Forming Convictions

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Forming Convictions

Jul 9th, 2009

A person is made up of three primary elements: heart, mind and body. The body is the outward appearance. The body is everything that you do or do not do. The mind is everything that you think. It is man’s knowledge and ability to reason, logic. Your heart is your attitude and your feelings. Man has the ability to control his body in order to not appear in sin. The Pharisees, where they misunderstood sin, made great progress in this area, as do many professed Christians. We can appear on the outside to be free from sin. But, it is not enough to be free from sin in body, but we must also be free from sin in mind. Christ said that if we are angry with someone, we are guilty of murder (Matt 5.21,22). This is still not enough. Christ said that the root of our sin is in our hearts (Matt 15.17-19). Not only that, but if we recognize sin in our hearts, then God turns his ear from us (Ps. 66.18). He will not act on our prayers if we are harboring sin. How do you know if you are harboring sin? You know by your convictions.

Defining Conviction

The most common use of conviction is used in a legal sense. It is a declaration of guilt or innocence made by a court. It can also be described as a strong belief or something that you have become convinced of. To convict is to declare blame and to condemn. Based on these definitions, conviction can be summed up as, ‘An action which a person is convinced will result in condemnation.’ The Bible is consistent with this definition. Proverbs says, “The guilty are convicted” (Prov. 24.25) and the guilty are convicted by the Holy Spirit (John 16.8). Therefore, when we form a conviction, we should become convinced that the Holy Spirit will condemn us for an action. Moving forward, remember that the most important part of forming convictions is becoming thoroughly convinced that something will result in God’s condemnation. For most, ‘because the Bible says it’s sin’ will not be adequate to be thoroughly convinced.

Why form convictions?

The obvious response is to avoid God’s condemnation, but there is a bigger reason. It is a reflection of our heart. God is more concerned with our hearts than with our actions. Romans 14.22,23 gives an accurate answer to this question.

The faith which you have, have as your own conviction before God.

Our free will cannot be a reason to sin. All are at liberty to sin, but as Christians, our faith in Jesus Christ should be demonstrated to God through our forming of convictions, our agreement on what is sin.

Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves.

The idea is that we will find joy in Christ if we do not approve of things that are sin. Notice that it says ‘approve’. Convictions are not just a list of don’ts, they are also a list of dos. Do not be solely concerned about what not to do, otherwise you live fearful, timid lives. Instead fill your life with what you should do, what you approve of, which with proper convictions will result in joy.

But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and whatever is not from faith is sin

This passage has to do with the context. Gentile Christians were eating meat which was sacrificed at the temples of Pagan gods. This is not a sin, but the Jewish Christians believed it was. What Paul is saying here is that if they eat the meat, they are sinning by eating the meat from the temple if they have not formed a conviction on the matter, even though eating the meat is not sin. The application is that we cannot simply assume something is sin simply because Mom said so or because our Sunday school teacher said so. We must form a conviction, in order to be absolutely convinced, so that we can exercise our liberty without condemnation.

In summation, we must form convictions in order to not sin. We cannot avoid sin accidentally. Why? God knows the heart. If our hearts do not reflect a desire to follow Him, then our actions are immaterial. For example, honesty can be a sin if it is done out of pride rather than faith. God desires that we have a heart to obey Him, that we form convictions about His will, then our minds and bodies follow suit.

Forming Convictions

As discussed earlier, it is not sufficient for most to read God’s word and call something sin, because scripture suggests it is. It’s like this:

A man opens the Bible to find God’s will. He opens his Bible and reads of Judas, “Then he went away and hanged himself” (Matt 27.5). The man then flips to another scripture and reads, “Jesus told him, ‘Go and do likewise’” (Luke 10.37).

There are many areas which people argue as to the meaning of a scripture and ultimately what conviction should be derived from it. There are also areas of scripture that seem to contradict values (Ex. Story of Rahab in Joshua 2). There are other factors which must be taken into account, namely, the Holy Spirit and general revelation. God has provided us with multiple sources which will guide us to form convictions and we should make use of them all.

