Will You Die As A Fool? Or Live Within Refuge?

   

    It was a refreshing mid-week Autumn night, the kind where the air runs across your skin at just the right temperature.  My wife and I had just bolted from my in-laws and were in the middle of embarking to a thrift store in close proximity. "We aren't going to make hun.." I told her.  "We will, we will!" she snapped back.  I wasn't going to argue, the truth was I wanted her to be right.  My foot weighed heavy against the pedal, I was hopeful that we would get the items that we were seeking after.  After wearing the edges of my tires from some sharp turns, we found ourselves planted in front of Goodwill with seconds left.  In running to the doors much to our surprise, they weren't locked! "Yes, we made it!" I say out loud. Upon entry, I recall being met with ten sunken eyes pasted on the heads of five employees. It was safe to assume we knew the words that were coming.  "We're closed," four said in mantra-like unison. "But..but..." my wife protested.  The fifth employee was a little behind, but knew this was his opportunity to parrot what he had missed, "We're closed." he pipingly stated.  Well... needless to say, we failed to make it within the gates of refuge.  We'll I mean we made it inside, but you get my point. We were denied access.  Although I exaggerated this story a bit, this illustration is a crumb similar to the type of picture we see with Abner and Joab, in the book of 2nd Samuel.  However, the picture woven in God's Word depicts a story with weighted eternal consequences. 

And the king lamented over Abner, and said, Died Abner as a fool dieth? 2nd Samuel 3:33

    Abner died like a fool, why would David say this? After all, David respected Abner greatly.  Let's take a look at the background in order to rightly divide the context of the passage. Abner was a commander, and David had considered him a great man (2nd Samuel 3:38).  David had no doubt known him for years as he was the cousin to King Saul who had proceeded him.  In spite of God anointing David to be the next king, and taking the throne of Judah after Saul's death, Abner attempted to supplant Saul's son Ish-bosheth as the ruler over all of Israel. A confrontation inevitably ensued as Joab, David's nephew and commander, met Ish-boseth's commander Abner at the battle of Gibeon.  After Abner's retreat, Joab's brother Asahel confident and quick-footed decided to pursue Abner.  Despite Abner's warnings not to pursue, Asahel stubbornly ignored them. Although initially reluctant, Abner came to a point where he had no choice but to defend himself.  Spear gripped tightly in hand, Abner struck Asahel. The piercing was well calculated, the spear penetrated just below his fifth rib, killing him in an instant.  Upon the discovery of his brother's death, Joab desired vengeance and sought after Abner. Over time and as the war of the house of Saul and David continued, Saul's army waxed weaker and weaker.  However, it wasn't until Ish-boseth falsely accused Abner of sleeping with his father's concubines, that Abner sought to join David and was accepted.  Angered by  David's new recruit, Joab sought this as an opportunity for vengeance.  After coaxing Abner to meet at the city gates, Joab succeeded in avenging his brother killing in like fashion by stabbing Abner just below the fifth rib.  Abner died just outside the city of Hebron, the city of refuge.  David immediately mourns over Abner, calling him a fool for this very reason.

The city of refuge was a place of protection for Jew or Gentile (Joshua 20:1-9).  Hebron was one of several cities that offered protection from vengeance generally for unintentional manslaughter. A trial would have to be heard before judgment could take place.  Abner, acting in his own defense, during a time of war would have met this criterion of protection.  Yet Abner, as keen as he was on the battlefield, died as a fool by Joab's deceit. Abner died just outside his city of refuge, which would have been his protector. God's Word is full of symbolic pictures, and prophetic allegorical representations.  What is the bigger picture that God is illustrating here?

