When all things become new

When all things become new

 Memory Text: “ ‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away’ ” (Revelation 21:4, NKJV).

The lesson focuses on the events from the second advent forward.  The lesson’s main objective seems to be to distance Adventists from the beliefs of other Christian denominations.  As the lesson states on Friday, other denomination have a preterist (in the past; between the first and second advent of Christ) or futurist (in the future – before the second advent) understanding of the Millennium, ours is historist; that the millennium happens after Christ’s second Advent.  The language used by our lesson is a little disturbing: The millennium happens in heaven as oppose to earth.  Yet, in my experience, Adventists teach the millennium based on what happens here on earth and heavern: the Devil held captive on this planet, and the judgment in Heaven.  So, truthfully, the millennium happens both on heaven and earth. 

Now, as Adventists we believe that at least the part of what happens to the Devil is represented in the Day of Atonement activities.  Ellen White says,

In the typical service the high priest, having made the atonement for Israel, came forth and blessed the congregation. So Christ, at the close of His work as mediator, will appear, "without sin unto salvation" (Hebrews 9:28), to bless His waiting people with eternal life. As the priest, in removing the sins from the sanctuary, confessed them upon the head of the scapegoat, so Christ will place all these sins upon Satan, the originator and instigator of sin. The scapegoat, bearing the sins of Israel, was sent away "unto a land not inhabited" (Leviticus 16:22); so Satan, bearing the guilt of all the sins which he has caused God's people to commit, will be for a thousand years confined to the earth, which will then be desolate, without inhabitant, and he will at last suffer the full penalty of sin in the fires that shall destroy all the wicked. Thus the great plan of redemption will reach its accomplishment in the final eradication of sin and the deliverance of all who have been willing to renounce evil.  {GC 485 - 486} 

This is pretty straight forward.  Why is more judgment needed? 

“During the millennium the saints participate in a deliberative judgment that reviews the cases of the lost of this earth and the fallen angels. This judgment is evidently necessary in view of the cosmic nature of the sin problem. The course of the rebellion of sin has been the object of concern and interest on the part of other worlds (Job 1; 2;Eph. 3:10). The whole interlude of sin must be handled in such a way that hearts and minds throughout God’s universe are satisfied with its treatment and conclusion, with particular reference to God’s character. It is especially important for the redeemed from earth to understand God’s dealings with those who called for the rocks to fall on them and deliver them from the ‘face of him who is seated on the throne’ (Rev. 6:16). They must be totally satisfied that God was just in His decision regarding the lost.”—Handbook of Seventh-day Adventist Theology (Hagerstown, Md.: Review and Herald® Pub. Assn., 2000), p. 932.

Among the group that will be burning, are many who the redeemed held in high esteem.  The opening up of the books to the redeemed and there study of these books help them grieve and heal from the eternal loss of those they loved and admired.  This helps them see that what will happen after the Millennium – the burning of the wicked - is a strange act of Love. 

In the book of Early Writings pages 292 and 293 there is a full narrative of the events that will happen between the end of the Millennium and the final destruction of the wicked.  It is too long for this space.  But it is worth reading.  Suffice it to say that what is revealed during this time is that the wicked’s heart has not changed.  Even when they admit that Christ is the Lamb worthy of praise, they still want to kill Christ and the redeemed.  This is the final proof that their destruction is necessary.  There hearts have not changed. 

The fire that destroys the wicked and the earth purifies the earth. Sin and its consequences are forever banished.  As the John the Revelator says,

Rev 21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.

Rev 21:2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

Rev 21:3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.

Rev 21:4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

Rev 21:5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.

They are beautiful indeed.

The Reason for Foretelling Prophecy

Extenuating circumstances prevented a regular commentary.  But, I wanted to drop a few thoughts.  

The Reason for Foretelling Prophecy

Typically we interpret prophecies very literally: this is what will happen when.  This is important.  When we give a wrong date as fulfillment we can end up with horrible heresies.  And, they give us a sign of the times we live in; like a road sign on our way somewhere.  The signs let you know, among other things, what direction you are going, what towns or cities you are approaching, any landmarks and/or facilities you should be aware of, even what speed you should go.

But, prophecies are more than road signs.  Prophecies are an assurance from the prophecy giver that He is leading and guiding.  He knows the road.  And, we are not travelling on our own.  God is not just on the side lines cheering us on.  God is not just on the end line waiting with a towel and bottled water so we can refresh when we are done.  God is running with us.  In prophecy God tells us that things will be bad before they get good.  But, we are not alone.  If we allow God, He will take us through the hardship victoriously. 

He has promised us that He be with us.  And, below there are a few verses to remind us,

Mat 28:20 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.

Several times in the book of John Christ spoke of not leaving us alone because He would send us a Comforter (the word in Greek – parakletos – means walking companion):

Joh 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

Joh 15:26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:

Joh 16:7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.

Joh 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

Speaking of comfort: He will not let us be tempted beyond what we can bear,

1Co 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Lastly, Christ told us not to worry about what to say in times of hardship,

Mat 10:19 But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak.

Mat 10:20 For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.

Luk 12:11 And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say:

Luk 12:12 For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.

Luk 21:14 Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer:

Luk 21:15 For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.

All this said, God still needs our permission to accomplish this in us.  Those that give God permission are His saints.  

