THE BOOK OF EPHESIANS, Chapter 6,

Children and Parents, Slaves and Masters, The Armor of God

Paul completes his letter to the Ephesian Church by first speaking to children and parents, slave and master. It would be useful to see that this is more about God’s structure of authority (higher to lower) which supports the safety, health, and wholeness that our salvation provides. (Saved: “sozo” – made safe, in all circumstances, for all things are made to work together for our good, for all of us who are called according to His purpose; made whole, given a life, a destiny and an eternity of a greater purpose; made healthy, in all our activities, endeavors and relationships).

Secondly, and finally, Paul instructs that this – following and doing the will of God – will be a spiritual battle, so he reveals the equipping (i.e., the equipment) and the method necessary to effectively engage and to succeed in this battle.

Children and Parents

Ephesians 6:1, Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Verse 2. HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER (which is the first commandment with a promise), verse 3, SO THAT IT MAY TURN OUT WELL FOR YOU, AND THAT YOU MAY LIVE LONG ON THE EARTH.

Verse 4. Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

(Commentary Break): Paul is describing, first, the defensive formation that we, as Christians, and particularly as a family, must assume. We have seen, in Romans 5:22, and again in Ephesians 5:21, “and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.”, Verse 22. Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. Verse 23. For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body. Verse 24. But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything.

The word “Hupotasso” literally means:

1) to arrange under, to subordinate;

2) to subject, put in subjection

3) to subject one’s self, obey

4) to submit to one’s control

5) to yield to one’s admonition or advice

6) to obey, be subject.

HUPO – arrange under; TASSO – mutually agree upon

The intention of “submission or subjection” is found in the CONTEXT of the words in this chapter of Ephesians, which encourages us to be wise and moral, kind and pure, gentle and forgiving.

The context is also found in the meaning of the words in these verses.

Specifically, “Hupotasso” comes from a Greek military term meaning “to arrange [troop divisions] in a military fashion under the command of a leader”.

These troop formations were called a Phalanx. The Phalanx was the formation, usually in triangular form, in which The hoplite phalanx of the Archaic and Classical periods in Greece (c. 800–350 BC) was the formation in which the hoplites would line up in ranks in close order.

Hoplites were citizen-soldiers of Ancient Greek city-states who were primarily armed with spears and shields. Hoplite soldiers utilized the phalanx formation in order to be effective in war with fewer soldiers. The formation discouraged the soldiers from acting alone, for this would compromise the formation and minimize its strengths.

The hoplites would lock their shields together, and the first few ranks of soldiers would project their spears out over the first rank of shields.

Those at the front were, what we would call today, THE TIP OF THE SPEAR or the POINT MAN. They presented the first defense against the enemy and were the first to engage the enemy and the first to take casualties.

The phalanx therefore presented a shield wall and a mass of spear points to the enemy. Making frontal assaults against it very difficult.

It also allowed a higher proportion of the soldiers to be actively engaged in combat at a given time, rather than just those in the front rank.

This word, “Hupotasso”, in non-military use, is “a voluntary attitude of giving in, cooperating, assuming responsibility, and carrying a burden”.

The Bible gives this as an example for husbands and wives to cooperate and to successfully navigate life and in waging wars against ‘their common enemy’, Satan.

The wife is fully engaged in the marriage relationship, but, God says the husband is to be the Tip of the Spear in order to protect and preserve and, if necessary, the first to fall.

Interestingly, Ephesians 5:22, “be subject to your own” uses the word “idios” which means, uniquely one’s own, peculiar to the individual. It is “stronger than the simple possessive pronoun (‘own’). This emphatic adjective means ‘private, personal’ “.

God gives each husband a wife, designed by God, Himself, to fulfill a role specifically for that husband. God gives the wife gifts, talents, abilities and a calling uniquely designed to serve God and to compliment and to complete the husband.

This is why the Bible says “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her. It is also why God says “Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord”.

Neither, the husband nor the wife, can be made complete as persons when finding refuge, protection and provision. But as a God given ability, you can mature and sustain one another, until you understand this Spiritual principal and follow it. (End Commentary Break).

