The Divinity of Christ should be most precious to us a people. We should defend it to the uttermost. John in Chapter 1 verifies the Divinity of our Saviour "and the Word was God".
The Father himself calls His dear Son "God" in the book of Hebrews "But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever: a scepter of Righteousness".
The once doubting Thomas calls Jesus "My Lord (Jehovah) and my God". Jesus doesn't correct Thomas but rather commends this confession "blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed".
John ties in Christ Divinity to his Sonship in verse 31 of Chapter 20.
"But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ (anointed one of Jehovah God), the Son of God; (Jehovah) and that believing ye might have life through his name."
John 20:27-29 (KJV)
27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.
28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Jehovah and my God.
29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
"Jesus, in his treatment of Thomas, gave his followers a lesson regarding the manner in which they should treat those who have doubts upon religious truth, and who make those doubts prominent. He did not overwhelm Thomas with words of reproach, nor did he enter into a controversy with him; but, with marked condescension and tenderness, he revealed himself unto the doubting one. Thomas had taken a most unreasonable position, in dictating the only conditions of his faith; but Jesus, by his generous love and consideration, broke down all the barriers he had raised. Persistent controversy will seldom weaken unbelief, but rather put it upon self-defense, where it will find new support and excuse. Jesus, revealed in his love and mercy as the crucified Saviour, will wring from many once unwilling lips the acknowledgment of Thomas, “My Lord, and my God.” [3SP 222.1, EGW]
The Three Angels' of Revelation 14:6-12
Fear Jehovah, and give glory to him!
Wednesday, August 31, 2016
THE PROFESSION OF THE CHRISTIAN FAITH
I BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST, THE ONLY BEGOTTEN SON OF GOD
Jesus means in Hebrew: "Jehovah saves." At the annunciation, the angel Gabriel gave him the name Jesus as his proper name, which expresses both his identity and his mission. Since God alone can forgive sins, it is God who, in Jesus his eternal Son made man, "will save his people from their sins". In Jesus, God recapitulates all of his history of salvation on behalf of men.
In the history of salvation God was not content to deliver Israel "out of the house of bondage" by bringing them out of Egypt. He also saves them from their sin. Because sin is always an offence against God, only he can forgive it. For this reason Israel, becoming more and more aware of the universality of sin, will no longer be able to seek salvation except by invoking the name of the Redeemer God.
The name "Jesus" signifies that the very name of God is present in the person of his Son, made man for the universal and definitive redemption from sins. It is the divine name that alone brings salvation, and henceforth all can invoke his name, for Jesus united himself to all men through his Incarnation, so that "there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."
The name of the Savior God was invoked only once in the year by the high priest in atonement for the sins of Israel, after he had sprinkled the mercy seat in the Holy of Holies with the sacrificial blood. The mercy seat was the place of God's presence. When Paul speaks of Jesus whom "God put forward as an expiation by his blood", he means that in Christ's humanity "God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself."
Jesus' Resurrection glorifies the name of the Savior God, for from that time on it is the name of Jesus that fully manifests the supreme power of the "name which is above every name". The evil spirits fear his name; in his name his disciples perform miracles, for the Father grants all they ask in this name.
The name of Jesus is at the heart of Christian prayer. All liturgical prayers conclude with the words "through our Jehovah Jesus Christ". Jehovah Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner." Many Christians, such as many of the martyrs, have died with the one word "Jesus" on their lips.
The word "Christ" comes from the Greek translation of the Hebrew Messiah, which means "anointed". It became the name proper to Jesus only because he accomplished perfectly the divine mission that "Christ" signifies. In effect, in Israel those consecrated to God for a mission that he gave were anointed in his name. This was the case for kings, for priests and, in rare instances, for prophets. This had to be the case all the more so for the Messiah whom God would send to inaugurate his kingdom definitively. It was necessary that the Messiah be anointed by the Spirit of Jehovah at once as king and priest, and also as prophet. Jesus fulfilled the messianic hope of Israel in his threefold office of priest, prophet and king.
To the shepherds, the angel announced the birth of Jesus as the Messiah promised to Israel: "To you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ Jehovah." From the beginning he was "the one whom the Father consecrated and sent into the world", conceived as "holy" in Mary's virginal womb. God called Joseph to "take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit", so that Jesus, "who is called Christ", should be born of Joseph's spouse into the messianic lineage of David.
Jesus' messianic consecration reveals his divine mission, "for the name 'Christ' implies 'he who anointed', 'he who was anointed' and 'the very anointing with which he was anointed'. The one who anointed is the Father, the one who was anointed is His Son, and he was anointed with the Spirit of Jehovah. His eternal messianic consecration was revealed during the time of his earthly life at the moment of his baptism by John, when "God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power", "that he might be revealed to Israel" as its Messiah. His works and words will manifest him as "the Holy One of God".
Many Jews and even certain Gentiles who shared their hope recognized in Jesus the fundamental attributes of the messianic "Son of David", promised by God to Israel. Jesus accepted his rightful title of Messiah, though with some reserve because it was understood by some of his contemporaries in too human a sense, as essentially political.
Jesus accepted Peter's profession of faith, which acknowledged him to be the Messiah, by announcing the imminent Passion of the Son of Man. He unveiled the authentic content of his messianic kingship both in the transcendent identity of the Son of Man "who came down from heaven", and in his redemptive mission as the suffering Servant: "The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Hence the true meaning of his kingship is revealed only when he is raised high on the cross. Only after his Resurrection will Peter be able to proclaim Jesus' messianic kingship to the People of God: "Let all the house of Israel therefore know assuredly that God has made him both Jehovah and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified."
THE ONLY SON OF GOD
In the Old Testament, "son of God" is a title given to the angels, the Chosen People, the children of Israel, and their kings. It signifies an adoptive sonship that establishes a relationship of particular intimacy between God and his creature. When the promised Messiah-King is called "Son of God", it means that he was more than human and that we was the literal Son of God. Those who called Jesus "Son of God", as the Messiah of Israel, were revealed this precious truth by the Father.