Stewards of Service

Stewards of Service

The Bible says that nature speaks of the Glory of God, which is His character. Sister White stresses the importance of this by telling us to study the lessons in nature. She says in Our High Calling, page 253: “Everything about us teaches us from day to day lessons of our Father's love and of His power, and of His laws that govern nature and that lie at the foundation of all government in heaven and in earth.” Let’s take a tree as an example. A mature tree uses precious earthly resources: it occupies space, utilizes air (Carbon-dioxide we exhale), water, and absorbs sunlight. In turn, we use the oxygen the tree exhales, and we take advantage of its shade. Is this a fair exchange? Many trees yield fruit that when consumed, is not only tasteful to our palate, but it is good for our health. Trees cannot consume fruits, as can we. There are other parts of the tree, which we utilize as well, such as the leaves and the wood of the tree for papers as well numerous other products. It seems that human beings benefit more from trees then the three do from us. So, all the resources that trees use, end up being for our benefit. And, it seems that trees do this – that is: serve us – selflessly.

Well wouldn’t you say, If trees were stewards they would manage God’s entrusted resources to benefit us, mankind. Our analogy of the tree is really on of stewardship and serving others. When a steward is faithful to God, his service is selfless. But, in our natural sinful state, we are selfish. We think only of ourselves. When we give to others or do for them it is because we expect the service to be of benefit for us. Often we expect a tangible return, such as money or other favors – tickets, meal, gift certificate, etc. Other times the benefit we derive from serving others is intangible. We want to be seen to gain favor. Frequently, we serve out of feelings of guilt, coercion, or fear. We hope to be relieved from doom. Thus we misuse God’s resources for our own benefit, even though we claim we are using these resources to serve others.

A true Christian - at whatever level - is a faithful Steward. Just as a mature tree yields fruit, he or she will yield fruit (Galatians 5:22-25). The Spirit of God that dwells in him springs forth this fruit, because the fruit is the character of God himself. Therefore, service is not out of guilt, coercion, or fear. The true Christian does not expect to gain absolution, freedom, or peace. The service of a true Christian, in whom the Spirit dwells, is motivated by Agape – God’s unconditional love – and the driving force is really gratitude. A true follower of Christ gives and serves freely, for he has received freely (Matthew 10:8). 

Typically we do not equate stewardship with the selfless serving of others. As a steward serves his Master by caring for his assets, he does as the Master wishes. What are the Master’s wishes? “…but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (Micah 6:8). Perhaps the following text from Matthew 25 will illustrates what this means: 

Matthew 25:31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: 

Matthew 25:32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: 

Matthew 25:33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. 

Matthew 25:34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 

Matthew 25:35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: 

Matthew 25:36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. 

Matthew 25:37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? 

Matthew 25:38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? 

Matthew 25:39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? 

Matthew 25:40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. 

Matthew 25:41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: 

Matthew 25:42 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: 

Matthew 25:43 I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. 

Matthew 25:44 Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? 

Matthew 25:45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. 

Matthew 25:46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

Faithful stewards are sheep who unknowingly serve their Lord by serving those in need. Unfaithful stewards are the goats who served others but for personal gain. What is the difference between the two? It is Agape – God’s unconditional love. The type of love that the Father is, which drove Him to give to all human beings “…His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” This love made Jesus weep because of the harm Sin had done to His humanity (John 11:35). This love can only be found in us when we permit the Holy Spirit to dwell in us. This love makes us faithful stewards who serve others, as they are needful, as we were serving Christ Himself. Will you let the Spirit transform you into a faithful steward serving others as the Lord wishes?

Raul Diaz & Maria Greaves-Barnes

Originally Published on Saturday, September 17, 2005

Commentary: The law as an Instrument of Diagnosis

Commentary: The law as an Instrument of Diagnosis

What can we define the word "law?'  It is a word often used and pretty much understood, but never defined.  When you look at a dictionary, you find that one word can be defined differently depending on the context it is used.  Law can be generally defined as the body of rules and principles governing the conduct of a system.  So, what is law in nature or the physical world?  It is a generalization based on a recurring fact or event. This generalization is expressed in a statement that describes invariable relationships among phenomena under a specified set of conditions. Another definition is: A statement describing a relationship observed to be invariable between or among phenomena for all cases in which the specified conditions are met: the law of gravity.   Gravity is a force that exists everywhere and always.  These nature laws are called laws because they have been observed to exist everywhere and at all times.  They are also laws because they cannot be broken without negative consequences. 

What we have discovered is that these properties and laws in some cases are described in the Bible.  For example, Psalms 19 says that the sun has a path.  This path is constant and predictable.  So much so, that every Sabbath sunset can be predicted way in advance.    Since we believe that God created nature, then we must believe that God created nature with the set of properties we observe.  We must conclude that God created nature to work in a similar that He works.  

God is giving and generous.  Plants give to animals and humans the oxygen they do not use; we in turn use the oxygen and give to the plants the Carbon Dioxide (CO2) we do not use.  So, there is a circle of beneficence in nature; indeed, interdependence.   The moment we do not have oxygen we die.  The moment plants do not have CO2 they die. When you break the law, something negative happens.  

Same happens in the health field.  You transgress the law of health, you get sick.  You transgress any physical laws you get injured.  The laws of health were created to keep us healthy.  But, once you are sick or injured the laws of health cannot really get you well.  They will tell you are not well.  They are good for diagnosing.  (Other laws now must be practiced, the laws of healing and curing.) The laws of health when compared and contrasted with your symptoms tell us there is something wrong.   