Slaves and Masters

Verse 5. Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ; verse 6, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart. Verse 7. With goodwill render service, as to the Lord, and not to people, verse 8, knowing that whatever good thing each one does, he will receive this back from the Lord, whether slave or free.

Verse 9. And masters, do the same things to them, and give up threatening, knowing that both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him.

(Commentary Break): Likewise, when it comes to slaves and masters, there is a hierarchy of authority which also supports the safety, health, and wholeness that God gift of salvation provides. If you find yourself, not as a slave, but as one on the lower end of an hierarchy of authority, whether in a family, a business, at work or elsewhere, consider the case and example of Joseph the son of Jacob: From prison to the throne.

Joseph was the eleventh son of the patriarch Jacob and the first son of Jacob’s beloved wife, Rachel. Because Jacob loved Joseph more than his other sons, he gave him a special coat, often called the “coat of many colors” (Genesis 37:3). This favoritism caused jealousy among Joseph’s brothers. Joseph’s brothers plotted to kill him, but instead sold him to traders traveling to Egypt. They deceived their father into believing Joseph had been killed by a wild animal (Genesis 37). As a slave in Egypt, Joseph was purchased by Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh.

God blessed Joseph, and he prospered in Potiphar’s household. However, Potiphar’s wife falsely accused him of attempting to seduce her. As a result, Joseph was unjustly imprisoned (Genesis 39).

Even in prison, God was with Joseph. He gained favor with the prison authorities and was given responsibility over the other prisoners.

While in prison, Joseph accurately interpreted the dreams of Pharaoh’s cupbearer and baker. Two years later, when Pharaoh himself was troubled by mysterious dreams, the cupbearer remembered Joseph. Joseph interpreted Pharaoh’s dreams as a warning that Egypt would experience seven years of abundance followed by seven years of severe famine. He advised Pharaoh to store grain during the prosperous years (Genesis 41).

Recognizing God’s wisdom in Joseph, Pharaoh elevated him from prisoner to second-in-command over all Egypt. Joseph oversaw the collection and storage of grain, preparing the nation for the coming famine.

When famine struck the surrounding lands, Joseph’s brothers traveled to Egypt to buy food. They did not recognize Joseph, but he recognized them. After testing their character and observing their repentance, Joseph revealed his identity. Instead of seeking revenge, he forgave them and acknowledged God’s sovereign hand in the events: “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20).

Joseph then brought his father and the entire family to Egypt, preserving the family line through which God would eventually bring the Messiah.

Joseph’s life teaches that God is able to work through suffering, injustice, betrayal, and hardship to accomplish His purposes. What appears to be tragedy from a human perspective can become part of God’s greater plan for good and His glory. A fitting summary of Joseph’s life is found in Genesis 50:20: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”

This example is not just a “story” from the Bible. It is an example of how God delivers the enslaved and the downtrodden. From a lowly and hated youngest brother of eleven, to being falsely accused of crimes, imprisoned, then elevated to the throne and given authority! This is about you and about me, if we so choose. (End Commentary Break).

Verse 10. Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Verse 11. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. Verse 12. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Verse 13. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist on the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Verse 14. Stand firm therefore, having belted your waist with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, verse 15, and having strapped on your feet the preparation of the gospel of peace; verse 16, in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Verse 17. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Verse 18. With every prayer and request, pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be alert with all perseverance and every request for all the saints, verse 19, and pray in my behalf, that speech may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, verse 20, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

(Commentary Break): Ephesians 6:10–20, the Apostle Paul concludes his letter by calling believers to stand firm in spiritual warfare through the strength and resources God provides.

Paul begins by exhorting believers to “be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.” Christians are not called to fight spiritual battles in their own power but in God’s power.

He reminds us through spiritual truth using a series of metaphors that our true struggle is not against human beings (“flesh and blood”) but against spiritual forces of evil. Because the enemy is spiritual, believers must put on the full armor of God in order to withstand attacks and remain faithful.

