Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot (1 Peter 1:18-19)
Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. (Philippians 2:5-8 NASB, 1995 version)
Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. (Matthew 4:1-2)
And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. (John 17:3)
Now there was a rich man and he was clothed in purple and fine linen, making good cheer in splendor every day. And there was a poor man, by name Lazarus, who was laid at his gateway full of sores (Luke 16:19-20)
Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things? Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. (John 2:18-19)
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, (Matthew 28:19 ESV)
And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. (Luke 22:19)
So, if this is true, how could King David and most importantly, Jesus Christ himself sit upon their thrones? For they both are descendance of Ruth who was a Moabite.
"and Jacob fathered Joseph the father of Mary, from whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ." (Matthew 1:16)
Every man serves the good wine first, and when the guests are drunk, then he serves the poorer wine; but you have kept the good wine until now." (John 2:10)
To the Reader: This article is about the price that God paid for us through his son Jesus Christ. And because it only touches a certain aspect of the life Jesus, one must read and study the bible to fully understand the price that was paid for our sins. And a good place to start would be in the book of John (especially the first opening chapter). Another few places would be Paul the apostle’s letter to the Colossians (especially chapter 1:13-20) as well as the first three chapters of Hebrews. And of course, there are plenty more passages to read to get the big picture of the life and mission of Jesus Christ.
Therefore, I encourage you my fellow Christian to study the word of God for yourself and: “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a worker who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15 NASB20) Amen.
“Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 Peter 1:18-19)
God loves us and desires that none should perish, for he said: “Say to them: As I live, says the Lord Jehovah, I have no delight in the death of the wicked, except in the turning of the wicked from his way, and so to live. Turn, turn from your evil ways; for why will you die, O house of Israel?” (Ezekiel 33:11 MKJV) We see the same thing in the New Testament where we read: “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9 WEB)
Now, from what we read above, couldn’t we all agree that God wants us to repent and thus be saved? However, we know that the old covenant couldn’t make this happen. “For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. Therefore when He comes into the world, He says, ‘Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but You have prepared a body for Me. In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin You have had no pleasure. Then I said, Lo, I come (in the volume of the Book it is written of Me) to do Your will, O God’.” (Hebrews 10:4-7 MKJV, Psalm 40:7-8)
So, who is that one “who knew no sin” and was recorded “in the volume of the book”? Wasn’t it Jesus Christ who took upon himself the sins of the world? “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” (John 3:16-17)
“For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” (Matthew 12:40 ESV)
From what we can gather from that passage above, Jesus in a sense was saying: “For as Jonah was. …so shall the Son of man be.” Now, to see what it was like for Jesus in the heart of the earth, we need to see how it was for Jonah himself. “Then Jonah prayed unto Jehovah his God out of the fish's belly. And he said, I called by reason of mine affliction unto Jehovah, And he answered me; out of the belly of hell cried I, and thou heardest my voice.” (Jonah 2:1-2 ASV, KJV)
So, we can see that Jonah was experiencing “affliction” and quoted it as being in “the belly of hell.” And let’s remember that Jesus called Jonah a prophet, for we read: “But he answered them, ‘An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah’.” (Matthew 12:39 ESV) Now, doesn’t this clearly show us that Jesus did suffer affliction in the heart of the earth? Why else would he compare it in such a way?
Now, in the book of Hebrew, we read that Jesus was pleading that his soul would not be left in hell. “Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.” (Hebrews 5:7-10)
So, we read that Jesus was pleading to God to “save him from death.” Also, it says that he “was heard in that he feared.” Now, we know that this wasn’t concerning his physical death because he was crucified and put to death. Therefore, wouldn’t Jesus be asking the Father that his soul would not be left in hell? For Peter said: “Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death; whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it.” (Acts 2:23-24 NKJV) So again, Jesus was “loosed” (saved) from “the pains of death.” Now, what pains are there in death other than the fires of hell itself? Therefore, Jesus was released from the torments of hell after his three days and night there.
Now, from the account of the rich man and Lazarus, we can see that hell is a place of torment. For we read concerning the rich man: “And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.” (Luke 16:23-24) Therefore, brothers and sisters in Christ, let’s consider how much Jesus suffered for us. For he took upon himself the agony and torments that was do all of us, for “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and Jehovah hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:6 ASV)
Below are some video on Jesus suffering in hell:
Below is a passage concerning what was already mentioned above:
“Verily I say unto thee, today shalt thou be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43)
This passage above poses a few problems. For it appears as if Jesus was promising the repentant thief that they would be together in paradise that literal day. But we know that Jesus said he had to spend three days and nights in the heart of the earth. So, how do we make sense of all this? Well, let’s first keep in mind that there were no commas in the original Greek manuscripts. Therefore, translators both of the past and the present placed these commas where it seemed best. So, concerning that passage above, the translators of the King James Bible chose to put the comma before the word “today.” Now, I do believe that these translators were gifted in what they did. And I believe the KJV bible (as far as word for word translation goes), is one of the best translations out there. However, being human like the rest of us, these translators were not immune to certain view and biases of their day. Therefore, it wouldn’t be uncommon for some of these views to show up in their work as well.
Now, I have to admit that there are many translations that follow the comma placement of the KJV bible. However, there are those few that have the comma after the word “today.” Thus, this same passage would read: “Truly I say to you today, you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43 REV) This makes more sense, because we have Jesus not promising the thief that they would be together that literal day, but at some time in the future. E. W. Bullinger, a commentator of the Companion Bible wrote: “say to you, today = ‘I say to thee today.’ Today; connect this with ‘I say’ to emphasize the solemnity of the occasion; not with “shalt thou be.” So, Mr. Bullinger admits that it should read: “Truly I say to you today.” So, in a sense, Jesus was telling the thief to take heed to what I’m about to say to you. And that would be the assurance that they will be together in the future.
So, even though a misplaced comma would normally be a minor thing, it can become a major one when it comes to such passages as above. So, it’s important that you have more than one translation within your library. This would especially be true when those red flags pop up in your head telling you that something doesn’t make sense. Therefore, it’s important that we rely on the Holy Spirit to help us navigate throughout the scriptures. So, let’s always seek God’s help, even when it comes to something as simple as a comma placement.
Below are more translations that chose to place the comma after the word today:
Below are different passages found in the King James bible which uses the word “today” to help emphasize what’s being said:
So, wouldn’t these two other passages found in the KJV bible be a witness against the translator’s own comma error in Luke 23:43? You be the judge.