The same goes with the moral law: when broken negative consequences will happen.  (For Christians the Law is the body of principles or precepts held to express the divine will, especially as revealed in the Bible.)  Once broken, the law cannot do anything for us, but give us a diagnosis: "you are selfish, you are a sinner. "  Paul says that the Law told him he covets. Let us read Romans 7:7

Rom7:7 What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.

Paul adds in verse 8, "For without the law sin was dead."  In fact with the law, sin appears to be Sin and become exceedingly sinful (Romans 7:13).  "Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound: (Romans 5:20). The law is holy (Romans 7:17).  The law is a transcription of God's character – which is Love (1 John 4:8).  Just like we need physical healing when we are sick, we need spiritual healing when we are spiritually sick.  The sad news is that we all born "sick."   "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one" (Romans 3:10).  So, we all need a remedy, less we die.  That remedy is given to us in Christ. 

The remedy is for Christ to dwell in us and to write His law in our hearts. 

Ezekiel 36:26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.

Ezekiel 36:27 And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.

When we allow Him to do this, the law cannot diagnose us as being sick. We are healed in Christ.  

Originally posted on Friday, August 12, 2011

--
Raul Diaz
www.wolfsoath.com

Commentary: The law as an Instrument of Diagnosis

Commentary: The law as an Instrument of Diagnosis

The law as an Instrument of Diagnosis

What can we define the word "law?'  It is a word often used and pretty much understood, but never defined.  When you look at a dictionary, you find that one word can be defined differently depending on the context it is used.  Law can be generally defined as the body of rules and principles governing the conduct of a system.  So, what is law in nature or the physical world?  It is a generalization based on a recurring fact or event. This generalization is expressed in a statement that describes invariable relationships among phenomena under a specified set of conditions. Another definition is: A statement describing a relationship observed to be invariable between or among phenomena for all cases in which the specified conditions are met: the law of gravity.   Gravity is a force that exists everywhere and always.  These nature laws are called laws because they have been observed to exist everywhere and at all times.  They are also laws because they cannot be broken without negative consequences. 

What we have discovered is that these properties and laws in some cases are described in the Bible.  For example, Psalms 19 says that the sun has a path.  This path is constant and predictable.  So much so, that every Sabbath sunset can be predicted way in advance.    Since we believe that God created nature, then we must believe that God created nature with the set of properties we observe.  We must conclude that God created nature to work in a similar that He works.  

God is giving and generous.  Plants give to animals and humans the oxygen they do not use; we in turn use the oxygen and give to the plants the Carbon Dioxide (CO2) we do not use.  So, there is a circle of beneficence in nature; indeed, interdependence.   The moment we do not have oxygen we die.  The moment plants do not have CO2 they die. When you break the law, something negative happens.  

Same happens in the health field.  You transgress the law of health, you get sick.  You transgress any physical laws you get injured.  The laws of health were created to keep us healthy.  But, once you are sick or injured the laws of health cannot really get you well.  They will tell you are not well.  They are good for diagnosing.  (Other laws now must be practiced, the laws of healing and curing.) The laws of health when compared and contrasted with your symptoms tell us there is something wrong.   

The same goes with the moral law: when broken negative consequences will happen.  (For Christians the Law is the body of principles or precepts held to express the divine will, especially as revealed in the Bible.)  Once broken, the law cannot do anything for us, but give us a diagnosis: "you are selfish, you are a sinner. "  Paul says that the Law told him he covets. Let us read Romans 7:7

Rom7:7 What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.

Paul adds in verse 8, "For without the law sin was dead."  In fact with the law, sin appears to be Sin and become exceedingly sinful (Romans 7:13).  "Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound: (Romans 5:20). The law is holy (Romans 7:17).  The law is a transcription of God's character – which is Love (1 John 4:8).  Just like we need physical healing when we are sick, we need spiritual healing when we are spiritually sick.  The sad news is that we all born "sick."   "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one" (Romans 3:10).  So, we all need a remedy, less we die.  That remedy is given to us in Christ. 

The remedy is for Christ to dwell in us and to write His law in our hearts. 

Ezekiel 36:26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.

Ezekiel 36:27 And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.

When we allow Him to do this, the law cannot diagnose us as being sick. We are healed in Christ.  

Originally posted on Friday, August 12, 2011

Commentary: Vehicle Not Needed

Vehicle Not Needed

One of the definitions of a vehicle is: A medium through which something is transmitted, expressed, or accomplished. A vehicle helps us get to our destination, assists us in sending something, helps us say something. It may even help us accomplish something. While a vehicle takes us from point a to point b, once we reach our destination we no longer need it, for it has done its job. Naturally, the only exception is, of course, if we have not reached the end of our journey. In such a case, we do not dispose of the vehicle, we merely park it as we may need it to continue on. A car is the perfect example of such a vehicle. Although we often use a car to symbolize our status, it still remains a vehicle to assist us in reaching a chosen destination. Whether the destination is our home, school, workplace or any of the myriad of places we may desire to go, once we're there, the car is useless. Oh, I know many of you will disagree and say the car still remains of value because you can use it again, and again-- and you're right. But, the main point is that as long as you're shopping at the store, or taking a test at school, or working, the value of the car is negligible. It truly becomes of value or use again when you want to drive home. You get the picture-- I hope. 