Such is the case for Simon Peter when he confesses Jesus as "the Christ, the Son of the living God", for Jesus responds solemnly: "Flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven." Similarly Paul will write, regarding his conversion on the road to Damascus, "When he who had set me apart before I was born, and had called me through his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles. . ." "And in the synagogues immediately [Paul] proclaimed Jesus, saying, 'He is the Son of God.'" From the beginning this acknowledgment of Christ's divine sonship will be the center of the apostolic faith, first professed by Peter as the Christian Congregation's foundation.
Peter could recognize the transcendent character of the Messiah's divine Sonship because Jesus had clearly allowed it to be so understood. To his accusers' question before the Sanhedrin, "Are you the Son of God, then?" Jesus answered, "You say that I am." Well before this, Jesus referred to himself as "the Son" who knows the Father, as distinct from the "servants" God had earlier sent to his people; he is superior even to the angels. He distinguished his Sonship from that of his disciples by never saying "our Father", except to command them: "You, then, pray like this: 'Our Father'", and he emphasized this distinction, saying "my Father and your Father".
The Gospels report that at two solemn moments, the Baptism and the Transfiguration of Christ, the voice of the Father designates Jesus his "beloved Son". Jesus calls himself the "only Son of God", and by this title affirms his eternal pre-existence and literal Sonship. He asks for faith in "the name of the only Son of God". In the centurion's exclamation before the crucified Christ, "Truly this man was the Son of God", that Christian confession is already heard. Only by the revelation of the Father can the believer understand Jesus as the Son of God in it's literal and full meaning.
After his Resurrection, Jesus' divine sonship becomes manifest in the power of his glorified humanity. He was "designated Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his Resurrection from the dead". The apostles can confess: "We have beheld his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth."
In the Greek translation of the Old Testament, the ineffable Hebrew name YHWH, by which God revealed himself to Moses, is transliterated as "Jehovah". From then on, "Jehovah" becomes the more usual name by which to indicate the divinity of Israel's God. The New Testament uses this full sense of the title "Jehovah" both for the Father and for Jesus, who is thereby recognized as God Himself.
Jesus ascribes this title to himself in a veiled way when he disputes with the Pharisees about the meaning of Psalm 110, but also in an explicit way when he addresses his apostles. Throughout his public life, he demonstrated his divine sovereignty by works of power over nature, illnesses, demons, death and sin.
Very often in the Gospels people address Jesus as "Jehovah". This name testifies to the respect and trust of those who approach him for help and healing. At the prompting of the Holy Spirit, "Jehovah" expresses the recognition of the divine mystery of Jesus. In the encounter with the risen Jesus, this divine name becomes adoration: "My Jehovah and my God!" It thus takes on a connotation of love and affection that remains proper to the Christian tradition: "It is Jehovah!"
By attributing to Jesus the divine name "Jehovah", the first confessions of the Christian Congregation's faith affirm from the beginning that the power, honor and glory due to God the Father are due also to Jesus, because "he was in the form of God", and the Father manifested the sovereignty of Jesus by raising him from the dead and exalting him into his glory.
From the beginning of Christian history, the assertion of Christ's lordship over the world and over history has implicitly recognized that man should not submit his personal freedom in an absolute manner to any earthly power, but only to God the Father and Jehovah Jesus Christ: Caesar is not "the Lord".67 "The Christian Congregation . . . believes that the key, the center and the purpose of the whole of man's history is to be found in it's Jehovah and Master."
Christian prayer is characterized by the name "Jehovah", whether in the invitation to prayer ("Jehovah" be with you"), its conclusion ("through Christ our Jehovah") or the exclamation full of trust and hope: Maran atha ("Our Jehovah, come!") or Marana tha ("Come, Jehovah!") - "Amen Come Jehovah Jesus!"
The name Jesus means "Jehovah saves". The child born of the Virgin Mary is called Jesus, "for he will save his people from their sins" (Mt 1:21): "there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).
The title "Christ" means "Anointed One" (Messiah). Jesus is the Christ, for "God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power" (Acts 10:38). He was the one "who is to come" (Lk 7:19), the object of "the hope of Israel" (Acts 28:20).
The identity of Jesus as the "Son of God" signifies the literal and eternal relationship of Jesus Christ to God his Father: he is the only Son of the Father (cf. Jn 1:14, 18; 3:16, 18); he is God himself (cf. Jn 1:1). To be a Christian, one must believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God (cf. Acts 8:37; 1 Jn 2:23).
The name "Jehovah" indicates divine sovereignty. To confess or invoke Jesus as Jehovah is to believe in his divinity. "No one can say 'Jesus is Jehovah' except by the Holy Spirit'" (1 Cor 12:3).
Tuesday, August 30, 2016
The living and true God is the Father not a trinity!
According to this passage, who is the living and true God? Is it a trinity or the Father?
We see that Jesus is the Son of the living and true God. So is Jesus the Son of the trinity or the Father? I think the answer is obvious. Thank Jehovah for his perfect word as he reveals who he is and refutes the traditions of men (Trinity).
God the Father raised Jesus from the dead not a trinity (verse 10).
1 Thessalonians 1:8-10 (KJV)
8 For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing.
9 For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;
10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.
We see that Jesus is the Son of the living and true God. So is Jesus the Son of the trinity or the Father? I think the answer is obvious. Thank Jehovah for his perfect word as he reveals who he is and refutes the traditions of men (Trinity).
God the Father raised Jesus from the dead not a trinity (verse 10).
1 Thessalonians 1:8-10 (KJV)
8 For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing.
9 For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;
10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.
Sunday, August 28, 2016
Are you called?
In order to come to Christ, God's Son, you have to be called by the Father. Jehovah God foreknew those and predestinated those who would be conformed to the image of his only begotten Son. Image means "likeness, representation". It is those who have been called by the Father that love the Father. When we accept the Father's Messiah Jehoshua, we were drawn to him by the Father. The Father called us according to his purpose and no one else's including our own. In order to truly be born again you must have been called by the Father and drawn by the Father to his Son. While many in the world of Christendom have been converted superficially it's the true children of Jehovah that have actually been called. Many pulpit preachers preach the sinners prayer and altar call as a method of salvation and play heart warming music to get a response from the audience but unless the potential convert is actually called by God then it is in vain. The sinners prayer and altar call is foreign to scripture. In and of itself there is nothing wrong with them but they also lead to many false conversions. A true convert will not need an altar call or sinners prayer but only to confess that Jesus is the Son of God (1 John 4:15) and repent and be baptized (Acts 7:38).
