TRUTH TEST NO. 3

THE STANDARD TEST

What Standard Does This Cult Use That They Trust?

Here is another example. If we want to make a precise measurement of an object that is supposed to be say one inch long, we can travel to the National Bureau of Standards and compare our opinion about how long one inch is, to a National Standard that is one inch long with only millionths of an inch of deviation.

This standard is housed in a "clean room" environment because even a single piece of dust can add .0001" to the length of the standard. It is housed in a "temperature controlled" environment because a change of just a few degrees can add or subtract another .0001" to the length of the standard. This standard is referred to as a standard for measurement.

It may seem too obvious to mention, but is important to note that the National Bureau of Standards houses many standards. If we want to measure length, voltage, volume, weight, or the intensity of light, these standards are there. We would not try and determine the length of an object using a volt meter. Use the right standard.

What standard should we use in matters of faith?

2 Timothy 3:16 - 4:4
16. All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;
17. so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.
4:1. I solemnly charge {you} in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom:
2. preach the word; be ready in season {and} out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.
3. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but {wanting} to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires,
4. and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths. (NAU)

The apostle Paul told Timothy that anytime we are confused about matters of faith that we should consult the entire council of God's Word as the only faithful, true alnd dependable standard. God’s word is a sufficient guide because it reveals God’s Will. If we dare to trust God’s word we know it is the same standard God uses in heaven, [Ps 119:89] as well as on earth [Ps 105:8]. If we trust God’s word to guide us we also know it was designed for our very time 1 Pet 1:21 as well as being sure in the future Mt 24:35.

GOD'S WORD SETTLED IN HEAVEN

For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. Ps 119:89

GOD'S WORD SETTLED ON EARTH

He has remembered his covenant forever, the Word which he commanded to a thousand generations. Ps 105:8

GOD'S WORD SETTLED FOR TODAY

For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of men: but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. 1 Pet 1:21

GOD'S WORD SETTLED FOR THE FUTURE

Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my Words shall not pass away. Mt 24:35

CULTIC REVELATIONS THAT FAIL THIS TEST:

World Religions all have revelations they claim as authoritative. We see common names from Babylonian times that reflect a Book of the Dead. We see it in Assyria, Egypt, Tibeten, Maya, Aztec. Most of these holy books pride themselves on making obscure statements about reality that have no practical application. That is because they all view the physical world as having no meaning. The only reality is after death when we become one with everything and everyone. We don’t see the Ten Commandments as being unique as a Holy God requiring holy behavior. The Bible is unique in providing a practicle answer to guilt and shame that is safe and eternal. When we try and study all these ancient funerary books we see them all having one thing in common. We only know about them through archeology. No one passed these writings on from father to son as we see with the Bible. This is important because very few scriptures can be shown to be genuinely ancient. The Bible alone is “inspired” by God which makes each and every portion of the Book the authoritative word of God. Inspiration preserves God’s word.


Ancient First Century Copy the Shema
This ancient scrap contained someone's personal copy of the Shema. Every Jew had to memorize that passage before their barmitzpha or batmitzpha at age 12.

The Shema Deut 6:4-9 "Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one! 5 "You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. 6 "These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. 8 "You shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. 9 "You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. (NAU)

Study Question: what is it about the Bible that has left such a mark on every reader.
A: when we pick up the Text it forces us to choose. Do we respond in faith or unbelief?

TRUTH TEST NO. 2

THE REALITY TEST

Does This Cults Teaching Reflect Reality?

Questions we could ask to use this test could be, "Is this teaching (or author or witness) consistent?" First is the teaching consistent with itself? When we make this evaluation we need to be inclusive. This means that we don't just study from the material they give us. All facts must be examined and considered.

Cults very often package their materials so as to cause one to overlook certain glaring problems. At every step we need to verify all the facts that are available for verification.

Some things they will say must be accepted by faith. But of the things that you can verify, will they stand up under careful scrutiny? Here is a good rule, if everything you can investigate falls apart under scrutiny, it is safe to assume that everything they want you to accept by faith will also fall apart. It is important that we make our investigation based on an assumption: a universal body of truth exists in God that is reliable throughout his creation. There is nowhere in creation where his laws are suspended.

CULTIC REVELATIONS THAT FAIL THIS TEST:
1. Mormon claim humans can become a God.
2. Islamic claim those who are martyred for will die and receive 70 virgins.
3. Scientology’s claim you can find relief from guilty feelings using an E-Meter.


Gal 1:8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! (NAU)

Paul is using the plural “we” to evidence the growing number of apostolic letters that were being treasured in the early church. The early church was outnumbered in their world. They had a hunger for these apostolic messages we now call our New Testament. Today in the post modern church age we have lost that early hunger probably because all of us have dozens of Bibles laying around that we ignore.

BEWARE OF FALSE PROPHETS

2 Cor 11:13-15 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14. No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15. Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds. (NAU)

Paul associates Satan v14 with both the content of these false messages as well as being their energy source allowing them to grow so fast. False apostles v13 comes from the single word pseudapostolos which means a spurious apostle, or a pretended preacher. Friberg says this word defines one without a divine commission for the office (2 Cor 11.13).

The words disguising themselves v13 comes from metaschematizo which defines them as a meta schemer. In the very next verse Paul uses the same exact word to describe Satan. Friberg says this word means (1) physically, as changing the outward form of someth. transform, transfigure, change (PH 3.21); (2) mid. as altering the outward scheme of things so as to deceive transform oneself, disguise oneself (2C 11.14); (3) as illustrating someth. w. the help of a figure of speech adapt, apply, transfer (1C 4.6). The verb defining Satan’s work is in the ongoing present indicative which evidences two things about Satan. First that he never stops. Second his message will be very believable.

EXPOSE DARKNESS IN YOUR CHURCH

Eph 5:11 Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them. (NAU)

Both Greek verbs don’t participate sugkoinwne,w sugkoinoneo in their sin and expose evle,gcw elegcho their darkness by shining a light are in the ongoing present active imperative grammar. Paul warned the church to both avoid this practice and work hard to bring others out whether they are in the church or outside of God’s safe covenant.

False Teachers are Dangerous. Following Mormon leaders blindly led many to kill hundreds at Mountain Meadow's Massacre. Study Sandra Tanner's 6 minute video using the click below. This year a full length motion picture called September Dawn was released 2007. This video can be rented and purchased at all major video stores.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CcMWuNld0sE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3k7kAbHgOyo


This film has been so important to the current LDS leaders they for the first time changed their approach. They quit being in denial. See this local news story. Film makers have helped us as Paul said in 1 Tim 1:18-19 to fight the good fight against this group.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-hgY3xNTCY&feature=related





PAUL’S COMMAND FACING FALSE TEACHERS FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT

1 Tim 1:18-19 … fight the good fight, 19. keeping faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and suffered shipwreck in regard to their faith. (NAU)

Paul used this word strateuomai when he commanded Timothy to enter the battle. Friberg says it means (1) lit. perform military service, serve as a soldier, go to fight (1C 9.7); (2) metaph. of intensified spiritual warfare brought about by the presence of evil; (a) pos. of a Christian worker resist evil, struggle against evil forces (2C 10.3; 1T 1.18).

