down for us - Christ’s sacrifice, the Word and even the cloud of witnesses (Heb 12:1) and to look to Jesus, our author and finisher of our faith (Heb 12:2), and carry on in our race to eternal glory!
Friday, March 27, 2020
Thursday, March 26, 2020
Gazingstock
Heb 10:33 — Heb 10:34 (KJV)
Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used. For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.
The Greek word for "gazingstock" as used here by the King James translators, is actually "theatrizo" and yes, from which we have the transliterated English word "theatre". This is with particular reference to the popular but cruel gladiator fights in ancient Rome. So basically something deliberately put on display for all to see. Certainly, we read of Christians being subjected to such cruelty in those times but yet today, reproaches and afflictions to the Christian, just by the sole fact of their faith, continue to exist albeit more often than not, in less violent forms.
Aside from personal persecution, the second part is that which comes along being sympathizers of others in the same faith, as the writer here alluding to himself.
All the same, how we react to such environmental stress is a reflection of our true attitude and belief in God’s promises.
That is some thing that we need to constantly remind and check on ourselves.
This is especially evident in today's social media context, where we expose our views and reactions to the public at the click of a button or tap of a finger! If we react the same way as some of the world do, openly raging and complaining over the slightest things, even showing disrespect to authorities and figures in authority, how are we then different from the ungodly?
On the contrary, Christians should be sharing things which are edifying and praiseworthy (Eph 4:29; Col 4:6; Phi 4:8), and in our context, even when the going gets tough, even in the face of slanders and persecutors, "Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing" because "knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing" (1Pe 3:9)
Indeed, as echoed by the writer here, because we know that we "have in heaven a better and an enduring substance".
That was how the early Christians could be "faithful unto death" (not till we die but even being faced with the threat of dying. Rev 2:10), amidst violent persecution. That is how we can face the world and our personal challenges and fears and press on in our good fight, till we finally obtain the crown of righteousness (2Ti 4:6-8).
Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used. For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.
The Greek word for "gazingstock" as used here by the King James translators, is actually "theatrizo" and yes, from which we have the transliterated English word "theatre". This is with particular reference to the popular but cruel gladiator fights in ancient Rome. So basically something deliberately put on display for all to see. Certainly, we read of Christians being subjected to such cruelty in those times but yet today, reproaches and afflictions to the Christian, just by the sole fact of their faith, continue to exist albeit more often than not, in less violent forms.
Aside from personal persecution, the second part is that which comes along being sympathizers of others in the same faith, as the writer here alluding to himself.
All the same, how we react to such environmental stress is a reflection of our true attitude and belief in God’s promises.
That is some thing that we need to constantly remind and check on ourselves.
This is especially evident in today's social media context, where we expose our views and reactions to the public at the click of a button or tap of a finger! If we react the same way as some of the world do, openly raging and complaining over the slightest things, even showing disrespect to authorities and figures in authority, how are we then different from the ungodly?
On the contrary, Christians should be sharing things which are edifying and praiseworthy (Eph 4:29; Col 4:6; Phi 4:8), and in our context, even when the going gets tough, even in the face of slanders and persecutors, "Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing" because "knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing" (1Pe 3:9)
Indeed, as echoed by the writer here, because we know that we "have in heaven a better and an enduring substance".
That was how the early Christians could be "faithful unto death" (not till we die but even being faced with the threat of dying. Rev 2:10), amidst violent persecution. That is how we can face the world and our personal challenges and fears and press on in our good fight, till we finally obtain the crown of righteousness (2Ti 4:6-8).
Friday, March 20, 2020
Perseverance of the Saints?
2 Timothy 2:13 (KJV)
If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.
Aha! There we have it! Proof for the perseverance of the saints, one of the pillars of Calvinism.
But then again, just one verse up, Paul wrote "... If we deny him, he will also deny us"!
So what's going on?
The fact of the matter is that throughout the chapter, and indeed the entire epistle, is Paul reminding Timothy of his responsibilities.