The Hebrew sacrificial system was a vehicle. It was a medium through which God transmitted or expressed the Gospel message to humanity. It foreshadowed the death of Christ, and was a living parable of what His death would do for the World. The sacrifices of birds and animals made by the people and the priests, symbolized Christ. Thus, Christ became the antitype. While we say that the sacrifices were symbolic, in no way does that lessen the enormity of the penalty for the lack of corporate and individual participation. There is danger in merely viewing the sacrifices as symbolic, for the guilt and punishment of those who did not participate was real-- they were cut off. You see, the sacrifices in themselves meant nothing, unless there was true sorrow and turning toward Christ, the Saviour. The genuineness of repentance and conversion was demonstrated by penitent sinners' participatation in the sacrificial system. God required this so all could truly understand the depravity of Sin, and the depths to which it would take its victims. He further desired the Israelites to discern that "the wages of Sin is death, but the GIFT of God is eternal life ..." (Romans 6:23). This is what the the earthly sacrificial system vehicle was to teach the people. 

When Christ died on the hill of Golgotha, the sanctuary vehicle used to teach the Israelites had come to rest. It was no longer needed, for type had met antitype. The whole world had reached the destination intended by the creator-- that of being justified by the Lamb of God slain from the foundation of the world (Romans 5:18, 
Revelation 13:8). The books of the gospel record the crucifixion, and the ripping apart of the old vehicle to make way for the new. Let us look at Matthew 27, which reads:

Matthew 27:45 Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land
unto the ninth hour.
Matthew 27:50 Jesus, when He had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up
the ghost.
Matthew 27:51 And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to 
the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;

In another Gospel Jesus is recorded saying, "It is Finished." As John the Baptist had stated, The "Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world," had been sacrificed for Humanity's sake. It was a complete and sufficient sacrifice, which rendered the human race reconciled with God (Romans 5:10,Ephesians 2:16). The old had gone, and the new had come. Sister White writes of the death of Christ, the ripping apart of the veil, and the new vehicle of intimacy with God in this way:

The darkness still hung like a pall over Jerusalem. At the moment in which Christ died, there were priests ministering in the temple before the vail which separated the holy from the most holy place. Suddenly they felt the earth tremble beneath them, and the veil of the temple, a strong, rich drapery that had been renewed yearly, was rent in twain from top to bottom by the same bloodless hand that wrote the words of doom upon the walls of Belshazzar's palace. The most holy place, that had been entered by human feet only once a year, was revealed to the common gaze. God had even before protected His temple in a wonderful manner; but now its sacred mysteries were exposed to curious eyes. No longer would the presence of God overshadow the earthly mercy-seat. No longer would the light of His glory flash forth upon, or the cloud of His disapproval shadow, the precious stones in the breastplate of the high priest … When Christ died upon the cross of Calvary, a new and living way was opened to both Jew and Gentile. The Saviour was henceforth to officiate as Priest and Advocate in the heaven of heavens. Henceforth the blood of beasts offered for sin was valueless; for the Lamb of God had died for the sins of the world. (E. G. White Notes, page 58)

Prior to Christ dying, He initiated another symbol to serve as a vehicle foreshadowing the type of intimacy He wished us to have with one another, and with the Godhead. That intimacy is symbolized in the Service of Humility and in Holy Communion (Luke 22:19). With the foot washing, we become humble in mind and in attitude. We are reminded that all our righteousness is as a filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6), and that the washing and purifying of the Word, cleanses us. In the eating and drinking of unleavened bred and wine, we partake further of the mind of Christ, and are fed with the Words or scenes of His life, death and resurrection. Accepting God and others above ourselves, we become one with God, and leave self behind. The symbol of foot washing and communion is in and of itself meaningless, unless the heart is repentant. But a repentant heart often comes from or through the vehicle of participation, by the Holy Spirit. While non-participation may not harden our hearts, by the same token, it does not allow the Holy Spirit to soften our hearts either. Ultimately, if we choose not to participate in an ongoing manner in the Service of Humility & Communion, if we choose not to take the new vehicle, we probably will not arrive at our new destination. Unfortunately, that means we'll probably miss out on 
that great event to which we've all been personally invited, the Wedding Banquet of the Lamb. What a disappointment that will be to Jesus, and to all who love us and are there. Those who are willing, and take the vehicle to our new destination, will find when they arrive that the vehicle is no longer necessary, for it has delivered us safely. I'm looking forward to that day, how about you?
-- 
Raul Diaz & Maria Greaves-Barnes

Originally posted: February 17, 2005

--
Raul Diaz
www.wolfsoath.com

The Body is not a Community

The Body is not a Community

There is an amusing story that says that different members of the body got together to talk one day. As normally happens when individuals get together, they start bragging about who is the best. Each member of the body spoke very highly of himself and gave reasons why he was the most important part of the body. After each member had spoken, all were at odds. (The Brain was not mentioned in this story) Through all the bragging, the colon remained silent. Appealing to the colon as to a referee, the other members of the body decided that the colon should decide who was the most important. Much to their surprise, the colon answered, "I am the most important part of the body." Stunned, they all burst into spontaneous laughter, and began deriding and humiliating the colon. "You only deal with waste," said some members. Others cried out, "You are in the darkest part of the body." Confident of his claim, the colon remained calm. After a moment or two, the other members became silent, and only then did the colon speak. Still unruffled, he said to them, "I will show you." So, for the next three days, the colon closed itself off, so that no waste would leave the body. Of course, the excrement backed up, the digested food had no place to go, and the other members started complaining that they were not getting their nutrients, so they too had to shut down. By the fourth day, all the body members clamored, "please, open up, we agree with you, you're the most important part of our body." After this, the colon opened up, and the body returned to normal in a short time.