Paul didn’t include that word to define an easy struggle. That struggle is needed because some who claim to be Christian leaders have not in fact remained in the faith or allowed their faith to elevate their ethical standards. Because of this Paul says they have shipwrecked nauageo their faith. Friberg says we can spot these leaders because this will define their lives be shipwrecked (2C 11.25); fig. as failing to continue to live w. a clear conscience be spiritually ruined, give up believing, no longer believe (1T 1.19).

GOD’S COMMAND DON’T ADD OR SUBTRACT FROM GOD’S MESSAGE

Rev 22:18-19 I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues which are written in this book; 19. and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city, which are written in this book. (NAU)

The angel John was speaking with quoted this passage from the safety of the Mosaic Law.

Deut 4:2 "You shall not add to the word which I am commanding you, nor take away from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you. (NAU)

Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown Notes: [Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you]-- by the introduction of any pagan superstition, or forms of worship different from those which I have appointed Num. 15:39; 1 Chr. 12:32; Matt. 15:9. [Neither shall ye diminish ought from it]-- by the neglect or omission of any of the observances, however trivial or irksome, which I have prescribed. The character and provisions of the ancient dispensation were adapted with divine wisdom to the instruction of that infant state of the congregation. But it was only a temporary economy; and although God here authorizes Moses to command that all its institutions should be honoured with unfailing observance, this did not prevent Him from commissioning other prophets to alter or abrogate them when the end of that dispensation was attained.

Justification

Justification: Justification dikaio,w dikaioo is a divine act whereby an infinitely Holy God judicially declares a believing sinner to be righteous and acceptable before Him because Christ has borne the sinner's sin on the cross and has become "to us . . . righteousness" 1 Cor. 1:30; Rom. 3:24. Justification springs from the fountain of God's grace Titus 3:4-5. It is operative as the result of the redemptive and propitiatory sacrifice of Christ, who has settled all the claims of the law Rom. 3:24-25; 5:9. Justification is on the basis of faith and not by human merit or works 3:28-30; 4:5; 5:1; Gal. 2:16. Having now been justified dikaio,w dikaioo by His blood ai|ma haima v9. The verb been justified dikaio,w dikaioo dikaiwqe,ntej verb participle aorist passive nominative masculine plural [UBS] dikaio,w put into a right relationship (with God); acquit, declare and treat as righteous; show or prove to be right; set free (Ac 13.38; Ro 6.7); dÅ to.n qeo,n acknowledge God's justice or obey God's righteous demands (Lk 7.29). Our justification is in the aorist because it is a completed action in the past performed by Christ once for all on the cross. Christianity is unique because of its teaching of justification by grace (Ro 3:24). Justification is God's declaration that the demands of His Law have been fulfilled in the righteousness of His Son. Although the Lord Jesus has paid the price for our justification, it is through our faith that He is received and His righteousness is experienced and enjoyed (Ro 3:25-30). Faith is considered righteousness (Ro 4:3,9), not as the work of man (Ro 4:5), but as the gift and work of God (Jn 6:28-29; Php 1:29).

Ransom: Hosea 13:14 Shall I ransom them from the power of Sheol? Shall I redeem them from death? O Death, where are your thorns? O Sheol, where is your sting? Compassion will be hidden from My sight. ransom hd'P' padah hdP verb qal imperfect 1st person common singular , suffix 3rd person masculine plural hd'P' (p¹dâ) ransom, rescue, deliver. Meaning: to ransom Usage: any means redeem(1), ransom(4), ransomed(7), redeem(24), redeemed(18), redeems(1), redemption price(1), rescued(1), surely redeem(1), way been redeemed(1). Notes: (1) Lit hand (a) Psa 49:15; Eze 37:12, 13 (b) 1Co 15:55 (c) Jer 20:16; 31:35-37. Mark 10:45 "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." ransom lu,tron lutron lu,tron noun acc neut sing [UBS] lu,tron, ou n means of release, means of redeeming. Friberg: as a price paid for release fr. slavery or captivity ransom; fig. of the cost to Christ in providing deliverance fr. sin price of release, ransom, means of setting free. Unger’s: (Heb. from pada, "release"; koper, "forgiveness"; or ga'al). A price paid to recover a person or thing 1 Cor. 6:19-20. A ransom is that which is substituted for the party Exo. 21:30. The people of Jehovah are redeemed by wonderful miracles Isa. 35:10 and are called "the ransomed of the Lord" Isa.51:11; cf. 35:9; 62:12. There are three Hebrew words behind the concept of ransom: 1.) koper which indicates payment made in substitution for another’s life, 2.) ga’al which is associated with family relationships like the kinsman redeemer, 3.) pada which demonstrates God’s gracious work in salvation. Overall there is a sense of liberation being experienced through the payment of a price.

Redemption: Luke 1:68 "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, For He has visited us and accomplished redemption lu,trwsij lutrosis for His people. The noun redemption lu,trwsij lutrosis lu,trwsin noun acc fem sing [UBS] lu,trwsij, ewj f redemption, liberation, setting free Meaning: a ransoming, a redemption Usage: redemption(3).Notes: (a) 1Ki 1:48; Psa 41:13; 72:18; 106:48 (b) Luk 1:71; 2:38; Heb 9:12. Friberg: strictly, a loosing; (1) act. providing a ransom, releasing fr. slavery or captivity; (2) fig. and pass. in the NT deliverance, freedom, liberation. Romans 3:24 being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus. Paul teaches us that for God to justify us first we had to be set free from the slavery of sin and death. Though closely allied to salvation, redemption is more specific, for it denotes the means by which salvation is achieved, namely by the payment of a ransom.. In ancient Israel both property and life could be redeemed by making the appropriate payment. The kinsman-redeemer could redeem both the property and freedom of a near relative as well as be a blood avenger. Redemption defines the way the death of Christ, as the unblemished offering to God, pays the price demanded by a Holy God for delivering the believer from the bondage and burden of sin. This payment results in the sinner being set free from both condemnation and slavery to sin.

Regeneration: [New DNA from Above] John 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God." ("being born again"). The spiritual change wrought in man by the Holy Spirit, by which he becomes the possessor of a new life. John 3:7 "Do not be amazed that I said to you, 'You must be born again.' Jesus offers a sick religious world a cure in the form of a command in 3:7. This new birth must come from above just as Christ did: gennhqh/nai verb inf aor pass [UBS] genna,w be father of; bear, give birth to (perhaps conceive); pass. be born; lead to, cause (2 Tm 2.23). The passive proves once we activate our faith God does His work by providing this new eternal safe position. Friberg: (1) lit. (a) of men beget, become the father of (MT 1.2); pass. be born of (GA 4.23); (b) of women bear, give birth to (LU 1.13); (2) fig. (a) of God's part in Jesus' resurrection (AC 13.33) and his messianic exaltation to the position of highest honor (HE 1.5) (officially) become father, publicly acknowledge; (b) pass. of the spiritual new birth be born, be regenerated (JN 3.3); (c) of the influence of a leader upon his disciples become a father (1C 4.15); (d) as producing a result give rise to, cause (2T 2.23). Regeneration is to be distinguished from justification, because justification is a change in our legal relation to God, whereas regeneration is a change in our moral and spiritual nature as we enter God’s family. The Scriptures principally by such terms as "born again," "born of God," "born of the Spirit" (see John 3:3-13; 1 John 3:9; 4:7; 5:1; 1 Pet. 1:23). There are also other forms of expression of deep significance with reference to the same great fact (see Ezek. 36:25-26; Eph. 4:22-24; 2 Cor. 5:17; Col. 3:9-10). The work of regeneration is specially ascribed in the Scriptures to the Holy Spirit (see John 3:5-8; Titus 3:5). This is in full accord with the whole tenor of special revelation in representing the agency of the Spirit in the economy of salvation.