Before forming a conviction, we have to be presented with a situation. This can be a ‘what do I do’ or a ‘what don’t I do’. For example, a conviction can be, ‘I am convicted that lying is evil’ or it can be ‘I am convicted that God wants me to become a missionary.’ In reality we should be forming both types of convictions, dos and don’ts. Scripture is a great place to start for either type of conviction since “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Tim 3.16,17). All of these elements are related to dos and don’t, but the purpose is to do God’s work and that is our ultimate goal.

Example: It is not enough to read the book of Acts and decide that it is God’s will for you to become a missionary simply because Paul was a missionary. If you read Acts and are challenged to become a missionary, it is likely the work of the Holy Spirit which is calling you to it. In order to form a conviction on your calling you have to spend time in prayer over the matter and ask God to confirm it for you. This brings up another dilemma though. How do you know when and how it has been confirmed?

Sometimes the confirmation is easy, because doors open and God makes it really obvious. Sometimes it’s not so easy. This is where general revelation comes into play. General revelation is our ability to discern good and evil, whether an action is in accordance with God’s will or against it. General revelation is the knowledge of good and evil that was obtained by Adam and Eve when they ate the fruit in the garden. So when we are making a decision, we can look at our evidence and use our God given discernment to begin to form a conviction. Back to the example: if you are trying to confirm whether or not to become a missionary, you have to look at God’s work in creation in order to determine if that work is confirmation or not. If God opens all the doors to go into missionary work, then your natural ability to discern should tell you that is His will for you. If there is no feasibility in it, then your discernment should tell you that it is not your will.

Three main elements are required in order to discern God’s will, but there is one other of vital importance. The “gospel [the message of salvation through Jesus Christ] did not come to you in word only, but also…with full conviction” (1 Thes 1.5). We should always form convictions based on the benefit of the gospel. By nature, a Christian should do this since this conviction was put in us at the time of salvation, but it is an important tool in discerning God’s will. Specifically, you can ask, “How will this benefit or discredit the Gospel?”

Sin is only sin because it’s against God’s will. Similarly everything which is against God’s will is sin. So we are not so much looking to figure out what is sin, but what is for or against God’s will. Let’s return to the story of Rahab. She had a choice to lie or to go against God’s plan to have the Israelites conquer the land of Jericho by giving up the Israelite spies. Since Rahab recognized God’s plan, she hid the spies and God’s plan was done. It is uncommon that we will be faced with such a paradox, but the principal remains the same. Seek God’s will to form convictions.

Result

Without convictions we condemn ourselves out of ignorance. If you do not form convictions by faith them you sin, even if that act is in accordance with your liberty. To obey God’s commands blindly and legalistically without forming convictions based on faith is to bring eternal condemnation upon you. But to discern convictions through scripture, by the Holy Spirit, for the purpose of expanding the Gospel is the hearts demonstration of true faith in Jesus Christ by which we are saved from condemnation.

Defining Incarnation of Jesus by the Word of God

Mar 22nd, 2009

by Anthony Delgado.

defining-incarnation-of-jesus-by-the-word-of-god Incarnation, according to the English language simply requires a spiritual or supernatural being to be embodied within a human. It can be said that someone is the Devil incarnate if in fact Satan were dwelling within him. It can also be a personification, of sorts, of a spiritual or supernatural being. Some relate this to Jesus; they claim that he was God the Father, but he changed himself to look like man. Jesus is in fact the incarnation of God into man, but due to the loose meaning of the word, it is necessary to clarify the nature of the incarnation. Jesus was 100% God and 100% man at the same time. It is necessary that he be all God and all man in order to be truly incarnate and still be a perfect man, which is required in order to free men from the penalty of sin.

Jesus is all God. John writes that the Word was both with God and that the Word was God and that Jesus (the word) was with God in the beginning and that through him (Jesus) all things were made (John 1.1,2). Not only did John understand that Jesus was God, but Jesus himself did. He said, “He who has seen Me has seen the Father; how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?” (John 14.9). Jesus was not saying that he is literally the Father, but that he is one in essence with the Father, that he is incarnate God. (The Father is non-carnate God existing apart from physical creation and the Holy Ghost is the Spirit of God which is God whom transcends physical and spiritual boundary). For many it is not enough that Jesus and those who follow Jesus believe that he is God, but Jesus demonstrated that he is God when he exhibited power over creation, a task which only God could do. This happened when Jesus calmed the winds after he walked on water (Matt. 14.22-36). This was by no means a magic trick, but took complete control over all creation in order to maintain tides and winds which are all interconnected throughout the entire world.