 I submit to you that this scenario could only happen if the members of the body talked only to each other, and stopped communicating with the head (the brain or mind). The members of our body seem to cooperate rather well with one another, however, upon closer inspection, it is apparent that they really work together only in cooperation with the brain. The brain is the headquarters, where each of the members sends his concerns. The mind is the one that gives instructions which, if carefully followed, alleviates the concerns. The hands do not talk to the eyes or legs. When the stomach is hungry, it signals the brain. The brain in turn tells the legs, “go to the refrigerator,” and then tells the hands, “open the door,” and so on. The stomach did not talk to the legs or any other part of the body. Not one member of the body consulted with another, instead, all concerns (and desires) go to the brain. The decision to eat is not a community decision; it is the brain's decision. The brain is the one that is in charge of the bodily system. The community (of bodily members) is not. This is the system that God has designed, and it works effectively and efficiently to carry out the tasks that He has designed.

 The Apostle Paul very aptly compares the Christian Church with the body of Christ. In this metaphor, we -- the believers, are the different members of the body, while Christ is the head. Christ sends His Spirit to our minds, and in conjunction with the Godhead, He controls the mind (if we allow Him to). As a consequence of receiving the Indwelling Holy Spirit, we receive the attributes of "lowliness and meekness (humility), with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:2, 3). And the Holy Spirit gives to each of us, spiritual gifts according to His discernment. As Ephesians 4 says:

 Ephesians 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
Ephesians 4:12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

 You see, as long as we remain connected to the Head, the Spirit remains in us. As long as the Spirit remains in us, we have the attributes (love, peace, long-suffering, patience, meekness, humility, etc.) and the gifts. However, when we start consulting with one another as if we were a community, than we lose the attributes, which is what brings cohesion among us, and we lose (or misuse) the gifts. The attributes and the gifts come from the same source, and they are part of one package. You cannot have one without the other.

 For the church to function as a body, we need to behave more like a body, by communicating with the Head (through prayer, devotions, and bible study). As long as the church acts like a community, it ignores the Head, works in its own strength, and loses the blessings of the attributes and the Gifts, and fails. For the Church to be an effective body, it must stop behaving like a community, and it starts by allowing Christ - the Head - to coordinate and order all things.


Posted originally on 11/17/2005

“Arming” for Victory

"Arming" for Victory

 

Memory text: Ephesians 6:13

 

Therefore take up the whole armor of God,  that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

 

By now we have heard a lot about the armor but very little about the victory.  What is victory in Biblical terms?  Victory is the overcoming of an enemy or antagonist.  Who is our enemy? Some may say the Devil, and they are right.  Some may say death, and they are right also.  However, when Christ spoke about overcoming He mentioned the world.  Jesus told His disciples,

 

John 16: 33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

 

What is about the world or what does it represent that needs to be overcome?  In a few verses above this chapter Christ gives us a hint,

 

John 16: 7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.

John 16: 8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:

John 16: 9 Of sin, because they believe not on me;

 

Christ said to the disciples that when the Holy Spirit comes He will reprove the world of Sin, among other things.  Why Sin?  Because, the world – those who live in it – do not believe in Him.  Why does the world do not believe in Christ?  When Jesus spoke to Nicodemus He said that the condemnation of the world was "that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil" (John 3:19).  So, the world is condemned because they have chosen not to believe in the "Light of the world."  This was the problem of Israel while in the wilderness.  Paul says in Hebrews that they did not enter the rest – of Christ – because of their unbelief (Hebrews 3:19; 4:6).  It was still a problem among Jews in Jesus' day (Matthew 13:58; Mark 6:6).  So, as we see the word chosen for their condition is unbelief. 

 

Unbelief is used for two Greek terms: one of them meaning no faith, and the other one apathy.  But apathy is a compound word: a + pathy .  Pathy comes from pathos.  Pathos comes from peithos, of which the root word is pistis or faith.  Paul uses apathy to refer to the Israelites in the wilderness.  Now Paul refer to the apathy – lack of feeling or concern because of not believing – of the Israelites to warn the people of his day that they too could fall in the same trap (Hebrews 4:11).   This is an ongoing battle going on in our hearts and minds.  Ellen White also warns us about it.  Ellen White says,

 

"In every soul two powers are struggling earnestly for the victory. Unbelief marshals its forces, led by Satan, to cut us off from the Source of our strength. Faith marshals its forces, led by Christ, the author and finisher of our faith. Hour by hour, in the sight of the heavenly universe, the conflict goes forward. This is a hand-to-hand fight, and the great question is, Which shall obtain the mastery? This question each must decide for himself. In this warfare all must take a part, fighting on one side or the other. From the conflict there is no release. . . . We are urged to prepare for this conflict. 'Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.' The warning is repeated, 'Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.'" -Ellen G. White, Sons and Daughters of God, p. 328.