He was to commit the doctrine to faithful men (v. 2), endure hardness and strive for masteries as a soldier of Christ (v. 3,5), labour as a husbandman (v. 6), endure all things for the elect's sakes (v. 10), put in remembrance the word of God (v. 14), be deligent to show himself approved of God (v. 15), shun profane and vain babblings (v. 16), flee youthful lusts (v. 22), avoid foolish and unlearned questions (v. 23), be gentle to all men and instruct in meekness (v. 24,25). Truly, we are created in Christ Jesus to work (c.f. Eph 2:10)! And if we do not, we can and will be rejected!
What Paul is saying here is echoed in Romans 3:3 (KJV)
"For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?"
Unlike Greek mythology (and for that matter, even that of the Chinese!), the God of the bible does not "draw strength" from his devotees!
His existence, His Power, His Promise is not dependent on our beliefs! Unbelief in God, will be like the proverbial ostrich that buries his head in the sand.
At the end of the day, whether one be an atheist, skeptic, idolater or fallen away believer, one will finally have to acknowledge God, has to answer to God (c.f. Rom 2:16; 2Ti 4:1; Phi 2:10,11).
Wherefore, let us not be caught up in unbelief but be fervent to abide in Him, to fight the good fight, to finish the course, to keep the faith, that we may finally lay hold onto the crown of righteousness (2Ti 4:7,8)!
If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.
Aha! There we have it! Proof for the perseverance of the saints, one of the pillars of Calvinism.
But then again, just one verse up, Paul wrote "... If we deny him, he will also deny us"!
So what's going on?
The fact of the matter is that throughout the chapter, and indeed the entire epistle, is Paul reminding Timothy of his responsibilities.
He was to commit the doctrine to faithful men (v. 2), endure hardness and strive for masteries as a soldier of Christ (v. 3,5), labour as a husbandman (v. 6), endure all things for the elect's sakes (v. 10), put in remembrance the word of God (v. 14), be deligent to show himself approved of God (v. 15), shun profane and vain babblings (v. 16), flee youthful lusts (v. 22), avoid foolish and unlearned questions (v. 23), be gentle to all men and instruct in meekness (v. 24,25). Truly, we are created in Christ Jesus to work (c.f. Eph 2:10)! And if we do not, we can and will be rejected!
What Paul is saying here is echoed in Romans 3:3 (KJV)
"For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?"
Unlike Greek mythology (and for that matter, even that of the Chinese!), the God of the bible does not "draw strength" from his devotees!
His existence, His Power, His Promise is not dependent on our beliefs! Unbelief in God, will be like the proverbial ostrich that buries his head in the sand.
At the end of the day, whether one be an atheist, skeptic, idolater or fallen away believer, one will finally have to acknowledge God, has to answer to God (c.f. Rom 2:16; 2Ti 4:1; Phi 2:10,11).
Wherefore, let us not be caught up in unbelief but be fervent to abide in Him, to fight the good fight, to finish the course, to keep the faith, that we may finally lay hold onto the crown of righteousness (2Ti 4:7,8)!
Wednesday, March 18, 2020
Shipwrecked Faith
1 Timothy 1:19-20 (KJV)
Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:
Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.
What an unfortunate way to be remembered for eternity!
But first we notice that, a shipwrecked faith is solely a result of personal failure. Just as we can put on the “new creature” (c.f. Eph 4:24; Col 3:10), we can also put away. We can give a thousand and one excuses. We can point fingers just as Adam accused Eve and even God Himself (Gen 3:12)! We can deny and be nonchalant about it (1Co 5:2). Yet at the end of the day, all of us have a personal responsibility, which no one else cam answer for.
And the worse thing is when left unchecked, such behaviour can indeed affect those weaker in faith. Wherefore, the need to “deliver unto Satan”. Observe what Paul wrote on another occasion:
1 Corinthians 5:5-7 (KJV) To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:
As harsh as it may sound and seem, it is not only for the benefit of the collective but also the individual. It cannot be “business as usual” in our treatment to the erring. There must be separation. Even in this period of time, amidst the CoVID-19 pandemic, we would most well appreciate the need for distancing. But spiritual wise, we have to continue to engage the erring, to talk sense into them, and not a total cut-off (c.f. 2Th 3:14,15).