Paul describes six pieces of armor by way of metaphors, using the equipment of a Roman soldier as an illustration:

1. The Belt of Truth – Truth holds everything together. Believers are to be grounded in God’s truth and live honestly before Him.

2. The Breastplate of Righteousness – Righteousness protects the heart. This includes both the righteousness believers receive through Christ and the righteous life they are called to live.

3. The Shoes of the Gospel of Peace – Christians are to stand firmly on the peace they have with God through the gospel and be ready to share that message with others.

4. The Shield of Faith – Faith protects believers from the “flaming arrows” of the enemy, such as doubt, fear, temptation, and discouragement.

5. The Helmet of Salvation – Salvation guards the mind, providing confidence and assurance in God’s saving work.

6. The Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God – The only offensive weapon listed. God’s Word is used to confront error, resist temptation, and proclaim truth.

After describing the armor, Paul emphasizes continual prayer. Believers are to pray:

At all times,

In the Spirit,

With perseverance,

For all the saints.

Paul also requests prayer for himself, that he would boldly proclaim the mystery of the gospel even while imprisoned. Likewise, we must pray for one another during these times.

Main Themes:

The Christian life involves spiritual warfare.

Victory comes through God’s strength, not human effort.

Believers must be equipped with God’s truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, and Word.

Prayer is essential to standing firm and advancing the gospel.

Christians are called not merely to attack the enemy but primarily to stand firm in the victory Christ has already secured.

The central command of this passage is “stand firm.” Believers are to rely on God’s power, put on His armor, remain vigilant in prayer, and faithfully endure against spiritual opposition until the day of Christ.

These are not suggestions, they are prophetic instructions for spiritual warfare. No less, if you were a soldier in an army preparing for war, would you fare well if you ignored your superiors and shirked in your training, should we ignore the reality of Paul’s instructions. Let me re-emphasize, this war is real, the consequences of being unprepared or ill-prepared can be destructive and deadly. Hear Paul’s words. Practice them. Apply them daily,. This is the only way! (End Commentary Break).

Verse 21. Now, so that you also may know about my circumstances as to what I am doing, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will make everything known to you. Verse 22. I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know about us, and that he may comfort your hearts.

Verse 23. Peace be to the brothers and sisters, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Verse 24. Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ with incorruptible love.

(End Chapter 6 – End The Book of Ephesians).

I am no Tychius but I am endeavoring to be a faithful servant of God by trying to make everything known to you. My desire is to encourage you, instruct you through these messages, to prepare you and to comfort you hearts. I too pray peace to you brothers and sisters, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. May grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ with incorruptible love.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

Previous: THE BOOK OF EPHESIANS, Chapter 5, Be Imitators of God, Marriage Like Christ and the Church.

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WHAT THE UNIVERSE IS MADE OF – and a few not-so-new-things

“Matter and energy are the two basic components of the entire Universe. An enormous challenge for scientists is that most of the matter in the Universe is invisible. In fact, ninety percent of matter and energy in the Universe that is currently unobservable, and the source of most of the energy is not understood. How then can we study the Universe if we can’t see most of it?

“Astronomer Fritz Zwicky was the first to notice the discrepancy between the amount of visible matter in a cluster of galaxies and the motions of the galaxies themselves. He suggested that there may be invisible matter, or what he called “dark matter”, interacting gravitationally with the visible matter. Later, astronomers noticed similar incongruities when observing nearby spiral galaxies. Modern calculations say dark matter comprises about 27% of the Universe. We don’t yet know what it is, but we are searching for answers.” (excerpt from the Center for Astrophysics, Harvard and Smithsonian.)

A not-so-new discovery was made that might still rewrite the scientific textbook. This new discovery transcends all the current theories of matter, space and time. It is a creative force which is so mysterious that the name given it is ‘Ho Logos’ which translates from the Greek language as, “The Word”. I say this is a not-so-new discovery because it is spoken of in ancient Hebrew and Greek Aramaic texts. But in the last century it has been regarded as a mere religious metaphor and is now overlooked by the scientific community.

