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Volume 3 -- October 1999 (31 pages)
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: Nazarene Saints Publishing© is a Bible research group for a better Scriptural understanding. We are dedicated to the preservation and publishing of Christian writings which aid Friends of the Nazarene© to “follow the Lamb no matter where the Lamb goes.” (John 15:14; Revelation 14:4) The Friends of the Nazarene© are a spiritual community of Messianic Christians. We are apologists dedicated to the defense of the truth that “God is One” and not three. The Bible is our creed. We view this “God-breathed” book as inspired alone, while the thoughts of men about it are not. We wish to respect the views of our multitude of Christian brethren. (1 Peter 3:15) .
[Mark Miller / Senior Editor (California USA);
Ralph Slaney / Senior Spanish editor (Almeria, Spain); Luis Padilla / Associate Spanish
Editor (Brooklyn, New York USA); Andy Weeks / Associate Editor [Webmaster] (Chicago USA);
Andrew Foss / Hebrew editor (Oregon
USA)]
Jesus Christ the Nazarene said, “I am no part of the world.” [John 17:14] Our
Lord also told his private apostles, “You are no part of
the world.” [John 15:19] What did Jesus mean by these statements?
What, exactly, is the “world” and why were Jesus’ “friends” no
part of it? [John 15:14]
The English word “world” is the general
rendering of the Greek kosmos. The roots the English word “world” is
drawn from “the age of man” and may refer to the earth and all of its
inhabitants.
Regarding the Greek kosmos Dictionary of
New Testament Theology [Volume 1, pages 521f], makes a commentary on the meaning and
use of the word:
“The noun kosmos, attested from Homer
onwards, denoted originally building and construction. ... But more specifically it
denotes order. ... later the regulation of life in human society. ... It also often means
ornament and adornment (esp. women). ... In Greek philosophy kosmos is the basic
term for the world-order, the world-system, the sum total of things preserved by this
ordering, the world in the spatial sense.”
In the Christian Bible the word kosmos
occurs 185 times and generally follows the above meanings. This falls into several
categories or nuances: 1] The “world” may be the sum-total of created things.
[See notes on John 1:3 in Nazarene Commentary; Acts 17:24] 2] The sphere or place
of human life. [Mark 8:36; Matthew 4:8] 3] Or, humanity, the world of humankind. [John
3:16, 19; 2 Corinthians 5:19]
The “world’s foundation” began with
the birth of Abel and thus all who have been born have come into the world. [Luke 11:50,
51; see notes on MT 25:34; John 17:24; see notes on EP1:4] It is this world that God has
purposed a means of salvation by means of His Son. [John 3:16]
However, who is the “ruler of the
world”? Who presently exercises authority over the world? The Bible makes it clear
that Satan the Devil is world ruler. We note in the temptation of Christ that, without
objection from him, Satan claimed the authority of all the kingdoms of the world: “[Satan]
showed Jesus all the world’s kingdoms and then told him: ‘All of this I will
give you if you bow down and worship me.’” [See notes on MT 4:8, 9.] Luke
4:6 adds, “I [Satan] will give you this authority and their glory, because it has
been given to me.” Jesus seems to allude to Satan when he calls him “the
ruler of this world.” [John 12:31]
The apostle Paul also identifies Satan with this
world when he calls him “the god of this world.” [2 Corinthians 4:4] In
describing the Christian warfare Paul lists: “We are engaged in a warfare not
against something human, but a fight against celestial governments, demonic authorities,
dark rulers of this cosmos, spiritistic evil in celestial realms.” [See notes on
EP6:12 in Nazarene Commentary.] The beloved apostle John also writes regarding the
influence on this world: “We are aware that God is our Source; but the entire
world lies in the grasp of the Wicked One.” [See notes on 1JN5:19 Nazarene
Commentary]
As its “god” and “ruler” Satan
has blinded virtually the entire inhabited earth to the Gospel of Christ. John writes of
this in Revelation: “The great Dragon was thrown down, the Old Serpent, the one
called The Devil and The Satan, the one making the whole inhabited earth err.”
[See notes on Revelation 12:9 Nazarene Commentary.] In this context Satan is
described as a seven-headed Dragon. Many scholars view these seven heads as world powers
around the Mediterranean Sea. This agrees with what we read earlier about Satan’s
power over the world’s kingdoms. Since Revelation 12:9, 11 shows the entire world of
mankind has been misled save for those Christian Saints who are alive after the Dragon is
ousted from heaven, the breadth of the Devil’s domain is virtually absolute.
How, or by what means, does Satan rule this world?
There seem three major instruments by which the Devil controls and influences mankind.
These three are identified in Revelation.
1] First, as seen above, the Devil rules the political
realm. Judging from thousands of years of human rule history confirms a Satanic influence
among the governments of this world. All the major kingdoms of the world were oppressors
of first the Jews and then the Christians. [See Nazarene Commentary on Revelation
chapters 13 and 17.]
2] Second, it seems apparent from Revelation that
Satan controls the religious empire of Babylon the Great. [See Revelation chapters
17 and 18.] Each of ancient Mediterranean powers had a state religion with their own
doctrines and ceremonies. All were idolatrous and given to demonic practices. This religious
“kingdom” has “made all the inhabited earth drunk” allowing the
political agencies to rule and control. This drunkenness was described by Karl Marx, “Religion
is the opium of the people.”
Jesus himself foretold a fermenting influence even
within his own Church or Christendom. [See notes on MT 13:33 in Nazarene Commentary.]
The Nazarene makes it clear that his “field” -- the “world” -- though
having wheat planted by him, would become over run with “weeds” [zizania].
These he identified as “sons of the Wicked One” or the Devil who sowed them.
[Matthew 13:38, 39] Later inspired disciples of Jesus Christ echoed this prophecy. Paul
foretold: “After my departure rapacious wolves will come into your midst and will
not handle the flock with gentleness. From among you [elders] will arise humans speaking
crooked doctrines in order to led disciples after them.” [Acts 20:29, 30]
Just so Paul writes to the Corinthian church: “I
fear that just as the Serpent beguiled Eve by its craftiness, your minds might also be
corrupted away from the simple purity belonging to the Christ.” [2
Corinthians 11:3] How does Paul say this would be done? Note his answer in 2 Corinthians
11:12-15: “I wish to remove the claim of those [Corinthian elders] who wish to
give the impression they are equal with us in the apostolic office. These [elders] are
pseudo apostles, deceptive workers, changing themselves in Christ’s apostles. This
should not surprise you because Satan himself continues to change himself into an angel of
light. It is not difficult, then, for Satan’s ministers to continually change
themselves into ministers of righteousness. However, their end will be in harmony with
their deeds.”
Like Jesus, Paul foretells an apostasy from the
primitive Church and the Nazarene’s teachings: “[The Return of Christ] will
not come unless the apostasy arrives first and that lawless human is exposed, the son of
destruction. That one is an opposer and exalts himself above every divinity or object of
respect. He takes his seat in the God’s Temple [ = the Church -- 1 Corinthians 3:16,
17; see notes on EP2:19-21] and displays himself as a divinity. Do you not remember that
when I was among you I taught you these same things?” [2 Thessalonians 2:3-5]
Paul continues to show Satan’s influence within the Temple of God: “The
lawless [Apostate] presence [in the Church] is due to Satan’s manipulation, using
every kind of ‘miracle’ and lying signs and omens. With every kind of
unrighteous deception to those [in the Church] who are going to perish -- this in payment
for their failure to love the truth unto salvation -- This is the reason The God allows
this wicked deception among them [in the Church] so that they believe the Lie. So that all
may be condemned who did not believe the Truth.”
[2 Thessalonians 2:9-12, see notes in Nazarene Commentary]
Other matters involved in this apostasy from the
early Church and the original teachings of Christ, are further explained by Paul: “Now
the Spirit expressly declares that in later days some will leave the Faith and devote
their attention to subversive doctrines inspired by devils.” [1 Timothy 4:1
Modern Versions] And again in his second epistle to Timothy, he warns: “You are
aware of this Timothy that in these last days ... [some humans in the Church] will have
only an outward form of godliness but resist its true influence. From such [dishonorable
vessels = 2 Timothy 2:20] turn away. ... For among them are those who enter into
households and captivate weak and silly women who feel crushed by their burden of sins.
These are always curious to learn and yet never able to arrive at a heightened knowledge
of the truth. ... For the time will me when they [in the Church] will no longer tolerate
sound doctrine; but according to their own inclinations they will get for themselves great
number of teachers to satisfy their own fancies. And they will give up listening to the
Truth and will wander off after man-made fictions.”
[2 Timothy 3:1, 5-7; 4:3, 4 Modern Versions] Thus, a large portion of the
apocalyptic “Babylon the Great” now involves the Satanic Zizania or weeds in the
Lord’s worldly field.