Reconciliation: 2 Corinthians 5:18 Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. Paul used katalla,ssw katallasso katalla,xantoj verb part aor act gen masc sing [UBS] katalla,ssw (aor. pass. kathlla,ghn, ptc. katallagei,j) put (someone) into friendship with God; reconcile (of man and wife). Notes: (a) 1Co 11:12 (b) Rom 5:10; Col 1:20 (c) 1Co 3:5. Friberg: as restoring relationship betw. individuals or betw. God and man reconcile, change from enmity to friendship (2C 5.18); pass. be or become reconciled (RO 5.10). 2 Corinthians 5:19 namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation. By the death of Christ Adam and Eve’s fall brought amazing curses on the part of creation associated with human dominion Gen 1:26. The restoration of the entire fallen cosmos was brought about on the cross. Is a change of personal relations between human beings or between man and God. Enmity and estrangement are replaced by peace and fellowship. God is acting to restore the ruptured relationship between himself and the rebellious. Reconciliation is a process that reaches even God’s enemies. God has so changed the situation between himself and man that he reconciled the world. There is a wide range of topics effected by reconciliation. The fact of the hostility and wrath between God and man was only reconciled by the death of God’s son. Reconciliation had to be both Godward and manward. God has chosen to reconcile man before man chooses to be reconciled when man was still far away from God in rebellion.

Sanctification: Romans 6:19 I am speaking in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness, resulting in further lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness, resulting in sanctification” a`giasmo,j hagiasmos a`giasmo,n noun acc masc sing [UBS] a`giasmo,j, ou/ m consecration, dedication, sanctification, holiness Meaning: consecration, sanctification Usage: sanctification(8), sanctifying work(1), sanctity(1). Notes: (1) Lit to sanctification (a) Rom 3:5 (b) Rom 6:13 This is the work of the Holy Spirit in all genuine believers. This is how the New Covenant is better than the Old. The Old required parents to teach their children the Law by memorizing the Shema Deu 6:4. The New has God directly writing it on their hearts beginning the moment we come to Christ in faith. Romans 6:22 But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life. Friberg: (1) as the process of making holy, dedicating, sanctifying; (a) as the operation of the Spirit making holy, causing to belong completely to God, sanctifying work (1P 1.2); (b) as the careful moral behavior which expresses one's dedication to God a pure way of life, upright behavior, holy living; opp. avkaqarsi,a (1TH 4.3, 4, 7); (2) as the moral goal of the purifying process holiness, right behavior (RO 6.22). The NT presents the doctrine of sanctification in three aspects: positional, experiential, and ultimate. Positional sanctification is the possession of everyone "in Christ." Positional sanctification Acts 20:32; 1 Cor. 1:2; 6:11; Heb. 10:10,14; Jude 3. Experiential. The basis of experiential sanctification, or actual holiness of life. Ultimate. This is glorification or complete conformity to Christ at His coming 1 John 3:1-3; Rom. 8:29-30; Jude 24-25. Hebrews 12:14 Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord.

Glorification: Isaiah 6:3 And one called out to another and said, "Holy, Holy, Holy, is the LORD of hosts, The whole earth is full of His glory." Isaiah used dAbK' kabod noun common masculine singular construct dwObK' (k¹bôd) I, glorious, occurs only as the feminine singular k®bûddâ (Ezek 23:41; Psa 45:14). The LXX used do,xhj noun genitive feminine singular common [UBS] do,xa, hj f glory, splendor, grandeur (in gen. often glorious); power, kingdom; praise, honor; pride ( do,xa kai. cara, pride and joy 1 Th 2.20); brightness, brilliance; revealed presence of God, God himself; heaven (1 Tm 3.16); glorious heavenly being (2 Pe 2.10; Jd 8); do.j do,xan tw/| qew/| promise before God to tell the truth (Jn 9.24) Meaning: abundance, honor, glory Usage: bosom(1), glorious(8), glory(147), honor(33), honorable(1), honored(1), riches(1), soul(2), splendid(1), splendor(2), wealth(3). Notes: (1) Lit fullness of the whole earth is His glory (a) Rev 4:8 (b) Num 14:21; Psa 72:19 This is the language Paul brings into his NT theology Rom 8:30 He also kai, kai glorified sundoxa,zw sundoxazo v30. The verb is in the aorist active grammar evdo,xasen. Paul used this verb even though the fact of our glorification is still in the future. Paul is using glorification from the standpoint of the way God views it. It was a completed action the moment we were justified v30. In Rom 8:17 Paul uses The verb be glorified sundoxa,zw sundoxazo is in the rare aorist passive grammar sundoxazo sundoxasqw/men. Paul used this grammar to define our glorification much like he did in Eph 2:6. Even though our human flesh is still here we have reality in our new position that is also in heaven. Friberg: (1) as giving or sharing a high status glorify, make great (RO 8.30); (2) as enhancing the reputation of God or man praise, honor, magnify (MK 2.12); (3) as putting into a position of power and great honor, esp. in the future life glorify (JN 7.39); (4) pass. (a) of things greatly valued and excellent be wonderful, glorious (1P 1.8); (b) of pers. receiving great honor be glorified, praised (LU 4.15). Paul uses this grammar to describe our ultimate glorification to encourage his struggling readers who were at that very moment being persecuted to a large measure. Many who saw Christians die for their faith were asking how secure their salvation really was. When Paul used the completed action of the aorist this settled it along with the divine active voice. Our assurance of ultimate victory rests solely in the divine promises of God. This is specially encouraging to those who face years of suffering with difficult life circumstances. We know from earlier passages how the whole earth is suffering with anxiety, pain, distress and disaster. This amazing group of passages that close Rom 8 encourage every believer that God has sent the Holy Spirit for just such an hour. It is the work of the Spirit to bring comfort in suffering and assurances in moments of doubt. The Christians who stagger at these promises fail to let the Spirit energize His purposes in their lives. The promises of God say to all who hurt a life of devotion, prayer, Bible study and Christian fellowship will best enable the Spirit to work in our lives.

Does Your Church Follow the Right Jesus?

1. JESUS IS FULLY GOD Mic 5:2, Jn 8:58, Isa 40:3; Col 1:16-17, 2:9; Rev 1:8, Jn 1:1-3, 14; Jn 9:35-39; Phil 2:6-11.The evidence for the integrity of prophesy itself is associated with claims of deity. Isa 49:9-10; 41:21-23; Num 23:19 Jesus claimed to be Messiah God from Old Testament. Lk 24:27, 44 Paul agreed. Acts 28;23 Peter agreed Acts 10:43 John agreed. Jn 5:39 Philip agreed. Jn 1:45 Luke agreed. Lk 24:25 Isaiah said Messiah’s name was God with us. Isa 7:14 Isaiah said Messiah was Mighty God. Isa 9:6-7 Micah called Eternal. Mic 5:2 Isaiah said Messiah would be born of a virgin mother. Isa 7:14 The psalmist said Messiah would be seated as God in heaven. Ps 110:1 Another psalmist said He was worshiped as God. Ps 95:6-7 Isaiah said there would be a forerunner for Messiah calling Messiah both LORD and God. Isa 40:3. Christ made covenant appearances with his preincarnate body Jn 5:22 cf. Ps 9:7-8 often as the Angel of Yahweh Gen 16:7-13, Gen 22:11-18, Gen 32:24-32, Ex 24:9-11, Ex 40:38, Ex 33:9-23, Josh 5:13-15; Ezek 1:1-28; Dan 10:1-21. Messianic passages link full deity Ex 6:7.