Jesus is all man. Jesus was able to be tempted by Satan (Matt. 4.1-11). It is not important to this argument that he withstood the temptation, although some would argue, that this is a supernatural withstanding and that if he were all man he would have gave in to it. This is easily rebuked through the teaching of Paul that God “will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear” (1 Cor. 10.13). Jesus was able to withstand temptation, by design, and so can all other men; we simply choose not to. There are numerous accounts, as you go throughout the Gospels that should convict us on this matter, that Jesus is all man. Another one comes just prior to the crucifixion (which in and of itself proves he is man; he died). When Jesus was praying in Gethsemane (Matt 26.36-46) he prayed three times that God would take the cup from him (v. 39, 42, 43). He showed his humanity in that he did not want to suffer and die.

Is the debate over the humanity and/or deity of Jesus important to salvation, through faith? In a sense, it is. If Jesus were not fully man, but simply God pretending to be a man, then there is no accomplishment in his perfection. If there is no accomplishment in his perfection, then there is no sacrifice. On the other hand, if God were man, but not completely God, then he would not have had the power or authority over sin. Were Jesus to have sinned, he would not have been a spotless lamb and would not have provided any atonement for sin. Aside from the fact that the Bible clearly defines Jesus in terms of being 100% God and Man, it is simply illogical to believe that he was anything else as that would challenge the basic doctrine of salvation through Jesus Christ which Christianity is built upon.

It is my conviction of the word of God that Jesus was the incarnate God—100% God and 100% man—and that he was sacrificed by the plan and will of the Father in heaven to provide atonement for a sinning people with no other hope. I believe that to lack either godliness or humanity would be to remove from Jesus the ability to provide that atonement. Where being 100% God and 100% man is an apparent paradox, it is more illogical to impose upon God, human arguments as to His nature and power. It is the creator that will define the creation. It is not the role of man to define God. I fear that any attempt to redefine God is a direct result of a desire to redefine sin; or in a different light, to justify sin in your life. John Owen (2004) wrote,

“Sin’s loud voice darkens the mind so that it cannot make a right judgment of things. Our perplexing reasoning’s, our promises calculated to lesson our guilt, turbulent desires, false intentions of reform, and hopes of mercy, all have part in confusing the mind as it considers the guilt of a prevailing lust” (pp. 65-66).

It is the guilt of sin that causes man to manipulate the God ordained definition of incarnation.

Reference
Owen, J. (2004). The Mortification of Sin (R. Rushing, Ed.). Pennsylvania: The Banner of Truth Trust.

Jesus the Messiah: God and Man

Mar 10th, 2009

by Anthony Delgado.

ba1969, http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1152758

Jesus is many things. He is the son of God and the son of man. He is gentle and humble. Jesus is a brother to all Christians. He is the head of the Church. These are all good things, but above all, he is God; he is the Christ and he is the only way to salvation. The works of Christ prove that he is God; they fulfill all prophesy that he is Christ, the messiah, and they demonstrate why he is the only way to salvation.

Jesus is God. He is the son of God in an earthly sense since he was conceived of the Holy Spirit, so he is the physical offspring of God on earth. He is not, however, the literal offspring of God in the sense that God the Father would have had offspring of his own in heaven. The Bible is clear that Jesus was with God in the beginning. Christ himself recognized that he was the physical, incarnate representation of God when he claimed that, “all which is the Father’s is mine” (John 16.15) and that, “anyone who has seen me has seen the Father” (John 14.9). He demonstrated this passion when he overturned the tables of the merchants in the temple courts. They were defiling laws that he himself put into place because he is one in spirit with the Father. The Spirit convicts me when I defile the law, because of this passion that Christ has over his law. As a result I have a desire for repentance and seek holiness not wickedness.