3] The third major instrument used by the Devil is
commercialism. The great merchants of the earth, including all the great captains
of merchant ships, have supported and been supported by Babylon the Great. In chapter 18
of Revelation it is these who mourn over the burning of the Babylonish city: “For
because of the wine of the anger of [Babylon’s] [1. religious] fornication all the
nations have fallen [victim], and the [2. political] kings of the earth committed
fornication with her, and the traveling merchants of the earth [3. commercialism] became
rich due to the power of her shameless luxury." [Revelation 18:3 NW] Satan uses
greed and pleasure as the engine that drives his world. As a result even some Christians
have self-inflicted wounds as Paul writes: “[Those Christians] who are determined
to become rich get tempted and then trapped, falling into many senseless and hurtful
desires which plunge humans into destruction and ruin. Because the love of money is the
source of all kinds of evil which some [Christians] reaching after have been led away from
the Faith and have been self-inflicted with many sorrows.” [2 Timothy 6:9, 10
Modern Versions]
To Timothy Paul cautions: “Therefore
[Timothy] endure hardships as a good solider of Jesus Christ. No person enlisted in the
army gets involved in commercial enterprises for making a living so that he may satisfy
the officer who enlisted him.” [2 Timothy 2:3, 4] James also warns certain
Christians about commercialism: “Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we
will go into this city and spend a year there going into business and make money.”
[James 4:14]
Thus it is through these three main agencies --
religion, politics, and commerce -- that Satan misleads earth’s inhabitants. But,
what was the early Christian attitude toward the world?
Jesus had described his own apostles as being
“no part of the world.” How did they view the world, both in their writings as
well as their history? Examine some of the conclusions of the inspired writers. The
world’s wisdom off its philosophers and debates was foolishness. [1 Corinthians 1:20,
21] The world has a certain “spirit” or disposition which is not shared by
Christians. [1 Corinthians 2:12, 13] The world views real Christians as fools. [1
Corinthians 4:9, 10] Indeed, true Christians are considered the world’s garbage. [1
Corinthians 4:13] Christians were not to make full use of the world. [1 Corinthians 7:31]
Enslavement to worldly elements is to be avoided. [Galatians 4:3] Disobedience and fleshly
desire characterize the world. [Ephesians 2:2, 3] Those in the world are really with God.
[Ephesians 2:12] Worldly philosophy, elementary doctrines, and human traditions are to be
avoided. [Colossians 2:8] The Christian is to remain unspotted by the world. [James 1:27]
Any friend of the world is God’s enemy. [James 4:4] The world is corrupt. [2 Peter
1:4; 2:20] Christians are not to love worldly things. [1 John 2:15-17]The world has no
relationship with true Christians. [1 John 3:1, 13] False prophets are of the world. [1
John 4:1-3] The world listens to those who speak worldly things. [1 John 4:5] Faith
conquers the world. [1 John 5:4] The worldly do not believe Jesus Christ came in the
flesh. [2 John 7] Ultimately the kingdom of the world will become that of Christ.
[Revelation 11:15]
According to historians the early Christians
remained very much separate from the world. For example, Christians avoided military
service. "A careful review of all the information available goes to show that, until
the time of Marcus Aurelius, no Christian became a soldier; and no soldier, after becoming
a Christian, remained in military service." [The Rise of Christianity
(London, 1947), E. W. Barnes, page 333] And, a Christian scholar of the second century CE
wrote:
"We who were filled with war, and mutual
slaughter, and every wickedness, have each through the whole earth changed our warlike
weapons, our swords into ploughshares, and our spears into implements of tillage,-and we
cultivate piety, righteousness, philanthropy, faith, and hope, which we have from the
Father Himself through Him who was crucified." [Justin Martyr in "Dialogue With
Trypho, a Jew" (2nd century CE), The Ante-Nicene Fathers (1885
Edinburgh edition), edited by A. Roberts and J. Donaldson, Volume I, page 254]
They also avoided political office as historian
Edward Gibbon observed: "They refused to take any active part in the civil
administration or the military defense of the empire. . . . it was impossible that the
Christians, without renouncing a more sacred duty, could assume the character of soldiers,
of magistrates, or of princes." [History of Christianity (New
York, 1891), pages 162, 163]
The Christians also avoided worldly entertainment
for as late as the third century Tertullian writes: "[Christians]
have nothing to do, in speech, sight or hearing, with the madness of the circus, the
shamelessness of the theatre, the savagery of the arena, the vanity of the gymnasium.
...Why should we offend you, if we assume the existence of other pleasures? . . . we
reject what pleases you; what pleases us gives you no delight." [Apology,
XXXVIII, 4, 5]
Consider to other references. "Early
Christianity was little understood and was regarded with little favor by those who ruled
the pagan world. . . . Christians refused to share certain duties of Roman citizens. . . .
They would not hold political office." [On the Road to Civilization,
A World History] "Origen [c270] . . . remarks that 'the
Christian Church cannot engage in war against any nation. They have learned from their
Leader that they are children of peace.' In that period many Christians were martyred for
refusing military service." [Treasury of the Christian World]
It must be admitted that early Christians living
in a pagan world could draw such distinctions with greater ease than today. Though much of
the world remains “pagan” a very large portion claims to be Christian,
particularly America and the Western World. We have considered above that Christ’s
“kingdom” or Christendom is filled with lawlessness and scandal. [See notes on
MT 13:41] The Christian Church is also largely a form of apostasy away from the original
doctrines and worship of the primitive Church. Christendom as we approach the year 2,000
is filled with “doctrines of devils” borrowed from the ancient pagan world.
Cardinal Newman wrote in Essay on the Development of Christian
Doctrine: "The use of temples, and these dedicated to particular saints, and
ornamented on occasions with branches of trees; incense, lamps, and candles; . . .
holydays and seasons, use of calendars, processions, blessings on the fields; sacerdotal
vestments, . . . images at a later date, perhaps the ecclesiastical chant, . . . are all
of pagan origin, and sanctified by their adoption into the church."
Review this difficulty of determining what is and
what is not “Christian” was an article by Steve Wysall in the Vancouver Sun:
"Not all people wearing blue oil-stained overalls are
mechanics, even if they look like mechanics, . . . even if they say 'We are mechanics. ...
Often you will hear people talk about how this or that was done in the name of
Christianity and what an awful thing it was to do. Well, yes, it was awful. . . . But who
ever said they were Christians who did those awful things? Oh, you say, the established
churches say so. Well, who ever said the established churches are Christian? So the pope
blessed Mussolini, and there is evidence of other popes who have done dastardly deeds in
the past. So who said they were Christians? You think because a man is the pope he must be
a Christian? Just because a person says 'I am a Christian' does not mean he is one-just as
a man who claims to be a mechanic may not be a mechanic. The Bible even warns Christians
against people who pose as Christians . . . No Christian can war against another Christian
-- it would be like a man fighting himself. True Christians are brothers and sisters in
Jesus Christ. . . . They would never, never intentionally hurt one another."
How will a Christian today determine what is
worldly even among professed Christian churches or organizations? Does it seem fair to
state that a genuine disciple of the Nazarene might ask the following questions?
1] What is the historical source of certain
religious doctrines and teachings?
2] What is the historical origin of certain
religious ceremonies or holidays?
3] Is this religion or church involved in
politics?
4] Is this religion or church involved in
commercialism?
5] Does this religion or church support wars
against fellow Christians?
6] Does this religion or church make prophecies
about the future, which have failed to come true?
7] Does this religion of church teach Jesus while
on earth was more than a human?
8] Does this religion teach that God torments the
wicked forever?
9] Does this religion of church teach the pagan
doctrine of soul immortality?
As the modern Christian approaches with
expectation that day of the Lord’s coming is it not wise to make sure he or she is
“no part of the world”? No part of is demon-inspire religions? No part of its
corrupt politics? No part of its greedy commercialism? When the Christian is in doubt
about what is “worldly” is it not the course of wisdom to let the
Scripturally-trained conscience guide into godly conduct. Remember, “The world
with its desires will pass away but the person who does the will of God remains
forever.” [1 John 2:17]
Jesus foretold that his own church [Matthew 16:15]
or “kingdom” [Matthew 13:41] would become corrupt. He taught the demon Satan
would be responsible for this. [Matthew 13:37-39] This fermentation would continue,
resulting in scandal and lawlessness, until the Harvest at Christ’s Return and the
subsequent parousia-judgment. [Matthew 13:42, 43] Likewise, the inspired disciples
of the Nazarene foretold the same thing -- the falling away from the doctrine, order, and
worship-devotion of the primitive Church. [Read 2 Peter chapter 2 as an example.]
In this connection Paul predicts that
“teachings of demons” would mark such a falling away. He does so in 1 Timothy
4:1-3, “The Pneuma expressly states that in later periods of time some will fall
away from the Faith, giving heed to deceptive inspirations and demonic doctrines, and this
by means of hypocritical persons who speak lies with a cauterized conscience. They will
forbid marriage and command abstinence from certain foods.” In truth priesthood
celibacy and refraining from meat on Fridays became part of Church teaching.
