Michael : Heb. Mika’el, literally, “who [is] like God?”

The name “Michael” appears only in passages that are linked with the apocalypse.

Archangel: occurs only twice in the Bible. ἀρχάγγελος

Archaggelos (1Thess. 4:16 and Jude 9).

There are only 5 verses in the entire Bible that mention Michael, the Archangel. Here they are:

1. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia. Daniel 10:13

• But I will shew thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth: and there is none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince. Daniel 10:21

• And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. Daniel 12:1

• Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee. Jude 1:9

• And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, Revelation 12:7

1 Thessalonians 4:16 says, “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:”

John 5:28 says, “Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his (Jesus’) voice. See also John 11:43,44 (Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead).

“Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.” John 11:25

Jesus said, “I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.” Revelation 1:18

To Jesus alone, is ascribed the power to raise the dead.

Jesus is referred to as an angel or angel of the Lord.

In the Bible Jesus is often referred to as “the angel of the Lord”. In Exodus 3:2 says, “And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him (Moses) in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed.”

Who was this “angel of the Lord?” Verses 4-6 gives the answer. The angel of the Lord is Jesus Himself.

Judges 2:1 says, “And an angel of the Lord came up from Gilgal to Bochim, and said, I made you to go up out of Egypt, and have brought you unto the land which I sware unto your fathers; and I said, I will never break my covenant with you.”

Who is this angel of the Lord? It is none other than Jesus.

Joshua 5: 13-15 says, “And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries?

¹⁴ And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the Lord am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my Lord unto his servant?

¹⁵ And the captain of the Lord’s host said unto Joshua, Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so.”

Notice that Joshua worships this being without rebuke prohibition. The only person worthy of our worship is one who is a member of the Godhead.

John tried to worship an angel and was refrained from doing so. Revelation 19:10 says, “And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”

Here we see clearly that no other being is to be worshiped but God Himself. An angel, though a more exalted being than man is not to be worship, only God is to be worshiped.

Conclusion: Michael, the Archangel is non other than Jesus, the captain of the Lord’s army. It is by the call of His voice that the dead in Christ will rise (see 2 Thessalonians 4:16.

The post Michael The Archangel first appeared on The Balanced Life: Bible Study and Christian Bible Discussion.

You have heard it said that if it was too late for you, that you would not even be able to be concerned about your salvation.  The fact that you feel “called”, means that today, it is not too late.

If this is true, then if you do not sense your closeness to God, could this mean that you are lost?

John 6:44, “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day.”

Philippians 2:12-13, “Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”

Because God draws you through the inner working of His Spirit, you cannot even desire to do His will without the Spirit.

Consider these verses.  God contrasts for us what doing His will entails.  In some verses we see a contrast between God’s people and they way they live and those that reject God:

Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.”

Galatians 5:19-22, “The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.  

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

John 15:14, “You are my friends if you do what I command.”

Revelation 14:12, “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.”

1 Timothy 3:1-4, “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God.

I was considering the story of the 12 virgins.  How they would not have been there at all if they were incapable of doing God’s will. That day, they would not have responded to the Spirit to go meet the bridegroom.  But they were there.  In the right place at the right time.  But their relationship to God was not sufficient.

A man one day made a decision to start his day with Bible study and he also decided to read the daily devotionals on Amazing Facts.  So each morning he rose up a bit early and went to a solitary place in his home and prayed and did his morning worship.  He also decided that he wold continue his nighttime worship before bed.  He set in his mind that this he would try to form a habit of morning and nighttime study because he recognized his need to be closer to God.  After a few days he noticed his thoughts were more on God during the day.  He even decided to start a Bible study group online.  One day, he had a conversation with a someone close to him which quickly became a dispute.  Within minutes he went from having a respectful dispute to yelling and cursing and tossing things about.  The next day, he came to himself and realized that he too had little oil in his lamp.  

The mechanics of Christianity does not create a relationship with God.  The great news is that God wants to help us with this.

Matthew 7:21-23, ““Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”

In the passage of Scripture above we see lost people who believed they were doing some good, prophesying, doing many miracles and driving out demons.  This is work of people that thought they had a relationship with God but He didn’t know them.

It is hard to imagine that a person can hear God speaking to them through the pleading of the Holy Spirit and ignore it.  But it is true that some pick and choose what they will follow, what sin they will continue to indulge, and where they will harden their hearts.  Often we believe we take a calculated risk, believing that we have time left to get right with God.

Hebrews 3:12-15, “See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end. As has just been said:

The post Importance Of Today – Harden Not Your Hearts first appeared on The Balanced Life: Bible Study and Christian Bible Discussion.

To know Him is to understand what an awesome friend He is and how His mercies endure forever.

I often get opportunity to discuss my faith with others and am always thankful to meet other Christians that are excited to call Jesus their friend.  But in deeper conversation, there are questions.  Some things need better understanding and therefore some live with a bit of unease.  How do I know that Jesus IS my friend?  How do I know that I know Him the way I should.

There is evidence that Jesus is present throughout the old testament, from creation onward.  John 1, talks about the Word that was from the beginning and had become flesh.  This refers back to creation in Genesis 1.  In a previous study entitled Jesus, we explore Him throughout the Bible more in depth.

Today, some Christians believe they can claim Jesus as their savior and have no other responsibility except attend church weekly.  Where does this idea come from?  Is there no Law?  Are we free from the obligation to keep the Law of God contained in the Commandments?  I have heard it said that the Law is done away with and that we are no longer under the law but under grace.  Many Christians believe this.  This study aims to excite you to read and explore the Bible for yourself to discover the important truths about the Law of God.  And this exploration is not without cause.  The Bible it self contains chilling warnings for mankind.

Matthew 24:3-4, “And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?  And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.”

How can we make sure we are not deceived.  This is the first thing Jesus said in response to the disciples questions.  The end result of the deception that Jesus spoke and the reason for the warning is found in Revelation 13:3-4, “And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.  And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?”

Jesus points out that before He returns, people will not give worship to Him, but to the beast power.   And when you look at Matthew 7:22-23, it seems that they thought they were giving worship to God but were deceived.  We must therefore study God’s word to make sure that we are not deceived.

Matthew 7:22-23, “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?  And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Matthew 7:22-23 is alarming because people who believe they are Christians will be rejected in that day.  They do good works and prophesy.  These are not atheists.   Jesus will say depart, ye workers of iniquity.  What is iniquity?

Iniquity is sin.  But if there is no law, how can Jesus at the Judgement turn people who prophecy and do good works away because of iniquity or sin?