“When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up his spirit.” (John 19:30 ASV)
According to that passage above, what was finished? Was our forgiveness and redemption totally completed at that moment? For we must remember that Jesus said “It is finished” before he died and rose from the dead. So, to get a better understanding of what Jesus meant, we need to consider a few other bible verses as well. The first is: “Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.” (Romans 4:25) The next is: “Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished.” (1 Corinthians 15:12-18 ESV) So, according to apostle Paul, the death and resurrection of Jesus is crucial for our redemption.
Now, let’s examine another passage which may help us to understand what Jesus meant when he said, “It is finished.” For in John 17:3-4 we have Jesus praying to God the Father saying: “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.” So, we see that Jesus said, “: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.” Therefore, Jesus came not only to reveal that he was our promised Messiah, the only way to the Father, but also to let us know who “the only true God” is, which we know is God the Father himself. So, the completion of our redemption was not completed until after our Lord’s death and resurrection as Paul the apostle said above.
“Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!’ And having said this he breathed his last.” (Luke 23:46 ESV)
Jesus knew that he must spend three days and nights in the heart of the earth. Therefore, Jesus was simply trusting his soul in the hands of God his Father. For we read: “I have set Jehovah always before Me; because He is at My right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore My heart is glad, and My glory rejoices; My flesh also shall rest in hope; For You will not leave My soul in hell; You will not allow Your Holy One to see corruption.” (Psalms 16:8-10 MKJV) So, Jesus was trusting that God the Father would not leave his soul in hell nor allow his body to decay in the grave. Therefore, he committed himself into the hands of God his Father. And according to scripture, God raise Jesus up and deliver him from the pains of death. Thank God for that.
And it’s the same for us today. For we who are in Christ have put our trust in God that he will bring us into paradise. “For this is what we tell you by Jehovah’s word, that we the living who survive to the presence of the Lord will in no way precede those who have fallen asleep in death; because the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a commanding call, with an archangel’s voice and with God’s trumpet, and those who are dead in union with Christ will rise first. Afterward we the living who are surviving will, together with them, be caught away in clouds to meet the Lord in the air; and thus we will always be with the Lord. So keep comforting one another with these words.” (1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 NWT)
Yes, Jesus Christ shall return for us Christians who have put our faith and hope in him. This would be true whether we’re dead or alive. For if dead, we shall be in the company of the dead in Christ who shall be returning with him. And if we are alive, we shall be caught up with them in heaven. Either way it’s a win-win situation for us who have put our hope and faith in God’s mercy.
“And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. (Matthew 26:39)
My fellow Christians, let’s not come to the false notion that Jesus (after his death) descended into an earthly paradise called “Abrahams Bosom.” (Luke 16:22) For there are those who believe that Jesus was hanging out with the departed saints, some who would been there for a few hundred years. And if that was true, why was Jesus so glad that get out of there? (see Psalm 16:10 and Acts 2:27) For it says above that Jesus was praying earnestly, asking the God his Father “if it be possible, let this cup pass from me.” So, would this agonizing prayer be only for the cross? Because we got to remember that there were many others that suffered that same fate. So instead, wouldn’t this agonizing prayer be mainly for his three days and nights of torment in hell? I do believe so my friends.
Now, where in the bible does it mention a place called Paradise? Well, the first is: “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.” (Revelation 2:7) So, where is the “paradise of God?” “Then he showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.” (Revelation 22:1-2 RSV)
Next, we have Paul the apostle’s own testimony saying, “I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.” (2 Corinthians 12:2-4) So, according to the apostle Paul, there is a paradise that’s in the third heaven. Therefore, these scriptures are a witness showing that paradise is not in some make-believe underworld inside the earth. For the only thing that’s inside the earth is hell fire itself.
“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2)
Okay, you may be asking: “where is Abraham and the rest of the departed Saints of God?” Well, let’s first notice that it says we’re surrounded by a “great cloud of witnesses” in that passage above. Also, it says in Hebrews 11:13 that those witnesses are they who have died in faith. So, according to God’s word, it sounds like they are quite alive and we’re surrounded by them as well, don’t you think? We can see this also to be true from the account of the rich man and Lazarus. For after the rich man died, he was aware of his surroundings, feeling the torments of hell. And while looking up, his eyes were opened to see the realm of the saints, where Lazarus was, being comforted in the arms of Abraham. Let’s also remember that Moses and Elisha appeared before Peter, James, and John when Jesus was transfigured before them. Also, Jesus himself said to the Sadducees: “But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.” (Matthew 22:31-32)
So, even though a person’s body may be buried in the ground, their soul would still be alive. This is true whether one is up in the realm of the saints or being tormented in the flames of hell below. (Matthew 17:1-4)
“There was a rich man, who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate lay a poor man named Laz'arus, full of sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table; moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died and was buried; and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes, and saw Abraham far off and Laz’arus in his bosom. And he called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy upon me, and send Laz’arus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in anguish in this flame’.” (Luke 16:19-24 RSV)
Now, you may be thinking, “didn’t the rich man in hell talk to Abraham afar off.” Well, even though this is true, that still doesn’t prove that there’s some chamber called “Abraham's Bosom” inside the earth. So, let’s first consider what that passage says above. First, we must realize that the rich man has never seen Abraham before. So, how could he have recognized and even communicated with him in the distance among a huge mass of God’s saints? That would be like you sitting in a packed stadium recognizing and communicating with a well-known radio host on the other side of the field whom you never seen before.
So, on the contrary, wouldn’t this be a vision of some sort just as it was with Stephen who was looking up and seeing Jesus standing on the right hand of God? (Acts 7:55-56) So, that great gulf could have been simply the distance between hell inside the earth and the Saintly realm of the dead somewhere above it. Again, I encourage you to do some studying on your own my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. For we must beware of the doctrines and teaching of man that doesn’t line up with scripture itself. So, from all which we just read, shouldn’t we be able to conclude that those who are dead are quite alive?
“For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.” (Leviticus 17:11)
According to that passage above, we can clearly see that it’s the blood that makes an atonement for our souls. Also in the New Testament, John the apostle said: “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7) So, we see that the blood of Christ is a vital part of our atonement for sin. For without it, there would be no forgiveness possible. Therefore, we shouldn’t come to the wrong conclusion that our atonement for sin has nothing to do with the shed blood of Christ.