Paul identifies other teachings, which could be
characterized as “teachings of demons.” For example, in 2 Timothy 2:16-18: “However,
continue shunning worldly, futile phrases because such will lead on to greater depths of
irreverence. Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Hymenaeus and Philetus are this
type. They have left the path of the truth and preach that the resurrection has already
begun. They play havoc with the Faith.” [Modern Versions]
The beloved apostle John also identifies teachings
which he associates with “antichrists.” Consider what he has to say as what he
calls the approach of “the last hour.” [1 John 2:18-21; 4:1-3] -
“Young spiritual children, it is the final hour. As
you have heard already, the antichrist is coming. Already many antichrists have
materialized. It is from this we know it is the final hour. These antichrists abandoned us
because there were never really part of us. If they really had been part of us they would
have stayed with us. In order to manifest these antichrists and make it clear they were
never part of us. All of you have an anointing from the Holy One have an intimate
relationship with Him. ... My dearly beloved friends, do not put your trust in every
‘inspiration’. Rather, test out these ‘inspirations’ to know whether
they originate with God. The need for this is because many false prophets have proceeded
from the world. This is the way you will recognize the inspiration of God: every
inspiration that confesses Jesus Christ came in the flesh has its source in God.”
It was within two hundred years that many
Christian church fathers adopted Greek philosophies -- really older Egyptian teachings.
These included doctrines on the “nature” of God, the immortality of the human
soul, and, eternal torment of the damned.
Paul describes Satan as the “god of this
world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, that the Gospel’s enlightenment
concerning the Christ -- the image of God -- may no longer shine.” [2 Corinthians
4:4] One of Satan’s major instruments for blinding believers are those
“weeds” -- or, children of the Wicked One -- right there within the Church
itself. [Acts 20:29, 30; 2 Corinthians 11:14, 15] Some of these teachers would crave
worldly honors, and not satisfied with the Bible’s simple answers, create doctrines
which found approval among the world’s philosophical thinkers. This also served as a
tool to control the Church in general: by creating doctrines that were
“mysteries” these elders elevated themselves above the church membership. It was
not long before the bishops of the Church claimed only they could determine doctrine and
that God was using them as His channel. [2 Thessalonians 2:3-9]
Jesus described Satan as the “father of the
lie.” [John 8:44] The very first lie told in Eden was, “You will not
die.” [Genesis 3:4] While it was God who told disobedient Adam, “Dust you
are and to dust you will return.” [Genesis 3:19; Ecclesiastes 3:19-21] Th Bible
does not teach that the human soul is immortal, nor that God torments the wicked in an
eternal fire. Plato writes: "Do we believe that there is such a thing as death? . . .
Is it not the separation of soul and body? And to be dead is the completion of this; when
the soul exists in herself, and is released from the body and the body is released from
the soul, what is this but death? . . . And does the soul admit of death? No. Then the
soul is immortal? Yes." [Plato's "Phaedo," Secs. 64, 105, as published in Great
Books of the Western World (1952), edited by R. M.
Hutchins, Vol. 7, pp. 223, 245, 246]
Where did these doctrines find their origin? Since
it was not with God we may judge it was from a demonic source. What to scholars and their
commentaries report?
"The concept of immortality is a product of
Greek thinking, whereas the hope of a resurrection belongs to Jewish thought. . . .
Following Alexander's conquests Judaism gradually absorbed Greek concepts." [Dictionnaire
Encyclopédique de la Bible (Valence, France; 1935), edited by
Alexandre Westphal, Vol. 2, p. 557]
"Immortality of the soul is a Greek notion
formed in ancient mystery cults and elaborated by the philosopher Plato." [Presbyterian
Life, May 1, 1970, p. 35]
"The problem of immortality, we have seen,
engaged the serious attention of the Babylonian theologians. . . . Neither the people nor
the leaders of religious thought ever faced the possibility of the total annihilation of
what once was called into existence. Death was a passage to another kind of life." [The
Religion of Babylonia and Assyria (Boston, 1898), M.
Jastrow, Jr., page 556]
Encyclopaedia Judaica reports
on the source of these doctrines: "It was probably under Greek influence that the
doctrine of the immortality of the soul came into Judaism. ... Basically the two beliefs
of resurrection and the soul's immortality are contradictory. The one refers to a
collective resurrection at the end of the days, i.e., that the dead sleeping in the earth
will arise from the grave, while the other refers to the state of the soul after the death
of the body. ... It was held that when the individual died his soul still lived on in
another realm (this gave rise to all the beliefs regarding heaven and hell) while his body
lay in the grave to await the physical resurrection of all the dead here on earth."
Regarding the doctrine of the Trinity -- described
by the Catholic Church as the “central doctrine of Christianity” -- commentaries
also credit pagan sources and Greek philosophy for this doctrine.
The New Catholic Encyclopedia
states: "The formulation 'one God in three Persons' was not solidly established,
certainly not fully assimilated into Christian life and its profession of faith, prior to
the end of the 4th century. But it is precisely this formulation that has first claim to
the title the Trinitarian dogma. Among the Apostolic Fathers, there
had been nothing even remotely approaching such a mentality or perspective." [(1967),
Vol. XIV, p. 299]
In The Encyclopedia Americana
we read: "Christianity derived from Judaism and Judaism was strictly Unitarian
[believing that God is one person]. The road which led from Jerusalem to Nicea was
scarcely a straight one. Fourth century Trinitarianism did not reflect accurately early
Christian teaching regarding the nature of God; it was, on the contrary, a deviation from
this teaching." [(1956), Vol. XXVII, p. 294L]
According to the Nouveau Dictionnaire
Universel, "The Platonic trinity, itself merely a rearrangement of older
trinities dating back to earlier peoples, appears to be the rational philosophic trinity
of attributes that gave birth to the three hypostases or divine persons taught by the
Christian churches. . . . This Greek philosopher's [Plato, fourth century BCE] conception
of the divine trinity . . . can be found in all the ancient [pagan] religions."
[(Paris, 1865-1870), edited by M. Lachâtre, Vol. 2, p. 1467.]
John L. McKenzie, S.J., in his Dictionary of
the Bible, says: "The trinity of persons within the unity of nature is
defined in terms of 'person' and 'nature' which are G[ree]k philosophical terms; actually
the terms do not appear in the Bible. The Trinitarian definitions arose as the result of
long controversies in which these terms and others such as 'essence' and 'substance' were
erroneously applied to God by some theologians." [(New York, 1965), p. 899.]
For more details on what the Bible teaches about
death and the Trinity see the online publications, Where Are the Dead? and DE
TRINITATIS ERRORIBUS in Nazarene Commentary..
The Source of Inspiration
The above would strongly point to the source of
inspiration for many doctrines within Christendom as being Satanic or demonic. Near the
end of the year 100 CE the beloved apostle John warned the Christian Church: “Test
inspirations whether they originate with God because many false prophets have gone forth
into the world.” [1 John 4:1] How can we do this in this advanced age of the
Church when so many “teachings of demons” prevail?
First, when we read something published or printed
by Church teachers, do what John directed above: test them. Paul did not object to having
his teachings examined as to their authenticity. Acts 17:2, 3, 11 records: “Paul
reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and quoting passages to prove that it
was a necessity for Messiah to suffer and rise from the dead. ... They accepted the
message most eagerly and made a daily study of the Scriptures so see if what Paul said was
true.” We may “test” what we hear, first by the Scriptures. If we find
a teaching or doctrine is not found in the Bible, we may wonder where such a thing
originated. Often a simple study of encyclopedias will reveal the true background of a
doctrine, ceremony, or holiday.
Some may argue that such a stand -- calling
certain Christian doctrines as “teachings of demons” -- is too harsh and that
doctrines should not divide Christians. Well, the truth is, the Church is already divided
into ten thousand sects, one often calling the other a “cult.” [1 Corinthians
1:10] We have seen that Paul already had predicted that such “teachings of
demons” would arise with the falling away from the Faith. [1 Timothy 4:1-3] Paul
warned that these erroneous teachings would lead others astray from the truth. [2 Timothy
2:16-18]
How can we expect the Devil to corrupt the
Christian Church? Things Satanic and demonic do not always appear obvious. Paul writes in
this regard to the Corinthian church: “I fear that just as the Serpent beguiled
Eve by its craftiness, your minds might also be corrupted away from the simple
purity belonging to the Christ. ... I wish to remove the claim of those [Corinthian
elders] who wish to give the impression they are equal with us in the apostolic office.