Consider this:  Lucifer was cast out of heaven because he sinned.  Ezekiel 28:13-15, “Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created.  Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire.  Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee.”

To cast Satan out of heaven for transgressing Gods Law, just to send Jesus to die to abolish Gods Law makes no sense.  Without Gods Law there are no wicked people and thus there can be no judgement.  Judgement requires a Law to be judged against.

Read More on the Commandments of God

But didn’t Jesus come to fulfill the law?  The definition of “fulfill” is to complete or achieve.  Jesus lived a perfect life and achieved a perfect life.  This is the only way he could atone for our sins.   But does this mean He nullified the law through His life, death and resurrection?  What does Jesus say about this.

Matthew 5:27-28, “Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.”

This doesn’t sound like Jesus is doing away with the Law of God at all.  This sounds like He is explaining the fullness of the Law to a people that lost its meaning.  Jesus did not lessen the potency of the Law of God, he removed every loophole that people were comfortable exploiting to their detriment.

Let’s look at another.  Matthew 5:21-24, “Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.  Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;  Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.”

Jesus here doesn’t even want you to give your gifts at the alter until you reconcile with your brother.  How could this all be included in a command about murder?  Again, Jesus does not diminish the law of God, He breathes life into it making it full.  Take a look at Exodus 20. Reading the ten commandments of God, how can you understand them better seeing the template that Jesus established in Matthew 5?

But what about grace?  Are we not under grace?  “What then? Shall we sin because we are not under the law but under grace? By no means!” Romans 6:15.

Two Sides

Revelation 22:11, “He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.”

There seems to be two sides that exist.  The unjust and the filthy and the righteous and the holy.

James 4:4, “You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.”

Romans 3:20, “Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.

The Law of God makes us conscious of our sins and our goal is to not sin.  This is why the Law cannot be done away with because without the Law, how can we know what we do that is unpleasing to God?

Revelation 14 speaks about the mark of the beast and warns us to avoid getting this mark.  In fact, when you read Revelation 14, you understand that there are only two types of folks at the end when Jesus returns.  Those that have the mark of the beast and those that don’t. Those that don’t have the mark of the beast receive the seal of God.  Or rather, there are those that receive the seal of God and all others receive the mark of the beast.  Then Jesus reveals the identifier that determines Gods people.   These are those that have not been deceived.

Revelation 14:12, “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.”

Come.  Hear.  Do.

2 Chronicles 7:14, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

There is a beautiful relationship that takes shape when we live for God and not ourselves.  God loves us and wants the very best for us in every way.  Jeremiah 29:11,  “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Matthew 11:28-29, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

Obedience to God is the only way to please Him.  It is hard for our selfish nature to feel comfortable with the word “obey”.  We are rebellious by nature.  But Jesus is clear and unambiguous. John 15:14, “Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.”   or John 14:15, “If you love me, keep my commandments.”

If you love Jesus, if you choose to serve the God of the Bible, what keeps you from being obedient to His will?   We do not keep the commandments because we are saved by the Law of God.  We keep the commandments because we are saved and are called according to His purpose.  And He calls us to be holy.

1 Peter 1:16, “Be ye holy, because I am holy.”

Holiness is possible through the grace of God.  John 1:12-13, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.”

1 John 5:1-2, “Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and whoever loves the Father loves the child born of Him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and observe His commandments.”

What is more, God through the Spirit makes it possible to live according to His purpose.   All we must do is surrender to His will.  We must decrease and He must increase in our lives.  Our plans must conform to His will.  In whatever we do, it must be to Gods glory and not our own.

Philippians 2:12-15, “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.  For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.”

God does the work if you let Him.

Romans 12:1-2, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”

2 Corinthians 5:17, “Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and whoever loves the Father loves the child born of Him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and observe His commandments.”

Gods people are peculiar people that live according to Gods will.  Gods people are blessed of God, but will suffer persecution.  Not deceived, relying on Gods word contained in the Bible, we are to be a light to the world.  Knowing that the majority of the religious world will get it wrong and wonder after the beast, we we not to compromise; not to mix Gods truth with mans error.  Even though false worship is all around us and is popular, this is the patience of the saints, those that keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus.

1 Peter 2:9, “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.”

70-ish years will be spent here in this sinful world.  But where do you want to spend eternity?  When God makes it so easy to do His will and in the end, eternity without sin where you can live with Jesus and see Him face to face.   Or you can have it all end here and cease to exist for eternity.  Study and seek God daily.   Seek God through prayer and His word for yourself.  The time is now to choose.

The post Dare To Be Christian – Jesus Calling first appeared on The Balanced Life: Bible Study and Christian Bible Discussion.

I am sure there are some that love Christ and go to church regularly that don’t necessarily believe what their church believes.  I am happy to have found a group of believers that believe what I believe and I am happy to list these beliefs below.  You can find our much more here.

The Holy Scriptures

The Holy Scriptures, Old and New Testaments, are the written Word of God, given by divine inspiration. The inspired authors spoke and wrote as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. In this Word, God has committed to humanity the knowledge necessary for salvation. The Holy Scriptures are the supreme, authoritative, and the infallible revelation of His will. They are the standard of character, the test of experience, the definitive revealer of doctrines, and the trustworthy record of God’s acts in history. (Ps. 119:105; Prov. 30:5, 6; Isa. 8:20; John 17:17; 1 Thess. 2:13; 2 Tim. 3:16, 17; Heb. 4:12; 2 Peter 1:20, 21.)

The Trinity

There is one God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, a unity of three coeternal Persons. God is immortal, all-powerful, all-knowing, above all, and ever present. He is infinite and beyond human comprehension, yet known through His self-revelation. God, who is love, is forever worthy of worship, adoration, and service by the whole creation. (Gen. 1:26; Deut. 6:4; Isa. 6:8; Matt. 28:19; John 3:16 2 Cor. 1:21, 22; 13:14; Eph. 4:4-6; 1 Peter 1:2.)

The Father

God the eternal Father is the Creator, Source, Sustainer, and Sovereign of all creation. He is just and holy, merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. The qualities and powers exhibited in the Son and the Holy Spirit are also those of the Father. (Gen. 1:1; Deut. 4:35; Ps. 110:1, 4; John 3:16; 14:9; 1 Cor. 15:28; 1 Tim. 1:17; 1 John 4:8; Rev. 4:11.)