Only those who have been conformed to the image (Likeness, representation) of the Son of God have truly been called by the Father.
Romans 8:28-29 (KJV)
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.
29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
Only those who have been conformed to the image (Likeness, representation) of the Son of God have truly been called by the Father.
Romans 8:28-29 (KJV)
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.
29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
Thursday, August 25, 2016
Every tongue will confess that Jesus is Jehovah to the glory of God the Father!
Isaiah 45:22-25 (ASV)
22 Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is none else. 23 By myself have I sworn, the word is gone forth from my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, that unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear. 24 Only in Jehovah, it is said of me, is righteousness and strength; even to him shall men come; and all they that were incensed against him shall be put to shame. 25 In Jehovah shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory.
Jehovah in verse 22 makes the clear statement that he is God and there is none else. How do we know that this Jehovah is the Father? Because in John 17:3 Jesus says that his Father is the one true God.
Verse 23, Jehovah declares in Righteousness that every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that he is God and give account to Him. This is the Father's declaration.
Verse 24 and 25, our strength and righteousness come from Jehovah and we will declare this truth, however those who go against our Great God will be ashamed.
Romans 14:11 (DNKJB)
11 For it is written, As I live, saith Jehovah, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.
Paul refrences Isaiah 45:23 and this is clearly about the Father as in verse 12 Paul says:
"So then every one of us should give account of himself to God."
We will give an account to Jehovah and confess to Him. All will acknowledge Jehovah as the one true God, either in this life or on the day of judgment.
However, note that there is a mediator in the judgement process. In verse 10 of Romans 11, Paul says that "for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ."
The Father has committed judgment to the Son. Our confession of sins is to the Father in the name of his Son Jesus Christ. We confess to Jehovah in the name of Jesus Christ our High Preist.
Philippians 2:9-11 (KJV)
9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
What name did the Father give the Son that is above every name? He gave the Son the name Jehovah, as it's the Son's by inheritance as being the literal Son of Jehovah God. Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Jehovah to the glory of God the Father. Jesus name means "Salvation of Jehovah", Jehoshua is the hebrew name for Jesus. So within the name of Jesus is the Divine name of his Father Jehovah. In the old testament we see that there are two Jehovah's, the Father and the Son. Genesis 19:24 attests to this as two Jehovah's take part in the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrha. In Genesis 18, Jehovah appears face to face with Moses along with two angels. This could only be the Son as no man had seen the Father nor heard his voice according to John 5:37. Remember, Jesus Christ is the image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15). God is invisible to us humans as we cannot see him and live. Jesus as the Angel of Jehovah also uttered the words "I AM THAT I AM". This was the Father speaking through his Son. So the Father is stating that he is the Great "I AM" and that is his name. In John 8:58, Jesus tells the Jews "Before Abraham was I am". Upon hearing this they picked up stones to cast at Jesus. What is the significance of this statement by Jesus.
The word "was" comes from the Greek "ginomai" amd means, "to come into existence." The word "am" comes from the Greek "eimi" and means, "to exist". The Greek literally reads, "Before Abraham 'came into existence' I existed."
This beautiful statement by Jesus means two things in my view, it confirms his preexistence and also his inherited right to the Divine name "Jehovah". This inheritance is due to his literal begotten Sonship.
Papyrus 46 which are some ancient greek manuscripts of the new testament preserve the Divine name of God in hebrew with brackets over it. The name for God "yod, hay, waw, hay" known as the Tetragrammaton is often applied to Jesus in these manuscripts as opposed to "Lord" How this reads in these manuscripts rendered in our English would be "Jehovah Jesus Christ" instead of "Lord Jesus Christ".
This is significant as this confirms that the Divine name applies to Jesus just as much as it does the Father. This is because as the literal Son of Jehovah, Jesus inherits the name by birthright. My son is no less a "Rodriguez" than me just because he is younger than me and was begotten from my DNA. It is not just an honorary title for him nor an adopted title, it is who he is by DNA.
John 5:23-24 (KJV)
23 That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.
24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
In Philippians 2:11, the confession of Jesus being Jehovah is to glory of God the Father. Many get confused as to which name we call on for salvation and to whom will we confess as there seems to be a contradiction in Isaiah 45:23 and Philippians 2:10-11. Once passage seems to indicate that we confess and bow to the Father and the other that we bow and confess to his Son. How do we reconcile this? It's actually very simple and the above passage in John 5 clarifies this dilemma:
"That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father."
When we give worship to the Son it goes to the Father. When we bow and confess to Jesus Christ that he indeed is Jehovah it will be to the Father's glory as if we bowed and confessed to Him. See there is no contradiction between Isaiah 45:23 and Philippians 2:10-11. In verse 9 of Philippians it says that the Father has given the Messiah the name that is above every name and this name is Jehovah Jesus Christ. Jehovah is the Divine name of the Father "I AM" and Jehoshua has the Divine name within it and means "Salvation of Jehovah" as Jesus is the Son of Jehovah that brings his Father's salvation to men and women. Remember, Jesus is the Word of God and the mediator between man and God. Everything the Father does is through his Son. All our worship to the Father goes through his Son. This is why we will bow and confess to Jesus as this worship will go to the Father ultimately. So there is no contradiction at all, remember Jesus said that him and his Father are one. Not one in substance as in consubstantiality although they are of the same substance. They are in Spirit and purpose. They have an intimate Father-Son relationship.
There are three extremes, the trinitarian view that makes the Father and Son one being and the Untitarian and Jehovah Witness view that make an artificial distinction between the Father and Son. The tri theist view that makes Jesus a seperate but equal God which leads to polytheism. The JW view makes Jesus a lessor God. The Unitarian view strips Jesus of his Divinity. Us Non trinitarian SDA's have the biblical view, which is that Jesus is God due to his literal Sonship making him equal in nature with the Father and that he has privy to all the counsels of the Father. Jesus is not a lessor God nor a separate God but is the true Son of the Almighty Jehovah making him equal as even the Jews understood this concept of Sonship equating equalness with the Father. The Father is the head of his Son in authority and precedes him in age but in Divine nature they are equal.