IMAGINE and BELIEVE

There is mounting evidence, however, that before the earth, the stars or any of the cosmos existed, that is to say, “from the beginning of time”, there was only Ho Logos or The Word. Oddly enough, there is extensive mention of this ‘creative force’ found in ancient writings dated around 1440 B.C.,  about 3,400 years ago. Perhaps had this phenomenon been given a strange or mystical name it would have garnered more scientific attention. However, since science and religion have been drifting apart they are now set at odds, and the ‘new discovery’ is left out of the new age of science.

Information found in the Bible further explains that The Word was with God, and in fact that The Word was God and in later texts, that The Word “became flesh and took on human form and dwelt among humankind”.

Since The Word cannot be seen or measured it has become unacceptable to the atheistic scientific community. Oddly enough, however, these same scientists are eager and willing pursue many other things which they cannot see, cannot measure and cannot prove exists (dark matter and the idea of parallel universes, as prime examples).

METAPHOR or MYSTERY

The Bible, which is a written record of The Word, instructs us that it is actually ‘God breathed and God inspired”. And that the “Breathed Word of God” contains all the mysteries of life, death and eternity, and is without any error, is infallible and is mysteriously literal beyond our comprehension.

The evidence that The Word exists is found in the creation of the heavens and the earth. There are countless first hand eye witnesses and crowds of thousands who pursued The Word in the form of a man, who is named Jesus. The most convincing is the fact of the changed lives of those who believe, pursue and embrace The Word.

The Bible informs us that “The Word of God” is living and active and full of power making it operative, energizing, and effective. And that it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating as far as the division of the soul and spirit, the completeness of a person, and of both joints and marrow, that is, the deepest parts of our nature, exposing and judging the very thoughts and intentions of the heart.

BELIEVE IT OR NOT

The Bible tells us that God’s Thoughts and Ways are too high for us to understand.  So, imagine if you can, that God, knowing this, made His Thoughts, His Ways and His Word into Flesh – into the person of Jesus.  And it is by the incarnation of Jesus that God made His Thoughts, His Ways and His Word visible, intelligible and observable to all of humankind – that is, all who would believe on Him, who would watch and listen and learn. So, what we have is an invisible God, who cannot be measured by any scientific means but is evidenced by matter, time, space and the creation and existence of life.

The Bible is clear in pointing out that The Incarnate Word (Jesus) is the exact representation of God the Father, and that once you have seen Jesus (The Word) you have seen the Father (God)!

NOW YOU CAN KNOW

Therefore, when Jesus speaks, His Words also, are too deep for our natural mind to gain a complete understanding. So, Jesus not only speaks the Word but He demonstrates the Word of God by His works so we can see and understand. He is the Living Word of God,

It is at this point that you or any believer in Christ (or any seeker) must make the greatest of all  decisions: Will you choose to believe Him – and believe Him completely? Or will you choose the fantasies of your own imagination? Or perhaps believe and an ever changing science of theories.

If you choose to pursue the idea and existence of The Word (God), there will be things said by Jesus and recorded in the Bible that you and I may not immediately understand. And, there may be things you and I will read or hear that you will understand at a later time; and then, there will be some things you and I will never fully understand – at least not while we are on this earth.

Regardless, in order to know about this mysterious revealed Word, it is necessary that you believe that He Is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him or your efforts will be in vain. You must believe in order to see, hear and experience The Word. You must believe in order to know and understand.

DID HE REALLY?

Just as importantly, we must come to understand that The Word, through the person of Jesus, always said exactly what He meant and meant exactly what He said. There are no errors and there are no subtleties. There may be statements He makes which will seem strange or even impossible to the natural mind, but that only means that you do not yet understand. (As C.S. Lewis put it, you should simply put those things aside which you cannot presently understand for the time being and proceed with what God has revealed to you, those things you do understand. You can return to other matters later.)