2. JESUS IS FULLY HUMAN. the fact that he is main work is redemption Isa 44:6 which makes it necessary that he come as a human being to die in our place. We see this as a prophetic theme running through the entire Old Testament. Jesus was the “Seed” of the woman Gen 3:15 having a human lineage in the Bible. Messiah had a birthplace in Bethlehem Mic 5:2. Isaiah said He would be born of a virgin. Isa 7:14; 9:6-7. He will also predicted to be a son of king David 2 Sam 7:11, 14 which he fulfilled. The psalmist said Messiah would be visited by “magi” after His birth. Ps 72:10 Malachi said He would have a human forerunner who Gospel writers even say was humanly a distant relative of Jesus. Mal 3:1 The psalmist described Messiah as a Son. Ps 2:7 Messiah was to come as Prophet Deu 18:15-19, Priest 1 Sam 2:35, and King. Zech 9:9 Isaiah prophesied Messiah would die a sacrificial death Isa 52:14, 53:5 as the suffering servant of Yahweh his death is associated with Messiah also proving his full humanity Isa 41:8; 42:1-7,19; 43:8,10; 44:1, 21; 49:3-6; 50:4-9; 52:13-53.

3. JESUS IS SELF-EXISTENT Isaiah prophesied Messiah would be fully God. Isa 9:6; Isa 40:3 Micah said Messiah is eternal. Mic 5:2 Messiah’s kingdom is to endure forever. Ps 45:6 Messiah would be both a corner stone and foundation stone of the church. Isa 28:14-18. His self existence is best evidenced by his creative works. He stood outside of time, space, and matter creating the entire universe Gen 1, Jn 1:1-4, 14; Col 1:16-17 cf. Rom 11:36; 1 Cor 8:6; Heb 1:2, 10-12; Rev 4:11; 10:6; 14:7. Another important evidence of that self existence can be seen in the way he voluntarily chose to leave his place of glory with his Father to come to earth to accomplish God’s plan Phil 2:5-11. When Jesus identified himself with the I Am sayings of the Mosaic law he identified himself fully as being part of Israel’s complex but only true God Exod 3:14 cf. Jn 8:58.

4. JESUS IS FULLY ETERNAL Micah called Eternal. Mic 5:2 Isaiah called Him Everlasting Father. Isa 9:6 Messiah’s kingdom is to endure forever. Ps 45:6 Messiah’s priesthood is eternal. Ps 110:4 Messiah was to be “King” forever. 2 Sam 7:11-16. We see him busy long before his incarnation at Bethlehem. Jn 8:58, Mic 5:2, Isa 9:6, Jn 1:1-3, 14; Rev 13:8; Col 1:17; Rev 1:8. Because we see Jesus associated with the proper personal name Yahweh Isa 44:6 this proves he is both unchangeable and eternal. Because Jesus also linked himself to the I Am sayings this is more similar prove of Christ’s eternality Exod 3:14 cf. Jn 8:58. Yahweh Shammah Ex 34:28; Ezek 48:35 was there in eternity past, at His birth in Zion, and is the name of the holy city in eternity future. Yahweh Sabaoth 2 Sam 6:2 is seen as Christ in eternity past, at Bethlehem, and in eternity future. El Olam Gen 21:33 defines Jesus as being infinitely God in eternity past and future. 'Ab 'Ad defines Christ as being the Everlasting Father.

5. JESUS IS OMNIPOTENT Moses prophesied that when Messiah came he would be strong enough to crush Satan’s head. Gen 3:15 Moses also predicted Messiah’s work as a prophet would be evidence that would prove his deity because those prophecies would come to pass. Deu 18:15-19 Isaiah foretold Messiah would perform powerful miracles Isa 35:5-6 all four gospel writers witnessed. The psalmist identified Messiah with creative work that made the universes creation look like mere finger play. Ps 8:3 He also predicted Messiah’s power to forgive sins and work out our salvation which took the “arm of Yahweh.” Isa 59:1 Isaiah identified Messiah as being fully God thus having all of the attributes of God. Isa 9:6; 43:1-11; 45:15-18, 21-23; 61:1-3. These creative works were all accomplished before his incarnation at Bethlehem. Gen 1, Jn 1:1-4, 14; Col 1:16-17 cf. Rom 11:36; 1 Cor 8:6; Heb 1:2, 10-12; Rev 4:11; 10:6; 14:7. In addition we see his ability to preserve the universe proves his omnipotence Col 1:17 cf. Ps 33:9. In addition it was predicted that Messiah would have the same power God used for caring for and delivering Israel. Isa 43:1-11; 45:15-18, 21-23; 61:1-3; Heb 13:8; Col 2:9; Mt 28:18; power to forgive sin, save, preserve heal and cast out demons: Mt 9:6, Lk 8:25, Mk 1:29-34; Heb 7:25; 2 Tim 1:12.

6. JESUS IS OMNIPRESENT It was predicted long before his incarnation at Bethlehem that Messiah would be fully God which included his omnipresence Isa 9:6, 40:3 cf. Heb 13:8. Yahweh Shammah Gen 12:7; Ex 24:12; Ezek 48:35 points to Jesus being there both in eternity past and future. Yahweh Ra’ah Ps 23:1 is Jesus as true shepherd who must shepherd millions and answer prayers simultaneously at one time Gen 48:15; Ps 23:1, 28:9; Isa 40:11; Hos 4:16. We see his full deity including omnipresence being evident to everyone who witnessed his life story Jn 1:1, Col 1:17, Isa 9:6, Heb 13:8; Mt 28:20 The fact that he promised to be actively indwelling every believer is another clear proof of this aspect of his deity Jn 14:18, 20, 23; cf. Nathaniel’ testimony Jn 1:48. Even though His humanity required him to add a physical component to his being this seeming locality never came into conflict with either his full humanity or his full deity. We did see him necessarily choose to not openly display his glory until the Father’s plan, including the death of his physical body, was fulfilled Phil 2:5-11.

7. JESUS IS OMNISCIENT Messiah’s work as a prophet was predicted long before his incarnation at Bethlehem. Deu 18:15-19 Isaiah said cosmic government is upon Messiah’s shoulders. Isa 9:6; 45:20-23, 46:9-10 All of this evidenced He was omniscient. Isa 45:20-23, 46:9-10; Heb 13:8; Jn 2:25; 6:64; 13:1; 16:30; 18:4; 19:28; 21:17; Col 2:3; 1 Cor 1:30. As Yahweh Yireh Gen 22:14 Jesus is all seeing and knowing. As Yahweh Ra’ah Ps 23:1 Jesus is predicted to be that true shepherd who must shepherd millions and answer prayers simultaneously at one time Gen 48:15; Ps 23:1, 28:9; Isa 40:11; Hos 4:16. Messianic predictions associating Christ with the name El Deot 1 Sam 2:3 is evidence for Jesus omniscient knowledge Job 10:7; Ps 139:6; Prov 3:20; Ps 139:1-18. We see his full deity including omniscience being evident to everyone who witnessed his life story Jn 1:1, Col 1:17, Isa 9:6, Heb 13:8; Mt 28:20 cf. Nathaniel’ testimony Jn 1:48.