Finally, it is often necessary to name names. So that brethren are aware and can take necessary remedial action. Always bearing in mind that our final goal is to restore and not simply ostracise.
Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:
Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.
What an unfortunate way to be remembered for eternity!
But first we notice that, a shipwrecked faith is solely a result of personal failure. Just as we can put on the “new creature” (c.f. Eph 4:24; Col 3:10), we can also put away. We can give a thousand and one excuses. We can point fingers just as Adam accused Eve and even God Himself (Gen 3:12)! We can deny and be nonchalant about it (1Co 5:2). Yet at the end of the day, all of us have a personal responsibility, which no one else cam answer for.
And the worse thing is when left unchecked, such behaviour can indeed affect those weaker in faith. Wherefore, the need to “deliver unto Satan”. Observe what Paul wrote on another occasion:
1 Corinthians 5:5-7 (KJV) To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:
As harsh as it may sound and seem, it is not only for the benefit of the collective but also the individual. It cannot be “business as usual” in our treatment to the erring. There must be separation. Even in this period of time, amidst the CoVID-19 pandemic, we would most well appreciate the need for distancing. But spiritual wise, we have to continue to engage the erring, to talk sense into them, and not a total cut-off (c.f. 2Th 3:14,15).
Finally, it is often necessary to name names. So that brethren are aware and can take necessary remedial action. Always bearing in mind that our final goal is to restore and not simply ostracise.
Tuesday, March 17, 2020
Strong Delusion
Dear brethren,
Today's readings:
2Thessalonians; Psalm 77
2Th 2:11 — 2Th 2:12 (KJV)
And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
Throughout the biblical record, we read of how God seemed to have “compelled” individuals or groups of people.
We read of the Pharaoh’s hardened heart during the exodus (Ex 7:13; 10:20, 27; 11:10; 14:8), Sihon king of Heshbon’s hardened spirit (Deut 2:30). The Lord seemingly “moving” David to number Israel (2Sa 24:1). Also, the “lying spirit” supposedly put into the mouth of the false prophets in the change with Micaiah (1Ki 22:22,23).
So did these people have no choice as they were compelled by God? How can it be so when clearly, the bible also teaches that with transgression is sin and the soul that sinneth dies and no one else shall be held responsible (1Jhn 3:4; Ezk 18:20)? How can it be when the bible tells us that God “neither tempteth he any man” but that it is man that allows himself to be tempted (Jam 1:13,14)?
A simple survey of the bible and we realise it is merely a matter of perspective. Observe 1 Samuel 6:6 (KJV)
“Wherefore then do ye harden your hearts, as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened their hearts? when he had wrought wonderfully among them, did they not let the people go, and they departed?”
Thus we realise that whenever the writer expresses the origin of the compulsion, it is merely saying God allowing the transgression to happen. It is merely in contrast to what he is capable of doing, if He wanted to!
Thus, just as how the Israelites chose to turn a blind eye to God’s long-suffering patience, just as how the individuals chose to go against God’s will, whoever decides to go against God’s truth, will not find protection against that!
Let us not “tempt the Lord” (Mat 4:7), but instead choose to follow after what He truly teaches us. Let us not say that we are tempted of God (Jam 1:13) but remember that God will not suffer us to the tempted beyond what we are able (1Co 10:13). God will allow us to fall if we choose to! But on the other hand, God will protect His people, only if we take heed and do His will (c.f. Phi 4:7,9).
Today's readings:
2Thessalonians; Psalm 77
2Th 2:11 — 2Th 2:12 (KJV)
And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
Throughout the biblical record, we read of how God seemed to have “compelled” individuals or groups of people.
We read of the Pharaoh’s hardened heart during the exodus (Ex 7:13; 10:20, 27; 11:10; 14:8), Sihon king of Heshbon’s hardened spirit (Deut 2:30). The Lord seemingly “moving” David to number Israel (2Sa 24:1). Also, the “lying spirit” supposedly put into the mouth of the false prophets in the change with Micaiah (1Ki 22:22,23).