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe. Proverbs 18:10

Abner had died inches away from his city of refuge by foolishly choosing to believe his deceiver.  The fact of the matter is, all unbelieving men are just outside the spiritual gates of refuge.  Unbelievers are just a few inches from believing in the God of the universe, Jesus Christ who can be their strong tower.  In Psalm 14:1, the Bible states that the fool hath said in his heart there is no God.  You would have to be a fool as David put it, to trust in a deceiver (Satan) instead of your safety (Christ). If you don't know Christ, you are just outside the safety of eternal life found within His arms. God is a spiritual refuge available to all men, and none are turned away Jew or Gentile (Romans 1:16).  If you're reading this, you still have time (2nd Corinthians 6:2).  Abner's time expired unexpectedly, and so can yours (Proverbs 27:1). All God asks is that you come unto him.  Recognize your condition as a sinner (Romans 3:23) and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 10:9-13). He will in no wise cast all who come to Him (John 6:37).  You will be forgiven of all sin past, present, and future, and will be given of place with Him in heaven for all of eternity (Colossians 2:14; John 3:16). Eternal life is just inches away, will you die as a fool as Abner did?  Or will you live unto life everlasting with the only wise God who turns none away (1st Timothy 2:4; Jude 25).

Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath:That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us Hebrews 6:17-18

Joab the deceiver in this instance is a type of Satan, and the gates of refuge are a picture of God's protection of all who come to Him.  Abner is a type of unbeliever, and died as a fool, just as those who die without the Lord Jesus Christ.  All God asks is that you come unto him.  Recognize your condition as a sinner, believe in the Lord Jesus and you will find yourselves safely protected from the second death (Rev 21:8) within the eternal gates of refuge. 

7 Reasons All in Christ are Eternally Secure

In spite of our sin and bad choices, God offers His grace that is beyond our understanding.  All those who choose to place their trust in Him are forgiven, this includes all sins past, present, and future.  Gotquestions.org sums up salvation nicely: 

    "A definition of the Christian doctrine of salvation would be “The deliverance, by the grace of God, from eternal punishment for sin which is granted to those who accept by faith God’s conditions of repentance* and faith in the Lord Jesus.” Salvation is available in Jesus alone (John 14:6; Acts 4:12) and is dependent on God alone for provision, assurance, and security."

*repentance properly defined is a change of mind

Salvation from sin only occurs once a person places their faith and trust in Jesus Christ alone.  Obedience by what some call "god empowered" works, general good works, obedience to the 10 commandments, does not save someone from God's wrath.  When one recognizes their condition as a sinner and places their faith in Christ's finished work on the cross they are eternally secure.   All who place their faith in Christ will have a place in heaven with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit forever.  Some, however, think salvation can be lost.  Some think that if they backslide long enough God will revoke their place in heaven, others think salvation is earned by following church ordinances.  My friend, Christ has done all the work for us, and here are several biblically endorsed reasons that demonstrate that true Christians cannot lose their salvation and eternal inheritance.

1. The plain implications of being born-again.

Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. -John 3:3-8

Being born-again clearly illustrates a permanence of salvation.  All things that are born, cannot go back to becoming unborn.  We are all born of water, however, when one places their faith hope, and trust in Jesus Christ, he is born of the spirit, becomes a new creature, all old things are passed away and all things become new (2nd Corinthians 5:17).  A new creature spawned into reality does not go back to becoming uncreated, just as a newborn cannot decide somehow to shirk itself out of existence.  The condition of existence is steadfast, nowhere is it suggested in God's Word that a born-again believer can become unborn. When a believer is born of the spirit, we are no longer dead in trespasses and sins, we are made alive unto life everlasting (Eph 2:1).

2. Nobody can be plucked from the Mighty Hand of God!

But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. I and my Father are one. John 10:28-30

Even if a confused Christian sadly decided to remove himself from this world, he is still in the Father and the Son's hands.  All of God's sheep, those who believe in Him, are unable to be seized or plucked out of His almighty hand!  We cannot be removed by anything or anyone, Paul likewise affirms this also:

For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 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. -Romans 8:38-39

All in Christ Jesus are in God's hand, and nothing can harpoon a true believer away from their cemented status.