Romans 10:8-13 (KJV)
8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
For Salvation we confess that Jehovah Jesus is the Son of God (1 John 4:15) and believe "commit to" in our heart that Jehovah God the Father raised him from the dead. Our heart works in conjunction with our confession. Confessing without belief is dead. True belief is making a commitment to what we confess in.
Whosoever believeth on Jehovah God and his Son Jesus Christ will not be ashamed. You cannot have one without the other. There is no way to the Father but by his Son. The beloved disciple John says that denial of either Father or Son is antichrist (1 John 2:18-26).
Joel 2:32 (ASV)
32 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of Jehovah shall be delivered; for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be those that escape, as Jehovah hath said, and among the remnant those whom Jehovah doth call.
Whosoever shall call on the name of Jehovah will be delivered/saved. This applies to the Father and the Son as they both bear the name "Jehovah".
Any worship, confession that we give/make to the Son goes to the Father. We must always acknowledge both. When we confess that Jesus is Jehovah it is to the glory of God the Father. When we bow to Jesus it's the same as bowing to the Father. Babylon wants to obscure the precious truth of the Father and Son by either making them the same being (consubstantiality) or devaluing Christ divinity. Either extreme is error. All will know at our Saviour's second advent and on judgement day that he is truly Divine and is the literal Son of the Most High God.
22 Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is none else. 23 By myself have I sworn, the word is gone forth from my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, that unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear. 24 Only in Jehovah, it is said of me, is righteousness and strength; even to him shall men come; and all they that were incensed against him shall be put to shame. 25 In Jehovah shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory.
Jehovah in verse 22 makes the clear statement that he is God and there is none else. How do we know that this Jehovah is the Father? Because in John 17:3 Jesus says that his Father is the one true God.
Verse 23, Jehovah declares in Righteousness that every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that he is God and give account to Him. This is the Father's declaration.
Verse 24 and 25, our strength and righteousness come from Jehovah and we will declare this truth, however those who go against our Great God will be ashamed.
Romans 14:11 (DNKJB)
11 For it is written, As I live, saith Jehovah, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.
Paul refrences Isaiah 45:23 and this is clearly about the Father as in verse 12 Paul says:
"So then every one of us should give account of himself to God."
We will give an account to Jehovah and confess to Him. All will acknowledge Jehovah as the one true God, either in this life or on the day of judgment.
However, note that there is a mediator in the judgement process. In verse 10 of Romans 11, Paul says that "for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ."
The Father has committed judgment to the Son. Our confession of sins is to the Father in the name of his Son Jesus Christ. We confess to Jehovah in the name of Jesus Christ our High Preist.
Philippians 2:9-11 (KJV)
9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
What name did the Father give the Son that is above every name? He gave the Son the name Jehovah, as it's the Son's by inheritance as being the literal Son of Jehovah God. Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Jehovah to the glory of God the Father. Jesus name means "Salvation of Jehovah", Jehoshua is the hebrew name for Jesus. So within the name of Jesus is the Divine name of his Father Jehovah. In the old testament we see that there are two Jehovah's, the Father and the Son. Genesis 19:24 attests to this as two Jehovah's take part in the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrha. In Genesis 18, Jehovah appears face to face with Moses along with two angels. This could only be the Son as no man had seen the Father nor heard his voice according to John 5:37. Remember, Jesus Christ is the image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15). God is invisible to us humans as we cannot see him and live. Jesus as the Angel of Jehovah also uttered the words "I AM THAT I AM". This was the Father speaking through his Son. So the Father is stating that he is the Great "I AM" and that is his name. In John 8:58, Jesus tells the Jews "Before Abraham was I am". Upon hearing this they picked up stones to cast at Jesus. What is the significance of this statement by Jesus.
The word "was" comes from the Greek "ginomai" amd means, "to come into existence." The word "am" comes from the Greek "eimi" and means, "to exist". The Greek literally reads, "Before Abraham 'came into existence' I existed."
This beautiful statement by Jesus means two things in my view, it confirms his preexistence and also his inherited right to the Divine name "Jehovah". This inheritance is due to his literal begotten Sonship.
Papyrus 46 which are some ancient greek manuscripts of the new testament preserve the Divine name of God in hebrew with brackets over it. The name for God "yod, hay, waw, hay" known as the Tetragrammaton is often applied to Jesus in these manuscripts as opposed to "Lord" How this reads in these manuscripts rendered in our English would be "Jehovah Jesus Christ" instead of "Lord Jesus Christ".
This is significant as this confirms that the Divine name applies to Jesus just as much as it does the Father. This is because as the literal Son of Jehovah, Jesus inherits the name by birthright. My son is no less a "Rodriguez" than me just because he is younger than me and was begotten from my DNA. It is not just an honorary title for him nor an adopted title, it is who he is by DNA.
John 5:23-24 (KJV)
23 That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.
24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
In Philippians 2:11, the confession of Jesus being Jehovah is to glory of God the Father. Many get confused as to which name we call on for salvation and to whom will we confess as there seems to be a contradiction in Isaiah 45:23 and Philippians 2:10-11. Once passage seems to indicate that we confess and bow to the Father and the other that we bow and confess to his Son. How do we reconcile this? It's actually very simple and the above passage in John 5 clarifies this dilemma:
"That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father."
When we give worship to the Son it goes to the Father. When we bow and confess to Jesus Christ that he indeed is Jehovah it will be to the Father's glory as if we bowed and confessed to Him. See there is no contradiction between Isaiah 45:23 and Philippians 2:10-11. In verse 9 of Philippians it says that the Father has given the Messiah the name that is above every name and this name is Jehovah Jesus Christ. Jehovah is the Divine name of the Father "I AM" and Jehoshua has the Divine name within it and means "Salvation of Jehovah" as Jesus is the Son of Jehovah that brings his Father's salvation to men and women. Remember, Jesus is the Word of God and the mediator between man and God. Everything the Father does is through his Son. All our worship to the Father goes through his Son. This is why we will bow and confess to Jesus as this worship will go to the Father ultimately. So there is no contradiction at all, remember Jesus said that him and his Father are one. Not one in substance as in consubstantiality although they are of the same substance. They are in Spirit and purpose. They have an intimate Father-Son relationship.