It is appropriate that Jesus be God in order to fulfill messianic prophesy. It was the spirit of God upon the prophets that inspired them. So who better to fulfill prophesy than God himself. Jesus came to earth born of a virgin to fulfill prophesy. It is not that he, being God, could not come of some other means. The miracles that he performed before the people, healing the blind and the sick, were to fulfill prophesy. All prophesy was fulfilled by Christ. It was this fulfillment that Paul used to convince many Jews that Jesus was the messiah, and the way to salvation. For us too, the fulfillment of prophesy serves as an evangelistic tool and an apologetic tool. To me, this is another level of assurance; what I believe is true because it has long been foretold.

The Jews had a need for a messiah to save them from their sins, but they believed they needed it to save them from persecution (really a very minor difference since the persecution was a direct result of their sin). Jesus was on earth to pay the penalty once and for all for those sins of the past and for the sins to come, of the present and future. Jesus said, “no one comes to the Father, but through me” (John 14.6). It is through Christ alone that we are saved, because he was the only pure lamb. Any other sacrifice would have been inadequate to pay the penalty and all men would perish. Jesus could have, being God, avoided the death and persecution that he received on earth, but he proceeded with it because of his great love for mankind. I am saved from the penalty of my sin by the blood of Jesus Christ.

Jesus is God. He is the Christ, the one sent to pay the penalty for the sins of man and he is the only way to salvation. God knew before creation that he would sacrifice of himself in this way in order to save a rebellious creation, and he did, with the full power to avoid it and the full authority to supercede it. It is all out of His love for mankind.

Epistemological Justification for God

Sep 30th, 2008

by Anthony Delgado.

Epistemological Justification for God
Epistemology is the study of knowledge in relation to justifiable belief. It is a branch of Philosophy dealing primarily with the study of the nature of knowledge. Epistemological knowledge is justified belief rather than practical knowledge, such as knowing how to walk. In order for something to classify as epistemological knowledge, it must be true, otherwise it is not justified and therefore not epistemological knowledge. The existence of God justified through science or even through lack of scientific evidence has become trite. Rather than antagonizing old wounds, we will say that God is justified only through His Word which is the Bible and His Word is justified through man. So in order to argue the epistemological significance of God, we must prove his existence on an individual basis through the Word of God, rather than on the broader level—understanding for all.

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.
John 3:16

John 3:16 calls man to believe in Him. The Ancient Greek word for believe is ‘pist-yoo’o’ (English representation of the Greek). This word does not simply mean “to believe”, but rather “to know to be true,” and there is a product of this knowledge for purposes of justification. This is a place where most misunderstand Christianity. If anyone comes to ‘believe’ in God for some sort of psychological comfort or other benefit, then they are not necessarily even Christians. What the individual needs to look for in order to call themselves a Christian is a product of their knowledge, a practical result of their belief, which proves the existence of God to them. For some this is a supernatural understanding of the nature of God or one or more of a number of spiritual gifts addressed by scriptures, and for others it is far different thing, but none the less practical to the individual. For some it means that they believe so intently that they serve God out of a product of their faith and that is sufficient as their justification. The word faith in Greek is ‘pistis’ (English representation of the Greek), which is the non-conjugated version of the word for “believe” from John 3:16. So by faith is man’s epistemological justification for God, which has no opposing argument on the basis of the individual.

They forgot God their Savior,Who had done great things in Egypt
Psalms 106:21 NAS

Relative proof of individual justification can be found in the Old Testament. For example, the Israelites were brought out of Egypt by miracles performed by God through Moses (Plagues, parting of the Red Sea, etc.). Generations later the Israelites, who no doubt know the story of the Exodus from Egypt, relinquish their faith, seeking idolatry (Psalm 106:21). They did not believe in God and certainly were not demonstrating faith because they no longer had the viable proof, the justification for their faith. They went on seeking God, but in the wrong places. Because there is no proof, even on an individual basis, one who does not demonstrate faith and does not have proof of God, does not consider Christianity to be epistemological knowledge.