3. Sealing of the Holy Spirit:

In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. Ephesians 1:13-14

The greek word for sealed is sphragízō, and it's meaning here is used to certify ownership. All those who place their belief in Jesus Christ have this special seal (Ephesians 4:30). In plainer terms, God owns a person the moment that saving faith is placed in Him. This is why Paul writes that the Holy Spirit will do a good work in us, until the day of Jesus Christ (Phillipians 1:6).

The Scofield Study Bible drives home this point:

"The Holy Spirit is Himself the seal. In the symbolism of Scripture a seal signifies (1) A finished transaction (Jer. 32:9, 10; John 17:4, 19:30), (2) Ownership (Jer. 32:11, 12; 2 Tim. 2:19), (3) Security (Esth. 8:8; Dan. 6:17; Eph. 4:30)."

4. The earnest deposit of the Holy Spirit

Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. -2nd Corinthians 1:22

For thousands of years, people have placed earnest deposits known also as good faith deposits on property and/or land. This would demonstrate the buyer's seriousness and also ensured protection for the seller at the same time.  Paul states that the sealing of the Holy Spirit is the earnest of our inheritance. Such a seal demonstrates that we are not only in the Father, and The Son's hands as stated above but also the Holy Spirit's!  The Holy Spirit is a believer's guaranteed earnest deposit of their eternal inheritance cemented in promise. Since a believer is sealed with the eternal Holy Spirit of promise, his deposit is guaranteed and cannot be forfeited. Prior to the cross, the Holy Spirit would come upon and depart from individuals. Fortunately Christ promised all believers a Comforter, that they would be sealed with until the day of redemption.

5.  Sciptures asserts believers as His Body

Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.-1st Corinthians 12:27

For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. -Ephesians 5:23

   It's not by accident that God's Word allegorizes a believer's membership in Christ as being His body. He is the head and believers are His body.  This also implies immutability, as Christ's body would have to be amputated if even a single member were to exit.  Jesus Christ is incorruptible, and those that are in Christ are also incorruptible.  Though all present flesh will die, all believers will be raised incorruptible just as He is to ever serve and worship Him as the body forevermore. 

For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. -1st Corinthians 15:22

6. Christ asserts believers as stones in His temple.

In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. -Ephesians 2:23-22

Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. -1st Peter 2:5

A believer is made a part of God's spirtual house, an incorruptible building with Christ being the chief cornerstone (1st Peter 2:6). Stones are built on top of each other.  One man's ministry will be built upon another, and so is the case with Christ's temple.  We are made unto his workmanship (Ephesians 2:10), and the works God uses through us are incorruptible and solidified within the temple that is made by Christ's body of believers. 

7. Believers are Bondservants

For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant. -1st Corinthians 7:22

The word used for servant is doulos, Strong's concordance defines this as:  (a) (as adj.) enslaved, (b) (as noun) a (male) slave.  Paul and the apostles used this term for themselves, and other believers see (Rev 1:1; 2nd Peter 1:1; Jude 1:1; Rev 7:3; 2 Timothy 2:24).

Helps Word Studies sums the definition up nicely:

1401 doúlos (a masculine noun of uncertain derivation) – properly, someone who belongs to another; a bond-slave, without any ownership rights of their own. Ironically, doúlos ("bond-slave") is used with the highest dignity in the NT – namely, of believers who willingly live under Christ's authority as His devoted followers.

    In Exodus 21:4-6 a servant who loved his master could voluntarily become bonded to him for life.  After appearing before judges a willing servant would get a permanent piercing through their ear as a representation of the covenant made between the master and now bondservant.  This prophetic picture is a representation of all who voluntarily choose to place their faith in Jesus Christ.  When one's faith is placed in Christ we become His bondservant, and instead of the physical piercing of the ear, our permanence rests in the sealing of the Holy Spirit.  In the law, when the piercing was made on the bondservant, the nail went through the ear to the master's doorpost.  When faith is placed in Christ, we are tethered eternally to the door of Jesus Christ.