IT IS BY FAITH THAT WE UNDERSTAND

This is where the great mystery of ‘faith’ comes to the fore. Hebrews 11:1-2, reveals that “Now faith is the (substantial) certainty of things (anticipated) hoped for, and the proof (positive) of things not (yet) seen. For by it the people of old gained approval. By faith we understand…”

Was it just a metaphor when Jesus explained to His disciples that if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.” In other words, not only is the unseen power real, it is available to you,

THE MYSTERY DEEPENS

Carl Sagan (1934-1996) was a popular and influential American astronomer and science writer. He was controversial in scientific, political, and religious circles for his views on extraterrestrial intelligence, nuclear weapons, and religion. He was well known for saying “we are all made of star stuff”, and for using language of the Bible to form metaphors suggesting there is no “higher power”, no God of creation – he vehemently denied the idea of Ho Logos. His ‘truth’ was based on theories of the observable universe promulgated from ideas from the ‘unseen’. Yet when it came to that which has come from the unseen realm and has been proven as visible and commanded and defied the very elements of nature, that is the person of Jesus Christ, Ho Logos, Sagan would smugly and arrogantly dismiss the reality of ‘The Word made flesh’.

The Bible records and explains in great detail (particularly if one is willing to study the Hebrew wording) in Genesis chapter 2, that God created man and woman from the dust of the ground.

In the vein that we are all made of ‘star stuff’, a powerful message to all who would believe is found in the New Testament book of John.

We have been created, not simply as a random or a coincidence of luck and timing, but as sentient beings, in the image of The Creator (Ho Logos) with the potential to be indwelt by, inhabited by Ho Logos – The Word.

Furthermore, we are not made to remain in this state of decaying ‘star stuff’, but just like Ho Logos and the cosmos which He created, we are made to exist for an eternity. The only thing left of be decided is ‘where and how we shall exist eternally’. The power of choice given to us by The Word:

^“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.” (John 3:16-18)

Finally, we are not left with just theories or conjecture.  Jesus – The Word, uses this message coded in a metaphor, in order to give us specific instruction and insight about the process of our physical and spiritual development.

“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.

Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away;

and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit.

You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.

Remain in Me, and I in you. (Because) Just as the branch cannot bear fruit of itself but must remain in the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in Me. 

I am the vine, you are the branches; the one who remains in Me, and I in him bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.

If anyone does not remain in Me, he is thrown away like a branch and dries up; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.

If you remain in Me, and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.

We are not cosmic accidents nor are we the result of evolutionary incredibly good luck. We have been created on purpose and with a purpose. The only caveat is that you hold the key and the power of choice.

By your choice you will find your place in the presence of the Great Designer, the Grand Creator and The Word – Our God. Or, you will endure an eternity in an outer darkness, where there is ‘wailing and gnashing of teeth’, alone, with the rest of the ‘star stuff’.

Please choose wisely.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

The Book of Romans, Chapter 7

Believers United to Christ, The Conflict of Serving Two Masters

Paul begins chapter 7 admitting that he is primarily speaking to and in the religious context of those who “know the law”, and that becomes apparent to you if you did not already know the Law (the Torah).

Romans 7 is Paul’s explanation of the believer’s relationship to the Law and the ongoing struggle with sin. It serves as a bridge between Romans 6 (“you are no longer slaves to sin”) and Romans 8 (“life in the Spirit”).

Paul uses the illustration of marriage. A woman is bound to her husband while he lives, but when he dies she is released from that legal obligation.

Paul applies this to Christians: Through Christ’s death, believers have died to the Law as a means of relating to God and that we are now united to Christ and serve God “in the new way of the Spirit.” The Law could identify sin, but it could not free people from sin. Christians are no longer under the Mosaic Law as a covenant; they belong to Christ.

Paul uses the commandment against coveting as an example. Before understanding the commandment, he was unaware of the depth of his sinfulness. Sin then took advantage of the commandment and produced rebellion. The problem is not the Law; the problem is sin dwelling in fallen humanity. The Law is holy, righteous, and good, but it cannot make sinners righteous.

Paul writes, “For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want.” (See verse 19). Herein Paul describes wanting to obey God, delighting in God’s law inwardly, yet experiencing another principle (“the law”) at work in his flesh, and this creates a painful conflict. The mind desires God’s will, yet the flesh resists as sin seeks to exert influence. This realization evokes lament, “Wretched man that I am. Who will set me free from this body of death?” (Which he answers in chapter 8).