Based on these two examples from the Word of God, man must have proof to have faith and to be a Christian. In addition, those who do not have proof cannot even conceptualize a reality in Christianity. This is the reason that there is so much debate over the existence of God and over the Bible. The hope for the non-Christian is to seek proof if you wish to understand God. If the heart is not truly seeking, then from a philosophical perspective, you cannot find God. As Christians, all we can do to help is to be a witness and provide a testimony of God so that others who are seeking will be able to find. In contrast, the closed heart is not going to be open to understanding.

Recline to Eat

Sep 4th, 2008

by Anthony Delgado.

When we see paintings or think about The Last Supper, we often see Jesus surrounded by His disciples at a large table, sitting in regular upright chairs. What is so interesting is that The Last Supper probably didn’t include upright chairs. It is more probable that Jesus and his disciples “reclined” to eat. What does that mean? To recline to eat is to lay down, usually on the stomach or left side to dine. Special couches were placed around a table in a horseshoe, leaving one side open for servants to bring and clear away food. In some cases, a piece of leather was merely rolled out on the floor as the table and people would lie down around it. The host reclined at the head of the table, and guests were arranged according to their esteem. The closer one was placed to the host, the more greatness and honor given.

The tradition of reclining to eat started as early as 650 B.C. with the more affluent, such as kings and other reigning officials. Reclining to eat on couches was considered privilege and a status symbol. Over the course of time, however, the tradition spread to all people. Dining with people was considered very intimate and marked a fellowship or relation with one another. Therefore, it is no wonder that special circumstances and traditions would be carried out during dining.

There is considerable mention of reclining to eat in the Bible, likely due to being customary at the time. Jesus says that “many will come from east and west, and recline at the table with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven but the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into the outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Matthew 8:11 NAS). Remember that eating with someone is fellowship and relation with. Therefore, this is another example of how God desires a relationship with us.

Knowledge of this custom gives great insight and better understanding to the meaning of many scriptures. For example, consider the parable Christ speaks when dining with the Pharisees:

And He began speaking a parable to the invited guests when He noticed how they had been picking out the places of honor at the table, saying to them, ‘When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for someone more distinguished than you may have been invited by him, and he who invited you both will come and say to you, ‘Give your place to this man,’ and then in disgrace you proceed to occupy the last place. But when you are invited, go and recline at the last place, so that when the one who has invited you comes, he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher’; then you will have honor in the sight of all who are at the table with you. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. And He also went on to say to the one who had invited Him, ‘When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, otherwise they may also invite you in return and that will be your repayment. But when you give a reception, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, since they do not have the means to repay you; for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.’ When one of those who were reclining at the table with Him heard this, he said to Him, ‘Blessed is everyone who will eat bread in the kingdom of God!’”
Luke 14:7-15 NAS

Other verses where the custom of reclining (often just translated as “dining”) is used:
Amos 6:4
Matthew 8:11
Matthew 26:7
Luke 7:36
Luke 11:37
Luke 12:37
Luke 13:29
Luke 22:14
Luke 22:27
Luke 24:30
John 13:12

Understanding this custom gives clarity to the first half of the parable. When considering others, we should not hold ourselves above them, thinking we are better, for we are often wrong and become humiliated in front of everyone. This reflects the famous idiom “Pride comes before the fall.” Instead, it is much better that we think less of ourselves and let others speak for us, and honor us only if we’re worthy. Those around us are often better judges of our character, for they see our actions.

Not only this, but when we go to heaven- the wedding feast, we should not think ourselves the best of the disciples, taking the seat of honor. For Christ knows our hearts and will judge us and reward accordingly-either moving us to a lesser seat or a more esteemed seat. Those who humbles themselves, and make themselves least, will be regarded by Christ as the most.

God is Light from Creation to the End

Aug 26th, 2008

by Anthony Delgado.

God is Light
The light of God is mentioned in many places throughout the Bible. “God is light; in him there is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5 NIV). The following text examines a handful of the many occurrences of God’s light within scripture.