I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. -John 10:9

 Many proponents out there think that God's eternal guarantee can be lost.  It logically goes to follow that if you think you can lose your salvation, then you are the one keeping it.  Place your faith in Christ and he will be the one to keep you eternally as one of His. All those who place their faith and trust in Christ Jesus become born-again, are His bondsevants, His temple, His body, and are sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise.  All those who place their faith in Jesus Christ are within the unblemished hands of El Shaddai, God the Almighty!  Are you lost? Place your faith in Jesus Christ, and you can know you're on your way to heaven (1st John 5:13).  You will be eternally clasped in God's hand, and nothing will take you out of them. Eternal peace and joy are found in the creator of all things. The question is do you know Him?

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. -Romans 5:1-2 

Your Ticket to Heaven

God's Bridge To Eternal Life:

If you're lost and don't know 100 percent that you're on your way to heaven, the illustrations below are helpful in understanding the human condition, our purpose, and how to make heaven your home.

 *Repentance literally means a change of mind. Biblical repentance is a change of mind concerning sin and who Christ is (Slide 6).

*Click to enlarge*

Affirming the Trinity or Tri-Unity of God

For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. -1st John 5:7 *

O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counseller? -Romans 11:33-34

        On this side of eternity, we see through a glass darkly and much of the spiritual realm remains a mystery.  One such mystery is the triune nature of God that's affirmed in His Holy scriptures.  The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit-- the three in one are all tethered together in their divinity and yet are three distinct persons.  So long as our feet walk upon the earth our finite minds are capped from fully understanding the nature and personage of God.  This has caused many to deny the trinity in the Holy Scriptures, mislabel those who believe in God's triune nature, and has lead to the spawning of false doctrines on who God really is.  The scriptures in context not only affirm the trinity, it completely dismantles the critics who say otherwise.  

What Trinitarians are not:

    Growing up I was taught that Christians who affirm God's triune nature believed in modalism, that is God is manifested in three forms, e.g. the idea that Jesus is God the Father in the flesh. This is not what Bible-believing Christians affirm.  It also is not affirmed that they are three parts, or three separate gods (tritheism).  The Bible affirms unity in that there is only one God (Deuteronomy 6:4), and yet also explains the diversity in three persons as we will begin to see in Genesis 1:26.

 The Trinity: In the beginning

 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness -Genesis 1:26

Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another's speech. -Genesis 11:7

    In turning over the first leaves of scriptures, we see God referring to himself in a plurality of persons. Elohim in Hebrew is a noun in plural form, it is not singular.  When God decided to create man, all three persons of the trinity worked together to form him.  Many in the Jewish faith have held that this plurality refers to angels, but this is not the case.  Only man was made in God's image, the angels were not.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. -John 1:1

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. -John 1:12

     John's language mirrors what was written in Genesis 1:1.  "In the beginning."  Those within Judaism would understand that John was alluding to the time of creation.  "In the beginning" denotes the spawn of time, space, and matter.  Jesus was there in the beginning, he was God, and was with God the Father and God the Holy Spirit.   Christ is referred in Greek as the logos, because all things through Him were made (Colossians 1:16), all things were made by Him (John 1:3).  Christ spoke all things into existence, one of the many reasons he is called the Word. 

 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. -Revelation 19:13

 John writes in Revelation that Christ is called The Word of God, after all, the Bible is centered around Him.  He is the Truth and the Truth is found in His Word.  The Word of God speaks of His power, His Truth, and His Divinity. Christ is the son foretold in scripture, the 2nd person in the Trinity, making intercession for all who place their trust in Him.

The Trinity in Creation

But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. 1st Corinthians 8:6

Thou sendest forth thy spirit, they are created: and thou renewest the face of the earth. -Psalm 104:3   

    God the Father, God the Son, & God the Holy Spirit, were all present and involved at the time of creation (Colossians 1:16-17; John 1:3, Revelation 4:11).  Before God there was no God formed, neither shall there be after (Isaiah 43:10), this is why he is called the "I Am" (Exodus 3:14; John 8:58), he was always present, he is, he was, and always will be. God is distinct from man (Numbers 23:19) and there is none other like him (Isaiah 46:9). God created time (in the beginning), space (the heavens), and matter (the earth, Gen 1:1).  It is by Him alone that all things consist (Colossians 1:17).