Romans 7 shows that God’s Law can expose sin but cannot defeat it; only through union with Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit can believers experience victory over sin.

Let me say that this is akin to a psychological treatise written in a religious context in the language of a lawyer (Paul, in fact was one – a “Pharisee among Pharisees”), about the conflict of that exists between the mind, the soul and the spirit. There is no easy reading here. So, I will limit commentary and recommend BibleHub.com for commentary.

Believers United to Christ

Romans 7:1, Or do you not know, brothers and sisters (for I am speaking to those who know the Law), that the Law has jurisdiction over a person as long as he lives? Verse 2. For the married woman is bound by law to her husband as long as he is alive; but if her husband dies, she is released from the law concerning the husband. Verse 3. So then, if while her husband is alive she gives herself to another man, she will be called an adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is free from the law, so that she is not an adulteress if she gives herself to another man.

(Commentary Break): Paul is using the Jewish legal view (The Law – The Torah) to compare the obligations created by both marriage and one’s relationship to God and the obstacles therein. (End Commentary Break).

Verse 4. Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you also were put to death in regard to the Law through the body of Christ, so that you might belong to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God. Verse 5. For while we were in the flesh, the sinful passions, which were brought to light by the Law, were at work in the parts of our body to bear fruit for death. Verse 6. But now we have been released from the Law, having died to that by which we were bound, so that we serve in newness of the Spirit and not in oldness of the letter.

Verse 7. What shall we say then? Is the Law sin? Far from it! On the contrary, I would not have come to know sin except through the Law; for I would not have known about coveting if the Law had not said, “YOU SHALL NOT COVET.” Verse 8. But sin, taking an opportunity through the commandment, produced in me coveting of every kind; for apart from the Law sin is dead. Verse 9. I was once alive apart from the Law; but when the commandment came, sin came to life, and I died; verse 10, and this commandment, which was to result in life, proved to result in death for me; verse 11, for sin, taking an opportunity through the commandment, deceived me, and through it, killed me. Verse 12. So then, the Law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good.

Verse 13. Therefore did that which is good become a cause of death for me? Far from it! Rather it was sin, in order that it might be shown to be sin by bringing about my death through that which is good, so that through the commandment sin would become utterly sinful.

(Commentary Break): This is a complex explanation using a literal death that frees one from the obligations created by the marriage contract of covenant comparing and contrasting how the Jewish Law (The Torah) creates a contract or covenant in our relationship with God which reveals and distinguishes its obligations and how sin causes a similar death that leads to freedom. (End Commentary Break).

The Conflict of Serving Two Masters

Verse 14. For we know that the Law is spiritual, but I am fleshly, sold into bondage to sin.

(Commentary Break): Paul’s words in verse 14 could be compared to an oxymoron: The Law being spiritual in its origins and intended application; but creates a bondage of the flesh (the human mind, soul, body and spirit) to follow it as a cold rule. We become enslaved to its rules because as hard as we try it is impossible for a person (the flesh) to fulfill The Law. So we strive, suffer and fail. A true dilemma. (End Commentary Break).

Verse 15. For I do not understand what I am doing; for I am not practicing what I want to do, but I do the very thing I hate.

(Commentary Break): This is the conundrum that creates confusion. We cannot understand what we are doing nor why. We mean to do good but we do not. Instead the do the very things we hate. (I don’t want to curse, but I curse. I don’t want to lust, but I lust. I don’t want to lie, but I lie.) (End Commentary Break).

Verse 16. However, if I do the very thing I do not want to do, I agree with the Law, that the Law is good.

(Commentary Break): How dan I do the very thing I do not want to do and still say “the Law is good”? It is because it has revealed to me what is sinful. Like Paul has said, unless the Law had told me lying, cheating, stealing and murder was sinful, I would have continued to commit these sins without remorse. And death, chaos and anarchy would reign in our lives and all of humanity would be relegated to the darkness of a fiery hell for all eternity. So, yes, “the Law is good” as my tutor, so I can know right from wrong, good from evil and light from darkness . (End Commentary Break).