There are three extremes, the trinitarian view that makes the Father and Son one being and the Untitarian and Jehovah Witness view that make an artificial distinction between the Father and Son. The tri theist view that makes Jesus a seperate but equal God which leads to polytheism. The JW view makes Jesus a lessor God. The Unitarian view strips Jesus of his Divinity. Us Non trinitarian SDA's have the biblical view, which is that Jesus is God due to his literal Sonship making him equal in nature with the Father and that he has privy to all the counsels of the Father. Jesus is not a lessor God nor a separate God but is the true Son of the Almighty Jehovah making him equal as even the Jews understood this concept of Sonship equating equalness with the Father. The Father is the head of his Son in authority and precedes him in age but in Divine nature they are equal.
Romans 10:8-13 (KJV)
8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
For Salvation we confess that Jehovah Jesus is the Son of God (1 John 4:15) and believe "commit to" in our heart that Jehovah God the Father raised him from the dead. Our heart works in conjunction with our confession. Confessing without belief is dead. True belief is making a commitment to what we confess in.
Whosoever believeth on Jehovah God and his Son Jesus Christ will not be ashamed. You cannot have one without the other. There is no way to the Father but by his Son. The beloved disciple John says that denial of either Father or Son is antichrist (1 John 2:18-26).
Joel 2:32 (ASV)
32 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of Jehovah shall be delivered; for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be those that escape, as Jehovah hath said, and among the remnant those whom Jehovah doth call.
Whosoever shall call on the name of Jehovah will be delivered/saved. This applies to the Father and the Son as they both bear the name "Jehovah".
Any worship, confession that we give/make to the Son goes to the Father. We must always acknowledge both. When we confess that Jesus is Jehovah it is to the glory of God the Father. When we bow to Jesus it's the same as bowing to the Father. Babylon wants to obscure the precious truth of the Father and Son by either making them the same being (consubstantiality) or devaluing Christ divinity. Either extreme is error. All will know at our Saviour's second advent and on judgement day that he is truly Divine and is the literal Son of the Most High God.
Wednesday, August 10, 2016
Righteousness by Faith in relation to Jehovah's law.
This passage in Isaiah 1:10-20, really hits home that Jehovah never justified his people by the keeping of the law. Many in trying to do away with the law of God, say we are no longer justified by keeping it. They are right and wrong. They are right that the law doesn't justify us. But they are wrong in thinking that the law ever justified anyone even in the old covenant. So what does this mean? It means that God's people have always been justified by faith hence "Righteousness by Faith".
Also, this shows that the law was to be kept in the old covenant even though righteousness came by faith. So, in the new covenant righteousness comes by faith and thereby just as in the old covenant we are to keep the law.
You might say "wait a minute, we are no longer under the old covenant!" And your right, we aren't! However, many people make the mistake thinking that the old covenant is the law. Scriptures proves and shows that the law of Jehovah existed prior to the old being ratified (Exodus 24:6-8). Remember, Abraham kept Jehovah's commandments, statutes and laws. This was long before the old covenant existed. You might say "the 10 commandments didn't exist until Sinai" but I would ask then what commandments did Abraham obey then? You might say "they were different commandments than those written by Jehovah's very own fingers on the tables of stone." I would then give you the scripture in Malachi 3:6 "For I, Jehovah change not; therefore ye, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed."
Jehovah's 10 Commandments don't change and are immutable. These are the same commandments that Abraham obeyed. Remember, Abraham wasn't justified by the law but he was justified by faith (Romans 4:1-3). The bible says all those who are righteous by Faith are Abraham's seed. Being Abraham's seed we follow his example (Romans 4:12-13) and what was his example? Genesis 26:5 "because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes and my laws.
Do you see this beautiful truth? Keeping Jehovah's Royal Law is a fruit of righteousness by faith. If we are truly Abraham's seed then we will keep the commandments of God just like Abraham did. Some will say "it's impossible to keep the commandments of God", in fact many Pastor's and theologians teach this heresy proving that there is no light in them (Isaiah 8:20). Look at this scripture below, Zacharias and his wife Elisabeth were righteous and kept all the commandments and ordinances of Jehovah and were blameless. Do see the pattern? Obedience to God's commandments always follows Righteousness by Faith. It was because Zacharias and his wife were righteous that they kept God's commandments not the other way around meaning "the kept God's commandments and that made them righteous".
Luke 1:5-6 (KJV)
5 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth.
6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.
Back to the statement that Jehovah's 10 Commandments don't change and also the claim that they existed before Sinai. Look at passage below in Hebrews 8, it says that the true tabernacle is in heaven and that Jehovah pitched this tabernacle not man. How do we know that the tabernacle in heaven precedes that of the one Moses had built? Verse 5 below says the earthly tabernacle was the example and shadow of heavenly things.
Hebrews 8:1-5 (KJV)
1 Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;
2 A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man.
3 For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer.
4 For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law:
5 Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.
How do we know God's law is in the tabernacle in heaven as it was in the tabernacle on earth?
Revelation 11:16-19 (KJV)
16 And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God,
17 Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.
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.
19 And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.
Do you see that above^^^^ The ark of the testament is in heaven. Can anyone honestly say that Jehovah's commandments are not be adhered to today? Notice that the opening of the temple and the sight of the ark of the covenant (testimony-tables of the law) is in connection with the judgment of the nations and the rewards for the prophets and the saints and those who fear the name of Jehovah. This should tell us something, that God's law is the measuring stick by which we will all be judged. This sight of the testimony of Jehovah (Decalogue) is also in connection with the destruction of those who destroy the earth. Violation of Jehovah's Royal Law destroys the earth whether it's covetesness (greed), homosexuality, fornication, murder, violation of Jehovah's sabbath (failing to give man, beast and the earth proper rest and man proper acknowledgement that Jehovah created all things).
So what changed from old covenant to the new covenant. It's actually very clear, the ceremonial law such as the Levitical preisthood, temple service, animal sacrifices, meat, drink and burnt offerings and the ceremonies associated with them. Also, the debt of violating Jehovah's law was nailed at the cross. Remember the definition of sin is the transgression of God's law (1 John 3:4). We no longer have the death sentence for violating Jehovah's Royal Law inasmuch we repent of our sins and believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Now, don't get me wrong, civil government may enforce punishment for violating aspects of God's law that are criminal and this can include a death sentence in this life but the violater before God can repent and have life everlasting in the kingdom to come. So the civil aspect of God's law as far as the punishments go were fufilled in theocratic Israel and to a much lesser degree in today's governments that go by aspects of the Mosaic law.