 The Trinity: Foreshadowed in the Psalms & Isaiah

 A Psalm of David.The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool. Psalm 110:1

      It is important to know that God has progressively revealed himself.  What was concealed in the Old Testament is now revealed in the New Testament, e.g. the brazen serpent (see my previous article, The cross foretold..). Above is the famous passage that Jesus quotes to the Pharisees in Matthew 22:44.  He first asks the Jewish authorities whose son is the Christ?  They respond by saying the Son of David (2nd Samuel 7).  Jesus then asks the Pharisees why does David speaking by the Spirit call Him Lord? By which they offer no response.  How can the Messiah be called the Lord if he is the son of David?  The answer lies in the incarnation.  Jesus Christ, the second Lord referred to in this Psalm is also the second person of the Godhead, existing from eternity past.  Jesus' entire point here is to drive home the fact the Messiah would be more than a mere man, he was in fact David's Lord and of his seed. Christ pulled no punches in asserting who he really was. The Father was speaking to the Son who sits at His right hand. It's also interesting to see Christ mentioning David speaking by the Spirit, Christ recognized the 3rd member of the trinity, the Holy Spirit to be the true author of God's infallible Word. 

Come ye near unto me, hear ye this; I have not spoken in secret from the beginning; from the time that it was, there am I: and now the Lord GOD, and his Spirit, hath sent me. -Isaiah 48:16

    This scripture affirms the three in one foretold by the prophet Isaiah: the Lord GOD (God the Father), and his Spirit (The Holy Spirit), hath sent me (God the Son Jesus Christ).

God the Son, God the Father, God the Holy Spirit all affirmed as God

Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;) -Galatians 1:1

Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. -Titus 2:13

Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ -2nd Peter 1:1

But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. -Acts 5:3-4

    Those who deny the trinity never really dispute God the Father as God, but it is still important nonetheless to make the point that the scriptures affirm Him as God.  Jesus is affirmed as God several times in the scriptures (John 1:18, John 20:28, Acts 20:28, Hebrews 1:8, Rev 1:7-8), Titus 2:13 makes it abundantly clear that He is the great God and the Savior of mankind.  The Holy Spirit is clearly affirmed as God in Acts 5:3-4, lying to the Holy Spirit is lying to God.  Most of the controversy concerning the Holy Spirit is his personage.  Some make the false claim that the Holy Spirit is just some type of impersonal force.  Scripture does not affirm this but rather that the Holy Spirit is a person. The Holy Spirit has a mind and will (Romans 8:27). He is a Comforter (John 14:16), he is a teacher (John 14:26), can make judgments (Acts 15:28), can be grieved (Ephesians 4:30), and illustrates his humility in glorifying Jesus Christ (John 16:7-14). 

Illustration of a Tri-Unity God

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.-Psalm 19:1

    My brother and I have often talked of our favorite illustration of God's triune nature.  It is by no means perfect, but by it was can see God's fingerprint on creation as a reflection of his triune character. Reality as we know it... creation... the universe, is made up of three things. Time, space, and matter.  All three are stitched together in unison to create the picture of reality as we experience it:

Time: Past, Present, Future

Space: Length, Width, Height

States of Matter: Solid, Liquid, Gas

Reality stands on these three, and yet they are separate. Take one away and our reality would cease to exist.  