The Son

God the eternal Son became incarnate in Jesus Christ. Through Him all things were created, the character of God is revealed, the salvation of humanity is accomplished, and the world is judged. Forever truly God, He became also truly human, Jesus the Christ. He was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He lived and experienced temptation as a human being, but perfectly exemplified the righteousness and love of God. By His miracles He manifested God’s power and was attested as God’s promised Messiah. He suffered and died voluntarily on the cross for our sins and in our place, was raised from the dead, and ascended to heaven to minister in the heavenly sanctuary in our behalf. He will come again in glory for the final deliverance of His people and the restoration of all things. (Isa. 53:4-6; Dan. 9:25-27; Luke 1:35; John 1:1-3, 14; 5:22; 10:30; 14:1-3, 9, 13; Rom. 6:23; 1 Cor. 15:3, 4; 2 Cor. 3:18; 5:17-19; Phil. 2:5-11; Col. 1:15-19; Heb. 2:9- 18; 8:1, 2.) 4

The Holy Spirit

God the eternal Spirit was active with the Father and the Son in Creation, incarnation, and redemption. He is as much a person as are the Father and the Son. He inspired the writers of Scripture. He filled Christ’s life with power. He draws and convicts human beings; and those who respond He renews and transforms into the image of God. Sent by the Father and the Son to be always with His children, He extends spiritual gifts to the church, empowers it to bear witness to Christ, and in harmony with the Scriptures leads it into all truth. (Gen. 1:1, 2; 2 Sam. 23:2; Ps. 51:11; Isa. 61:1; Luke 1:35; 4:18; John 14:16-18, 26; 15:26; 16:7-13; Acts 1:8; 5:3; 10:38; Rom. 5:5; 1 Cor. 12:7-11; 2 Cor. 3:18; 2 Peter 1:21.)

Creation 

God has revealed in Scripture the authentic and historical account of His creative activity. He created the universe, and in a recent six-day creation the Lord made “the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them” and rested on the seventh day. Thus He established the Sabbath as a perpetual memorial of the work He performed and completed during six literal days that together with the Sabbath constituted the same unit of time that we call a week today. The first man and woman were made in the image of God as the crowning work of Creation, given dominion over the world, and charged with responsibility to care for it. When the world was finished it was “very good,” declaring the glory of God. (Gen. 1-2; 5; 11; Exod. 20:8-11; Ps. 19:1-6; 33:6, 9; 104; Isa. 45:12, 18; Acts 17:24; Col. 1:16; Heb. 1:2; 11:3; Rev. 10:6; 14:7.)

The Nature of Humanity

Man and woman were made in the image of God with individuality, the power and freedom to think and to do. Though created free beings, each is an indivisible unity of body, mind, and spirit, dependent upon God for life and breath and all else. When our first parents disobeyed God, they denied their dependence upon Him and fell from their high position. The image of God in them was marred and they became subject to death. Their descendants share this fallen nature and its consequences. They are born with weaknesses and tendencies to evil. But God in Christ reconciled the world to Himself and by His Spirit restores in penitent mortals the image of their Maker. Created for the glory of God, they are called to love Him and one another, and to care for their environment. (Gen. 1:26-28; 2:7, 15; 3; Ps. 8:4-8; 51:5, 10; 58:3; Jer. 17:9; Acts 17:24-28; Rom. 5:12-17; 2 Cor. 5:19, 20; Eph. 2:3; 1 Thess. 5:23; 1 John 3:4; 4:7, 8, 11, 20.) 5

The Great Controversy

All humanity is now involved in a great controversy between Christ and Satan regarding the character of God, His law, and His sovereignty over the universe. This conflict originated in heaven when a created being, endowed with freedom of choice, in self-exaltation became Satan, God’s adversary, and led into rebellion a portion of the angels. He introduced the spirit of rebellion into this world when he led Adam and Eve into sin. This human sin resulted in the distortion of the image of God in humanity, the disordering of the created world, and its eventual devastation at the time of the global flood, as presented in the historical account of Genesis 1-11. Observed by the whole creation, this world became the arena of the universal conflict, out of which the God of love will ultimately be vindicated. To assist His people in this controversy, Christ sends the Holy Spirit and the loyal angels to guide, protect, and sustain them in the way of salvation. (Gen. 3; 6-8; Job 1:6-12; Isa. 14:12-14; Ezek. 28:12-18; Rom. 1:19-32; 3:4; 5:12-21; 8:19-22; 1 Cor. 4:9; Heb. 1:14; 1 Peter 5:8; 2 Peter 3:6; Rev. 12:4-9.)

The Life, Death, and Resurrection of Christ 

In Christ’s life of perfect obedience to God’s will, His suffering, death, and resurrection, God provided the only means of atonement for human sin, so that those who by faith accept this atonement may have eternal life, and the whole creation may better understand the infinite and holy love of the Creator. This perfect atonement vindicates the righteousness of God’s law and the graciousness of His character; for it both condemns our sin and provides for our forgiveness. The death of Christ is substitutionary and expiatory, reconciling and transforming. The bodily resurrection of Christ proclaims God’s triumph over the forces of evil, and for those who accept the atonement assures their final victory over sin and death. It declares the Lordship of Jesus Christ, before whom every knee in heaven and on earth will bow. (Gen. 3:15; Ps. 22:1; Isa. 53; John 3:16; 14:30; Rom. 1:4; 3:25; 4:25; 8:3, 4; 1 Cor. 15:3, 4, 20-22; 2 Cor. 5:14, 15, 19-21; Phil. 2:6-11; Col. 2:15; 1 Peter 2:21, 22; 1 John 2:2; 4:10.)

The Experience of Salvation 

In infinite love and mercy God made Christ, who knew no sin, to be sin for us, so that in Him we might be made the righteousness of God. Led by the Holy Spirit we sense our need, acknowledge our sinfulness, repent of our transgressions, and exercise faith in Jesus as Saviour and Lord, Substitute and Example. This saving faith comes through the divine power of the Word and is the gift of God’s grace. Through Christ we are justified, adopted as God’s sons and daughters, and delivered from the lordship of sin. Through the Spirit we are born again and sanctified; the Spirit renews our minds, writes God’s law of love in our hearts, and we are given the power to live a holy life. Abiding in Him we become partakers of the divine nature and have the assurance of salvation now and in the judgment. (Gen. 3:15; Isa. 45:22; 53; Jer. 31:31-34; Ezek. 33:11; 36:25-27; Hab. 2:4; Mark 9:23, 24; John 3:3-8, 16; 16:8; Rom. 3:21-26; 8:1-4, 14-17; 5:6-10; 10:17; 12:2; 2 Cor. 5:17-21; Gal. 1:4; 3:13, 14, 26; 4:4-7; Eph. 2:4-10; Col. 1:13, 14; Titus 3:3-7; Heb. 8:7-12; 1 Peter 1:23; 2:21, 22; 2 Peter 1:3, 4; Rev. 13:8.) 6