These [elders] are pseudo apostles, deceptive workers, changing themselves in
Christ’s apostles. This should not surprise you because Satan himself continues to
change himself into an angel of light. It is not difficult, then, for Satan’s
ministers to continually change themselves into ministers of righteousness. However, their
end will be in harmony with their deeds.” [2 Corinthians 11:3,
12-15]
Thus, every disciple must be on guard against the
deceptive teachings and prophecies of some within the Christian Church. Jesus himself
warned that it is possible that even some of the Elect could be misled. Consider his
warnings in the Gospels: “Be on the watch you are never misled. Because many will
come claiming my authority, preaching, ‘The time is at hand!’ Do not join their
ranks. ... For pseudo anointed and false prophets will rise with signs and miracles to
mislead, if even possible, the Elect. You watch out. I have warned you about all this in
advance.” [Luke 21:8; Mark 13:22, 23] Often these demonic teachings contain some
complex time-chronology which makes little sense to most people but it nevertheless
adopted in trust. The result is not only deception but also generally the loss of
finances, and, in the end “great disappointment.”
Why does God permit such teachings within the
Church? Paul answers this and gives us two reasons: a) to manifest the approved; and, b)
to judge those who do not really love the truth. Note the former in 1 Corinthians
11:17-19: “But, in giving you these injunctions I must mention a practice which I
cannot commend. It is actually worse that you even meet as a congregation. My first
reason is because when you do gather in assembly I hear that schisms exist among you, and
I believe there must be some truth to it. It is necessary, also, that heresies should
exist among you so that those approved may become manifest among you.”
By permitting these “schisms” and
“heresies” it will be revealed to God who those are who love and stick to the
truth as taught by His Son and his inspired disciples. Those who fail will be judged by
God because they did not love the truth. [2 Thessalonians 2:3-12]
Paul also cautions several times to avoid those
who teach things contrary to that doctrine received from Christ and his apostles. Romans
16:17, 18 reads: “However, I exhort you, brothers, to watch those who cause
divisions and scandals against the teaching which you learned and turn away from the. For
such persons are not slaving for our Lord Christ. Rather they [slave] for their own
bellies. By means of smooth speech and compliments they seduce the hearts of the
innocent.” [See notes in Nazarene Commentary.] And in Titus 3:10, 11, he commands: “Shun a heretical person
after two warnings. Realize that such a person has been perverted, and in sinning, is
self-condemned.” [See Nazarene Commentary.]
Does this mean there are Christian teachers and
Church members that should be avoided in fellowship? Paul gives a lesson to Timothy on
this very matter: “Now in a grand house there are vessels of both gold and silver
as well as wood and clay. Some of these are used for honorable purposes and some for
dishonorable uses. Therefore, if anyone keeps clean from these [dishonorable vessels] will
be an honorable vessel, sanctified and useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.
So, take your flight from youthful desires and rather pursue righteousness, conviction,
loving concern, peacefulness in fellowship with those who call upon the Lord with pure
hearts.” [2 Timothy 2:20-22] And a bit later, “They have an appearance of
reverence but deny its power. Stay away from these people.” [2 Timothy 3:5]
Jesus once asked his disciples a thought-provoking
question: “When the Son of Humankind arrives will he actually find The Faith on
earth?” [Luke 18:8] It is our prayer that whenever our Lord comes he will,
indeed, find the original faith he started two thousand years ago still alive and
vigorous.
· MARK’S HARD DRIVE CRASH: Because of a hard drive crash Mark lost the complete issue
of the October Friends online magazine. However, he had saved a portion of it with
other brothers. So, October is somewhat shorter than normal. November will contain some of
the articles originally prepared for October.
· NAZARENE COMMENTARY: The growing feature of Nazarene Commentary is in the
process of having some new additions: new renderings with commentary on Hebrews 1-8,
James, and First Timothy. Other Bible books are also in the works.
[A
format for contributed thoughts and expressions.]
Lord, thank you for this sink of dirty dishes;
we have plenty of food to eat while many
go hungry.
Thank you for this pile of dirty laundry;
we have plenty of nice clothes to wear
while others are cold.
And I would like to thank you, Lord, for those
unmade beds; they were so warm and
comfortable last night. I know that many have
no bed.
My thanks to you, Lord, for this bathroom,
complete with all the splattered mirrors, soggy,
grimy towels and dirty lavatory; there are those
denied these things.
Thank you for this finger-smudged refrigerator
that needs defrosting so badly. It has served us
faithfully for many years. It is full of cold drinks
and enough leftovers for two or three meals.
How many others long for leftovers?
Thank you, Lord, for this oven that absolutely
must be cleaned today. It has baked so many
things over the years. Others never smell the
wonderful aroma of bread baking.
The whole family is grateful for that tall grass
that needs mowing, the lawn that needs raking;
we all enjoy the yard. There are many city
dwellers, Lord, that sees no green.
Thank you, Lord, even for that slamming screen
door. My kids are healthy and able to run and play.
Bless those whose bodies cannot move at will.
Lord, the presence of all these chores awaiting
me says You have richly blessed my family. I shall
do them cheerfully and I shall do them gratefully.
How much one bedridden would love to scrub a
floor!
Even though I clutch my blanket and growl when
the alarm rings, thank you, Lord, that I can hear.
There are those who live in silence.
Even though I keep my eyes closed against the
morning light as long as possible, thank you,
Lord, that I can see. Many live in darkness.
Even though I huddle in my bed and put off rising,
thank you, Lord, that I have the strength to rise.
There are many who cannot rise...or kneel to pray.
Even though the first hour of my day is hectic,
when socks are lost, toast is burned and tempers
are short, and my children are so loud...thank you,
Lord, for my family. There are many who are lonely.
Even though our breakfast table never looks like
the pictures in magazines and the menu is at times
not balanced, thank you, Lord, for the food we have.
So many go to bed with empty stomachs.
Even though the routine of my job is often wearying
and monotonous, thank you, Lord, for the opportunity
to work. There are many who have no job.
Even though I may at times bemoan my fate
and wish my circumstances were not so
modest, Thank you, Lord, for life and family
and Your love which is always there!
When my hard drive decided to give up the
ghost after two years of faithful service and processing over one millions words and
unnumbered posts, I was suddenly thrown into the darkness of Cyber-Space. I lost all my
addresses, files, and current work. I am a firm believer in prayer, so I prayed to our
Father by His Son Jesus: “Father, if you wish me to continue in this work I leave it
in your hands. If you do not I understand and will continue to serve You in a new
way.” Confident in prayer I took the small lap top down to a Computer store and
dropped it off for a new hard drive for the estimated cost of about $300.00. I prayed so
more about the matter.
One week passed and I had not heard back from the
computer store. I prayed again. THEN, not knowing my problem, my daughter suddenly sent me
a birthday present of $150.00! Further, Ralph Slaney in Spain, also not knowing of my
problem, sent me 100 English pounds, which converts to [!!!!!] $150.00. I called the
computer store and they said the lap top was repaired and ready. I asked the amount and
they said, $270.37. I asked if they could add a mouse as I had never had one. Does our
Father answer prayers?
The problem was I also lost all the software
programs which would have amounted to many hundreds of dollars. I had installed something
very old and limited. Not long after a Friend sent me new software which was far better
than what I had before – things I could never have afforded!
Does God answer our prayers of faith?
I believe He does. We only have to throw our
fleece on the ground, or take that first step on water.
Warmest affections in Christ,
Mark Miller
[The
following article is based on the footnote commentary on the letter to Titus in Nazarene
Commentary.]
Paul explains his purpose in writing to Titus in
his assignment on the isle of Crete: “This is the reason I left you in Crete so
that you should correct the defective things.”
[Titus 1:5 Nazarene Commentary] Or as some other versions
put it: KJV: set in order the things that are wanting; RHM: the things remaining undone;
BER: straighten out unfinished business; CON: correct what is deficient; TCNT: put in
order what has been left unsettled; BECK: make the improvements still need. It is seems
clear that the churches on Crete needed a steady hand to bring them to maturity. Titus
seems to have the authority to make these corrections. The first of which, as Paul goes on
to write, was leadership.
The reason and need for proper leadership in the
Church was made clear in Paul’s epistle to the Ephesians: “[Christ] gave some
gifts in the form of apostles, prophets, missionaries, pastors, and teachers. All these
are for the purpose of readjusting the Saints, for the work of service to others, for the
building up of Christ’s Body -- until that time we all achieve a perfect unity in the
faith and in a heightened relationship with God’s Son -- to a mature person measured
after Christ’s own full stature. And this so that we are no longer little children
tossed by waves and carried this way and that way by every wind of teaching by tricky
persons who use the crafty presentation of lies.” [Ephesians
4:11-14; see notes in Nazarene Commentary]
Paul gives apostolic orders to Titus regarding the
qualifications of elders in the various churches on Crete. [Titus 1:6] Paul lists 17
requirements before a man may have appointed hands laid upon him to make him an elder.
Consider what kind of man this is judging by the following.
1] Unaccusable. Or, KJV: blameless; ALF: under no
imputation; NASB: above reproach; TCNT: irreproachable character; PME: unquestionable
integrity; NOR: a reputation beyond reproach; TAY: well thought of for their good lives.