8. JESUS IS IMMUTABLE Malachi predicted long before Messiah’s incarnation at Bethlehem that the coming Messiah would be LORD and would never changes Mal 3:6. The Psalmist also predicted Messiah was unchanging Ps 102:25-27 which the author of Hebrews says was fulfilled in Christ’s coming Heb 1:10-12 cf. Heb 13:8. Yahweh Yireh Gen 22:14 provides constancy in all seeing and providing in eternity past and future. Yahweh Sabaoth 2 Sam 6:2 was as omnipotent God in eternity past, at Bethlehem, and in eternity future proving he did not change.

9. JESUS IS FULLY SINLESS Messiah was predicted to be holy and righteous long before his incarnation at Bethlehem. We see his holiness being predicted by the use of Yahweh - m'Kaddesh Lev 20:8; Isa 6:3. This names associates the coming Messiah with the personal proper name for Israel’s God Yahweh who is declared holy in the most absolute terms in this contexts. Yahweh Elohim told Moses to remove his shoes because His presence was holy. Yahweh m’Kaddesh means Jesus is absolutely holy meaning He is without sin which also means He is free of frailties common to man. We see his righteous predicted by his association with Yahweh Tsidkenu Jer 23:6. Yahweh Tsidkenu means He is absolutely righteous meaning He is without sin. In addition we see Messiah often being called the Holy One Isa 54:5. One of Messiah’s primary duties is to be Isaiah’s suffering servant of Yahweh. This means he had to be absolutely sin free and blemish free Ex 29:1. When we see the predicted Messiah associated with the name El Emet Ps 31:5 this predicts when we see Messiah we will know him because he is absolutely truthful. Messiah is also associated with the name Shemesh Tsedaqah Mal 4:2 which evidences when he comes all of his activities will be completley just and right all the way to his final second coming in glory and power.

10. JESUS IS SUBORDINATE TO THE FATHER Isaiah prophesied long before Messiah’s incarnation at Bethlehem that he would be a “Servant of Yahweh.” Isa 42:1-7 cf 49:1-7 Isaiah also called Messiah the “Suffering Servant.”Isa 52-53:21 We see Messiah being associated with sonship Ps 2:7. As the suffering “servant” of Yahweh we see his submission including his own death Isa 41:8; 42:1-7,19; 43:8,10; 44:1, 21; 49:3-6; 50:4-9; 52:13—53. The psalmist recorded Messiah’s prayer language to the Father Ps 22 which we later see in the Gospels being lived out. Because of this we see Jesus subordination to his Father as a theme in the New Testament Heb 1:5-8; Jn 4:34; 5:19, 30; 6:38-40, 65; 8:28-29; 12:44-50; 16:23-28; 17:1-26.

11. JESUS PLANNED TO COME TO EARTH FROM HEAVEN AS A MAN Before his incarnation at Bethlehem. Jn 1:1-3, 14; 3:13, 16; 6:58; 8:42; 16:27-28; Phil 2:5-11; Rev 13:8. Isaiah said Messiah would be a "Servant of Yahweh." Isa 42:1-7 cf 49:1-7 These Messianic promises were tied to sonship Ps 2:7 which we see first as the “seed of the woman” in Gen 3:15, again as being born of a virgin Isa 9:6, again being a son of king David 2 Sam 7:11, 14. As suffering servant of Yahweh his death fulfills God’s will for humanity Jn 3:16; cf. Isa 41:8; 42:1-7,19; 43:8,10; 44:1, 21; 49:3-6; 50:4-9; 52:13-53; 53:11; Ezek 34:23-24; Zech 3:8.

12. JESUS WAS RESURRECTED. Long before his incarnation at Bethlehem we see many Messianic predictions that define Messiah’s death also define His resurrection. The psalmist predicted Messiah would not see decay in his grave Ps 16:10. Thousands of New Testament witnesses agreed that this prophecy was fulfilled Acts 2:25; 13:34-37. This fact proved the uniniqueness of Messiah as the Son of God and did much to energize the primitive church. The Jews in the Old Testament had hope for such a resurrection we should not be surprised that Messiah would embody that hope. Isa 26:19; Dan 12:2; Job 19:25-26; 14:13-15.

13. JESUS’ SACRIFICE IS SUFFICIENT Messianic predictions long before his incarnation at Bethlehem all agreed when Messiah came he would offer a safe, eternal relationship with God. We can see this in the way his offering was predicted to remove guilt and restore peace with God. Isa 53:5 We see the Psalmist predicting Messiah would be a qualified priest forever. Ps 110:4 Job’s testimony included a hope for a future Messiah as Redeemer. Job 19:25 Malachi predicted Messiah would be called the Sun of Righteousness because of the way it would shine out for the whole world Mal 4:2. When we see Messiah being associated with Yahweh Yireh Gen 22:14 it defines our salvation as a full provision because this is the same name associated with the God who prepared coverings for the sins of Adam and Eve Gen 3:21. When we see Messiah associated with Yahweh Rapha it defines full salvation Exod 15:26; Ps 30:2; 103:3; Jer 3:22; Isaiah 53:5. This was expecially helpful in Num 12:1-16 when we see this Messianic name associated with the fiery serpent on the pole, Num 21:5-9 which Jesus associates with eternal life Jn 3:14-15 cf. Rev 12:11;Jn 3:16; 5:24; 6:38-40; 10:27-29; 17:3, 12. That pole is a type for the cross Jesus Christ was executed on in fulfillment of the Father’s plan Jn 3:11-17. Yahweh Shalom Judges 6:24; Isa 9:6; Isa 61:1-2 who foreshadows a fullness of peace with God through Christ. The Messianic name Yahweh Tsidkenu defines the right standing that can only be imputed by God Jer 23:6; Ps 19:9 cf. Deu 4:8; 1 Cor 1:30, 2 Cor 5:21. When we see the Messianic name Yahweh m’Kaddesh it associates holiness or sanctification as the pathway to the Christian life Lev 21:8; Isa 6:3; 54:5; Hos 11:9; Ps 22:3-5; cf. 1 Pet 1:16. When we see the Messianic name Yahweh Shammah it predicts when Messiah comes he will be God as fully present between the cherubim above the altar of the Mercy Seat Gen 12:7; Ex 24:12; Ezek 48:35. This is the present place of work that Christ is doing for his church. When we see Messiah associated with the name Tsur – Yeshuah Deut 32:15; Isa 49:8 it predicts the way Messiah will be the only safe rock of our salvation.