Personage of Christ

Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. -Colossians 1:13-20

    Jesus Christ is called the firstborn, which does not denote that he was the firstborn of creation but rather expresses His preeminence over it.  Firstborn is not always used to denote time, but also is used as a title, you can see that this was the case with King David.  David was appointed as God's firstborn (Psalm 89:27), and yet he was not the firstborn of his father nor the oldest.  We see here that David is given a position of all kings over the earth.  Christ is distinguished as the firstborn in this way, He is the King of kings, the Lord of lords, and much more than David is preeminent over all creation, life, and death. Furthermore, the following verse states by Him all things were created.  Let God's Word be true and every man a liar, it is a lie to suggest that Christ was created, as he is the creator, and the great I AM, by Him all things consist (John 8:58). Christ came down, as God in the flesh, humbled himself as a servant, and lived a perfect life fulfilling His holy law (Matt 5:17). All men have broken God's Holy Law, the 10 commandments (Romans 3:10; 3:23).  Christ came as the foretold unblemished Lamb of God to die for your sins (Isaiah 53). His blood on the cross has made a way for man to be made right in his creator's eyes.  All God requires is your trust in Him (John 3:16-17).  Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, you will be saved from the penalty of your sin (Romans 10:9), and will graciously receive an inheritance (Ephesians 1:11) in the realm of God the Father, God the Son, and God The Holy Spirit.  By believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, The Holy Spirit will find a permanent place in your heart the moment you believe (Ephesians 1:13), Christ's death has satisfied the Father (1st John 2:2).  In accepting Christ today he will intercede for your sins (Romans 8:34). You will be made righteous before God for time and all eternity, after all...you have God's Word on it.

And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. 1st Timothy 3:16

*The Johannine Comma is divinely inspired see here.

Faith or Works? Examining James Chapter 2

In a previous article, I spoke of Cain's offering contrasted to Abel's offering.  Cain offered God the works of the field, did it his way, and was rejected.  Abel offered God a lamb of his flock, did it God's way by faith, and was accepted.  It's the faith way or works way.  Unfortunately down the bisected road, most men find themselves going down the latter.  Down the works way, the left-handed path, we see men trying to find enlightenment by meditation, or asceticism.  Down the works way we see men who deny the living God and are a master unto themselves.  Down the works way, we see a man who thinks church attendance, doing charitable works, and/or being a good person will make themselves just in the eyes of their creator.   On and on it goes as a man checks off his to-do list.  Down the works way some say maybe I'm good enough, and then God will make up the rest.  Down the works way there are many men who try and twist the Bible to say that works are a requirement for salvation. Catholics and others who support works-based salvation often scurry to the book of James for cover. Fortunately for all, James does not support works-based salvation.  In examining the book of James we will find it proclaims the fruit of salvation rather than the root of salvation in what Paul often explains in his epistles. We will also discover that Paul and James are in agreement with each other.

But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? -James 2:20

    First, in order to know the context of the above verse, it's important to know what audience James is speaking to.  That of course would be at the beginning of his epistle:

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting. My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. James 1:1-4

Clearly, the brother of Jesus is talking to the twelve tribes here.  He is speaking to a Jewish audience, so we can expect to have Jewish references within the passage.  Secondly, he calls them his brethren, that is, his brothers in Christ.  We know he's not simply calling them brothers based on their Jewish heritage, but rather the faith that links them together as noted in the following statement: "the trying of your faith worketh patience."  So to wrap it up here, the audience is Jewish, and they are saved brothers by faith in Christ.  James is stating that here that they already have faith, and the Bible asserts  "Ye are saved by faith through grace.." Ephesians 2:8. The eternal security of the believer is already there (Ephesians 1:13).

    Throughout the rest of chapter one, we see James admonishing his audience to persevere in trials and temptation (James 1:2-13), to waver not in faith (James 1:6), to seek God's wisdom in faith (James 1:5), and to be a doer and not a hearer only (James 1:22).  You see, when you become God's child, you are made unto His workmanship.  We no longer are to walk in our ways but rather God's ways.  What this epistle is talking about is practical applications in Christian living.  Let's crossreference with Paul's epistle to Ephesus: 

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. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. -Ephesians 2:8-10