Now that being said, we must also realize that all sacrifices had to be done according to procedure. For not only was the blood of the lamb to be shed and applied for the remission of sins, but the lamb also had to go through the fire. One was not to be done without the other. And if by chance a step was missed or neglected, would God even regard it? For God said: “And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it. And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat it.” (Exodus 12:7-8)
“And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.” (Luke 22:19-20)
Now, during communion, don’t we receive both the bread and wine which represents the body and blood of Christ? For our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was offered up as a sacrificial lamb. And we know that the sacrificial lamb was both slain and brought through the fire as well. So, in a sense, wouldn’t Jesus Christ truly became our Passover Lamb who was sacrificed on our behalf? For his blood was shed on the cross and he had to descend in to hell itself. Therefore, we should always thank God for his great mercy towards us sinners who are saved. Therefore, even though the blood of the lamb was the atonement for their sins, they still had to partake of its flesh which went through the flames of fire. So, in a similar way, the blood of Christ does atone for our sins. However, he still had to endure three days and nights in hell on our behalf in order for the atonement to be fully completed.
Below are a few scriptures pertaining to the blood of Christ:
“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and Jehovah hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:6 ASV)
As mentioned earlier, Luke chapter 16 shows us that hell is a temporary abode for all who have died in their sins. So, even though Christ’s blood was a vital part of our atonement for sins, he still had to suffer the wrath of God that was do for all sinners. And let’s remember that God is not a respecter of persons. (Acts 10:34) So, because our Savior Jesus died a sinner’s death, he had to also suffer a sinner’s death: “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” (2 Corinthians 5:21) Yes, he had to endure three days and night in hell itself.
Now, it’s true that we’re not all at the same level of faith. For there are some who have a limited knowledge and there are some who have a much deeper knowledge as well. However, both are saved by God’s grace poured out upon us. And let’s remember what Paul the apostle said to the Corinthian believers: “As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions.” (Romans 14:1 ESV) So, if one only has the knowledge that Jesus died on the cross, was buried and then rose the third day for our redemption, this person still would be saved. For he, believing in the saving blood of Jesus Christ, would have eternal life even though he has a limited knowledge of the gospel. Therefore, it’s a daily learning process for us who are in Christ Jesus. For he said: “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” (John 14:26 ESV)
So, knowing that the Holy Spirit lives in us and teaches us all things, lets dig deeper into God’s word to know all his truths. (2 Timothy 2:15) For it should be our desire to truly recognize and see everything that God did for us who are saved. Therefore, we must not only rely on others to teach us, but to rely on God’s Holy Spirit as well. For Jesus said: “take my yoke upon you and learn of me.” (Matthew 11:29) He also said: “It is written in the prophets, And they shall all be taught of God. Every one that hath heard from the Father, and hath learned, cometh unto me.” (John 6:45 ASV) And let’s also remember what John the apostle said: “But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.” (1 John 2:27)
Therefore, we must all: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)
May God bless you as you seek to do his will. Amen.
(Note: Bible text other than the King James Bible have been noted below)
Jesus knew that he must take our sins upon himself. "And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt." (Mark 14:36) Jesus knew that he must suffer not only upon the cross, but spend three days and nights in hell as well.
To the Reader: This article concerns Jesus Christ the Son of God, who came in the likeness of sinful flesh (Romans 8:3-4). And we know that he did this not only to show us who God the Father is, but to reveal that he is the promised Messiah sent from God. Now, there may be some who oppose a few things in this article. However, by diligently studying the word of God, we can put away any watered-down teachings that’s being taught in some churches today. Yes, these some brothers may mean well in what they’re teaching. But just following what others have said instead of the leading of the Holy Spirit can lead to some error. Therefore, open the bible and read it for yourselves and: “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a worker who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15 NASB20) Amen.
“Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:5-8 NASB95)
Before coming to this earth as a man, Jesus existed in the form of God (See Thayer’s Lexicon notes below) and took part in the act of creation a well. We see this to be true where we read: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made.” (John 1:3 ESV) We see this also to be true in the first chapter of the book of Genesis. For we first read: “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1) Next, we read: “And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.” (Genesis 1:26) Yes, God said: “Let us” showing that there was more than one agent in the act of creation.
Below is Thayer’s Greek Lexicon definitions on the two Greek words: μορφῇ (the form) and ἐκένωσεν (emptied):
“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)
Now, the “Word” who became flesh and blood is none other than Jesus Christ himself. And while being the “Word,” he voluntarily emptied himself of who he was in heaven and became a human being just like us with all of life’s limitations. This we also know was God’s will and plan for him. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” (John 3:16-17)
So, it was necessary for Jesus Christ to come in the flesh. For he came to show us not only who God is, but to reveal that he (Jesus) is our promised Messiah and Redeemer. For we first read: “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” (John 17:3) We this also to be true in one of John the apostle’s letters to the church where we read: “We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.” (1 John 5:20 NIV) So, John said that Jesus came to reveal “him who is true" and “the only true God” which are both in reference to the God the Father. And the only way we can come to him is through his Son, Jesus Christ. For: “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6) Yes, Jesus is our promised Messiah. Amen.
For: “In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek.” (Hebrews 5:7-10 ESV) So, we see that Jesus himself was praying and crying out to God the Father to save him from the grips of hell itself. For this wasn’t concerning his physical death, because he did die. Therefore, Jesus was crying out that his soul would not be left in the torments of hell. (See Acts 2:23-32)
“Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.” (John 20:17)
In that passage above, Jesus was equating himself with us by saying that God the Father was both his God and ours. We see this also to be true concerning those who followed him, for we read: “Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee. But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.” (Matthew 12:47-50)
We can see the same thing happening in Hebrews: “For both he that sanctifieth and they that are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, In the midst of the congregation will I sing thy praise.” (Hebrews 2:11-12). Also, let’s take heed to what Paul the apostle said: “yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.” (1 Corinthians 8:6 ESV) And let’s remember what John the apostle said above: “We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.” (1 John 5:20 NIV) And finally, Jesus Christ himself said: “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” (John 17:3)
Therefore, we shouldn’t believe any false teachings that say Jesus was of the same nature as God the Father. I say this because not only did both Paul and John the apostles clearly declared that God the Father was “the only true God,” but Jesus Christ himself claimed this as well. Yes, this is true brothers and sisters in Christ. For as we have already read earlier, Jesus let go of who he was in heaven in order to became flesh and blood like us. He did this in order take upon himself the sins of the world. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” (John 3:16-17)
“Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man” (James 1:13)
So, according to that passage above, God himself cannot be tempted with sin. However, we know that Jesus was tempted, for we read: “Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.” (Matthew 4:1) And again we see this to be true where we read: “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.” (Hebrews 4:15 ESV) This is also true in Hebrew 2:18 where we read: “For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” (Hebrews 2:18 ESV)
So, Jesus himself was tempted according to these passages. Therefore, when Jesus came in the flesh, he couldn't be equal nor of the same nature as God the Father. Also, that passage above shows us that Jesus had the capacity to commit sin while being flesh and blood. I say this because it wouldn’t make sense for him to be tested if he didn’t have the capability to give into those temptations. However, we know he resisted temptation at every point. And let’s be thankful for that my brothers and sister in Christ. I say this because our salvation was at stake in all this.