14. JESUS IS ASCENDED BACK TO EARTH IN A GLORIFIED STATE Long before his incarnation in Bethlehem the Psalmist predicted Messiah would ascend into heaven Ps 68:18; 24:7-10; 47:5; 110:1. Elsewhere we see his predicted glory to be associated with as a royal kingship that was to be eternal lasting forever 2 Sam 7:11-16. We see other predictions from the Law Lev. 16:14 which taught us by the way the high priest observed the Day of Atonement. On that day alone he took the blood of the sacrifice into the holy of holies and there sprinkled the mercy seat Lev. 16:14. To do this the priest had to remove all his most costly valuable robes and enter wearing only a white garment. Most Jews believed this was to teach the way Messiah was meant to leave heaven and come to earth to fulfill God’s plan. This predcits how Christ on the day of resurrection, having fulfilled that sacrificial work completely, returned to heaven John 14:2 to present the blood of sacrifice in heaven itself and in this way applied the blood to the heavenly altar John 20:17 and Hebrews 9:6-20. Luke 9:51; John 6:62; John 7:33; John 14:12, 28; John 16:5, 10, 16, 17, 28. Later we see Paul teach this in more detail in Phil 2:5-11.

15. JESUS IS RETURNING IN A SECOND COMING. Long before Messiah’s birth in Bethlehem, we see many predictions about the Great Tribulation period Jer. 30:5; Dan. 9:27 which was to be followed by the coming of Messiah in power and glory. Moses predicted Messiah would return in association with Israel’s return from captivity Deu 30:3 As we study all Messianic prophecy we see no Old Testament prophet foretelling Messiah will return to a peaceful idyllic earth under subjection by God’s people. Instead we see them all testify to a glorious coming which rescues Israel from vicious enemies at the close of the seven year “great tribulation” period. We see Jesus confirming this in his Olivet Discourse. The earliest one we see understanding anything about this event was Enoch from who predicted Messiah’s second coming Jude 1:14-15.


Study Questions: is the Jesus presented at your church anything like the Jesus from the Bible? Today too many treat Jesus as a dead leader who they loyally follow. Is Jesus Lordship active today because He is Alive and present in your church? Or are people where you attend just playing church? Do leaders in your church follow John the Baptist's motto? John 3:30 "He must increase, but I must decrease." (NAU)

Does your church tell the truth about the consequences for following the wrong Jesus?

Mt 7:24-27 "Therefore, everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them will be like a sensible man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain fell, the rivers rose, and the winds blew and pounded that house. Yet it didn't collapse, because its foundation was on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of Mine and doesn't act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 The rain fell, the rivers rose, the winds blew and pounded that house, and it collapsed. And its collapse was great!" (HCSB)

Only two courses of action are possible - two kinds of roads and gates (Mt 7:13-14), two kinds of trees and fruit (vv. 15-20), two kinds of foundations and builders (vv. 24-27).

Jesus Finished Work for Me

Finished Work: John 19:30 Therefore when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, "It is finished Tete,lestai !" And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit. (NAU) finished tele,w teleo Tete,lestai verb indicative perfect passive 3rd person singular [UBS] tele,w finish, complete, end ( tÅ ta.j po,leij finish going through the towns or finish your work in the towns Mt 10.23); fulfill, carry out, accomplish; come to an end, be over; pay (taxes); keep, obey (of law); find full strength, be at one's strongest (2 Cor 12.9) Meaning: to bring to an end, complete, fulfill Notes: (a) Mat 7:28 Friberg: (1) as completing someth. bring to an end, conclude, complete (MT 7.28); (2) as obeying a rule or ritual carry out, fulfill, perform (LU 2.39); (3) of obligatory taxes, tolls, dues pay (MT 17.24); (4) pass. of duration of time be over, end, be finished (RV 20.3). Vines: 1. teleo (‎tele/w‎, NT:5055), "to bring to an end" (telos, "an end"), in the passive voice, "to be finished," is translated by the verb "to finish" in Mt 13:53; 19:1; 26:1; Jn 19:28, where the RV "are... finished" brings out the force of the perfect tense (the same word as in v. 30, "It is finished"), which is missed in the KJV; as Stier says, "the word was in His heart before He uttered it", 2Ti 4:7; Rv 10:7; 11:7; 20:3, RV, "should be finished" (KJV, "fulfilled"), 5,7, RV, "finished" (KJV, "expired"). In Rv 15:1 the verb is rightly translated "is finished," RV, see FILL, Note (2). In 15:8 the RV, "should be finished" corrects the KJV, "were fulfilled."

Election: Deuteronomy 7:6 "For you are a holy people to the LORD your God; the LORD your God has chosen rx;B' bachar you to be a people for His own possession hL'gUs. segullah out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth. The word chosen is in the verb form chosen rx;B' bachar rxB verb qal perfect 3rd person masculine singular the LXX form is proei,lato verb indicative aorist middle 3rd person singular [UBS] proaire,omai (pf. proh,|rhmai) decide. Meaning: to choose Usage: choice(6), choicest(2), choose(40), chooses(22), choosing(1), chose(21), chosen(67), desired(2), men(1), preferred(1), require(1), select(1), selected(1), selected from the choice(1), selects(1), tested(1). Notes: (1) Or special treasure (2) Lit ground (a) Exo 19:6; Deu 14:2, 21; Psa 50:5; Jer 2:3 (b) Exo 19:5; Deu 4:20; 14:2; 26:18; Psa 135:4; Tit 2:14; 1Pe 2:9 Mark 13:20 "Unless the Lord had shortened those days, no life would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect evklekto,j eklektos whom He chose evkle,gw eklego He shortened the days. Mark uses both the noun and verbal form for election in 13:20. elect evklekto,j eklektos evklektou.j adj pron acc masc pl [UBS] evklekto,j, h,, o,n chosen, elect; perhaps choice, select (1 Pe 2.6) Meaning: select, by impl. Favorite Notes: (1) chosen ones Friberg: (1) gener. of a quality of pers. or things choice, select, excellent (1P 2.4, 6); (2) in the Gospels, of those who respond positively to the privileges of God's grace (MT 22.14) and place trust in him (subst. LU 18.7); (3) of the basis of salvation in God's calling people to belong to himself elect, chosen (CO 3.12); subst. of the community of believers the elect (MT 24.24); (4) subst. of the Messiah the Chosen One (LU 23.35). chose evkle,gw eklego evxele,xato verb ind aor mid 3rd per sing [UBS] evkle,gomai (aor. 2 sg. evxele,xw) choose, select Meaning: to select Usage: choose(4), chose(7), chosen(8), made a choice(1), picking(1), select(1). Notes: (1) chosen ones Friberg: only mid. and pass. in the NT (1) mid. choose out, select (for oneself) (MK 13.20); (2) choose from among (a number) (AC 1.24); (3) choose for (some purpose) (EP 1.4); (4) abs. evklelegme,noj chosen (LU 9.35). Our Deut passage evidences the way God thought of Israel as His personal possession hL'gUs. segullah hL'gUs. noun common feminine singular absolute hL'gUs. (s®g¥llâ) property, possession. (KJV "special/peculiar [treasure].") Meaning: possession, property Usage: possession(5), treasure(2), treasured possession(1). Notes: (1) Or special treasure (2) Lit ground (a) Exo 19:6; Deu 14:2, 21; Psa 50:5; Jer 2:3 (b) Exo 19:5; Deu 4:20; 14:2; 26:18; Psa 135:4; Tit 2:14; 1Pe 2:9 BDB: 1. valued property, peculiar treasure, which 'y has chosen (rxb) and taken to himself; always of people of Israel. 2. treasure (very late), of kings (gold and silver). The LXX periou,sion adjective normal accusative masculine singular no degree [UBS] periou,sioj, on special, belonging only to oneself Friberg: strictly, of property owned as a rich and distinctive possession; metaph. in the NT, of God's redeemed people as his costly possession and a distinctive treasure especial, choice, chosen (TI 2.14). Nelson’s: Throughout the history of redemption, election has characterized God's saving activity. He chose and called Abraham from Ur to Canaan, making an everlasting covenant with him and his offspring (Ge 11:31-12:7; Ne 9:7; Isa 41:8). God also called Moses to lead His people out of bondage (Ex 2:24-3:10; Dt 6:21-23; Ps 105:1). He chose Israel from among the nations of the world to be His special covenant people (Dt 4:37; 7:6-7; Isa 44:1-2). Election to salvation takes place "in Christ" (Eph 1:4; 2:10) as a part of God's purpose for the human race. As part of His eternal plan, God allowed man to use his freedom to rebel against Him. Thus, it is gracious of God to save those who find salvation through Jesus Christ. It is not unjust of Him not to save everyone, since no one deserves to be saved (Mt 20:14; Ro 1:18; 9:15). Election is gracious; it is also unconditional and unmerited (Ac 13:48; Ro 9:11; 1Pe 1:2). It is an expression of the eternal, sovereign will of God who cannot change (Ro 8:29; 2Th 2:13). Therefore, the salvation of the elect is certain (Ro 8:28,33). Election is a necessary condition for salvation; faith is the sufficient condition. The elect inevitably believe, but they do not believe against their will.