In all of these qualifications compare those in 1 Timothy 3:1ff. The man who would be an
elder can have no legitimate charge against his character. He is not expected to be
perfect but his life must be an example for the whole church. [1 Corinthians 1:8; 1
Timothy 3:10]
2] A husband of one wife. Judging from the widow
who is “the wife of one husband” at 1 Timothy 5:9, the man who would be elder
could not be a divorced man who has married again.
3] A man with believing children not under any
accusation of debauchery or unsubmissive. In 1 Timothy 3 Paul explains the reasons for
this: if a man cannot preside over his own household, how can he preside over the church.
It is worthy of note that no where does it state his wife should have a certain character,
though some see this in 1 Timothy 3:11 where the Greek may permit “wives.”
4] Not arrogant. Or, KJV: not self-willed; WMS:
stubborn; MOF: presumptuous; NEB: overbearing; KNX: obstinate; BECK: shouldn’t do as
he pleases: BAS: ready to give way to others. Obviously he does not yield to all for Paul
goes on to instruct Titus to reprove and resist the disobedient. The elder must find a
balance between loving humility and courageous zeal. The early apostates were
characterized by a lack of respect for proper authority. [2 Peter 2:10]
5] Not quick-tempered. Or, NEB: short-tempered;
KNX: quarrelsome; BAS: not quickly moved to wrath. The elders must be patient and tolerant
to other opinions and not given to flashes of anger or mean-tempered. Under every
circumstance he must be well balanced emotionally even when dealing with sinners. He may
rebuke as did his Lord but his moderate disposition should shine with the Nazarene’s
love and the Father’s mercy. [Romans 12:19; James 1:19]
6] Not given to a lot of wine. Or, WMS: not
addicted to strong drink; LAM: not excessive. Views vary depending on the culture. Our
Lord was a “drinker” and was thus accused wrongly of abuse, while John, who was
an abstainer, was accused of demonism. A balance view can easily be understood by
researching wine or strong drink in the Bible. The Mediterranean peoples
tend to drink weak wine with most meals and happily so during special occasions such as
weddings. Compare our Lord’s first miracle at Cana. [John 2:1ff] On the
subject of wine see Proverbs 20:1; 23:20, 30-35; 31:4-7.
7] Not violent. Or, KJV: no striker; CON: given to
brawls; WMS: pugnacious; LAM: too need to strike with his hand; NOR: to come to blows;
RHM: ready to wound. The elder is a man under control of himself -- within the
congregation and within his family. He never resorts to physical threats which would give
the impression he would be willing to come to blows over a matter.
8] Not fond of dishonest gain. Or, KJV: not given
to filthy lucre; ABUV: greedy of base gain; TCNT: questionable money-making; NEB: not a
money-grubber; MOF: addicted to pilfering. There were those in the early Church who took
advantage of their position materially, Judas being the first. In English the word
“extortion” may involve those who take material advantage of their position. [1
Timothy 3:8; 1 Peter 5:2.] Read 1 Corinthians 9:4-14 where Paul refers to the Nazarene: “Those
preaching the good news may live by the good news,” allowing for basic needs to
be covered by the congregations. This was to be done without laying a burden, however.
Read 2 Thessalonians chapter 3. In at least one situation Paul supported himself, either
not to be a burden, or, because those wishing to give did so with an agenda. [Galatians
6:6]
9] Hospitable. Or, ASV: given to hospitality; BAS:
opening his house freely to guests. The Greek means “fond of strangers” shown by
invitations to the home for rest and food. The Middle East was famous for its hospitality
and among these the Christians out-shone them all. Thus, as an example in the congregation
the elder must be head and shoulders above all when it comes to hospitality. His home must
be open to all. He cannot be a recluse or isolated, giving a cold shoulder to others whom
may benefit from his charity and hospitality. [Deuteronomy 15:9; Romans 12:13; 2
Corinthians 9:7; Hebrews 13:2; 1 Peter 4:9] In the Hebrew Bible compare cases of
hospitality in Abraham, Lot, and Abigail.
10] A lover of goodness. Or, KJV: a lover of good
men; NEB: right-minded. Goodness is moral excellence characterized in coming to the aid of
others, or, beneficence. The name Agatha comes from the Greek word often translated
“good.” [Galatians 5:22; 6:10; Romans 12:9; Ephesians 5:9; 1 Peter 3:13; 3 John
11]
11] Sound of mind. Or, KJV: sober; ASV:
sober-minded; WMS: sensible. The Greek is SOPHRONA [Strong’s 4998] and literally
means safe-mind, or, self-controlled, moderate as to opinion or passion. It is a word Paul
uses also at Titus 2:2, 5, 6. [1 Timothy 3:2; 1 Peter 4:7] Healthy thinking that is
balanced and controlled is the meaning. The elder cannot be given to extremes or faddish.
He may have his opinions on such matters as health or recreation but he cannot use his
standard as a judge of others.
12] Just. Or, WMS: upright; MOF: a just man; BECK:
use good judgment; NW: righteous. If the Greek is viewed as “righteous” then it
means the elder is an example of observing the Nazarene commandments. [See the publication
Nazarene Commandments; see notes on 1 John 3:23; John 14:15; 15:14] If the bias be
“just” then his decisions would be in harmony with what is fair and right. There
are those occasions where such elders must “judge those matters inside the
congregation.” [1 Corinthians 5:12, 13; 6:3-6] In this matter of judgment he must be
impartial and not influenced by money or prestige. [Leviticus 19:15]
13] Holy. Or, WMS: of pure life; MOF: a religious
man; BECK: live right and holy; NW: loyal. Holiness under the law involved body, mind, and
worship. [Numbers 15:40; Leviticus 19:2] The English word ”holy” carries perhaps
too strong a meaning for it infers almost a spiritual perfection. The Greek is HOSION
[Strong’s 3741], a divine character -- sacred, saintly. Clearly the elder must be
known as a “holy” man. Since all Christians should be characterized as
“holy” the elder must be more so. [1 Peter 1:15, 16; 2:5, 9; 3:5]
14] Self-controlled. Or, KJV: temperate; CON:
continent; MOF: abstemious; BECK: he should control himself. [2 Timothy 3:3; 1 Corinthians
7:9; 9:25; Galatians 5:23; 2 Peter 1:6] This elder has learned to control himself so that
he does not act or speak hastily. He also has control of his own body and habits.
15] Holding to that teaching in harmony with [the]
faithful Word. Or, KJV: holding fast the faith word as he hath been taught; MOF: holds by
the sure truths of doctrine. The elder must be very familiar with the teachings of the
Nazarene, able to quote and cite sizable portions. He knows where to turn in the Bible for
truths on doctrine and conduct. He does not rely on his own opinion or worldly thought. He
must have read the Bible several times and the Christian Bible many times. This
“teaching” or doctrine, is that found in the Gospels and the writings of those
inspired disciples of the Nazarene. He is not a man without an opinion, or a man who
believes there is a wide range of interpretation to the “faithful word.” [1
Timothy 4:16; 6:3; James 3:1]
16] Strong enough to exhort by that healthy
teaching. Or, KJV: that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort; RHM: encourage
with his healthful instruction; NEB: move his hearers with wholesome teaching. When the
elder teaches he must be able to accomplish two things: first, discussed here, exhortation
or encouragement. Teaching is an art learned by use of the Word. [2 Timothy 1:13] The
elder cannot be a weak man afraid to speak God’s truth.
17] Reprove those who are opposing. Or, KJV: to convince the gainsayers; WMS: convict those who
oppose him; RSV: confute those who contradict; GDSP: show the error; BAS: overcome the
arguments of the doubters. The elder is well studied in God’s Word so that he can
quote chapter and verse. He also is unafraid to confront those who oppose the
“faithful word.” Not only must the elder be encouraging but also he must be
strong enough -- and capable enough -- to deal with the opposition. Paul was such a man.
He was fearless in the face of those who contradicted the Gospel and healthful teaching.