So did these people have no choice as they were compelled by God? How can it be so when clearly, the bible also teaches that with transgression is sin and the soul that sinneth dies and no one else shall be held responsible (1Jhn 3:4; Ezk 18:20)? How can it be when the bible tells us that God “neither tempteth he any man” but that it is man that allows himself to be tempted (Jam 1:13,14)?
A simple survey of the bible and we realise it is merely a matter of perspective. Observe 1 Samuel 6:6 (KJV)
“Wherefore then do ye harden your hearts, as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened their hearts? when he had wrought wonderfully among them, did they not let the people go, and they departed?”
Thus we realise that whenever the writer expresses the origin of the compulsion, it is merely saying God allowing the transgression to happen. It is merely in contrast to what he is capable of doing, if He wanted to!
Thus, just as how the Israelites chose to turn a blind eye to God’s long-suffering patience, just as how the individuals chose to go against God’s will, whoever decides to go against God’s truth, will not find protection against that!
Let us not “tempt the Lord” (Mat 4:7), but instead choose to follow after what He truly teaches us. Let us not say that we are tempted of God (Jam 1:13) but remember that God will not suffer us to the tempted beyond what we are able (1Co 10:13). God will allow us to fall if we choose to! But on the other hand, God will protect His people, only if we take heed and do His will (c.f. Phi 4:7,9).
Monday, March 16, 2020
For Now We Live
1 Thessalonians 3:8 (KJV)
For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.
As much as we observe how Paul likes to give detailed discourses, we also see how often he uses impactful short statements (notice a couple in 1Th 5!).
And such a simple but brilliant statement!
"live" here quite obviously does not refer to physical existence per se, but rather the purpose of existence. In other words, to live for.
As what Paul wrote to the Philippians in Phi 1:24 — Phi 1:25
"Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.
And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith;"
Truth be told, our existence in this life is ultimately only meaningful if it is spent in securing our reward in heaven! And that entails being in the faith and a lifetime of faithful service.
That is what Paul and his fellow workers live for - to help fellow saints stand fast in the Lord. "fast" here meaning firm and secure. Thus to remain firm and secure, stedfast and unmovable (c.f. 1Co 15:58) in the Lord, in the faith.
The same sentiment was expressed by John in
3Jo 1:3 — 3Jo 1:4
"For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth."
What is the best way to encourage one another? Be faithful! Be busy with God's work! Be part of the solution and not the problem! That we can rejoice one with another and not be continually vexed and grieved. How ironic is it for us to be spending time and resources, even putting our personal spiritual health at risk to "put out fires" within the church, when we should be drawing strength from one another and expending our efforts to reach out to the lost?
God help us all to stand fast in the Lord, that we might be an encouragement to live meaningful and joyous lives, that we might finally be "ever... with the Lord" (1Th 4:17)
For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.
As much as we observe how Paul likes to give detailed discourses, we also see how often he uses impactful short statements (notice a couple in 1Th 5!).
And such a simple but brilliant statement!
"live" here quite obviously does not refer to physical existence per se, but rather the purpose of existence. In other words, to live for.
As what Paul wrote to the Philippians in Phi 1:24 — Phi 1:25
"Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.
And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith;"
Truth be told, our existence in this life is ultimately only meaningful if it is spent in securing our reward in heaven! And that entails being in the faith and a lifetime of faithful service.
That is what Paul and his fellow workers live for - to help fellow saints stand fast in the Lord. "fast" here meaning firm and secure. Thus to remain firm and secure, stedfast and unmovable (c.f. 1Co 15:58) in the Lord, in the faith.
The same sentiment was expressed by John in
3Jo 1:3 — 3Jo 1:4
"For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth."
What is the best way to encourage one another? Be faithful! Be busy with God's work! Be part of the solution and not the problem! That we can rejoice one with another and not be continually vexed and grieved. How ironic is it for us to be spending time and resources, even putting our personal spiritual health at risk to "put out fires" within the church, when we should be drawing strength from one another and expending our efforts to reach out to the lost?
God help us all to stand fast in the Lord, that we might be an encouragement to live meaningful and joyous lives, that we might finally be "ever... with the Lord" (1Th 4:17)
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