What others have to say:
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God.” (John 1:1-2)
Now that all being said, we shouldn’t view Jesus as some ordinary prophet. For before coming to this earth, he was the “Word” who was with God and was God as well. And we know that all things were made through him and for him. For we read concerning Jesus: “For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities - all things were created through him and for him.” (Colossians 1:16 ESV) So, we must understand that this is God’s beloved Son whom he gave to be a sacrifice for our sins. For we read: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
“Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:9-11) Yes, brothers and sisters in Christ. Jesus is our Lord whom we bow to. “Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.” (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17)
Below are some other scriptures pertaining to all what was mentioned above. I encourage you to go through them all and take to heart what’s being said. For we as a church must break away from the watered down teachings that’s being preached in many churches today:
Note: Bible text other than the King James Vision are listed below.
“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)
To the Reader: This article clearly shows that Jesus, being fully human like us, relied totally on the Holy Spirit for everything he said and did. And because of this, he was able to show us who God the Father is. For we read that: “Philip said to him, ‘Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?” (John 14:8-9 ESV) But not only that, Jesus came to show us that he was the promised Messiah sent from God. Therefore, it’s important for us to study God’s word to fully know who God the Father is and Jesus Christ our Savior. And a good place to start would be in the book of John (especially the first 3 chapters).
So, let’s studying the word of God and: “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a worker who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15 NASB20) Amen.
“And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:16-17)
Jesus being fully human, was filled and led by the Holy Spirit. We can see this first happening after his baptism by John the Baptist as quoted above and to the left. “Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.” (Matthew 4:1) And let’s take note to what Peter said: “Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know.” (Acts 2:22) First, we see Peter saying that he was “a man approved of God,” and then by “miracles and wonders and signs,” and finally: “which God did by him.” Therefore, being flesh and blood just like us, Jesus was operating through the power of the Spirit. This would include his ability to do miracles, walk on water (which we know Peter did as recorded in Matthew 14:29), casting out demons, foreseeing events and all other supernatural works. These abilities were not only performed by the early disciples of Jesus, but they have been passed on to us his disciples today as well.
“Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man” (James 1:13)
Now, we must realize that God the Father CAN NOT be tempted to do evil. However, as we read above, Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil to do evil. Therefore, this is proof that Jesus couldn’t be of the same nature as God the Father while being in the flesh. However, even though Jesus came in the flesh and was vulnerable to this world’s temptations, he was strong enough to put them off by the Holy Spirit that dwelt within him. For Jesus being fully human like us, prayed often alone to God to receive strength and to be saved. I say this because scripture says that: “During his earthly life, he offered prayers and appeals with loud cries and tears to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. Although he was the Son, he learned obedience from what he suffered.” (Hebrews 5:7-8 CSB) And what was the outcome of him doing this, well: “After he was perfected, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him, and he was declared by God a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.” (Hebrews 5:9-10 CSB) And let’s praise God and thank him for that my brothers and sisters in Christ. For our salvation was at stake.
Below are more passages on this subject:
For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. (Romans 8:13)
So, according to that passage above, we must always be walking after the Holy Spirit. For this is the only way we can put off all the sins of this world as our forerunner Jesus did. For we know that this is God’s will and desire for all of us who are in Christ. But we must also understand that we were steeped in sin before coming to Christ. Therefore, we Christians are in a learning process where we may make a mistake now and then. For John first says: “My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. So, John says that it should be our goal not to sin. However, he goes on to say: “But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” (1 John 2:1 ESV) So, if we do sin, we need to repent and ask God for forgiveness and do our best not to repeat it.
Now that being said, we should never say that we are not able to stop sinning. For scripture clearly says otherwise. For John then goes on to say: “Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness. You know that he appeared in order to take away sins, and in him there is no sin. No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him.” (1 John 3:4-6 ESV) And let’s keep in mind what Jesus himself said: “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48) So, would Jesus as well as John the apostle mention all this if it was imposable for us to stop sinning? Therefore, we are required to do our best by purify ourselves. Therefore: “Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.” (1 John 3:2-3 ESV)
“If anyone sees his brother sinning a sin which does not lead to death, he will ask, and He will give him life for those who commit sin not leading to death. There is sin leading to death. I do not say that he should pray about that.” (1 John 5:16 NKJV)
This is a very sobering peace of Scripture. For John clearly says that there is a sin which leads to death. And let’s take not to what Jesus said: “And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.” (Matthew 12:32 ESV) Next, the writer of Hebrews says: “For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries.” (Hebrews 10:26-27 NKJV) So, what is this “willfully” sin that the writer of Hebrews is talking about? Well, let’s read on: “How much more severe punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace?” (Hebrews 10:29 NASB20)
So, not only is this about turning away from Jesus Christ whom they once embraced, but speaking insults against (blasphemes) against the Holy Spirit as well. Therefore, they are turning away from the truth (committing apostacy) in which there will be no forgiveness for them. So, brothers and sisters in Christ, let’s “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:23-25) Yes, please let’s do this my fellow Christians. Amen.
Below are some other passages in God’s word that we need to consider. For leaders in the church should make sure that all know the consequences for turning away from the truth after receiving it:
But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. (1 John 2:27)
So, where did John get his information concerning the Holy Spirit teaching you all things? Well, wasn’t it Jesus Christ himself? For we read: “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” (John 14:26 ESV) Yes, brothers and sister in Christ. You do not need to wait until Sunday for some pastor or teacher to tell you what the bible says. For you can read and lean it for yourself, because of the Holy Spirit within you. And yes, we do need leaders in the church to encourage us in the faith and keep things in order. But again, it’s the Holy Spirit in us who opens our understanding of God’s word whether it’s preached from the pulpit or we read it on our own.
Therefore: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15) Yes, fellow Christians. We need to crack open our bibles and read it for ourselves. For it is God himself who opens up our understanding as said before.
God bless you as you seek to do his well. Amen.
Note: Bible text other than the King James Bible have been listed below.
For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. (Romans 8:13)
To the Reader: This article touches on some view that were made by those of Jesus time as well as today Pastors and Teachers. And one of those views is concerning whether or not Jesus was equal to God the Father. So, to find and answer to all this, we must read what God word has to say. So, after reading this article I encourage you to do a further study for yourself. For we are not just to take what we hear as facts without looking deeper into scripture ourselves. Therefore, I encourage you my fellow Christian to study the word of God for yourself and: “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a worker who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15 NASB20) Amen.
“Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.” (John 5:18)
Now, did Jesus really break the sabbath and claimed to be equal to God the Father? I ask this because Jesus did say: “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:17-19)
So, Jesus came to fulfill the law, not to destroy or break it. Therefore, since obeying the Sabbath day was part of the Ten Commandments, Jesus wouldn’t have broken it. “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” (Hebrews 4:15)
Next, did Jesus really make himself equal with God by calling him Father? Well, Jesus did say for us to pray: “Our Father which are in heaven, Hallowed be thy name” according to Matthew 6:9. So, are we making ourselves equal with God by call him Father as well? Of course not. We can see the same thing happening where the Jews wanted to stone Jesus for saying: “I and my Father are one.” (John 10:30). For: “The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.” (John 10:33) But again, Jesus did say to God his Father: “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.” (John 17:20-21) So, being one with both God the Father and Jesus doesn’t make us equal with God.
Therefore, shouldn’t this oneness simply mean we are in unity which each other? So, let’s not come to the false notion that being one makes us possess the same nature. For as said above, that would make us equal with God as well.
Below are some comments related to the section above:
Now, let’s remember what Jesus said to his disciples: “Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.” (John 14:28 So, Jesus clearly admits that the Father is greater than he is. Also, in Hebrews 2:9 we read: “But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. ... Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.” (Hebrews 2:9, 14-15) So, it clearly says that Jesus “was made a little lower than the angels.”
And finally, let’s take heed to what Jesus himself said. For in John 17:3 he declared: “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” (John 17:3) So, even though he was at one point existing in the form God (the Logos), he emptied himself of who he was and became flesh and blood like us. Therefore, in his human state he was rightly declaring that God the Father is the only true God. We can see this also to be true where John the apostle said: “We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.” (1 John 5:20 NIV) Yes, John clearly said that Jesus came to revel “him who is true” which we know is God the Father himself. Also, in Paul’s writings and letters to the churches, he begins by saying: “Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ” (Galatians 1:3). So, the apostle Paul is making it clear that God is our Father and Jesus is our Lord and Savior.
So, that all being said, wouldn’t the claim: “makest thyself God” be based upon a misunderstanding of who Jesus was? Therefore, we should all agree that Jesus didn’t break the Sabbath nor was he of the same nature as God the Father while being in the flesh? For “he emptied himself” in order to show us the way to the Father and to take upon himself the sins of the world. For we read: “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although he existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. (Philippians 2:5-8 NASB, 1995 version) Yes, brothers and sister in Christ, this is a true act of love indeed.
Now that being said, we shouldn’t be viewing Jesus as some ordinary prophet that came and went. For Jesus himself said: “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed.” (John 17:1-5 ESV) So again, even though Jesus admitted that the only true God was the Father himself, he still is to be highly exalted above every name as God’s word says. “Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:9-11 ESV)
“Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.” (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 ESV) Amen.
Below are some other scriptures pertaining to all what was mentioned above. I encourage you to go through them all and take to heart what’s being said. For we as a church must break away from the watered-down teachings that’s being preached in many churches today:
God bless you as you seek to do His will. Amen
(Note: Bible text other than the King James Bible have been noted below)
“And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” (John 17:3)
To the Reader: This article clearly shows where Jesus was for those three days and nights after his crucifixion. And because it mainly concerns this event, one must read and study the bible to lean what lead up to this. Also, it’s important to know who Jesus is and what he did, as well as his relationship with God the Father. Therefore, I encourage you my fellow Christian to study the word of God for yourself and: “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a worker who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15 NASB20) Amen.
“For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the whale's belly: so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth." (Matthew 12:40 WEB)
Jesus in that passage above was letting his followers know that his time inside the earth wasn’t going to be pleasant. And in order for us to know what it was like for Jesus there, we need to see how it was for Jonah himself. “Then Jonah prayed unto Jehovah his God out of the fish's belly. And he said, I called by reason of mine affliction unto Jehovah, And he answered me; out of the belly of hell cried I, and thou heardst my voice.” (Jonah 2:1-2 ASV, WEB) So, we can see that Jonah was experiencing “affliction” and quoted it as being in “the belly of hell.” And let’s remember that Jesus called Jonah a prophet, for he said: “An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it but the sign of Jonah the prophet” (Matthew 12:39 ASV).
So again, Jesus in a round-about-way was letting us know that he is going to suffer in hell. We can see this to be true in the book of Hebrews as well where it says: “Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchizedek.” (Hebrews 5:7-10) So, we read that Jesus was making a plea to God that he would “save him from death” and that he “was heard in that he feared.”
Now, it’s obvious that this passage above had nothing to do with Christ’s physical death. For we know that he was crucified and put to death. Therefore, Jesus was asking that his soul would be saved from the grips of hell during his death. For Peter said: “Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death; whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it.” (Acts 2:23-24 NKJV) So again, Jesus was “loosed” (saved) from “the pains of death.” So what pains are there in death other than the fires of hell itself? So, after three days of torment, Jesus was release from the “pains of death.”
“And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.” (Luke 16:23-24)
Now, from the account of the rich man and Lazarus above, we can clearly see that the rich man was is a place of torment while Abraham and Lazarus were not. And let’s also take note that while looking upward, the rich man saw Lazarus in the arms of Abraham in a far-off place. But wasn’t Abraham already dead for a few hundred years or more? And wouldn’t he be among a great company of the saints who have already passed away as well? So then, how did the rich man know that this was Abraham (whom he never seen before) way off in some distant place? For he did cry out to him for mercy. That would be like you sitting in a packed stadium and recognizing a famous radio host on the other side, whom you never seen nor heard speak before; And then being able to communicate to him as well? So, couldn’t this be some vision that the “rich man” saw while looking up toward heaven, just as it was for Stephen the martyr when he saw Jesus standing next to God? I do believe so. Therefore, both of these visions where supernatural events occurring for that moment in time.
Now, let’s consider what Jesus himself said: “I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved: Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope: Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. ... He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.” (Acts 2:25-27, 31- 32) So, if this was a place of paradise, why was our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ rejoicing and glad that his soul was not left there? For as already mentioned above, wasn’t Abraham and all the rest of the saints there, and that for a few hundred years or more?