No Christian should object to “reproof” or rebuke. [Revelation 3:19; Ephesians
5:11; 1 Timothy 5:20; 2 Timothy 4:2]
Paul continues to stress in the rest of his letter
to Titus how elders protect the flock from false teachers. He writes, “For,
indeed, there are many opposers, idle talkers and deceivers, particularly those of the
circumcision. It is necessary to stop the mouths of those who overturn entire households,
teaching what they ought not for the sake of dishonest gain. ... For this reason
reprove them with severity, that they may be healthy in the Faith.” [Titus
1:10-13 Nazarene Commentary]
Already, this early in the Church, there was an
apostasy at work. [2 Thessalonians 2:1-3; Acts 20:29, 30] These “opposers” fell
into two major groups: a) the Judaizers who wished Christianity to be an extension of
Judaism and the Law of Moses (today reflected in similar groups); and, b) the Greek influence of the Gnostics and Stoics
who would bring in philosophical doctrines influenced by the much esteemed Plato and
Aristotle (today reflected in Trinitarianism). Early Christianity was not a free group of
independent thinkers with a variety of views on everything. Such “winds” were
spoken of negatively. [Romans 1618; Ephesians 4:13-14; 1 Timothy 1:6, 7; 2 Timothy 2:18]
As in the first century the same exist by the tens
of thousands among modern Christianity. These include the so-called “modernists”
who have rejected Jesus as Messiah and Son of God and deny the Bible is God’s
inspired Word. [2 Timothy 3:15-17] They also include those so-called
“conservatives” who twist the Word to create time chronologies and preach
“the time is at hand.” [Luke 21:8; Deuteronomy 18:20-22]
The early Church was not a place where just
anyone’s views could be expressed. The elder must be able to resist or restrain those
teachers who have departed from Christ and Paul. [2 Timothy 3:6] Mouths may be stopped by
not permitting such to speak or by over-powering arguments. The fight for pure doctrine
was an ongoing battle. [2 Corinthians 10:4-7]
There are two ways to identify such false
teachers: material profit, or, selfish ambition. [1 Timothy 6:5; 1 Peter 5:2] Either these
men want profit or they want undeserved honor. They usually teach what others want to hear
in order to tickle their ears. It seems clear that Titus was not to permit the
congregations to freely flow “with every wind of teaching.” [Ephesians 4:14] Some
persons will only remain healthy in faith with stiff reproof. Such reproof is also a
protection for the congregations themselves. [Titus 2:2]
Titus was counseled, as should modern elders,
concerning how and what to speak. Paul writes: “However, you [Titus], speak those
things which are appropriate and suitable with healthy teaching. ... Continue to
speak and encourage all these things. Also reprove with every command. Permit no one to
disregard you.” [Titus 2:1, 15 Nazarene Commentary;1 Timothy 4:16; 2
Timothy 1:13] The early Church was not a lose conglomeration of independent churches with
divergent opinions. [1 Corinthians 1:9-11; Ephesians 4:13, 14]
Titus provides an example for modern elders. It is
curious to examine contemporary teachers whether they teach these things. This is no
shrinking violet. Even Jesus was recognized because he “taught with authority.”
[Matthew 7:29.] He is not without solid opinions and convictions regarding the
“doctrine.” How does one allow no one to disregard them? If Titus is treated
lightly as to his authority he must demonstrate that he, in fact, has such apostolic
authority. [1 Timothy 4:12] If necessary he will rebuke in public.
The elder may have strong views and opinions on
Scriptural matters confirmed in the Bible. Neither Titus, nor a modern elder, can tolerate
views contrary to Scripture within the fellowship. Consider how Paul writes Titus: “That
statement is trustworthy. Concerning these [teachings] I counsel you [Titus] to make
strong affirmations about them so that [the congregations] of those who believe God
continue minding good works. These [teachings] are good and profitable to humanity. Shun a
heretical person after two warnings. Realize
that such a person has been perverted, and, in sinning, is self-condemned.”
[Titus 3:8, 10, 11 Nazarene Commentary]
Or as Philips Modern English version paraphrases
this: “Speak with absolute certainty.” What Paul has written are no mere
suggestions, they are apostolic commands. Titus is not to be hesitant or wishy-washy. He
gives his reasons in the next phrases. What Paul writes to Titus is not limited to
just the isle of Crete. They are applicable and beneficial to Christians of all ages. [2
Timothy 3:15-17]
The Greek for “heretical” is HAIRETICON
[Strong’s 141] and the earliest meaning was a person with an opinion or choice, and
thus a person who is divisive in his opinion, or schismatic. This does not mean a
Christian cannot have an opinion or choice for Paul has just told Titus to make “firm
assertions” about certain teachings. These “heresies” contradict
“healthy teaching” which came from Jesus the Nazarene. [1 Corinthians 11:19;
Galatians 1:7-9; Galatians 5:20] The sectarian person deserves two apostolic warnings from
qualified elders. [Romans 16:17 and 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14; 2 John 10]
There is much the modern elder can learn from
Paul’s letter to Titus. Any church with such elders can feel well fed spiritually as
well as protected from Satanic influences. As Paul counsels, “Keep holding such
men dear.” [Philippians 2:29]
The very thought that worship may be in vain or
worthless is not something agreeable to all people. For is not all worship acceptable to
God? Could there possibly be Christians who worship God in vain?
The idea that worship of God may be futile is not
of our own invention. It is the prophet Isaiah who suggests such a thought. Note in Isaiah
29:13, “And YHWH has said, ‘This people draw near to Me with their mouth, and
they honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. So it is worthless that
they worship me, teaching the commandments and doctrines of men.” [LXX] Thus, the
worship of these Israelites -- God’s chosen People -- was in vain because human
doctrines had removed the hearts of the Jews away from God.
That matters had not changed over 700 years later
is shown when Jesus quotes this very text of the Hebrew Bible and applies it to the Jewish
hierarchy of his day. Matthew 15:6-9 records this confrontation with Jewish clergy: “And
so you have invalidated God’s Word by means of your [Jewish] traditions. You
hypocrites, Isaiah fittingly prophesied about you [Jews], ‘This [Israelite]
people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far removed from Me. It is worthless
that they continue to worship Me, because they teach human commands as
doctrines.’” Thus, our Lord makes it clear that doctrines of human origin
can render worship of God a useless act.
A close, related disciple of Jesus, James, also
writes about formal worship that may be rendered worthless. In the process he lists three
matters which could render Christian worship vain or useless. He does this in James 1:26,
27:
“If anyone considers themselves to be a
formal worshipper and does not bridle his tongue -- but continues deceiving his own heart
-- this person’s worship is worthless. Pure and undefiled worship before The God,
even the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their oppression, [and] to keep
oneself unspotted from the worldly social order.” The Greek threskos means ceremonially religious and
has all the sense of a Jewish form of worship. The word is used two other times at Acts
26:5 where it is the Jewish religion and at Colossians 2:18 where it is a form of
Gnosticism -- it is organized, formal and rigid in its ceremony.
Here James introduces the control of the tongue as
an important and vital element in “pure religion.” The word “tongue”
occurs 165 times and most often in the Psalms [38
times] and Proverbs [21 times]. This is the first occurrence out of 5 in James and is the
subject he takes up with detail in the next chapter as well as infers it regarding
“teachers” in chapter 3. He uses the word “mouth” once. The spirit of
this theme is again from the Nazarene’s Mountain Teachings. [See notes on MT 5:21-24]
For James it is impossible to divorce “pure religion” from the use of the
tongue. In what manner does he mean this bridling control? Largely he has in mind that
negative judgmental and critical speech -- often inflammatory and murderous -- which is
slanderous. The metaphor of the horse’s bridle he takes up again in JA3:3. The bridle
does not shut the mouth but directs the horse. This is speech at once controlled but also
directed to that which is upbuilding and constructive. It is the Nazarene who teaches
[Luke 6:45] “out of the heart's abundance his mouth speaks” and who
warns, “I assure all of you that every idle work that people speak they will give
an account for it on the Day of Judgment.” [See notes on MT 12:36.]
The Nazarene showed that peace with one’s
brother came before worship. [see notes on MT 5:24] Most often the worshipper realizes
that another worshipper has something against him, either in the form of a
“debt” or something said which was either damaging, hurtful or divisive, or, in
fact, true. It honorable to approach God with one’s offering in a clean conscience,
having “committed no offense against God and men.” [Acts 24:16] However,
worship can be “futile” or in “vain” for several reasons. In JA1:27 it
is “pure religion from God’s stand point.” God, as the object of
worship, has the right to determine how He is to be worshipped and what is acceptable to
Him. The Nazarene speaks to the woman of Samaria, “True worship is offered in
spirit and in truth for God looks for this true worship.” [John 4:22-24] In
saying “true worship” he infers there is such a thing as false or erroneous
worship. Again, quoting Isaiah, the Nazarene warns the religious hierarchy, “It is
in vain you people worship Him because of your traditions.” [see notes on MT
15:9] Isaiah also thunders in the voice of Yahweh, “You are completely sick. Your
formal ceremonies are worthless. I hate your religious festivals.” [Isaiah 1:5,
11-14] It is a fearsome prospect that all one’s worship -- with its prayers, hymns,
inspirational poems, church attendance, and donations -- is completely worthless if the
tongue is not controlled.
This is the second requirement of divinely
approved worship. This charitable and humanitarian activity is classified by James as part
and parcel of true religion though it is not part of what others might consider formal
religious ceremony. God has fixed his vision on the orphan and widow and pays strict
attention to how they are treated for he Himself shows concern for them. [Proverbs 15:25;
Psalm 68:5] Job is falsely accused of ignoring widows [Job 22:9] but this is not true.
[Job 29:13] The word “widow(s) occurs almost 100 times, the first in Genesis 38:11
regarding Tamar and most often in Deuteronomy, 14 time; but in the Christian Bible it
occurs 7 times Luke and 7 times 1 Timothy.