 

So, the implication is that those who put on the armor will overcome the wiles of the devil, of which one of the greatest weapons is unbelief.  So, to put on the armor then is to be born of God, because they are the ones who overcome the world.  And, they do so by faith – by hearing and believing the word of God.  The Apostle John says,

 

1 John 5: 4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

1 John 5: 5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

 

So, there is no need for unbelief to be part of our lives.  Christ has given us His victory.

--
Raul Diaz
www.wolfsoath.com

“Arming” for Victory

“Arming” for Victory

Memory text: Ephesians 6:13

Therefore take up the whole armor of God,  that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

By now we have heard a lot about the armor but very little about the victory.  What is victory in Biblical terms?  Victory is the overcoming of an enemy or antagonist.  Who is our enemy? Some may say the Devil, and they are right.  Some may say death, and they are right also.  However, when Christ spoke about overcoming He mentioned the world.  Jesus told His disciples,

John 16: 33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

What is about the world or what does it represent that needs to be overcome?  In a few verses above this chapter Christ gives us a hint,

John 16: 7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.

John 16: 8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:

John 16: 9 Of sin, because they believe not on me;

Christ said to the disciples that when the Holy Spirit comes He will reprove the world of Sin, among other things.  Why Sin?  Because, the world – those who live in it – do not believe in Him.  Why does the world do not believe in Christ?  When Jesus spoke to Nicodemus He said that the condemnation of the world was “that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil” (John 3:19).  So, the world is condemned because they have chosen not to believe in the “Light of the world.”  This was the problem of Israel while in the wilderness.  Paul says in Hebrews that they did not enter the rest – of Christ – because of their unbelief (Hebrews 3:19; 4:6).  It was still a problem among Jews in Jesus’ day (Matthew 13:58; Mark 6:6).  So, as we see the word chosen for their condition is unbelief. 

Unbelief is used for two Greek terms: one of them meaning no faith, and the other one apathy.  But apathy is a compound word: a + pathy .  Pathy comes from pathos.  Pathos comes from peithos, of which the root word is pistis or faith.  Paul uses apathy to refer to the Israelites in the wilderness.  Now Paul refer to the apathy – lack of feeling or concern because of not believing – of the Israelites to warn the people of his day that they too could fall in the same trap (Hebrews 4:11).   This is an ongoing battle going on in our hearts and minds.  Ellen White also warns us about it.  Ellen White says,

“In every soul two powers are struggling earnestly for the victory. Unbelief marshals its forces, led by Satan, to cut us off from the Source of our strength. Faith marshals its forces, led by Christ, the author and finisher of our faith. Hour by hour, in the sight of the heavenly universe, the conflict goes forward. This is a hand-to-hand fight, and the great question is, Which shall obtain the mastery? This question each must decide for himself. In this warfare all must take a part, fighting on one side or the other. From the conflict there is no release. . . . We are urged to prepare for this conflict. ‘Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.’ The warning is repeated, ‘Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.’” -Ellen G. White, Sons and Daughters of God, p. 328.

So, the implication is that those who put on the armor will overcome the wiles of the devil, of which one of the greatest weapons is unbelief.  So, to put on the armor then is to be born of God, because they are the ones who overcome the world.  And, they do so by faith – by hearing and believing the word of God.  The Apostle John says,

1 John 5: 4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

1 John 5: 5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

So, there is no need for unbelief to be part of our lives.  Christ has given us His victory.

Victory Over Evil Forces

Victory Over Evil Forces

Romans 8:37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.

We read the verse for this week’s lesson and we have to ask ourselves several questions.  One of them is what does Paul means by “in all these things?”  To answer this question we have to go to the context of the passage.  Romans 8 is telling us that because of what Christ has accomplished on the cross Sin no longer has to defeat us.  We are not reading the whole of chapter 8, for lack of space and time. Yes, we will suffer and we will be afflicted.  None of that means that God does not love us.  All is been given for us to succeed as Christians.  We just have to receive it.  Paul seems to be telling us that we have no need to fear or doubt.  God loves us and He is in control.  We just have to trust Him. 

Why would Paul emphasize this? Because, in chapter 7 Paul spoke about how Sin worked internally.  When we are living by faith, Sin is still within us, striving for the mastery and control.  And, this battle continues and intensifies for as long as we live and grow in faith.  It will not stop until we die, or are translated.  So, Paul is saying that Sin attacks us from within and without, and that our greatest struggle is inside; sin after all is iniquity – a bent toward self. Paul is saying that in spite of all that we should never doubt that God loves us.  This is perhaps better said in Romans 8: 35 – 39,

Rom 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

Rom 8:36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

Rom 8:37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

Rom 8:38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

Rom 8:39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Now, The Word Victory, from the title, means the overcoming of an enemy or antagonist.  So, the one that defeats or overcomes an enemy or opponent is called a victor.  This word victor comes from the Latin word vincere which means to win or to conquer – the word used in verse 37.  What do we conquer? Sin’s mastery over us.  We are no longer captive or enslaved by Sin, whether external or internal, through Christ who loved us.  Here our Victory is tied to God’s love for us.  So, just as His love is certain and constant, so is our victory in Christ. 