On day one of creation, God said, “‘Let there be light,’ and there was light” (Genesis 1:3 NIV). Certainly we know that this is a literal light as it also says that, “God called the light day, and the darkness he called night” (Genesis 1:5 NIV). However, God did not create the sun, the moon or the stars until the fourth day. So where did the light come from? This seems simple to some, but is not easy for all to grasp.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it. ”
(John 1:1-5 NIV)

This passage from John is talking about Jesus Christ. All things were made through Christ. He, exclusively, was the light that shined for the first three days of earth’s existence. Not only that! His light is also the light of men, which is life. The first verses of the Bible tell us that life is through Christ. It was this way for Adam and Eve, and for the Israelites and for mankind today. If we want life, we obtain that one way and that is through Jesus Christ.

Genesis 1:4 says that, “God saw that the light was good, and He separated the light from the darkness” (NIV). Remember that the light is Jesus and it is good according to God the father. In contrast the darkness is everything else, everything which is not good. God made a specific point to separate the light from the darkness, the good from the evil. It was on this first day of creation that it was established that Christ was good and everything which is not of Christ is sin.

Now it’s time to apply this.

…if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.”
(1 John 7, 8 NIV)

We are called to walk in the light, which is Jesus, according to creation. Isaiah said, “let us walk in the light of the LORD” (Isaiah 2:5). To walk is to live your life according to something. If we claim to be without sin, then we are living a lie and we walk in darkness; Christ is not in us. Hold to the teachings of Christ and you walk in the light. This is the path to life.

On a side note, does this mean that if we sin, we do not walk in the light? Certainly not. We are affected by the darkness even from the perspective of light. That is why we receive purification from the blood sacrifice of Jesus. Walking in darkness requires a deliberate act of defiance against the nature of Christ or the nature of God according for those who have experienced Christ only through general revelation.

“Many are asking, ‘Who can show us any good?’ Let the light of your face shine upon us, O LORD” (Psalms 4:6 NIV). In this Psalm David pleas with God to shine his light, or his goodness down on the Israelites. This is the same light that comes from Christ. In context, he is asking for virtue to be cast onto them so that they will remember God and come to repentance of their sins.

“He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him.”
(Daniel 2:22 NIV)

This is another reminder from Daniel. Do not claim to be holy. There is corruption in all of man. The man who claims to be humble is the least humble. God will judge the heart and reveal the darkness within. True light comes from heartfelt commitment to Jesus Christ and none other. The light must dwell in you. If it does not, then darkness does.

What to do with the light?

“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
(Matthew 5:14-16 NIV)

If we have the light within us, then all are to see it. Christ is saying, “Hey, if you have my light in you, then go shine my goodness out on others.” The goodness of Christ should pour from us like the beacon in the lighthouse so that others can see Christ in us. This is not merely evangelism, although it is that too. This is treating others as Christ would and as he has treated you, with grace, compassion and mercy. Why? So that they will praise God and so they will know Christ because of your demonstration of Christ in you.

“There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light.”
(Revelation 22:5 NIV)

In the end, when we go to be in heaven with the Father, there will be no need for the sun and the stars. We will live eternally, our lives lit by the glory of the Lord. Remember though that the light was separated from the darkness. Those who did not accept Christ will live eternally in darkness and eternal torment. They will be thrown “into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 13:50 NIV).

“No one lights a lamp and hides it in a jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, he puts it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light. ”
(Luke 8:16 NIV)

The Challenge.
If you have the light in you, do not hold it in. Be a beacon of Christ’s light to the world so that they can experience the same eternity as you.

Understanding of Salvation

Aug 12th, 2008

by Anthony Delgado.

Understanding of Salvation
(Word by word study of John 3:16.)

For
It is critical to understand the word ‘for’. It means ‘because of this’. So you have to understand the context. Christ is talking with Nicodemus, a Pharisee, about salvation. Christ says, “everyone who believes in him [Christ, the Son of Man (John 3:14, NIV)] may have eternal life” (John 3:15, NIV).