Growing in Christ 

By His death on the cross Jesus triumphed over the forces of evil. He who subjugated the demonic spirits during His earthly ministry has broken their power and made certain their ultimate doom. Jesus’ victory gives us victory over the evil forces that still seek to control us, as we walk with Him in peace, joy, and assurance of His love. Now the Holy Spirit dwells within us and empowers us. Continually committed to Jesus as our Saviour and Lord, we are set free from the burden of our past deeds. No longer do we live in the darkness, fear of evil powers, ignorance, and meaninglessness of our former way of life. In this new freedom in Jesus, we are called to grow into the likeness of His character, communing with Him daily in prayer, feeding on His Word, meditating on it and on His providence, singing His praises, gathering together for worship, and participating in the mission of the Church. We are also called to follow Christ’s example by compassionately ministering to the physical, mental, social, emotional, and spiritual needs of humanity. As we give ourselves in loving service to those around us and in witnessing to His salvation, His constant presence with us through the Spirit transforms every moment and every task into a spiritual experience. (1 Chron. 29:11; Ps. 1:1, 2; 23:4; 77:11, 12; Matt. 20:25-28; 25:31-46; Luke 10:17-20; John 20:21; Rom. 8:38, 39; 2 Cor. 3:17, 18; Gal. 5:22-25; Eph. 5:19, 20; 6:12-18; Phil. 3:7-14; Col. 1:13, 14; 2:6, 14, 15; 1 Thess. 5:16-18, 23; Heb. 10:25; James 1:27; 2 Peter 2:9; 3:18; 1 John 4:4.)

The Church 

The church is the community of believers who confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. In continuity with the people of God in Old Testament times, we are called out from the world; and we join together for worship, for fellowship, for instruction in the Word, for the celebration of the Lord’s Supper, for service to humanity, and for the worldwide proclamation of the gospel. The church derives its authority from Christ, who is the incarnate Word revealed in the Scriptures. The church is God’s family; adopted by Him as children, its members live on the basis of the new covenant. The church is the body of Christ, a community of faith of which Christ Himself is the Head. The church is the bride for whom Christ died that He might sanctify and cleanse her. At His return in triumph, He will present her to Himself a glorious church, the faithful of all the ages, the purchase of His blood, not having spot or wrinkle, but holy and without blemish. (Gen. 12:1-3; Exod. 19:3-7; Matt. 16:13-20; 18:18; 28:19, 20; Acts 2:38-42; 7:38; 1 Cor. 1:2; Eph. 1:22, 23; 2:19-22; 3:8-11; 5:23-27; Col. 1:17, 18; 1 Peter 2:9.)

The Remnant and Its Mission 

The universal church is composed of all who truly believe in Christ, but in the last days, a time of widespread apostasy, a remnant has been called out to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. This remnant announces the arrival of the judgment hour, proclaims salvation through Christ, and heralds the approach of His second advent. This proclamation is symbolized by the three angels of Revelation 14; it coincides with the work of judgment in heaven and results in a work of repentance and reform on earth. Every believer is called to have a personal part in this worldwide witness. (Dan. 7:9-14; Isa. 1:9; 11:11; Jer. 23:3; Mic. 2:12; 2 Cor. 5:10; 1 Peter 1:16-19; 4:17; 2 Peter 3:10-14; Jude 3, 14; Rev. 12:17; 14:6-12; 18:1-4.) 7

Unity in the Body of Christ 

The church is one body with many members, called from every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. In Christ we are a new creation; distinctions of race, culture, learning, and nationality, and differences between high and low, rich and poor, male and female, must not be divisive among us. We are all equal in Christ, who by one Spirit has bonded us into one fellowship with Him and with one another; we are to serve and be served without partiality or reservation. Through the revelation of Jesus Christ in the Scriptures we share the same faith and hope, and reach out in one witness to all. This unity has its source in the oneness of the triune God, who has adopted us as His children. (Ps. 133:1; Matt. 28:19, 20; John 17:20-23; Acts 17:26, 27; Rom. 12:4, 5; 1 Cor. 12:12-14; 2 Cor. 5:16, 17; Gal. 3:27-29; Eph. 2:13-16; 4:3-6, 11-16; Col. 3:10-15.)

Baptism 

By baptism we confess our faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and testify of our death to sin and of our purpose to walk in newness of life. Thus we acknowledge Christ as Lord and Saviour, become His people, and are received as members by His church. Baptism is a symbol of our union with Christ, the forgiveness of our sins, and our reception of the Holy Spirit. It is by immersion in water and is contingent on an affirmation of faith in Jesus and evidence of repentance of sin. It follows instruction in the Holy Scriptures and acceptance of their teachings. (Matt. 28:19, 20; Acts 2:38; 16:30-33; 22:16; Rom. 6:1-6; Gal. 3:27; Col. 2:12, 13.)

The Lord’s Supper 

The Lord’s Supper is a participation in the emblems of the body and blood of Jesus as an expression of faith in Him, our Lord and Saviour. In this experience of communion Christ is present to meet and strengthen His people. As we partake, we joyfully proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes again. Preparation for the Supper includes self-examination, repentance, and confession. The Master ordained the service of foot-washing to signify renewed cleansing, to express a willingness to serve one another in Christlike humility, and to unite our hearts in love. The communion service is open to all believing Christians. (Matt. 26:17-30; John 6:48-63; 13:1-17; 1 Cor. 10:16, 17; 11:23-30; Rev. 3:20.) 8

Spiritual Gifts and Ministries 

God bestows upon all members of His church in every age spiritual gifts that each member is to employ in loving ministry for the common good of the church and of humanity. Given by the agency of the Holy Spirit, who apportions to each member as He wills, the gifts provide all abilities and ministries needed by the church to fulfill its divinely ordained functions. According to the Scriptures, these gifts include such ministries as faith, healing, prophecy, proclamation, teaching, administration, reconciliation, compassion, and self-sacrificing service and charity for the help and encouragement of people. Some members are called of God and endowed by the Spirit for functions recognized by the church in pastoral, evangelistic, and teaching ministries particularly needed to equip the members for service, to build up the church to spiritual maturity, and to foster unity of the faith and knowledge of God. When members employ these spiritual gifts as faithful stewards of God’s varied grace, the church is protected from the destructive influence of false doctrine, grows with a growth that is from God, and is built up in faith and love. (Acts 6:1-7; Rom. 12:4-8; 1 Cor. 12:7-11, 27, 28; Eph. 4:8, 11-16; 1 Tim. 3:1-13; 1 Peter 4:10, 11.)