Let us read a couple of quoted of Ellen White in this subject,

“Jesus gained the victory through submission and faith in God, and by the apostle He says to us, ‘Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you.’ James 4:7, 8. We cannot save ourselves from the tempter’s power; he has conquered humanity, and when we try to stand in our own strength, we shall become a prey to his devices; but ‘the name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.’ Prov. 18:10. Satan trembles and flees before the weakest soul who finds refuge in that mighty name.”—Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, pp. 130, 131.

“The omnipotent power of the Holy Spirit is the defense of every contrite soul. Not one that in penitence and faith has claimed His pro­tection will Christ permit to pass under the enemy’s power. The Saviour is by the side of His tempted and tried ones. With Him there can be no such thing as failure, loss, impossibility, or defeat; we can do all things through Him who strengthens us. When temptations and trials come, do not wait to adjust all the difficulties, but look to Jesus, your helper. Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, pp. 490, 493.

Now, what about victory over demons?  You will notice that Ellen White does not talk about victory in terms of casting out demons.  Not all victors in the faith will be called to do that.  The fact that we do not follow their prompting is victory in itself.  Casting out demons is powerful and given by God.  However Christ tells the disciples, “Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven” (Luke 10:20). Ellen White elaborates on those whose names are written in heaven,

From age to age, all who have truly repented of sin, and by faith claimed the blood of Christ as their atoning sacrifice, have had pardon written against their names in the books of Heaven, and in the closing work of Judgment their sins are blotted out, and they themselves are accounted worthy of eternal life.  {Volume 4, Spirit of Prophecy 309}

Included in this list are those mentioned in Hebrews 11 (This list is called “the hall of fame of the faithful.”)  Not one of the names of people mentioned there made the list because demons were subject to them.  They were there because they believed the promise of God, and it was counted to them as righteousness.  Their victory came from believing that God loved them.  And, they died believing the promise that had not been fulfilled.  They died with the hope that one day God would fulfill this promise and they would be there to enjoy it.  They died with the joy and certainty that their names were written in Heaven.  They died with the certainty of God’s love for them.  Do we have this certainty of God’s love for us?  Do we have the victory that is ours in Christ?  

Spiritually Flying

Spiritually Flying

Recently there was man who made the news because he jumped from the edge of the atmosphere to earth.  A crazy feat, indeed, but he reached the ground safely.  To get up there he went on a hot air balloon.  But, to come back down he just had to let gravity pull him down.  How can this be?  The story goes that an apple fell on Sir Isaac Newton’s head and he asked himself, “Why do things fall?”  He did some research and what he found he called the Laws of Gravity.  The dictionary defines gravity as the gravitational attraction of the mass of the earth, the moon, or a planet for bodies at or near its surface.  It is a fundamental physical force that is responsible for interactions which occur because of the mass between particle and the likes. 

Gravity forces all things to behave in a certain way.  The moon orbits around the earth because of gravity.  Likewise, all planets orbit around the Sun because of gravity.  The moon’s gravity pulls the water in its direction creating the change in tides.  We do not go around floating because of gravity.  It is a force that pulls us down and everything else toward the planet.  Because of gravity we get the expression “What goes up must come down.”  And, when they come down they typically break.  Just ask anyone that has fallen from a tree or another high place. Many have suffered broken bones due to falls, some even die.  This is why learning how to fall is so important to tight rope walkers and tumblers.  So, we can conclude that we do not feel or know about gravity until we are trying to break away from it. 

Yet, some things manage to go up and come down without harm.  Many creatures fly.  To fly mean to move in or pass through the air with wings.  This means that these creatures can break the force that attracts them toward the earth, by moving through the air with wings.  Man has found a way to make objects that can also break the force of attraction.  Planes and rockets have been built to fly around the planet and fly out of the planet.  This means that a stronger force than gravity is required to elevate the object and keep them from falling on the ground.  This you feel when the plane is taking off.  This also means that a stronger force is actually at work when the objects go down in such a way that the object remains pretty much intact in it reaches the ground.  This you feel when the place is landing.  So, objects and creatures do not know gravity control them.  And, even objects that fly are limited by gravity.  A bird must move its wings to stay flying.  A plane needs a moving helix or turbine to create the momentum to fly.  This requires mechanical parts moved by fuel created combustion.  No fuel, you fall.

So, you have one power that pulls you in, and to pull away you need a stronger power than the one pulling you in.  Sin pulls us in, it overpowers us.  And, just like most objects and creatures do not even know about is this power pulling them in, Sin keeps a hold of us and we do not even know it.   That is until we are trying to pull away from it.  You will never succeed breaking away from Sin unless you have something more powerful than Sin to pull you out.  It is no wonder that Paul talks about sin in terms of bondage (Galatians 4:3).  How can we spiritually fly?  We need spiritual wings, helix or turbines, and fuel to make them work; and enough fuel to keep us elevated.  Paul in Ephesians 2 gives us an answer,

Ephesians 2:1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;

Ephesians 2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

Ephesians 2:3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

Ephesians 2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

Ephesians 2:5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

Christ, by His Grace, has equipped us to spiritually fly.  Through the Holy Spirit we are given all we need to lift off earth, and remain on the air.  And, we need not worry about fuel.  The power to keep us flying is given to us also.  We can conclude this from the following verses,

Acts 1:8 “But you shall receive power (“dunamis”) - ability, efficiency and might - when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem and all Judea and Samaria and to the ends - the very bounds - of the earth” (AMP.).