For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

(John 3:16, NIV)

Because everyone who believes in Christ, will live for all eternity,…

God so loved
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God (John 1:1). God, who existed before all things and who’s word existed before all things loved. How big is God’s love? But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God’s unfailing love forever and ever (Psalm 52:8, NIV). Unfailing: Always able to supply more; inexhaustible (The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition). His love is unfailing, unable to be exhausted for those who flourish in his house. Make note that loved is past tense, for further use.

…the creator of all things, who existed before all things, inexhaustibly loved…

the world
The world is the world. It is everyone, everyone who walks on the face of this earth, everyone who has walked on the face of this earth and everyone who will walk on the face of this earth. His love is so great that he can love all with an unfailing love if they choose to be a part of his house.

…all mankind whom are His creation and children…

that He gave
He, God, gave to the world. Whatever the gift it is important that He gave. What would you give to the world? The better question is “What would you give to your children?” We are all truly children of God. Like we give all we can for our children’s lifelong provision, God gave all He could for his children’s lifelong provision.

…that He provided the means for their eternal security,…

His one and only Son,
Jesus Christ is God’s only son, who is 100% man and 100% God and therefore free from sin. He was given on the cross to provide the perfect blood sacrifice which is required by God for atonement, or acceptable payment, of sin.

…the only acceptable payment to atone for sin through the blood of Jesus,…

that whoever believes in him
Whoever means anyone in the world. Anyone who has lived, is living or will live. If any of these people believe in Jesus Christ, then they will receive the gift. The word believe is important. Believe (in context): to think to be true, to be persuaded of, to credit, place confidence in, of the thing believed, to credit, have confidence. So you not only have to think it is true that Christ died, but you also have to have confidence in him. It’s like the verb for faith which does not exist in the English language.

…so that if anyone who has ever lived or will live believes in Jesus Christ and places their confidence in him…

shall not perish
To perish is to suffer eternal separation from the love of God. It is eternal torment. All mankind has an understanding of God either through direct contact with the gospel or through general revelation. If they did not pursue this calling to submit to Christ, then they go to hell “where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 8:12, NIV).

…will not suffer eternal torment due to separation from God’s love…

but have eternal life.
Eternal life is “the prize for which God has called me [us] heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14). “Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:39). The gift is eternal, forever, timeless.

…but will instead spend eternity enjoying His love.

Because everyone who believes in Christ, will live for all eternity, the creator of all things, who existed before all things, inexhaustibly loved all mankind whom are His creation and children that He provided the means for their eternal security, the only acceptable payment to atone for sin through the blood of Jesus, so that if anyone who has ever lived or will live believes in Jesus Christ and places their confidence in him will not suffer eternal torment due to separation from God’s love but will instead spend eternity enjoying His love.

Parable of the Sower

Aug 11th, 2008

by Anthony Delgado.

In analyzing the “Parable of the Sower”, there are a couple ground rules to set down. First, the seed is the word of God. Specifically, it is the Gospel, the message of salvation. Christ says in the parable that those who are the path “may not believe and be saved.” The second thing to understand is that ALL people are represented in this parable. This will be proven through the analysis of each type of ground, which are the different types of people. So, this parable should not only provide practical application for those people represented by each type of soil, but should also provide insight into the bigger picture which is the plan for salvation.

Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. He who has ears, let him hear.” (Matt 13:3-9, NIV)

“Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed sown along the path. The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away. The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful. But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” (Matt 13:18-23, NIV)

Again Jesus began to teach by the lake. The crowd that gathered around him was so large that he got into a boat and sat in it out on the lake, while all the people were along the shore at the water’s edge. He taught them many things by parables, and in his teaching said: “Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants, so that they did not bear grain. Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop, multiplying thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times.” Then Jesus said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” (Mark 4:1-9)

Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t you understand this parable? How then will you understand any parable? The farmer sows the word. Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them. Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful. Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop—thirty, sixty or even a hundred times what was sown.” (Mark 4:13-20, NIV)

While a large crowd was gathering and people were coming to Jesus from town after town, he told this parable: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds of the air ate it up. Some fell on rock, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown.” When he said this, he called out, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” (Luke 8:4-8)

“This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God. Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. Those on the rock are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away. The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.(Luke 8:11-15, NIV)