The new covenant entails the Melchesidek preisthood of Jesus Christ in the heavenly sanctuary as mediates on our behalf to the Father. Unlike the old covenant where the temple was a physical one, we are now the temple of Jehovah. Unlike the earthly tabernacle, the true tabernacle in heaven that Jehovah pitched is where we offer our spiritual sacrifices for the remission of sins. Jesus Christ was the once and for all sacrifice thereby no more need for animals to be slain and burnt at the physical altar.
Hebrews 10:12-14 (KJV)
12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;
13 From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.
14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.
Notice the end of verse 14 where it says "he hath for ever perfected them that are sanctified"
The key word is "sanctified", Jesus didn't offer himself on the cross so that Christians can live in disobedience to the law of God which is the definition of sin. The greek word for sanctification is "hagiazo" which means "hallow, be holy (set apart), to separate from profane things, to purify, to purify internally by the renewing of the soul, to cleanse externally."
Jesus only perfects those who live a sanctified life. Much of today’s pulpit preachers teach a false version of grace that leads to destruction and is a soul destroying doctrine. Teaching that God's law is done away with or no longer applies contradicts the very words of Jesus.
Matthew 4:4 (KJV)
4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
Notice the word "EVERY". Jehovah's law is a big part of scripture, you can't separate his law from his word nor can you seperate the law from his only begotten Son Jesus Christ.
John 17:17 (KJV)
17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
The core of Jehovah's word summed up in the 10 Commandments.
Deuteronomy 10:4 (ASV)
4 And he wrote on the tables, according to the first writing, the ten commandments, which Jehovah spake unto you in the mount out of the midst of the fire in the day of the assembly: and Jehovah gave them unto me.
Isaiah 1:10-20 (ASV)
10 Hear the word of Jehovah, ye [a]rulers of Sodom; give ear unto the [b]law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah. 11 What unto me is the multitude of your sacrifices? saith Jehovah: I have had enough of the burnt-offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he-goats. 12 When ye come [c]to appear before me, who hath required this at your hand, to trample my courts? 13 Bring no more [d]vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; new moon and sabbath, the calling of assemblies,—[e]I cannot away with iniquity and the solemn meeting. 14 Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth; they are a [f]trouble unto me; I am weary of bearing them. 15 And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you; yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood. 16 Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; 17 learn to do well; seek justice, [g]relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.
18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith Jehovah: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. 19 If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: 20 but if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword; for the mouth of Jehovah hath spoken it.
Also, this shows that the law was to be kept in the old covenant even though righteousness came by faith. So, in the new covenant righteousness comes by faith and thereby just as in the old covenant we are to keep the law.
You might say "wait a minute, we are no longer under the old covenant!" And your right, we aren't! However, many people make the mistake thinking that the old covenant is the law. Scriptures proves and shows that the law of Jehovah existed prior to the old being ratified (Exodus 24:6-8). Remember, Abraham kept Jehovah's commandments, statutes and laws. This was long before the old covenant existed. You might say "the 10 commandments didn't exist until Sinai" but I would ask then what commandments did Abraham obey then? You might say "they were different commandments than those written by Jehovah's very own fingers on the tables of stone." I would then give you the scripture in Malachi 3:6 "For I, Jehovah change not; therefore ye, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed."
Jehovah's 10 Commandments don't change and are immutable. These are the same commandments that Abraham obeyed. Remember, Abraham wasn't justified by the law but he was justified by faith (Romans 4:1-3). The bible says all those who are righteous by Faith are Abraham's seed. Being Abraham's seed we follow his example (Romans 4:12-13) and what was his example? Genesis 26:5 "because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes and my laws.
Do you see this beautiful truth? Keeping Jehovah's Royal Law is a fruit of righteousness by faith. If we are truly Abraham's seed then we will keep the commandments of God just like Abraham did. Some will say "it's impossible to keep the commandments of God", in fact many Pastor's and theologians teach this heresy proving that there is no light in them (Isaiah 8:20). Look at this scripture below, Zacharias and his wife Elisabeth were righteous and kept all the commandments and ordinances of Jehovah and were blameless. Do see the pattern? Obedience to God's commandments always follows Righteousness by Faith. It was because Zacharias and his wife were righteous that they kept God's commandments not the other way around meaning "the kept God's commandments and that made them righteous".
Luke 1:5-6 (KJV)
5 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth.
6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.
Back to the statement that Jehovah's 10 Commandments don't change and also the claim that they existed before Sinai. Look at passage below in Hebrews 8, it says that the true tabernacle is in heaven and that Jehovah pitched this tabernacle not man. How do we know that the tabernacle in heaven precedes that of the one Moses had built? Verse 5 below says the earthly tabernacle was the example and shadow of heavenly things.
Hebrews 8:1-5 (KJV)
1 Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;
2 A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man.
3 For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer.
4 For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law:
5 Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.
How do we know God's law is in the tabernacle in heaven as it was in the tabernacle on earth?
Revelation 11:16-19 (KJV)
16 And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God,
17 Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.
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.
19 And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.
Do you see that above^^^^ The ark of the testament is in heaven. Can anyone honestly say that Jehovah's commandments are not be adhered to today? Notice that the opening of the temple and the sight of the ark of the covenant (testimony-tables of the law) is in connection with the judgment of the nations and the rewards for the prophets and the saints and those who fear the name of Jehovah. This should tell us something, that God's law is the measuring stick by which we will all be judged. This sight of the testimony of Jehovah (Decalogue) is also in connection with the destruction of those who destroy the earth. Violation of Jehovah's Royal Law destroys the earth whether it's covetesness (greed), homosexuality, fornication, murder, violation of Jehovah's sabbath (failing to give man, beast and the earth proper rest and man proper acknowledgement that Jehovah created all things).