The Gift of Prophecy 

The Scriptures testify that one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit is prophecy. This gift is an identifying mark of the remnant church and we believe it was manifested in the ministry of Ellen G. White. Her writings speak with prophetic authority and provide comfort, guidance, instruction, and correction to the church. They also make clear that the Bible is the standard by which all teaching and experience must be tested. (Num. 12:6; 2 Chron. 20:20; Amos 3:7; Joel 2:28, 29; Acts 2:14-21; 2 Tim. 3:16, 17; Heb. 1:1-3; Rev. 12:17; 19:10; 22:8, 9.)

The Law of God

The great principles of God’s law are embodied in the Ten Commandments and exemplified in the life of Christ. They express God’s love, will, and purposes concerning human conduct and relationships and are binding upon all people in every age. These precepts are the basis of God’s covenant with His people and the standard in God’s judgment. Through the agency of the Holy Spirit they point out sin and awaken a sense of need for a Saviour. Salvation is all of grace and not of works, and its fruit is obedience to the Commandments. This obedience develops Christian character and results in a sense of well-being. It is evidence of our love for the Lord and our concern for our fellow human beings. The obedience of faith demonstrates the power of Christ to transform lives, and therefore strengthens Christian witness. (Exod. 20:1-17; Deut. 28:1- 14; Ps. 19:7-14; 40:7, 8; Matt. 5:17-20; 22:36-40; John 14:15; 15:7-10; Rom. 8:3, 4; Eph. 2:8-10; Heb. 8:8-10; 1 John 2:3; 5:3; Rev. 12:17; 14:12.) 9

The Sabbath

The gracious Creator, after the six days of Creation, rested on the seventh day and instituted the Sabbath for all people as a memorial of Creation. The fourth commandment of God’s unchangeable law requires the observance of this seventh-day Sabbath as the day of rest, worship, and ministry in harmony with the teaching and practice of Jesus, the Lord of the Sabbath. The Sabbath is a day of delightful communion with God and one another. It is a symbol of our redemption in Christ, a sign of our sanctification, a token of our allegiance, and a foretaste of our eternal future in God’s kingdom. The Sabbath is God’s perpetual sign of His eternal covenant between Him and His people. Joyful observance of this holy time from evening to evening, sunset to sunset, is a celebration of God’s creative and redemptive acts. (Gen. 2:1-3; Exod. 20:8-11; 31:13-17; Lev. 23:32; Deut. 5:12-15; Isa. 56:5, 6; 58:13, 14; Ezek. 20:12, 20; Matt. 12:1-12; Mark 1:32; Luke 4:16; Heb. 4:1-11.)

Stewardship 

We are God’s stewards, entrusted by Him with time and opportunities, abilities and possessions, and the blessings of the earth and its resources. We are responsible to Him for their proper use. We acknowledge God’s ownership by faithful service to Him and our fellow human beings, and by returning tithe and giving offerings for the proclamation of His gospel and the support and growth of His church. Stewardship is a privilege given to us by God for nurture in love and the victory over selfishness and covetousness. Stewards rejoice in the blessings that come to others as a result of their faithfulness. (Gen. 1:26-28; 2:15; 1 Chron. 29:14; Haggai 1:3-11; Mal. 3:8-12; Matt. 23:23; Rom. 15:26, 27; 1 Cor. 9:9-14; 2 Cor. 8:1-15; 9:7.)

Christian Behavior 

We are called to be a godly people who think, feel, and act in harmony with biblical principles in all aspects of personal and social life. For the Spirit to recreate in us the character of our Lord we involve ourselves only in those things that will produce Christlike purity, health, and joy in our lives. This means that our amusement and entertainment should meet the highest standards of Christian taste and beauty. While recognizing cultural differences, our dress is to be simple, modest, and neat, befitting those whose true beauty does not consist of outward adornment but in the imperishable ornament of a gentle and quiet spirit. It also means that because our bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit, we are to care for them intelligently. Along with adequate exercise and rest, we are to adopt the most healthful diet possible and abstain from the unclean foods identified in the Scriptures. Since alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and the irresponsible use of drugs and narcotics are harmful to our bodies, we are to abstain from them as well. Instead, we are to engage in whatever brings our thoughts and bodies into the discipline of Christ, who desires our wholesomeness, joy, and goodness. (Gen. 7:2; Exod. 20:15; Lev. 11:1-47; Ps. 106:3; Rom. 12:1, 2; 1 Cor. 6:19, 20; 10:31; 2 Cor. 6:14-7:1; 10:5; Eph. 5:1-21; Phil. 2:4; 4:8; 1 Tim. 2:9, 10; Titus 2:11, 12; 1 Peter 3:1-4; 1 John 2:6; 3 John 2.) 10

Marriage and the Family 

Marriage was divinely established in Eden and affirmed by Jesus to be a lifelong union between a man and a woman in loving companionship. For the Christian a marriage commitment is to God as well as to the spouse, and should be entered into only between a man and a woman who share a common faith. Mutual love, honor, respect, and responsibility are the fabric of this relationship, which is to reflect the love, sanctity, closeness, and permanence of the relationship between Christ and His church. Regarding divorce, Jesus taught that the person who divorces a spouse, except for fornication, and marries another, commits adultery. Although some family relationships may fall short of the ideal, a man and a woman who fully commit themselves to each other in Christ through marriage may achieve loving unity through the guidance of the Spirit and the nurture of the church. God blesses the family and intends that its members shall assist each other toward complete maturity. Increasing family closeness is one of the earmarks of the final gospel message. Parents are to bring up their children to love and obey the Lord. By their example and their words they are to teach them that Christ is a loving, tender, and caring guide who wants them to become members of His body, the family of God which embraces both single and married persons. (Gen. 2:18-25; Exod. 20:12; Deut. 6:5-9; Prov. 22:6; Mal. 4:5, 6; Matt. 5:31, 32; 19:3-9, 12; Mark 10:11, 12; John 2:1-11; 1 Cor. 7:7, 10, 11; 2 Cor. 6:14; Eph. 5:21-33; 6:1-4.)