For videos concerning Jesus in hell click the link below:
Therefore, brothers and sisters in Christ. There is no place called Abraham bosom inside the earth. For this is a bunch of nonsense that wasn’t held nor supported by Jesus nor his early disciples. Therefore, according to what we already read above, hell is a place of torment and nothing else. And we can see that our Savior Jesus Christ went there on our behalf. For he loved us and gave himself for use, taking upon himself all of our sins. This was the Fathers will, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” (John 3:16-17) But now you may be asking, where is Abraham and all the saints of God? Well, what does the scripture have to say? “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1) So, it sounds more like we’re surrounded by them, don’t you think?
Other Scriptures to consider:
So, my brothers and sisters in Christ. Let’s consider how much Jesus suffered for us. For he took upon himself not only the agony of beatings, whippings and then being nailed to a cross. But our Jesus endured the torments of hell as well on our behalf. For “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and Jehovah hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:6 ASV)
God bless you as you seek to do his well. Amen.
Note: Bible text other than the King James Bible are listed below.
To the Reader: So, who raised who? Did Jesus raise himself or was it an act of God the Father himself? Well, this article digs deep into the scriptures to help find the answer to this question. And yes, there may be some brothers in Christ who oppose a few things in this article. And even though they may mean well in what they’re teaching, we shouldn’t just blindly follow what’s being said or taught. For by diligently studying the word of God for ourselves, we can put away any teachings that may not line up with the truth. So, let’s instead follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, I encourage you to: “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a worker who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15 NASB20) Amen.
“Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things? Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” (John 2:18-19)
Above is one of those passages that needs to be examined closely. For we must ask ourselves, did Jesus raise himself up? Well, to find out we need examine what the scriptures have to say. First, we have the apostle Peter who said: “Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. (Acts 2:23-24) Again Peter said: “Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulcher is with us unto this day. Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. (Acts 2:29-32, Psalm 16:10)
So, according to those passages above, God the Father was the one who raised up Jesus. And let’s remember that Jesus himself was a prophet and spoke the words of God. For Moses himself declared this when he said: “Jehovah thy God will raise up unto thee a prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken” (Deuteronomy 18:15 ASV) Peter said the same thing in Acts 3:22 when he was reminding the people of what Moses said. So, wouldn’t Jesus be simply declaring what God the Father was going to do? And wouldn’t that be the fact that God the Father would raise him up from the dead. For we read: “When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.” (John 2:22)
So, it says that they “believed the scripture” which says: “For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.” (Psalm 16:10) as well as the words of Jesus who said: “The Son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of men: And they shall kill him, and the third day he shall be raised again.” (Matthew 17:22-23)
Below are some comments from others:
Below are other Scriptures showing that it wasn't Jesus who raise himself from the dead, but God the Father who did it:
Below are some scriptures showing that Jesus was a prophet as Moses foretold:
“And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God. (1 Peter 1:17-21)
So again, form all what was mentioned above, we can clearly see that Jesus had nothing to do with his resurrection, except for the fact that he trusted that God would perform it. For concerning Jesus, we read: “Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope: Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.” (Acts 2:26-27) Therefore, we must trust the word of God and not the watered-down teaching of man. For we must: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)
God bless you as you seek to do his well. Amen
(Note: Bible text other than the King James Bible have been abbreviated according to the version that was used. This is for you the reader to know which version was used in order for you to go read it for yourselves. For the one who penned this article doesn’t want anyone thinking that he did some scripture twisting to make it read according to his liking or view)
(Note: Bible text other than the King James Bible have been noted below)
To the Reader: So, all of you who were baptized, was it by someone saying? Did Jesus raise himself or was it an act of God the Father himself? Well, this article digs deep into the scriptures to help find the answer to this question. For by diligently studying the word of God for ourselves, we can put away any teachings that may not line up with the truth. So, let’s instead follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, I encourage you to: “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a worker who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15 NASB20) Amen.
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matthew 28:19-20)
Many of use (if not almost all) who were baptized may recall being baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. But, is this correct? I ask this because we must first realize that the word's Father, Son and Holy Spirit are not names, but only titles. For even within our own families we have earthly fathers, mothers, brothers, and sisters. So, if someone asked you what’s you sisters name, are you going to tell them it’s sister? No, of course not. Therefore, we must dive deeper into this meaning of the word “name” mentioned above. First, we must realize that this word “name” is in the singular tense, not the plural. And as mentioned above, the words Father, Son and Holy Spirit are only titles. Therefore, including them in the “I baptize you in” wouldn’t make any sense at all. So, who’s name should we be using. Well, scripture itself has the answer to all this which I listed below.
· Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. (Acts 2:37-39)
“Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, [even] by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:10-12)
It is clear from for that passage above that it is only through Jesus Christ himself that we can be saved. So, being baptized in his name would make sense. But you may still be questioning on why did it say the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Well, the answer lies in the meaning of the word Jesus itself. For the name Jesus is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Joshua. Now, according to Strong’s Definitions, it says: “Jehovah-saved; Jehoshua (i.e. Joshua), the Jewish leader:—Jehoshua, Jehoshuah, Joshua.” So, we see the coupling of the name “Jehovah,” which is in reference to God Himself and the word “saved” which we know is what Jesus came to do. So, it’s through the Father (God himself), the Son (which is Jesus) and the Holy Spirit (which resides in us) that we can obtain salvation, which is eternal life in heaven. Therefore, it is appropriate to be baptized into the name Jesus, which according to what was mentioned above, would be, “Jehovah-saved.” Wouldn’t you agree?
“And he said to him, ‘Truly I say to you today, you will be with me in the Paradise.’” (Luke 23:43 REV)
Now, that all being said, we shouldn’t panic and start thinking that we’re not truly saved because we were baptized differently. For God knows our hearts and therefore, we should have comfort knowing that we are saved and washed in the blood of Christ. And let’s remember that the thief who never got baptized, was promised that he would be with Jesus in paradise. However, if you do find yourself in a church that does baptize in the name of Jesus and you feel compelled to be rebaptize, then do so. It’s all up to you. But again, don’t doubt your salvation ether way.
God bless you as you seek to do His will. Amen.