Grace: Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God [NAU] ca,riti, noun dat fem sing ca,rij charis [UBS] ca,rij, itoj f grace, kindness, mercy, goodwill ( e;cw cÅ pro,j have the goodwill of Ac 2.47); a special manifestation of the divine presence, activity, power or glory; a favor, expression of kindness, gift, blessing ( kata. cÅ as a gift Ro 4.4, 16; i[na deute,ran cÅ sch/te in order that you might be blessed twice 2 Cor 1.15); thanks, gratitude; graciousness ( o` lo,goj u`mw/n pa,ntote evn cÅ your speech should always be pleasant Col 4.6) Meaning: grace, kindness Usage: blessing(1), concession(1), credit(3), favor(11), gift(1), grace(122), gracious(2), gracious work(3), gratitude(1), thank(3), thankfulness(2), thanks(6). Notes: (1) Lit we all received (2) Lit grace for grace (a) Eph 1:23; 3:19; 4:13; Col 1:19; 2:9 Friberg: ca,rij( itoj( h` grace; (1) as a quality that adds delight or pleasure graciousness, attractiveness, charm (LU 4.22); (2) as a favorable attitude (a) act. of what is felt toward another good will, favor (AC 2.47); (b) as a relig t.t. for God's attitude toward human beings kindness, grace, favor, helpfulness (JN 1.16, 17; EP 2.8); (3) concr. (a) of exceptional effects produced by God's favor ability, power, enablement (RO 12.6; 1C 15.10); (b) of practical proofs of good will fr. one pers. to another kind deed, benefit, favor (AC 24.27; 2C 1.15); collection for the poor, generous gift (1C 16.3); (4) as an experience or state resulting fr. God's favor state of grace, favored position (RO 5.2); (5) as a verbal thank offering to God gratitude, thanks (1C 15.57; 2C 9.15); (6) as contained in formulas that express greetings or farewell in letters good will, favor, blessing (RO 1.7; 16.20).

OLD TESTAMENT GRACE Zechariah 12:10 "I will pour out on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the Spirit of grace and of supplication, so that they will look on Me whom they have pierced; and they will mourn for Him, as one mourns for an only son, and they will weep bitterly over Him like the bitter weeping over a firstborn. [NAU] grace !xe chen !xe noun common masculine singular absolute Meaning: favor, grace Usage: adornment(1), charm(1), charm*(1), charming*(1), favor(51), grace(8), graceful(2), gracious(3), pleases*(1). Notes: (1) Or a spirit (a) Isa 44:3; Eze 39:29; Joe 2:28, 29 (b) Joh 19:37; Rev 1:7 (c) Jer 6:26; Amo 8:10 BDB: grace; 1. favour, grace, elegance: a. of form and appearnce, of a woman; of a doe; precious stone; of ornaments. b. of speech, lips; words. 2. favour, acceptance: a. with men. b. with God; chiefly in phrases: yny[b !x acm find favour in the eyes of: (1) men; (2) of God; abs. !x acm (with man); (with God); yny[b !x !tn give favour in the eyes of (1) man; (2) of God.

Grace Killers: Gal 2:1-7 There are some in the church spying on the us looking to enslave us to their best methods of human success. What is living in grace? We choose to live forgiving lives. We choose not to be energized by hate, anger, or spite. We are not trying to get even with someone at church. Christ commands us to never judge others but forgive. There are different ways to show grace to fish or sheep. But we are commanded to even forgive our enemies. Living grace filled lives is impossible. But the moment we get tired and backslide from grace we only have two major ways to go from our freedom in Christ: license or legalism. There are billions of ways they may vary but all fall under these two methods of falling from grace. The power of grace is the only way to live the Christian life. Jesus plus nothing, grace plus nothing is the only safe way to find new life based in God’s truth. When we lean on grace in Christ alone we find the energy to live free from slavery to sin. It doesn’t make us sinfree this side of death as Paul testifies.

Legalism—that is, legalistic obedience to Torah commands—is disobedience to the Torah. One could be obeying every single mitzvah (except, by assumption, the mitzvah of trust), but if these things are being done without heartfelt trust in the God who is there, the only God there is, the God who sent his Son Yeshua to be the atonement for sin (v. 1), then all this outward “obedience” is hateful to God (Isaiah 1:14), and the person doing it, the legalist, “lives under a curse,” because he is not “doing everything written in the Scroll of the Torah” (v. 10). He is not “doing” the trust which should motivate all doing (compare MJ 11:6). This leads to v. 13. Legalism, in Christian theology, is a pejorative term referring to an improper fixation on law or codes of conduct, or legal ideas, usually implying an allegation of misguided rigor, pride, superficiality, the neglect of mercy, and ignorance of the grace of God or emphasizing the letter of law over the spirit. Legalism is alleged against any view that law, not faith in God's grace, is the pre-eminent principle of redemption. Its opposite error is antinomianism, which is alleged against a view that moral laws are not binding.

Universalism Rejected: Matthew 7:21 "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.

Virtue

In creation man was uniquely inbreathed with an ability to communicate with God. After sin entered life we see God following this with the development of man's conscience. This when not followed produced guilty feelings.

If man followed his conscience he can develop to experience a “superadded” energy to be decent people who are friendly to ethics and law. This indwelling work of God’s Holy Spirit has nothing to do culture or religion.

Thus we can find heroic folks from any background as history reveals. This is that part of humans which briefly spring to life when they hear Truth including Truth about salvation. The universal place for a need for ethics in fact is a prove for divinity behind our creation.

Scholars divide the study of virtue into two branches: Moral Virtue and Theological Virtue.

The theological virtues are three, viz. faith, hope, and charity. When citizens cry out for justice even in impossible circumstances this evidences divinity in us universally. When citizens lament over the death of someone hopelessly addicted to some type of drug this evidences a universal need for temperance which leads to abstinence, which disposes to moderation in the use of food; sobriety, which inclines to moderation in the use of spirituous liquors; chastity, which regulates the appetite in regard to sexual pleasures; to chastity may be reduced modesty, which is concerned with acts subordinate to the act of reproduction.