Christ’s Ministry in the Heavenly Sanctuary 

There is a sanctuary in heaven, the true tabernacle that the Lord set up and not humans. In it Christ ministers on our behalf, making available to believers the benefits of His atoning sacrifice offered once for all on the cross. At His ascension, He was inaugurated as our great High Priest and, began His intercessory ministry, which was typified by the work of the high priest in the holy place of the earthly sanctuary. In 1844, at the end of the prophetic period of 2300 days, He entered the second and last phase of His atoning ministry, which was typified by the work of the high priest in the most holy place of the earthly sanctuary. It is a work of investigative judgment which is part of the ultimate disposition of all sin, typified by the cleansing of the ancient Hebrew sanctuary on the Day of Atonement. In that typical service the sanctuary was cleansed with the blood of animal sacrifices, but the heavenly things are purified with the perfect sacrifice of the blood of Jesus. The investigative judgment reveals to heavenly intelligences who among the dead are asleep in Christ and therefore, in Him, are deemed worthy to have part in the first resurrection. It also makes manifest who among the living are abiding in Christ, keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, and in Him, therefore, are ready for translation into His everlasting kingdom. This judgment vindicates the justice of God in saving those who believe in Jesus. It declares that those who have remained loyal to God shall receive the kingdom. The completion of this ministry of Christ will mark the close of human probation before the Second Advent. (Lev. 16; Num. 14:34; Ezek. 4:6; Dan. 7:9-27; 8:13, 14; 9:24-27; Heb. 1:3; 2:16, 17; 4:14-16; 8:1-5; 9:11-28; 10:19- 22; Rev. 8:3-5; 11:19; 14:6, 7; 20:12; 14:12; 22:11, 12.) 11

The Second Coming of Christ 

The second coming of Christ is the blessed hope of the church, the grand climax of the gospel. The Saviour’s coming will be literal, personal, visible, and worldwide. When He returns, the righteous dead will be resurrected, and together with the righteous living will be glorified and taken to heaven, but the unrighteous will die. The almost complete fulfillment of most lines of prophecy, together with the present condition of the world, indicates that Christ’s coming is near. The time of that event has not been revealed, and we are therefore exhorted to be ready at all times. (Matt. 24; Mark 13; Luke 21; John 14:1-3; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Cor. 15:51-54; 1 Thess. 4:13-18; 5:1-6; 2 Thess. 1:7-10; 2:8; 2 Tim. 3:1-5; Titus 2:13; Heb. 9:28; Rev. 1:7; 14:14-20; 19:11-21.)

Death and Resurrection 

The wages of sin is death. But God, who alone is immortal, will grant eternal life to His redeemed. Until that day death is an unconscious state for all people. When Christ, who is our life, appears, the resurrected righteous and the living righteous will be glorified and caught up to meet their Lord. The second resurrection, the resurrection of the unrighteous, will take place a thousand years later. (Job 19:25-27; Ps. 146:3, 4; Eccl. 9:5, 6, 10; Dan. 12:2, 13; Isa. 25:8; John 5:28, 29; 11:11-14; Rom. 6:23; 16; 1 Cor. 15:51-54; Col. 3:4; 1 Thess. 4:13-17; 1 Tim. 6:15; Rev. 20:1-10.)

The Millennium and the End of Sin 

The millennium is the thousand-year reign of Christ with His saints in heaven between the first and second resurrections. During this time the wicked dead will be judged; the earth will be utterly desolate, without living human inhabitants, but occupied by Satan and his angels. At its close Christ with His saints and the Holy City will descend from heaven to earth. The unrighteous dead will then be resurrected, and with Satan and his angels will surround the city; but fire from God will consume them and cleanse the earth. The universe will thus be freed of sin and sinners forever. (Jer. 4:23-26; Ezek. 28:18, 19; Mal. 4:1; 1 Cor. 6:2, 3; Rev. 20; 21:1-5.)

The New Earth 

On the new earth, in which righteousness dwells, God will provide an eternal home for the redeemed and a perfect environment for everlasting life, love, joy, and learning in His presence. For here God Himself will dwell with His people, and suffering and death will have passed away. The great controversy will be ended, and sin will be no more. All things, animate and inanimate, will declare that God is love; and He shall reign forever. Amen. (Isa. 35; 65:17-25; Matt. 5:5; 2 Peter 3:13; Rev. 11:15; 21:1-7; 22:1-5.)

The post Fundamental Beliefs first appeared on The Balanced Life: Bible Study and Christian Bible Discussion.

“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life“, John 8:12.

There was a time when we walked in darkness.  Jesus says “I am the Light of the world,”  and if we follow Him we will not walk in darkness.   What a life that would be.  What a change that would be on our lives and our future trajectory.

“Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers
of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.  And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.”  1 Corinthians 6:9-11.  There is something about following Jesus that is life changing.  What we used to be and the sinful habits we used to have we can  no longer have.  The victory is ours through Jesus if we accept it.  The transforming power of the Spirit of God creates in us new people.

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17.  “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippeans 1:6.

There is something about living to serve God.  All that are living have life, but the Bible speaks about abundant life, a life that most of us cannot even understand.  “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly,” John 10:10.

Consider the following:

Proverbs 14:27 – “The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.”

Philippeans 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

Mark 9:23 –  “Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.”

2 Timothy 1:7 – “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”

Proverbs 16:9 – “A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.”

Hebrews 11:1 – “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Matthey 6:33 – “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

Romans 8:28 – “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

Romans 12:1  – “Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.”

There is a work for us to do.  Have humility, have faith, love God, allow God to direct our steps, seek the kingdom of God and be obedient.

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14.

In this time, two thousand years after the resurrection of Jesus, is it still necessary to avoid sin?  Are we expected to be holy?  Is this even possible?  When we look at 1 Peter 2:9, is this meant for Israel and the Jewish people?   ^“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.”  Paul explains that Gentiles are grafted in to the vine of Israel in Romans 11:17.  Consider also the following verses on obedience.  Is it obedience that makes us peculiar?

1 John 5:3, – “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.”

1 Peter 1:16 – “Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”

Hebrews 12:14, – “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.”

Revelation 14:12, – “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.”

Matthew 7:21 – “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.”

James 1:22 – “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”

James 2:24 – “Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.”

John 14:21 – “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.”

Jesus came to transform a people that lost their way in understanding the love of God.  His commandments are not a burden but demonstrate His loving character.  He wants us to have this character also.