Ephesians 3:20 “Now to Him Who is able to do immeasurably more than all we can ask or conceive, by the power (“dunamis”) which is at work among us . . .” (NEB).

God has given us an infinite amount of fuel to spiritually fly for eternity.  

The Problem and Solution for the Church

This is a special insight by my good friend Michael Duncan.

Although I grew up attending a Seventh Day Adventist church, I never considered myself to be saturated with the culture.  My parents were new to the church having joined through an evangelistic crusade around the year I was born and almost all of my education was received in public schools. There is no question our environment and upbringing shape our perspective and I am no exception.  My degree of connection and separation with the church made me feel somewhat like both an insider and outsider resulting in a curiosity which lead to a good deal of study on my own. In the course of my study, experience and observation in the church, I have come to a certain conclusion and that is this: 

For all the high ideals and Biblical orthodoxy the church represents, we continually come face to face with the weaknesses and failings of the church. Unfortunately the origin of these issues is not understood and without properly understanding the real problem, we are unlikely to find the solution. 

The root of the problem is a failure to clearly understand and apply the most important teaching of the Bible which is Justification by Faith in Jesus Christ.  I have discovered there is a war going on inside and outside of the Seventh Day Adventist Church over what is essential to salvation and most members are largely unaware of it.  As incredible as that may sound; to dismiss this is to be sidetracked into focusing on the symptoms rather than addressing the real problem.  It is precisely because we have been so proud as to assume we already clearly comprehend what the Bible says about salvation that we have come to neglect, distort or misunderstand this teaching much to our own detriment and the evidence is abundant.

Undeniably, controversies exist in the church over issues ranging from regional conferences to dress and adornment to the investigative judgment and subjects in between.  But if there is one thing I am convinced of it is this; the central issue is not women's ordination; the central issue is not worship styles, the central issue is not even the nature or inspiration of the "Spirit of Prophecy". The central issue is our understanding of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This leads to the core question, “What must I do to be saved?”.  It becomes increasingly clear that there is nothing more important than our comprehending the meaning and purpose of the cross.  Everything else is a side issue designed by the enemy to distract and divide.   This is evidenced by the mixed feelings of bitterness and confusion among many youth and adults toward the message. 

Our historical understanding of the gospel was largely shaped by a reaction to the teaching of "cheap grace".  In the 1800's many churches were proclaiming that God's law had been done away with.  While correctly and necessarily combating such false ideas, we overcompensated to such a point that a pioneer expressed, "We have preached the law until we are as dry as the hills of Gilboa that had neither dew nor rain." An overemphasis on sanctification led to the de-emphasis of the Bible truth that we are saved entirely by grace alone, through faith alone, because of Christ alone.   Fortunately, God sent the message of Christ and His Righteousness in the late 1800's to correct the problem.  Unfortunately, we have yet to fully grasp or appropriate the blessing.

In 1924, former General Conference President Arthur G. Daniels published a book entitled Christ Our Righteousness clearly asserting that this message  “had not been received, proclaimed or given free course as it should have been to convey measureless blessing to the church”.

In 1978 an Anglican theologian and clergyman named Geoffrey Paxton published a book entitled "The Shaking of Adventism" - a documented account of the struggle over the teaching of justification by faith.  As a non-Adventist, the author demonstrates a credible understanding of the history and issues involved.  He accurately concludes that it is a good thing that there should be a stirring among Adventists regarding the subject of righteousness by faith and that it would be a blessing for every church to be equally concerned with this most important subject.

A faithful proclamation of the all sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice, the necessity of grace and the righteousness of faith would have protected us from the accusations of legalism, fanaticism, perfectionism, cultism and other ills that plague us.  I can say this from experience.  Through an unbalanced or incomplete teaching of the gospel we become mired in a self-preoccupied religious experience characterized by guilt, frustration and fear and consistently lack the assurance of salvation. Thankfully all of this is replaced by a sense of God’s love, abundant joy and peace of mind as we come to understand the truth of forgiveness and acceptance in Christ.

Every truth entrusted to the Seventh Day Adventist church including the Sabbath, the state of the dead, the second coming, the mark of the beast, the pre-advent judgment and the sanctuary are only understood clearly when we see them as connected to and an expansion of the central truth of the atonement of Christ in His plan of salvation. 

Only when we understand the truth for ourselves are we transformed into effective dispensers of God’s grace to others. I have found the book of Romans and Galatians to most systematically unfold the gospel.  These two books were expounded in their entirety by the two young ministers God used to bring the message of Christ and His Righteousness to the church in General Conference session more than a century ago (Jones and Waggoner).  I have found no more exciting or more important study in all the Bible.  I trust you will be richly blessed as I have in seeking to understand the cross. May we all grow in grace and in the knowledge of our wonderful Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

 I’d like to share a few thoughts below.  Additional references, including scripture and supporting material are attached. I think you will find illuminating and refreshing. Reflect upon the following: 

·         The law of God was never given as a means to salvation but to show us our need of Christ. 

·         The justification effected at the cross is the basis of our salvation and not sanctification. 

·         The sacrifice of Christ which justifies us covers all of our sins past, present and future.

·         Sanctification, though important, does not add anything to our Justification.

·         Sanctification is actually the evidence or result of accepting justification by faith. 

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:  Not of works, lest any man should boast.  Eph 2:8-9

In His Love,

Michael