Notice Paul first says that you are saved aside from works.  That is, a man is saved by faith through grace (a gift; unmerited favor). Then notice something interesting follows in verse 10.  Paul writes that those who are saved are God's workmanship, that our purpose in Christ is that we should walk in good works.  A Christian should seek to offer himself up as a living sacrifice each day (Romans 12:1), to put off the old man (Ephesians 4:22-24), so we can be good stewards for the Master's use (Matthew 25:21).  Good works don't result in salvation, but rather good works are to follow someone who has been born-again and made a new creature (2nd Corinthians 5:17).  Many people seem to think that Paul and James are at odds with each other.  Some say Paul teaches faith through grace, and James teaches faith by works.  Paul often asserts that salvation rests on faith alone, but is also in agreement with James that faith will produce spiritual fruit. Now on to James chapter 2.

    At the beginning of chapter two, we see that James is speaking strongly against favoritism.  James writes not to respect a man over another because of his appearances or his riches (James 2:1-7),  to love thy neighbor as thyself (James 2:8), and not to be a respecter of persons (James 2:9).  Notice again, James still is not speaking in regards to salvation, but Christian living.   Moving along in verse 10 we see James referring to the law, that any person who stumbles at one point is guilty of the law.  James is referring to Deuteronomy 27:26, everybody who stumbles just once is guilty and is cursed. Ever lie? You're under the curse. Ever steal? You're under the curse. How could anyone ever keep the law? No man ever could (Romans 3:23).  This is why it's absurd to think that our salvation can in any possible way come by works. It would have to come through someone who could perfectly fulfill the law, and that man was Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:17).  Now let's get to the meat of the matter in James 2:14-17:

What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? 

   Many put the cart before the horse, assuming that James contradicts Paul in falsely assuming that works are a requirement.  James explains rather, that a man with legitimate faith will be evidenced by good works.  Notice James here says though a man say (claims) he hath faith and not have works, can faith save him?  He is not talking about a man who has genuine faith, but rather a man who claims to have faith.  After the intro James explains dead faith in an example.  He makes the analogy of a selfish person who says, "Be warmed and filled!" to someone who is naked and hungry without offering any provisions. Dead faith is akin to a man who claims to have it but doesn't back it up in any way.  The devils believe in God and tremble, but they too have dead faith. Paul agrees with James and explains dead faith in Titus 1:16, "They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him..." Many people in pop Christianity have this claim of faith, they say they believe and enjoy their church for a feel-good fix but have never been born-again. This is not the type of faith that will save you, but rather it's a shallow faith that James is challenging his audience to recognize.  Notice James also says what doth it profit? followed by an illustration of what faith without works is.  Dead works don't profit anyone, we are not justified by simply saying we have faith in the eyes of others, rather our faith is justified in the eyes of others by our good works.  Paul agrees with James and writes about this in Titus 3:8: 

This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

Good works are profitable in the eyes of man.  As James mentions, God wants us to not just be a hearer, but a doer. If we are just a hearer, we see ourselves in the reflection.  However, one who yields to God will have good works flow through them.   God does not want us to simply say we believe, he wants us to put our faith to action.  We do this by renewing ourselves each day and making ourselves a living sacrifice to Him. Are we saved by faith alone? Yes.  Will a saving faith produce good works? Absolutely. Let's finish James chapter 2 with verses18-26:

Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

Did you notice James writes that you can see how these two were justified?  That's the point here, good works justify us in the eyes of men.  The justification spoken of here has nothing to do with justification before God. Rather it has to do with practical Christian living and having a saving faith that will impact others.  Are you trusting in obeying the commandments to save you? The commandments illustrate how we fall short (Romans 3:20), and were designed as a schoolmaster to bring us to Christ (Galatians 3:24). Following the law won't save you as the scripture says we all fall short (Galatians 2:16; Romans 3:23). Are you trusting in your good deeds checklist or the traditions of men (Proverbs 14:12)?  Then I'm afraid to say heaven is not going to be your home.  Are you trusting in Christ alone as your savior? God's Word states he is the only way to heaven (John 14:6). The glory of man is like the flowers in the grass, it's nice for a time but withers away (1st Peter 2:24).  God's gift will never wither or fade away, as he offers eternal life to all who believe. Down the works way, we find the path that leads to destruction, down the way of faith we find Christ, God's glory, and eternal life.