“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 2:3-5.  (See also: John 15:9-11, Colossians 3:13, Ephesians 4:32 1John 2:6, 2 Corinthians 3:18)

Jesus came to  be the Lamb of God that would take away the sins of the world.  He did away with the need for the Mosaic Law which was against the people by fulfilling its requirement (Colossians 2:14) ultimately becoming the sacrificial lamb.  This He did perfectly, but also came to take the legalism and the abuse out of God’s Holy Law, and by doing so correct the wrong understanding of the Character of God.  So Jesus gave examples from the Law to build better understanding of the principles of the Law.   “Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery.”  This is a cold letter of the law.   This does not represent the principle of love.  God is Love and asks us to ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind,’ and to ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’.  Matthew 22:36-40.

So Jesus explained the principle perfectly in saying, “But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.” Matthew 5:28.  Similarly, expanding on the Commandment, Thou shall not kill; Jesus again explains the principle of love.  “But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.  Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;  Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.” Matthew 5:22-24.

Jesus came to set the minds of the people right.  In fact concerning righteousness, he looked to the Scribes and Pharisees who are known for seeking righteousness (to the point of legalism), said “..That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.”

The principles that Jesus teaches us through the apostles are to transform us to a life of liberty and love.  He wants us to have life and to have it more abundantly.  Our minds must have the peace that passes all understanding.  This is peace that cannot come from our natural tendencies in a life of darkness.  “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.  Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.“

Ephesians 4:17-22, “This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,  Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:  Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.

But ye have not so learned Christ;  If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil. Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.  Ecclesiastes 12:13-14.

The post Life first appeared on The Balanced Life: Bible Study and Christian Bible Discussion.

Jesus
Prophecy 14

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The study of Jesus is one of the most important studies that a person can do.  Who is Jesus?  Was He or is He?

But before we delve into this important topic, I will first explore the Old and the New testaments.

Hebrews 13:8, “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.”
Malachi 3:6, “For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.”
Numbers 23:19, “God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?”

I have heard it said that God is different, meaner, more exacting in the Old Testament.  But in the New Testament, because of Jesus, we see a kinder than God depicted in the Old Testament.

Let’s take a brief look at the two parts of the book, The Bible.

While the Bible is a unified book, there are differences between the Old Testament and the New Testament, however they are complementary. The Old Testament is foundational; the New Testament builds on that foundation with further revelation from God. The Old Testament establishes principles that are seen to be illustrative and consistent with New Testament truths. The Old Testament contains many prophecies that are fulfilled in the New. The Old Testament provides the history of a people; the New Testament picks up on that story and gives additional prophecy and insight as God’s people approach the end of the world. The Old Testament shows the wrath of God against sin; the New Testament shows the wrath of God against sin at the final earth shattering climax.  The Old Testament shows God’s mercy, patience and long suffering because of His love for mankind.  The New Testament continues by showing the lengths that God has gone so that none would perish and all would have everlasting life.

The Old Testament predicts a Messiah (see Isaiah 53), and the New Testament reveals who the Messiah is (John 4:25–26). The Old Testament records the giving of God’s Law, and the New Testament shows how Jesus the Messiah keeping and reinforcing each of God’s Ten Commandment Laws.  The Old Testament sees God establishing The Mosaic Law and the New Testament shows how Jesus fulfilled that Law (Matthew 5:17; Hebrews 10:9). In the Old Testament, God’s people, the Jews; are to be a Kingdom of Priests and a Holy People (Exodus 19:6, Deuteronomy 14:2),  in the New Testament, God’s calls His people to be a Holy Nation and  Royal Priesthood(1 Peter 2:9)

Jesus:  The Bible refers to Jesus many different ways.  I found over 200 names by which Jesus is called or referred to.   Some are: Alpha and Omega, Arm of God, Beginning of Creation of God, Beloved Son, Branch, Creator, Deliverer, Faithful Witness, God, Great High Priest, Head of the Church, I Am, Immanuel, King of Kings, Lawgiver, Lamb, The Life, Light of the World, redeemer, Resurrection and Life, Root of David, Savior, Word.  Just to name a few.

Did He arrive on the scene late in Earth’s history, over 4000 years after creation?  Can Jesus be found in the Old Testament.  Not just referred to as the “coming Messiah”, but is there evidence that Jesus interacted with mankind before He came as a babe in Bethlehem?

Daniel 3:22-25, “Therefore because the king’s commandment was urgent, and the furnace exceeding hot, the flame of the fire slew those men that took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.  Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonied, and rose up in haste, and spake, and said unto his counsellors, Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered and said unto the king, True, O king.  He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.”

How can this be?  Is Jesus not the Son of God, yet clearly in Daniel, Jesus appears with the three in the furnace.

Witness: One who can give a firsthand account of something seen, heard, or experienced. (Free Dictionary.com)

Acts 10:43, “To Him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.”   Peter here is stating that to Jesus give all the prophets witness. 

Testify: To make a statement based on personal knowledge in support of an asserted fact; bear witness”

John 5:39, “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.”

Read John 1:1-3, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  The same was in the beginning with God.  All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.”

John 5:37, “37 And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape.”

If this is the case, then who was it that Moses saw, when placed in the cleft of the rock,  as He passed by?

Can you think of other places in the Old Testament where God’s voice was heard of shape was seen?

John 1:18, “No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.”

These two scriptures teach us an important fact: The Father has not directly spoken to or been seen by any human being at any time.

The Word, described in John 1:1-3, the Bible goes on to say in verse 14, “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”

The Word was made Flesh must mean that the Word existed at some time in a non-flesh state, then became flesh.

Jesus also said that He knew and saw Abraham.  John 8:56-58, “56 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.  Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.”

By identifying Himself as “I AM,” Jesus claimed that He had eternally existed. Christ identified Himself as the God of Abraham and Moses, and the One who led Israel out of Egypt.  1 Corinthians 10:1-4, “Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;  And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; And did all eat the same spiritual meat; And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.

How can this be? Jesus the Creator? 

Genesis 1:1, “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.”

Colossians 1:16-18, “ For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:  And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

Psalms 33:6, “By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.”

Why did Jesus, the Creator have to come and be born, live and die?

John 3:16,  “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

Romans 5:8, “but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God. who loved me and gave himself for me.”

Ephesians 2:4-5, “But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, evenwhen we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ— by grace you have been saved”

1 John 4:9-1, “In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”

Love, yes, God Loves us and wants all to live.  Jesus made a way.

He came to do away with the Mosaic law.  This law is described as a curse, and against the people.  Jesus through his life, fulfilled the law and through His death became the ultimate sacrifice.

Galations 3:10-13, “For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.  And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.  Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree.”

What is the significance of the Lamb of God dying for our sins?

How does that make sense in light of what we know about the Mosaic Law?