The path is the majority of mankind. It is those who will hear the salvation message, but not be saved. The important thing to understand is that all men will have some understanding of Christ’s message of salvation. For those who have not been ‘told’ about Christ: “(Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law, since they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them.) This will take place on the day when God will judge men’s secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares” (Romans 2:14-16, NIV). This is talking about a general sense of morality also called general revelation. Those that were not given the law, those who have not been told about Christ, demonstrate the law because it is written onto their hearts. Their consciences bear witness to God’s law so much that their thoughts will be used on the Day of Judgment to determine their conscience decision to follow the law even though they had never been told about Christ. All mankind will know of the law in their hearts, but Satan will snatch it away from those who remain on the path.

The rocky soil is those who are quick to accept the gift of salvation when they hear the message, however fall away because they did not root their faith in deep soil. They understand and accept the message,;however, they have little understanding of the plan and do not know how to apply the message. Because they do not have the ability to apply the word of God in their lives, they cannot survive when they are tested. There is hope for these; however, it is the churches responsibility to train these, to disciple them so as to move them to the good soil. “It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age, if they fall away, to be brought back to repentance, because to their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace” (Hebrews 6:4-6). This is the fate for those who are not properly trained in righteousness. If they fall away they cannot return. There is hope for their eternity because Christ said that “no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand” (John 10:29). Still, they will be useless for their time on earth and will not produce fruit for God, a worldly fate much more painful than physical death.

The thorny ground is similar to the rocky ground in that the fruitfulness is short lived. The worries of the world, the peer pressure, the temptation of sin, our sinful nature, hold us back so we do not (not cannot) wholly give ourselves over to God. All mankind struggles with being thorny ground, but there is hope in the word of God, or there would never be fruit in the kingdom. “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it” (1 Corinthians 10:13). Anything, any sin you struggle with is common to man. There are others who have the same struggle, probably many. God is faithful to his promises to you. When you are tempted, you can escape it through the power of God which you have authority to use. All sin is a choice so it can be averted. All aversion to sin is a step towards righteousness, the good soil.

If you are of noble character and strive to produce fruit in your life, you are in the good soil. “‘When you enter the land and plant any kind of fruit tree, regard its fruit as forbidden. For three years you are to consider it forbidden ; it must not be eaten. In the fourth year all its fruit will be holy, an offering of praise to the LORD. But in the fifth year you may eat its fruit. In this way your harvest will be increased. I am the LORD your God” (Leviticus 19:23-25). This is an Old Testament reference to the fruit which is provided through obedience to God. Plant fruit in your life, accept Christ and be diligent to study and understand his teachings and the word of God. Be obedient to God’s calling: anything else is forbidden. If you are persistent to do what is right, in God’s time, you will produce fruit, a hundred, sixty or thirty times your efforts.

If you are the path, you need Christ. The choice is yours. Do not let Satan take you away. Become good soil.

If you are the rocky soil, seek out understanding. Pursue a solid understanding of your faith so that you will not fall away. Become good soil.

If you are the thorny soil, repent of your sin. There is power in the word of God to pull you through. Remember all that your struggle with is common to man and none of it is stronger than God. Become good soil.

If you are the good soil, love and encourage the thorny soil, lest they succumb to the troubles of the world. Disciple the rocky soil lest they wither and become bitterness against God. Proclaim Christ to the path, lest they die without and live eternally separated from the love of God. Make disciples and make good soil.

Eternal Life and Death

Jul 16th, 2008

by Anthony Delgado.

Some people question the concept of eternity especially when it comes to the existence of Hell or an eternal existence of Hell. If it is not enough to say that conservative biblical scholars agree that it is, take a look yourself. Here are a few verses to wrap your mind around.

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Sin Paid in Full

Jul 10th, 2008

by Anthony Delgado.

Continuing in my theme of answering questions which I come across on the internet, this is a great question.

“

What do the Protestants mean when they say Jesus already fully pay for their sins on the Cross?

Does this mean they have the license to deliberated sin (such as abortion) and then “repent” since they know God is most merciful and compassionate and understanding, and will forgive them as long as they quit their wrong doings?

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