Joseph in Genesis: A Type of Christ

 

    One of the most fascinating studies in all of the Bible is seeing the Lord Jesus Christ prophetically shadowed in certain figures of the Old Testament.  One captivating such figure is the historical account of Joseph in Genesis.  There are several parallels we'll examine to make the case that Joseph's life parallels prophetically to what would come over a thousand years later through the life of the Messiah, Jesus Christ.  Joseph is a historical figure, who's life would prophetically represent spiritual truths found in the life of Christ.

  Just as Jesus was beloved and begotten of the Father (Matthew 3:17), Joseph was special and unique in his father Jacob's eyes, as he was the son of his old age (Genesis 37:3). Jesus was the firstborn of Mary (Matthew 1:25), Joseph was the firstborn of Rachel (Genesis 30:22-24).   Early on we see Joseph receiving prophetic dreams and as he describes them to his brothers he is despised and rejected (Genesis 37:5). Jesus came unto his own people prophesying to his brothers of the House of Israel and he is despised and rejected (John 1:11). Joseph was a shepherd for sheep (Genesis 37:2), Christ was a shepherd of men (John 10:11).   Joseph was given a special robe from his father that was stripped from him by his own people (Genesis 37:23), Jesus' robe was stripped from him after being rejected by his own people (Matthew 27:28). Joseph was sold into the slave trade in Egypt (Genesis 37:28), Jesus was sold out by Judas for 30 pieces of silver (Matthew 26:15). Both were falsely accused (Genesis 39:14-19; Mark 14:57-58). Both resisted temptation as Joseph resisted Potipher's wife's advances (Genesis 39-7-12), Jesus resisted all temptations of the devil (Matthew 4:1-11).   Joseph was exalted at the right hand of Pharoah and interceded for his people (Genesis 41), Christ sits at the right hand of the Father and intercedes for us (Romans 8:34). Joseph was the hope of a world in famine (Genesis 41:49), Christ is the hope for a world in spiritual famine (Romans 10:12). Joseph is given a Gentile (Non-Jew) bride (Genesis 41:45), the bride of Christ (the church) is a Gentile bride (Ephesians 5:25-33; 2nd Corinthians 11:2). Joseph was not recognized by his brothers (Genesis 42:7-8), Jesus was not recognized by his own (John 1:10). Joseph reveals who he really is to his brothers (Genesis 45:1-3), Christ revealed who he truly was to the world (John 8:21-30). Joseph forgives and restores his brothers (Genesis 45:4-5; Genesis 50:20), Christ forgives and restores all who come to Him.  (John 21:15-17). All knees were bowed to Joseph (Genesis 41:43), all knees will bow down Christ and confess Him as Lord (Phillipians 2:10). 

    One particular similarity that has stood out to me in Joseph and Jesus' lives is in both their relations to two companions that received punishment. Joseph's companions in prison were the butler and the baker (Genesis 40), Christ's two companions were the two thieves on the cross (Luke 23:32; 39-43).  Joseph interprets the dreams of his fellow prisoners in that one would live, and the other would die by hanging.  When Jesus was on the cross, one of the thieves tested Jesus by asking him to save them from physical death.  In humility, the other thief rebukes him and then asks Christ to remember him when he enters into his kingdom (Luke 23:39-43).   Christ responds by saying, "Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise." The thief placed his faith in Jesus just hours before his death.  Notice that the thief did not live a righteous life, but rather his righteousness was accounted to him by faith only in his redeemer (Romans 4:3). He was granted a place with Christ after death.   May all come to discover that Christ expects nothing from us but our trust in Him when it comes to our salvation (John 3:15-17).  Just as the famous hymn Rock of Ages espouses:

♪ Nothing in my hand I bring, Simply to thy cross I cling; 

Naked, come to thee for dress, Helpless, look to thee for grace ♪