What does this tell us about the Character of Jesus?

What does this tell us about the Character of God?

Read John 15:1-10.  What does this tell us about the requirements of benefiting from the sacrifice that Jesus made?

I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.  Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.  Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.  I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.  If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.  Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.   As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.  If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.

The post Prophecy 14 – Jesus first appeared on The Balanced Life: Bible Study and Christian Bible Discussion.

Will there be a judgement day?  Notice Acts 17:31, “Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.”  God has “appointed a day,” now that’s significant!  In our next chapter, we will discover how close we are to that “day”.  To stir your imagination  a bit though, let’s read a fascinating scripture.  Revelation 14:6-7, “And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.”  In other words, the everlasting gospel which is to be preached to all the world will say God’s judgement is come (present tense) before Jesus comes.

God’s Word has a court summons for all of us as we face this judgement, more serious than any summons we might receive here on earth.  2 Corinthians 5:10, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.”  We all must appear before the judgement seat.  No one can escape it.

In the book of Daniel you will find a brief description of the judgement taking place.  Daniel 7:9-10, “I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire.  A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.”  Revelation gives a similar picture of what will take place.  Revelation 20:12-13, “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.”

At this point there may be a sincere question in your mind.  In the last few verses in the Bible states we will be judged according to what we have done, good or bad, and judged according to our “works”.  Yet in the last chapter we read that we are saved by grace and it’s not works.  How do we reconcile that?

In the Bible there is a simple balance between faith and works.  It’s like  two oars on a row boat.  If you use the left oar of faith only you go in circles.  Or if you use the right oar or works you do the same.  But use them both and you go in a straight line.

We are not saved by works.  We’re saved alone by God’s grace.  But if we truly have been saved by grace through faith then God is in control of our life.  As we “watch and pray” the Spirit controls us and therefore our works are of God.  Our works give evidence that our faith is genuine.   So we’re not saved by works, but we are judged by our works.  Keep that balance and you are safe.  James 2:14,17, 18, 24, “What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.”

Romans 3:28 – Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

These two verses seem to contradict each other.  Faith, the first verse says, without works is dead.  And the other says that we are justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

How does  Romans 6:14-18 help to shed light on this question?  ” For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.  What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.  Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?  But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.  Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.”

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In every trial there are three phases.  1. The investigation of the evidence.  2. The decision or verdict of the court.  3.  The punishment or reward.  We already discovered that the first part, the “investigation, ” would take place before Jesus comes, because it will be preached “the hour of judgement is come” prior to His coming.  Revelation 14:7, “Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.”

Hebrews 9:27, “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.”

Revelation 11:18, “And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.”

Now how is this part of the judgement to be done?  We just read in Revelation 20 that “the books” were opened.  There are several books used in the judgement.  The first one is called the Book of Life.  It has the names of all the saved, Revelation 20:15, “And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”

There is another book called the Book of Remembrance where the saints record.  Malachi 3:16-17, “Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.  And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.”   From these and other books, God begins the judgement.  And, the Bible declares that God Himself will judge.  Psalm 50:4-6, “He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that he may judge his people.  Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.  And the heavens shall declare his righteousness: for God is judge himself. Selah.”

This is serious business.

When the investigating part of the judgement ends in heaven, the second phase of the judgement begins which is the verdict.  Christ declares it in Revelation 22:11-12,  “He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.  And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.”  In other words, when Jesus comes, every case is already decided. All whose names are in the Book of Life have been reviewed.  And because their lives have been covered by Jesus’s blood and righteousness, they are worthy of eternal life.  This is just before the second coming of Christ.  Now that brings us to the obvious question.  The saints have been judged, they are saved.  Jesus comes at His second coming to take them to heaven.   So, when will the wicked who are not in the book of life be judged?

Revelation 20:4, “And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.”

The wicked will be judged during the 1,000 years which follows.  Therefore, you and I, if we claim the blood of Jesus and are saved, will be the ones who actually judge the wicked to see if God was fair.

Is that surprising?  Notice 1 Corinthians 6:2-3, “Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?”

We will judge the fallen angels.  Second 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 has a reason for doing it this way.  Satan has accused God of not being fair, and God is going to say, “Okay, I wont judge, I will let my people judge.  Those men and women on the earth, under Satan’s program of sin and rebellion.  Those people that went through the temptation and trials of life.  Let them check and see if I was just and fair.”

The last part of the judgement will be the reward or punishment.  The punishment is found in Revelation 20:15.  “And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”  The wicked are cast into a lake of fire.

In Canada, we are ideally judge by certain standard. The law.  If I break it and go to court, they will read from the book of the law. By my obedience or disobedience to that law I am guilty or not guilty.  In heaven it’s the same, God’s law will also be the standard by which we are judged. James 2:10-12, “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law. So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.”  This is God’s ten-commandment law.

Why does it seem to surprise people today that God’s Ten Commandment Law is still binding?  Review each Commandment quickly to see that every command of God is reasonable and is based upon love.  Love for God, and love for your neighbor.

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Let’s read another text to establish this thought. Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man, For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” God will bring all into judgment.

This brings me to an important subject.   It seems the Law of God, or the Ten Commandments are in question.

It is argued that Jesus gave us different or NEW commandments.  Some say that God’s Law was against us and Jesus came to lift the burden of the law.

Could this be possible?  Did Jesus change God’s Law of Liberty to something else?  Discuss?

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Does this distinction make sense in the context of the many other Bible verses covered?  Discuss:

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Jeremiah 31:3, “The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee.”

First John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” The moment He does that you are justified and your name is written in the Book Of Life.  And as your name comes up in the judgment, God the Father looks at you and standing before you is His Son Jesus. Jesus says, “My blood covers his sin. I present him faultless before your throne!” First John 2:1, “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not, And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.”

Revelation 12:10, “Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Messiah. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down.”

Jesus is our “advocate” our lawyer! Christ longs to represent you! When we look at ourselves we can’t see how we could ever be saved, but when we look at Jesus we can’t see how we could ever be lost!

When the judgment is over, and God comes for you and me, the text of Philippians 2:10-11 will be fulfilled. “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Every knee will bow, and all will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Today the door of mercy, swinging on the hinges of grace is still open. Jesus lovingly invites us to let Him cover our life of sin, so when our name comes up in judgment, He can confess us before the Father.

The post Prophecy 7 – Judgement Day – Faith and Works first appeared on The Balanced Life: Bible Study and Christian Bible Discussion.

The post The “Beatitudes” by David Asscherick first appeared on The Balanced Life: Bible Study and Christian Bible Discussion.