So what changed from old covenant to the new covenant. It's actually very clear, the ceremonial law such as the Levitical preisthood, temple service, animal sacrifices, meat, drink and burnt offerings and the ceremonies associated with them. Also, the debt of violating Jehovah's law was nailed at the cross. Remember the definition of sin is the transgression of God's law (1 John 3:4). We no longer have the death sentence for violating Jehovah's Royal Law inasmuch we repent of our sins and believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Now, don't get me wrong, civil government may enforce punishment for violating aspects of God's law that are criminal and this can include a death sentence in this life but the violater before God can repent and have life everlasting in the kingdom to come. So the civil aspect of God's law as far as the punishments go were fufilled in theocratic Israel and to a much lesser degree in today's governments that go by aspects of the Mosaic law.
The new covenant entails the Melchesidek preisthood of Jesus Christ in the heavenly sanctuary as mediates on our behalf to the Father. Unlike the old covenant where the temple was a physical one, we are now the temple of Jehovah. Unlike the earthly tabernacle, the true tabernacle in heaven that Jehovah pitched is where we offer our spiritual sacrifices for the remission of sins. Jesus Christ was the once and for all sacrifice thereby no more need for animals to be slain and burnt at the physical altar.
Hebrews 10:12-14 (KJV)
12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;
13 From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.
14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.
Notice the end of verse 14 where it says "he hath for ever perfected them that are sanctified"
The key word is "sanctified", Jesus didn't offer himself on the cross so that Christians can live in disobedience to the law of God which is the definition of sin. The greek word for sanctification is "hagiazo" which means "hallow, be holy (set apart), to separate from profane things, to purify, to purify internally by the renewing of the soul, to cleanse externally."
Jesus only perfects those who live a sanctified life. Much of today’s pulpit preachers teach a false version of grace that leads to destruction and is a soul destroying doctrine. Teaching that God's law is done away with or no longer applies contradicts the very words of Jesus.
Matthew 4:4 (KJV)
4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
Notice the word "EVERY". Jehovah's law is a big part of scripture, you can't separate his law from his word nor can you seperate the law from his only begotten Son Jesus Christ.
John 17:17 (KJV)
17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
The core of Jehovah's word summed up in the 10 Commandments.
Deuteronomy 10:4 (ASV)
4 And he wrote on the tables, according to the first writing, the ten commandments, which Jehovah spake unto you in the mount out of the midst of the fire in the day of the assembly: and Jehovah gave them unto me.
Isaiah 1:10-20 (ASV)
10 Hear the word of Jehovah, ye [a]rulers of Sodom; give ear unto the [b]law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah. 11 What unto me is the multitude of your sacrifices? saith Jehovah: I have had enough of the burnt-offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he-goats. 12 When ye come [c]to appear before me, who hath required this at your hand, to trample my courts? 13 Bring no more [d]vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; new moon and sabbath, the calling of assemblies,—[e]I cannot away with iniquity and the solemn meeting. 14 Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth; they are a [f]trouble unto me; I am weary of bearing them. 15 And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you; yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood. 16 Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; 17 learn to do well; seek justice, [g]relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.
18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith Jehovah: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. 19 If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: 20 but if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword; for the mouth of Jehovah hath spoken it.
Tuesday, August 9, 2016
Romans 3 study
Romans 3:1-31 (KJV)
1 What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision?
2 Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God.
3 For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?
4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.
5 But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man)
6 God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world?
7 For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner?
8 And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just.
9 What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin;
10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
11 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.
12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
13 Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips:
14 Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness:
15 Their feet are swift to shed blood:
16 Destruction and misery are in their ways:
17 And the way of peace have they not known:
18 There is no fear of God before their eyes.
19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.
20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.
28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.
29 Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also:
30 Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.
31 Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.
Paul is often misunderstood by Christians in that they think he was anti-Law. His writings have been used to promote lawlessness in much of Christendom. Jesus words in Matthew 5:17-19 are a stern warning to those who break and teach others to break even the least of these commandments. In light of this it's important to properly interpret Paul's writings. If Paul was anti-Law then he violated the warning of Jesus Christ. However, as we go through this passage in Romans 3, we will see that far from being anti-Law Paul actually affirms the Law. Paul will be a witness against those Pastor's and theologians that falsely accuse him of being anti-Law.
Verse 1-2 - Paul says here that to the Jews were given the oracles of Jehovah. Paul says this was an advantage to them. What are the oracles of God? Acts 7:35-38 clearly state they are the commandments given at Mt. Sina to Moses. These are the ten words of the Decalogue along with the Mosaic law. The ten words were written by Jehovah's very own fingers. The Mosaic law was given by Jehovah to Moses and was written down by Moses. The Mosaic law is an expansion of the 10 Commandments. In Acts 7:35-38, these commandments/law principles are called "lively oracles". Today, we keep the moral law of Moses as they are a support structure of the 10 Commandments. We also keep health laws as well. All these laws are good for us.
The change in the law talked about in Hebrews is in regards to the preisthood, sacrifical system, temple service and the ceremonies attached to them. Also, the civil enforcement of the law was fufilled in theocratic Israel. Being that there is no more Theocratic Christian nation sanctioned by Jehovah, this is something that will take place at the Bhema seat of Christ and the White throne judgment of Jehovah. Many governments today however enact civil laws on Mosaic principles. Notice how Paul says this is a profit to the Jews not a burden or a negative. Paul here affirms the advantage of having the law committed to the Jews.
Verse 3 - Just because some of the Jews did not believe the record that God sent his Son does not make the faith of God without effect. The validity of God's promises, character, law and righteousness are not dependent on man's reaction to those things but rather are immutable. It may change the results for the individual that doesn't have faith, but in no way alters Jehovah's character.
Verse 4 - Paul affirms the unchangeable nature of God and his word. This includes his law. The statement "let God be true, but every man a liar" should always keep us centered on the word of God rather than man's opinions. Often time Pastor's and theologians are more loyal to their denominations understanding of scripture than a plain "Thus saith Jehovah". If we rely on the traditions and opinions of men rather than the word of God, then we won't overcome nor be justified as have put men before the plain truth of God's word. All men/women will be judged in this antitypical day of atonement. Better to be rooted in Jehovah than rooted in fallible man.