The person who ignores orphans and widows wastes precious time in ceremonial worship no
matter the religion. James uses the Greek episkeptesthai for visit, care for or
look after. This is exactly the same word the glorified Son of Man uses at Matthew 25:36 epeskepsasthe
when he tells the Sheep of their good deeds to “one of the least” of his
brothers. Jesus’ use of “least” means the youngest, oldest, or sickest,
particular among women. There is no political value in these non-entities of orphans and
widows who are so poor they must rely on others. The Goats of this parable are cast off
into “everlasting pruning” [lit Greek] for the sin of omission.
Keep oneself unspotted from the worldly social
order: Or, KJV: to keep himself unspotted
from the world; NEB: untarnished by; TCNT: uncontaminated by; GDSP: unstained by; BER:
free from the smut of. The Greek often rendered “world” is kosmos, which
means a systematized arrangement characterizing humankind in general. This
“world” has as its “god” the Devil [2 Corinthians 4:4] and it is the
Wicked One who is in control of the world. [see notes on 1JN5:19 and EP6:12] The
“world” [religious, political, commercial] is characterized by blindness to the
truth and ignorance of godly morality. [see notes on EP4:17-19] Greed and fleshly desire
drives the world.
Spotless. There is the Christian community and then there is
everything “outside” in the world. In his Passover Teachings with his disciples
in the upper room the Nazarene taught them: [John 15:19] “If you were part of the
world the world would love you because you would belong to it But, because you are no part
of the world you are hated by it.” The he prays for his disciples: [John 17:14] “These
[apostles] are no part of the world just as I am no part of the world.” James
expresses this thought differently: “Adulterers, are you not aware that worldly
friendship makes you an enemy of God?” [see notes on JA4:4] Paul stresses
separateness from worldliness: (2 Corinthians 6:17) “Get out from their midst and
separate yourselves. ... Do not touch the impure thing. ... Then I will receive you.”
The Greek aspilos means unspotted or without blemish and occurs only here and at 1
Timothy 6:14; 1 Peter 1:19; see notes on 2PE3:14.
It is a synonym for “blameless.” It
is the state unto which a godly husbands attempts to bring his submissive wife. [see notes
on EP5:27, spilon]
The apostle Paul describes heaven as
“home.” Echoing the promise of the Nazarene -- “In my Father’s
house are many dwellings. ... I will come again and take you home to myself.” [John
14:2, 3] -- Paul writes about such a hope: “For we are well aware that if
our earthen house -- this tent -- should be dissolved, we are to have a building -- not
man-made, but from God -- everlasting in the heavens.” [2 Corinthians 5:1] Thus,
a Christian’s “citizenship belongs to heaven from which place we eagerly
await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” [Philippians
3:20] It is a joy to reflect on the steps which lead to such heavenly glory! What is
involved in the final attainment of heaven where there will be an everlasting home?
There are about fifteen "steps" to
heavenly glory in three phases. Revelation 17:14 mentions these three: “... also
those with him -- the called, chosen, and faith.” Using this phrase we present
these fifteen steps to heavenly glory.
Some call it a “calling” while others
prefer the word “invitation.” Regardless, the Bible teaches us about a marvelous
calling or invitation which is open to all who wish to respond. Compare the
Nazarene’s parable in Matthew 22:1-14 where God sends out an invitation to a marriage
feast. Though some decline to accept the invitation, a variety of other persons do so with
joy. Concluding the point of his parable Jesus states: “For many are invited but
few chosen.” [Matthew 22:14] Let us examine six steps involved in the initial or
invitational part of the steps to heavenly glory.
A person must first learn or hear of this
invitation as it is mentioned in the Bible. This requires a degree of preliminary
knowledge resulting from a study of the Bible. Compare how Jesus described this first
step: “No person can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them.
... In the Prophets it is written: ‘And they will all be taught by the LORD.’
Every person who has heard the Father and learned comes to me. ... If any person wishes to
do His will they will realize whether my doctrine is my own or I speak from
God.” [John 6:45; 7:17] Usually this knowledge comes from reading the Bible with
a discussion group or home-church.
This knowledge of the Bible arouses faith or
conviction in matters pertaining to God and His Son Jesus Christ. This conviction is
manifest by accepting Jesus Christ as God’s Son. [John 1:12, 13; 3:16; Romans 10:9,
10] This faith or conviction will continue to grow stronger and become healthier the more
one studies God’s purposes. [Hebrews 1:2] This faith will also be characterized by
prayers and fellowship with other Christians.
This knowledge and faith combine to convict the
person so they become aware of their sinful state before God. They realize from their
Bible reading that they need to repent, or feel regret for thoughts, words, attitudes and
actions in their past life. [Acts 2:38] Repentance will also be a life-long experience
because sins will occur from time to time. These need to be taken to God, confessing them,
as well as seeking the aid off a mature Christian.
Repentance is useless if not followed by a change
of conduct, desisting from the sin of which one feels regret. This calls for a conversion,
or a turning around and heading in a new direction. (Acts 3:19; Romans 12:2)
The above four steps will move the new disciple to
the point of a serous commitment to “follow the Lamb no matter where he
goes.” (Romans 6:13; Matthew 16:24; Revelation 14:4) Some call this dedication or
consecration. This step usually occurs in a heartfelt and earnest prayer to do God’s
will and make Him the center of life.
Jesus said only by water immersion could we
“fulfill all that is righteous.” [Matthew 3:15] He also commissions his apostles
to “Go and make disciples of people of all nations, baptizing them.” [Matthew
28:19] Baptism is necessary to have a “good conscience.” (1 Peter 3:21)
These six steps above are those taken by the one
whom would be a disciple of Jesus Christ. Now, God begins to take his own steps in the
“choosing” of the individual in order to finally gain heavenly glory.
God’s Steps in “Choosing”
Jesus had said, “Many are invited.”
[Matthew 22:14] That included all the Jews in his own day. “But, few chosen,”
the Nazarene concluded. Though multitudes were invited, only a few of that number were
actually chosen. What God does in this “choosing” involves the next six steps to
heavenly glory.
Once a disciple has repented, turn around, and
then immersed fully in water as an outward indication of willingness to serve God and
follow the lead of His Son, God can then apply the value of “redemptive price”
or “ransom” of His Son in behalf of the one invited. In the Scriptures this is
called “justification.” The Greek word means to “pronounce innocent”
or “declare righteous.” (Romans 5:1, 9, 18) All past sins are forgiven and such
a person now stands before God as perfect as Adam was before he sinned. [Hebrews 7:19;
10:1, 14] As far as God is concerned the person is “perfect” and He is not able
to declare this person a “son” or “child.”
By His spirit God confirms sonship by a divine
adoption. [Romans 8:15; 8:23; Galatians 4:5; Ephesians 1:5] The new disciple becomes a
member of God’s spiritual Household, His Temple. [Ephesians 2:19-22] A spirit of
sonship is aroused in the heart and mind and with great joy the disciple realizes a new
relationship with God. (John 3:3-5; James 1:18; 1 Peter 1:3, 23) This is the first
manifestation of God’s spirit and now that spirit leads. [Romans 8:14-17]
This state of sonship allows God to anoint and
commission the person to that “royal priesthood” which makes up the Body of
Christ. God has already anointed the Head of the Church, its High Priest, Christ Jesus, a
greater Aaron. [Isaiah 61:1; Hebrews 2:17; 3:1; 4:14, 15] (2 Corinthians 1:23; 1 Peter
2:5) This priestly commission means that each disciple must offer up spiritual sacrifices
in the form of praise and charity. [Hebrews 13:15, 16] This is the second manifestation of
God’s spirit and such a person is not “anointed.” [1 John 2:20, 27]
Having been spiritually begotten and anointed the
disciple now becomes a member f the Christian Church, or the Body of Christ, and is thus
baptized in holy spirit to indicate such a fellowship. (Matthew 3:11;1 Corinthians 12:12,
13; Ephesians 4:5) Such a baptism includes an immersion into the leadership, or headship,
of Christ. [1 Corinthians 10:2] This is the third manifestation of God’s spirit and
now the individual is no longer alone but part of a communal fellowship of Christians.
The fourth and final manifestation of God’s
spirit is a confirmation which guarantees rights of inheritance and assures the disciple
is God’s own property. (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13, 14, 18; 4:30)
God then permits another baptism to begin: an
immersion into a death like that of Christ. Discipleship is described as accepting
Christ’s cross while disowning self and following him daily. This is not an easy life
and may involve suffering and even martyrdom. This involves an entire life of devotion to
Christ. This immersion will be completed when the person is raised up to life in heaven.
(Romans 6:3, 4) Now some final steps are necessary to finally experience heavenly glory.