To this virtue may be added fortitude leading humans to: Patience, which disposes us to bear present evils with equanimity; for as the brave man is one who represses those fears which make him shrink from meeting dangers which reason dictates he should encounter, so also the patient man is one who endures present evils in such a way as not to be inordinately cast down by them. Perseverance, the virtue which disposes to continuance in the accomplishment of good works in spite of the difficulties attendant upon them.

As a moral virtue it is not to be taken precisely for what is designated as final perseverance, that special gift of the predestined by which one is found in the state of grace at the moment of death. It is used here to designate that virtue which disposes one to continuance in any virtuous work whatsoever.

Ref: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/15472a.htm 5/8/2008 6:07 PM. Bill Bennet's Book of Virtues.

Romans 1:17-27

Rom 1:17-27 For in it {the} righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "BUT THE RIGHTEOUS {man} SHALL LIVE BY FAITH." 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of me n who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. 21 For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures. 24 Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them. 25 For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. 26 For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, 27 and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error. (NAU)

Truth Test 1 is Jesus Lord?

"Among these Jews there suddenly turns up a man who goes about talking as if He was God. He claims to forgive sins. He says He has always existed. He says He is coming to judge the world at the end of time. Now let us get this clear. Among pantheists, like the Indians, anyone might say that he was a part of God, or one with God: there would be nothing very odd about it. But this man, since He was a Jew, could not mean that kind of God. God, in their language, meant the Being outside the world who had made it and was infinitely different from anything else. And when you have grasped that, you will see that what this man said was, quite simply, the most shocking thing that has ever been uttered by human lips." I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: "I'm ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don't accept His claim to be God." That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic on a level with the man who says he is a poached egg or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the son of God: or else a madman or something worse.

You can shut Him up for a fool, you can spit at Him and kill Him as a demon; or you can fall at His feet and call Him Lord and God. But let us not come up with any patronizing nonsense about His being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to.

"A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic--on the level with a man who says he is a poached egg--or he would be the devil of hell. You must take your choice. Either this was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God. But let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about his being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us.(emphasis: web author)"

Was He a Liar?

If, when Jesus made His claims, He knew that He was not God, then He was lying and deliberately deceiving His followers. But if He was a liar, then He was also a hypocrite because He told others to be honest, whatever the cost, while He himself taught and lived a colossal lie. More than that, He was a demon, because He told others to trust Him for their eternal destiny. If He couldn't back up His claims and knew it, then He was unspeakably evil. Last, He would also be a fool because it was His claims to being God that led to His crucifixion.

Many will say that Jesus was a good moral teacher. Let's be realistic. How could He be a great moral teacher and knowingly mislead people at the most important point of His teaching His own identity?

Was He a Lunatic?

If it is inconceivable for Jesus to be a liar, then couldn't He actually have thought Himself to be God, but been mistaken? After all, it's possible to be both sincere and wrong. But we must remember that for someone to think himself God, especially in a fiercely monotheistic culture, and then to tell others that their eternal destiny depended on believing in him, is no light flight of fantasy but the thoughts of a lunatic in the fullest sense. Was Jesus Christ such a person?

Someone who believes he is God sounds like someone today believing himself Napoleon. He would be deluded and self deceived, and probably he would be locked up so he wouldn't hurt himself or anyone else. Yet in Jesus we don't observe the abnormalities and imbalance that usually go along with being deranged. His poise and composure would certainly be amazing if He were insane.

Noyes and Kolb, in a medical text, describe the schizophrenic as a person who is more autistic than realistic. The schizophrenic desires to escape from the world of reality. Let's face it; claiming to be God would certainly be a retreat from reality.
In light of the other things we know about Jesus, it's hard to imagine that He was mentally disturbed. Here is a man who spoke some of the most profound sayings ever recorded. His instructions have liberated many individuals from mental bondage.

Was He Lord?

I cannot personally conclude that Jesus was a liar or a lunatic. The only other alternative is that He was the Christ, the Son of God, as He claimed.

When I discuss this with most Jewish people, it's interesting how they respond. They usually tell me that Jesus was a moral, upright, religious leader, a good man, or some kind of prophet. I then share with them the claims Jesus made about Himself and then the material in this chapter on the trilemma (liar, lunatic, or Lord). When I ask if they believe Jesus was a liar, there is a sharp "No!"

Then I ask, "Do you believe He was a lunatic?"
The reply is, "Of course not."
"Do you believe He is God?"

Before I can get a breath in edgewise, there is a resounding, "Absolutely not."
Yet one has only so many choices.

The issue with these three alternatives is not which is possible, for it is obvious that all three are possible. Rather, the question is, "Which is more probable?" Who you decide Jesus Christ is must not be an idle intellectual exercise. You cannot put Him on the shelf as a great moral teacher. That is not a valid option. He is either a liar, a lunatic, or Lord and God. You must make a choice. "But," as the apostle John wrote, "these have been written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and" more important "that believing you might have life in His name" (John 20:31).

The evidence is clearly in favor of Jesus as Lord. Some people, however, reject this clear evidence because of moral implications involved. They don't want to face up to the responsibility or implications of calling Him Lord.

Philosopher Peter Kreeft considers the trilemma to be the ‘most important argument in Christian apologetics.] Yet there are at least three groups of Christians who tend to scorn this argument. All of them, I believe, do so from the same motivation: a fear of appearing unsophisticated. While the trilemma is indeed simple, it is a remarkably sophisticated argument. As Kreeft notes, the main premise is the character of Jesus. In order to determine whether the man is a liar, a lunatic, or the Lord God Almighty, one must become familiar with the Gospel accounts of Christ, his life and his teachings. The Gospels are a seamless garment that cannot be chopped up without losing the narrative thread of Jesus’ life and work.

http://www.evangelicaloutpost.com/archives/003074.html 1/31/2007 7:23 AM

On October 14, 1985 at 4:20 in the afternoon Christ entered my heart and life after a great period of unrest in my life. Suddenly after I looked up from prayer I was so amazed at the pure grace that saved such a rank sinner like me. I looked up and asked my new pastor what I needed to do to make certain that "feeling" never left me. He replied by quoting Heb 13:5 that this awesome person of Jesus who had just moved into my heart will never leave me or forsake me. At that time and place I responded in unbelief how could such good news be ongoing for a wretch like me? But in the decades following, my testimony is added to billions of others who have dared to trust in Christ alone by faith since the cross in AD 33. Are you confused today as you read my blog? There is so much danger online but in the midst of anything come to Christ! Jesus is an amazing LORD who is both gentle as a Lamb and the Lion of Jacob. When you trust Him you come into an amazing covenant that is eternal not temporary.

Ps 37:28 For the LORD loves justice and will not abandon His faithful ones. They are kept safe forever, but the children of the wicked will be destroyed. (HCSB)

Isa 41:10 Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with My righteous right hand. (HCSB)

We learn from Scripture, history and personal testimonies like mine that God is an awesome safe source if you dare keep on trusting Him.

Advice for Truth-seekers from C.S. Lewis

If you look for truth, you may find comfort in the end: If you look for comfort you will not get either comfort or truth - only soft soap and wishful thinking to begin with and, in the end, despair.