Check-out these videos below on baptizing in Jesus Name:
All passages other than the King James Version are noted below:
"This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:11-12 ESV)
“For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.” (1 Corinthians 11:23-26)
Our gathering for communion should be a time to reflect on the price that has been paid for our sins. For we first read concerning the body of Jesus: “And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.” (Luke 22:19) So, we read that Jesus said: “this do in remembrance of me.” Next, we read: “And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” (Matthew 26:27-28)
Now, during communion, we may hear some Church leadership declare that we must first examine ourselves for any sin in our lives before partaking of the bread and wine. But is that what Jesus said? Well, let’s look again what he said above, for we read: “this do in remembrance of me.” So, why do they say that we must examine ourselves first? Are they not taking the words of the apostle Paul out of context? Yes of course, for Paul first said: “When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord's supper. For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken.” (1 Corinthians 11:20-21) So, we see that they were treating this as some common ordinary meal. However, down a few verses Paul makes it clear what this meal is to be all about, for he said: “For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.” (1 Corinthians 11:26) Yes, brothers and sisters in Christ, this meal is to be all about the life and death of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Therefore: “Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 11:27 ESV) Wow, that’s a stern warning for us who partake of the Lord’s supper. So, what is this “unworthy manner” that Paul is talking about in that passage above? Well, let’s continue reading to find out. For he goes on to say: “But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.” (1 Corinthians 11:28-29) Well, there you go. The unworthy manner IS NOT some unconfessed sin in our lives, but it’s not properly discerning the body and blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Therefore, one is “guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord,” and “drinketh damnation to himself” if they eat “not discerning the Lord’s body.” Therefore: “That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died.” (1 Corinthians 11:30 ESV) Wow, we can see how important it is to take this meal seriously.
Therefore, we must stop teaching this false doctrine of unconfessed sin. I say this because there may be some unconfessed sin that comes to mind during or even after we have partaken. And because of this false teaching, one could feel guilty and thus end up feeling even worse than before. For let’s face it, if we really had to examine ourselves to see if there is any unconfessed sin in our lives, we may never be able to partake of communion. So please, let’s keep things in context and not add unbiblical teachings that can stumble one another. God help us all, amen.
God bless you as you seek to do his will. Amen
Note: Bible text other than the King James Bible are listed below.
We often hear that we're not to eat nor dink the communion bread and wine in an unworthy manner. But what is that unworthy manner? Unfortunately, many preachers get this wrong. So, please watch this video on what that unworthy manner really is.
An Ammonite or a Moabite shall not enter into the assembly of Jehovah; even to the tenth generation shall none belonging to them enter into the assembly of Jehovah forever: because they met you not with bread and with water in the way, when ye came forth out of Egypt, and because they hired against thee Balaam the son of Beor from Pethor of Mesopotamia, to curse thee. Nevertheless Jehovah thy God would not hearken unto Balaam; but Jehovah thy God turned the curse into a blessing unto thee, because Jehovah thy God loved thee. Thou shalt not seek their peace nor their prosperity all thy days for ever. (Deuteronomy 23:3-6 ASV)
In that passage above, we can clearly see that there was a curse on both the Ammonites and the Moabites. But my focus in this article is that of the Moabites because Jesus himself is a descendant of them. So, how could Jesus enter into the assembly of Jehovah if he is a descendant of Ruth who was a Moabite? Well, to find that answer, let’s first start with this verse which reads: “In the days when the judges ruled there was a famine in the land, and a man of Bethlehem in Judah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he and his wife and his two sons. The name of the man was Elimelech and the name of his wife Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Chilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem in Judah. They went into the country of Moab and remained there. But Elimelech, the husband of Naomi, died, and she was left with her two sons. These took Moabite wives; the name of the one was Orpah and the name of the other Ruth. They lived there about ten years, and both Mahlon and Chilion died, so that the woman was left without her two sons and her husband.” (Ruth 1:1-5 ESV)
So, according to what we read above, Naomi’s husband and her two sons died. Now, Naomi declared that the hand of God had was against her, and therefore encouraged her two daughter-in-law’s to return to their people, the Moabites. And according to scripture, the one named Orpah stayed in Moab while the other named Ruth clung to Naomi and went back with her to Bethlehem. And while being there, Ruth ended up marrying a fine Jewish man name Boaz and gave birth to a son named Obed. This we know was King David’s grandfather according to Matthew’s genealogy account. But, what about the curse that was placed upon the Moabite people, which Ruth was part of? Wouldn’t this disqualify not only King David who was a descendant of Ruth, but Jesus himself being a descendant of King David? Well, to find out the answer, we need to do our homework and: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)
First, I like to point out that there are studies showing that the components a man’s semen can be detected within a woman’s blood stream with a few hours of her receiving it (see articles below). This would include his DNA as well. For studies have also shown that a woman retains the man’s DNA within her body (see study links below). This would make the bible passage which says: “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh,” not just some metaphoric phrase, but an actual fact. (Matthew 19:5 ESV) So, this would include not only a marriage relationship, but even a onetime sexual act outside of a marriage relationship. For Paul the apostle declared: “Or do you not know that he who is joined to a harlot is one body with her? For ‘the two,’ He says, ‘shall become one flesh’.” (1 Corinthians 6:16 NKJV)
So, even if a man (whether single or married) has sex with a prostitute, she becomes “one flesh” with him by receiving his semen (and DNA) into her body. So again, this is not some metaphor that’s associated with a true marriage relationship. For anyone who receives a man’s semen into their bodies (whether it’s received by a woman within a biblical marriage, or by a whore on the streets, or even between two homosexual men) becomes one flesh with that man. For whoever receiving a man's semen into their body, there is an act of one-flesh taking place.
So, we learned that a woman (or even homosexual men) literally become “one flesh” with a man by receiving his semen (DNA). Therefore, every child that she gives birth to will now be a descendant of her husband family line and thus takes on his family name (not hers). And because of this, the curse that was placed on the Moabites is now broken. This would also include the curse which was placed upon Jehoiakim (also called Jeconiah) king of Judah. For we read: “Therefore thus saith Jehovah concerning Jehoiakim king of Judah: He shall have none to sit upon the throne of David; and his dead body shall be cast out in the day to the heat, and in the night to the frost.” (Jeremiah 36:30 ASV) For even though Mary was a descendant of both Ruth and Jehoiakim, (click link below for more details on Mary's genealogy) her conception of Jesus was through an act of God, for we read: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy--the Son of God.” (Luke 1:35 ESV) Therefore the curse again would be broken because God was the Father of Jesus.
So, we see that King David, and most importantly Jesus Christ himself, can rightly sit upon their thrones. For concerning Jesus we read: “He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Most High: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: and he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.” (Luke 1:32-33 ASV)
Below is a comment taken from the website, “Christianity.stockexchange.com
This all being said, both Mary’s genealogy (through the line recorded in Matthew’s account) and Joseph’s (as recorded in Luke’s account) have no curse placed upon them. For the curse can only be passed on through the male descendants (unless of course there was an act of incest performed by a woman’s father or brothers).
Note: Bible text other than the King James Version are listed below
"and Jacob fathered Joseph the father of Mary, from whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ." (Matthew 1:16 REV)
Really, Why the switch?