Steps of “Faith”
It is not enough to just begin the course of
Christian discipleship. One must endure, conquer the world, and remain faithful unto
death. (Romans 5:3, 4; Luke 21:19; Revelation 13:10) There may be hills and valleys in
this life-course of endurance, but no matter what befalls the disciple the final goal is
kept in mind. [Philippians 3:13, 14]
Though there has been an initial sealing there
must be a final confirmation establishing God’s final and everlasting approval so
that the person may now be given immortality and no longer under the authority of Second
Death. This involves a resurrection and a final judgment before the Throne of Christ. (2
Timothy 4:6-8; 2 Corinthians 5:10; 1 John 2:28; Revelation 7:1-4) Those alive at the time
of the Great Oppression will have their “seal” in the flesh and thus become the
“firstfruits” of all the Church before they are raptured to heaven. One step
remains.
Having stood before the judgment-throne with
freeness of speech [1 John 2:28; 4:17] the risen Saint may now be glorified with immortal
and incorruptible life. These may now be seated on their thrones and find their permanent,
irremovable place in God’s celestial Temple. (1 Corinthians 15:50-52; Revelation
3:12)
What joy and privilege now lies before the entire
glorified Church. As the Lamb’s Bride she will now rejoice at the celestial marriage
feast. Following that joyous event the Lamb and his Bride, along with all the holy, chosen
angels, will return to the earth for the final battle with the political powers of the
earth and all their armies. [Revelation 17:14; 19:7-9; 11-19] Following their victory
Satan and his demons will be cast in the Abyss there to wait for a Thousand Years.
[Revelation 20:1-3; Matthew 25:46] Then will begin their glorious rule as kings and
priests over the earth for a Thousand Years, leading to the “healing of the
nations.” [Revelation 22:2] When the Thousand Years end they will “judge
angels” [1 Corinthians 6:3] when Satan and his rebellious followers in “heaven
and earth” [Revelation 20:7-11] are cast forever into Second Death. Then -- Rejoice!
-- all the dead billions of mankind will be raised to the Last Judgment. They will be
judged by Christ and the Church based on their past lives on earth. The righteous will
gain the opportunity for everlasting life on a paradise earth. The habitually evil will be
cast into Second Death to share the fate of Satan and his followers. “God will
become everything to everyone!” [1 Corinthians 15:28 MOF]
NOW -- O everlasting Joy! -- “the day of
eternity” [2 Peter 3:18] begins with unlimited opportunities and privileges before
those in heaven and earth [Ephesians 1:10] -- all to the praise of God’s glory by
means of Jesus Christ. Our hearts yearn for this blessed time. We remain determined to let
nothing stop us in our faithful and enduring integrity until we all together attain such
heavenly glory.
Many are concerned about the “last
days.” A large number of Christians believe we are in the “last days” now
as we approach the year 2,000. There are some who believe the “last days”
started almost 2,000 years ago and will end with the Return of Christ. What does the Bible
teach about “last days”? When do these “last days” end?
The phrase “last days” only occurs a
handful of times in the Christian Bible, the New Testament. The words are drawn from the
Greek ESCHATAIS HEMERAIS and the first occurrence is found in Acts 2:17 when Peter gives
his Pentecostal speech to the Jews. His language would seem to confirm that Peter believed
in the year 33 CE he was in the “last days.” [Jesus never uses such a term.]
Other occurrences of the words “last
days” occur in contexts, which would argue that the designation was being applied to
the final period of the Jewish Temple Age. Speaking to Timothy, Paul writes, using the
singular “you” -- “You know [Timothy] that in the last days difficult
times will come.” [2 Timothy 3:1] These words would seem to apply to Timothy who
was living before the end of the Jewish Temple Age. Paul wrote to the Hebrew Christians
before he destruction of the Jewish Temple: “[God] hath in these last days spoken
unto us by His Son.” Hebrews 1:2 KJV] This would also put the “last
days” before the end of the Temple as well as indicate they began with the coming of
Messiah in the year 29 CE when he began to speak to the Jews. The disciple James warns
rich Jews, “It is in the last days that you have stored up your treasure.” [James
5:3 NAS] These were alive before the end of he Jewish Temple Age in the year 70 CE.
Peter is to use “last days” again and
likely he has the same context of his initial use in mind. 2 Peter 3:3 says, “In
the last days there will come mockers with their mockery.” It seems the disciple
Jude quotes this statement in his small epistle: “The apostles of our Lord Jesus
Christ spoke beforehand in their message, ‘In the last days there will be
mockers.’” [Jude 17, 18] Thus, both Peter and Jude confirmed they were
living in the “last days” of the Jewish Temple Age. However, how long were these
“last days”? When did they begin and when did they end?
We learned above that it seems likely these
“last days” began when Messiah came preaching following his baptism in the year
29 CE. [Hebrews 1:2] Would these “last days” have a precise end? Or, would they
continue on for more than two thousand years, including our own day and beyond?
It seems fair to state that by the very phrase
“last days” must have a conclusion or consummation. Did the “last
days” that began with the coming of Jesus Christ have such a conclusion, bring those
“last days” to their end? It seems so.
When Jesus was discussing the time when the Jewish
Temple would be desolated or destroyed his disciples asked him, “What will be the
sign ... of the conclusion of the Age?” [Matthew 24:3] Though there are several
views on the meaning of this question, may we suggest one? The disciples are found used a
Greek word SYNTELEIAS which means consummation or conclusion. The context of their
question was regarding the end [HO TELOS] of Jerusalem’s Temple. [Matthew 24:1, 2;
for details see Nazarene Commentary] Where did the disciples get this word?
It seems possible they drew upon a prophetic
context in Daniel which also foretold the SYNTELEIAS upon Jerusalem and her Temple.
Consider Daniel 9:27, And on the Temple shall be the abomination of desolations; and at
the end of times [SYNTELEIAS] an end [SYNTELEIA] shall be put to the
desolation.” [LXX Bagster] This would seem to predict a definite
conclusion to Jerusalem’s “last days” when her Temple was desolated. In
answering his disciples’ question, Jesus himself draws on Daniel 9:27 at Matthew
24:15 indicating this conclusion surely deals with Jerusalem’s Temple. Thus, it would
seem those “last days” ended with the desolation of the Jews in the early 70s
CE.
How can we sure this is the meaning, however? We
remember that Paul had used the phrase “last days” in Hebrews 1:2. Does Paul
teach these “last days” would have their own conclusion during his own
contemporary times? We find the answer in Hebrews 9:2, “Now [Jesus] has been made
manifest once for all time at the conclusion [SYNTELEIA] of the Age [TON
AIONON], putting away of the sin by the sacrifice of himself.” The phrase “conclusion of the Age” is
exactly the same used by the disciples in Matthew 24:3. [Compare also 1 Corinthians
10:11.]
Thus, those “last days” of which Peter
first spoke were upon that period of time -- the Jewish Temple Age -- which began in the
year 29 CE and ended -- or had their conclusion -- with the desolation of the Jews during
the war with the Romans from the fall of 66 you to the spring of 73 and the conquest of
Masada. [This actual period was predicted in Daniel 8:14 as 2,300 days which would bring
the “time of the end” to an actually conclusion.] Does all of this mean there
will be no future “last days”?
The above would argue we are not now in the
“last days” as no such phrase occurs in the Bible in relation to our own time
period before the year 2,000. This does not necessarily mean we are NOT in the “last
days”? Why?
The phrase “last days” does not appear
in the book of Revelation. However, there is a precise period of time which is to precede
the Return (or, Parousia) of Jesus Christ. It is a period lasting three and a half years
[or, 42 months, 1,260 days]. This period of oppression against the Messianic Saints is
described in Revelation chapters 11, 12, and 13. The prophetic idea is drawn from Daniel
7:21-25 as well as Daniel 12:1-3, 7, 11, 12. With the conclusion of this period of great
oppression [Revelation 7:14; Matthew 24:21] Messiah arrives in his foretold parousia
to deliver his Saints out of harm’s way -- and this by a rapturous snatching off this
planet’s surface! [1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17; Revelation 11:12]
No one knows the “day and hour” [Mark
13:32, 33] -- or even appointed “season” [Acts 1:7] -- of the approaching of
this period. Indeed, our Savior warned about some false prophets and pseudo anointed who
would false preach, “The time is at hand!” And then warned not to follow
or join such persons. [Luke 21:8] Judging from all of these matters it seems that no one
can state with surety we are in the “last days” now. However, once the
“great oppression” with its 1,260 days becomes apparent, perhaps then, and only
then, could Christian Saints look back and say, “We are in the Last Days!” They
will have to yet endure the holocaust of the great oppression and await the Rapture off
this earth as those “last days” continue to their finale. [Revelation chapters
17-19] It will be during that time that a voice from heaven will declare, “THE END
HAS COME!” [Revelation 16:17 Phillips Modern English] Those “last days”
of Satan’s disastrous rule of the world will end to be -- O Joy! -- replaced by
Messiah’s Kingdom. [Revelation 11:15-17]
Nazarene Saints Publishing ©
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