Verse 5-6 - Jehovah is a righteous judge and those who practice unrighteousness will feel his vengeance. This vengeance can be in this life for an unrighteous man/woman, also at the second advent of His Holy Son Jesus Christ. The final wrath will be given after the millennium following the white throne judgment. Man's unrighteousness in no way nullifies the righteousness of Jehovah God. If God's right to bring judgment upon man was dependent on man's righteousness or unrighteousness then he would be an unfit judge. Jehovah is not fickle and his character stands firm despite the unfaithfulness of man.
Verse 7 - Man's lies and disobedience only make manifest Jehovah's glory as the results of their unrighteousness show that without God man is doomed. This abounding manifestation of Jehovah's glory as a result of man's evil ways still does not let the sinner off the hook.
Verse 8 - Paul makes it clear that he does not teach that Christians should do evil do that God's glory manifest even more. He even warns those that those who falsely accuse him of such will justly be damned. This is a sobering scripture because many teach and believe that Paul teaches that the law is done away with. This statement by Paul "whose damnation is just" could also apply to those who falsely accuse him of being anti-Law. Remember 1 John 3:4 says sin is the transgression of the law. These false accusers of Paul who say he is anti-Law are basically saying Paul approves of sin to make God's glory more manifest.
Verse 9-18, Paul describes the state of man before coming to faith in God and Christ. Equally Jews and Gentiles are under sin due to the nature they inherited from Adam which results in many of the failings Paul describes. None can boast of themselves as none seeketh after God. It is only by faith in our Jehovah Jesus Christ that we can be justified in the Father's eyes. The free gift of grace is given to us and we are imputed (accounted) with the righteousness of Christ.
Verse 19-20, the law exposes sin in the transgressor of the law and pronouncs him guilty. Man cannot boast in his goodness as being a transgressor of the law, his boastful pronouncements of goodness are shut and he is humbled. Men may keep the letter of the law and still be guilty before God because they didn't keep it in faith, but rather by doing the deeds of the law which are the outward forms, carnal ordinances and ceremonies. Jesus made it clear that law keeping starts with the heart and spirit of man not the outward forms of rules and regulations.
Verses 21, The righteousness of Jehovah was made manifest without the law, as the Gentiles who did not have the oracles committed to them came to faith in the Son of God. They did this not having the law. The law of Moses was not a means of salvation but a prophecy about Christ righteousness. The Prophets spoke concerning Christ and his righteousness.
Verse 22, the righteousness of Jehovah is by the faith of his Son Jesus Christ. We cannot have the righteousness of Jehovah without first having the faith of and in his Son. John 3:16 makes this clear as does 1 John 4:15, Revelation 12:17, Revelation 14:12. Remember, Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith. Im order to get to the Father we have to go through his Son. This righteousness is for everyone whether Jew or Gentile. God is no respector persons. Faith is required for both parties and the field is level at the foot of the stake. A Jew gets no favor over the gentile for having the law committed to him as he must have the same faith the gentile needs to have in order to imputed with Christ righteousness.
Verse 23, this should keep us all humble whether Jew or Gentile as we all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of Jehovah God. This keeps all from being able to boast whether with the Law or without the law.
Verse 24, We are justified (to render righteous) freely by Jehovah's undeserved kindness (grace) through the redemption (deliverance) that is in Christ Jesus. Realizing this eliminates any boast that we can have. The glory always goes to God and his Son.
Verse 25, God sent Jesus to be a mercy seat for us, that through faith in his blood that we would have forgiveness in past sins through the forebearance (toleration) of Jehovah God. Notice the wording "past sins". Many Christians falsely believe that Jesus death on the stake forgives even their future sins and taken to it's logical conclusion, leads many to live a care free life mingled with sin as they have a false sense of security and this "once saved always saved" mindset. Sins after the stake are blotted out in the heavenly sanctuary as Christ our High Preist mediates on our behalf to the Father. We must examine and confess our sins daily as we pray to the Father in Jesus name. Nowhere in the bible does it teach that Jesus death at the stake gives a license to sin in the future or that it covers future sins. Future sins after the stake our covered in the ministration of Christ as our High Preist in the heavenly sanctuary. Christ gave us the model prayer "our Father" which has a confession of trespasses in it's model, this shows a daily need to confess our sins which refutes the notion that the stake blots out future sins. Also, the bible clearly teaches a Christian can fall away from the faith and this would not be possible if the stake forgave future sins.
Verse 26, God is righteous and He is just and the justifier of those who believe in His only begotten Son. Who is justified according to Paul? It is those people who believe that Jesus truly is the Son of God (1 John 4:15). It's not people who teach that Jesus is only role playing as a Son or that teach Jesus is God Almighty as part of a trinity god but those who believe in the simple words of scripture that Jesus is the Son of the living God (Matthew 16:13-20, John 3:16).
Verse 27, boasting is excluded by the deeds of the law (outward forms, carnal ordinances and ceremonies) and rather our boast should be in the law of faith. Why faith? Because even when we have faith, it is God who initiated the process by loving us first and drawing us to His Son Jesus.
Verse 28, we are justified (rendered righteous) by faith (belief, fidelity, assurance) without the deeds (outward forms) of the law. This fact eliminates any possible boast in man and his ability to be justified by the works of the law.
Verse 29, if justification came by the law then that would have closed the door to most of the Gentiles, but Jehovah being not a respector of persona is the God of all men/women made faith the criteria for justification. Justification never was by the law and it was always by faith (see Abraham). Notice though that Abraham being justified by faith kept the commandments of Jehovah (Genesis 26:5).
Verse 30, Here we see that God is One and not a trinity and that this One God (the Father) justifies both Jew and Gentile through faith. This faith is in Jehovah's only begotten Son. The deeds of the law give no advantage to the Jew. Once a Jew is justified through faith in the surety (Jesus Christ) then he does have the advantage in that, the oracles of God were committed to him. The Gentile will learn these oracles after they are justified by faith in Christ.
Verse 31, Paul removes all accusations against him that he is anti-Law and this will be the scripture that will be a witness against all the Pastor's and theologians who teach that Paul taught that the law is done away with. Paul says "do we make void (destroy, do away, cease) the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish (stand still, stand, set, to place, to make firm, to fix, to be kept intact- greek word "histemi") the law."
Paul made it crystal clear that he doesn't do away with the law because of faith but rather keeps it intact and makes it stand. Those who accuse Paul of teaching that the law is done away with will be called least in the kingdom of heaven and justly so.
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