“and Jacob fathered Joseph the father of Mary, from whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.” (Matthew 1:16 REV)
It’s so easy to follow traditions that have been handed down over the years. However, when those traditions involve the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we should make sure it is based on truth. So, let’s examine Matthew’s account of the genealogy. First off, according to the majority of today’s teaching, there is a big problem. For there are supposed to be three sets of fourteen generations. However, if we add all the names mentioned in Matthew’s genealogy, we would see that it only has thirteen generations.
So, how can this be solved so that Matthew’s gospel would be true? Well, in the “Aramaic English New Testament,” Joseph is recorded as the “guardian” (or the “father”) of Mary instead of her husband. And in Luke’s account of the genealogy, Joseph would then be the literal son of Heli instead of his son-in-law as some proclaim. And the Aramaic translation is not alone in this. For the “Revised English Version” also shows that Joseph is the “father” of Mary in Matthew’s account as well. This would mean that Mary's father and husband both share the same names which wouldn’t be uncommon. For if we read through Luke’s genealogy account, there are others named “Joseph” throughout it as well.
Now, let’s remember that in the Greek, there is no distinct word for husband or for wife. It simply means a man or a woman. This would be true whether one is single or married. The only way to know how these words are being used is by the context of the passage itself. Therefore, one can be totally wrong by asserting that the passage in Matthew’s gospel is saying “Joseph the husband of Mary.” This would even be truer in light of the confusion surrounding the missing generation in Matthew’s account already covered above. But in the Aramaic language there is a distinct word for husband. And we see this word for husband being used in verse 19 but not in verse 16 of Matthew’s gospel. Therefore, the word used in verse 16 can mean a guardian or even father.
This all being said, Matthew’s account would be about Mary’s genealogy while Luke’s is about Joseph her husband. Therefore, I personally believe that these two translations (the Aramaic English New Testament, Revised English version as well as a few others) are declaring the truth. This would clearly solve the confusion surrounding these two genealogies. For there are one too many interpretations (which don’t make sense) that are trying to resolve the traditional account found in most of our bibles.
Below is Mathew 1:16 in the Aramaic English New Testament. Notice that Joseph is not referred to as the husband of Mary, but her “guardian” (or “father”) in the mentioned genealogy:
Below is the commentary section from the Aramaic English New Testament concerning what was mentioned above:
Below is the Revised English Version of Matthew 1:16. Notice that it says, “Joseph the father of Mary” instead of the “husband” of Mary which we find in many bibles:
Below is the commentary section of the Revised English Version bible:
So, in closing I just want to remind you that there are so many false interpretations that have crept into our churches over the years. This would be true whether it’s the Catholic church, Protenant church, or all the others that are out there. Therefore, it’s our job as Christians: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15) Yes, test all thing and be like those Bereans, for: “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” (Acts 17:11) So, the next time your local church teaches you something, go home and open up your own bible and test what was said. Pray that the Holy Spirit would open up your eyes to any false teachings. Therefore, be diligent to walk after the Spirit, and: “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2)
May God bless you as you seek to do His will. Amen.
Note: Bible text other than the King James Bible are listed below
“When the head steward tasted the water that had been turned to wine, not knowing where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), he called the bridegroom and said to him, ‘Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the cheaper wine when the guests are drunk. You have kept the good wine until now!’” (John 2:9-10 NET)
Drinking wine is one of those topics that has been misunderstood by some Christians. For there are those who try to make the scriptures read in such a way as to condemn the drinking of fermented wine. Yes, they go as far in such a way as to say that Jesus made ordinary grape juice at the wedding he was invited to. However this is not true. For we can clearly see from scripture itself that Christians, and yes even Jesus himself drank (and even made) fermented wine. Now, I do believe that these same people are sincere in their faith and mean well. For it’s true that wine and other alcoholic beverages have caused many problems. But to twist scripture in such a way as to fit one’s own theological view is wrong as well.
So, let’s start in John’s gospel chapter 2 where it says that Jesus made “good wine” from water. “When the head steward tasted the water that had been turned to wine, not knowing where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), he called the bridegroom and said to him, ‘Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the cheaper wine when the guests are drunk. You have kept the good wine until now!’” (John 2:9-10 NET) So, head steward admitted not only that the “good wine” can make the people drunk, but unknowingly admitted that Jesus had made “good wine.” So yes, Jesus made fermented wine at this wedding. (Please note: the word used for “drunk” in that passage above is the Greek word: “methuo,” which means “intoxication.”)
Now, let’s look at another passage that should show that the early church did drink fermented wine. “Now when you come together at the same place, you are not really eating the Lord’s Supper. For when it is time to eat, everyone proceeds with his own supper. One is hungry and another becomes drunk. Do you not have houses so that you can eat and drink? Or are you trying to show contempt for the church of God by shaming those who have nothing? What should I say to you? Should I praise you? I will not praise you for this!” (1 Corinthians 11:20-22 NET) So, we see the same Greek word used for drunkenness as before. So, this should stop all mouths that say the consumption of alcohol in general is wrong.
“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Ephesians 5:18-20 NIV)
Now, that being said, we must admit that getting drunk is a sin according to scripture. And if abused to the point of one being a continued drunkard, it can harm that person’s relationship with God and even prevent them from entering into his Kingdom. (1Corinthians 6:9-10) However, that doesn’t mean that you throw the baby out with the bathwater. Therefore, we shouldn’t demonize something just because there are those that abuse it. Anything can be abused my brothers and sisters in Christ. Sex can be abused. So, does that mean everybody should become celibate because there are men, women, children, and yes, even animals being sexually violated all over the world? Of course not. So, why should we treat drinking wine differently?
So then, enjoying a glass of wine, a bottle of beer or some other alcoholic beverage is not a sin as long as you refrain from getting intoxicated. And let’s remember that Jesus himself admits to drinking fermented wine when he said: “For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds.” (Matthew 11:18-19 ESV) Now, of course we know that they were falsely accusing Jesus of getting drunk. But, this still shows that they knew he was drinking fermented wine while hanging out with sinners.
This all being said, we see that there are those who do drink wine and there are those who refrain from drinking wine. Therefore, those who choose not to drink should not condemn nor look down on those who do. Also, those who do drink wine should not look down nor pressure anyone to make them drink. And let’s take note to what Paul the apostle said: “Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister. I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean. ... So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves.” (Romans 14:13-14, 22 NIV)
(Note: Text other than the King James Version are listed below.)
He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, And herb for the service of man; That he may bring forth food out of the earth, And wine that maketh glad the heart of man, And oil to make his face to shine, And bread that strengtheneth man's heart. (Psalm 104:14-15 ASV)
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