Verse 17. But now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin that dwells in me. Verse 18. For I know that good does not dwell in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not. Verse 19. For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want. Verse 20. But if I do the very thing I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin that dwells in me.

(Commentary Break): If there ever was an “ah-hah” moment, this is it! This describes the duality of the human mind. It could be compared to dissociative identity disorder (or multiple personality disorder). The Presence of two or more distinct personality states resulting in alterations in sense of self and perception   and feelings of detachment from oneself or surroundings.

This duality of the mind refers to the complex nature of human beings, embodying both good and evil, or contrasting desires and motivations. This concept highlights the internal conflicts and opposing traits that coexist within individuals such as “Good versus Evil”, “the struggle between altruistic and selfish impulses”, conflicting desires and motivations such as the pursuit of happiness versus the fear of failure.

 This duality can lead to significant internal conflict and emotional turmoil, as people navigate their Christian belief system, contrasting instincts, and behavioral expectations. Wretched, indeed! (End Commentary Break).

Verse 21. I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wants to do good. Verse 22. For I joyfully agree with the law of God in the inner person, verse 23, but I see a different law in the parts of my body waging war against the law of my mind, and making me a prisoner of the law of sin, the law which is in my body’s parts. Verse 24. Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? Verse 25. Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, on the one hand I myself with my mind am serving the law of God, but on the other, with my flesh the law of sin.

(Commentary Break): Finally, Paul arrives at his conclusion: “The principle that evil is present in me, the one who wants to do good”. How can this be? We were created in the very image and likeness of God, were we not? How can evil, then, be present in me? This is the most misunderstood and poorly taught concept in all of the Scriptures. (And, no, it was not the fault of “The Fall”. The Fall of humankind was the result of a cause:

The cause can be found in Genesis 1:27. “So God created man in His own image, in the image of God, He created him, male and female, He created them.”

In His own image:  from the Hebrew word, ‘ tselem’, we get the image, which is described and defined as a mere, empty, image, semblance; image, vain show, from an unused root meaning to shade; a phantom, i.e., an illusion, a resemblance; hence, a representative figure, especially an idol, an image, a vain shew, of dubious character. (Made, from the beginning, as just a semblance of God, but not an exact representation. Made with the flaw of a dubious character, bound to fail and in need of redemption. But made with a purpose and being shaped into the image, the perfection as of Jesus – “And you are to be (made) perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48). This is a creative prophetic statement, made in the future tense. God, through His process of sanctifying, is in the process of molding and making (poieo) believers and followers of Jesus into His image.

By this we can know that man is created with a sin flaw – a “dubious character and mind” as the Hebrew translation gives it. And from the beginning of the time of the creation man sinned. He was bound to fail and he was in need of a Savior, being reborn and transformed by being purified, cleansed and refined by trials (see Daniel 12:10). As 1 Peter 1:6-7 puts it, “In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (End Commentary Break).

End Chapter 7.

Romans 7 is Paul’s explanation of the believer’s relationship to the Law and the ongoing struggle with sin. It serves as a bridge between Romans 6 (“you are no longer slaves to sin”) and Romans 8 (“life in the Spirit”).

We have been told that by trusting in Jesus and making Him our Lord and Savior that we have been set free from sin. (“having been set free from sin, we have become slaves of righteousness”. Romans 6:18.) Please know that the phrase and term (Romans 6:18) is describing the process of being sanctified – it is an ongoing and progressive. It is in the aorist tense which means “you have been set free (in the past); you are being set free (in the present) ; and you will be set free (for all time future). It is to be complete when He as consummated this age and we are safely present with Jesus in our heavenly home. (Whew! And Praise God!)

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

Next: (Coming Soon). The Book of Romans, Chapter 8, Deliverance From Bondage, Our Victory in Christ

(Previous): THE BOOK OF ROMANS, Chapter 6, Believers Are Dead To Sin, Alive To God.

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Chapter 4

God’s Plan of Perfection through Tribulation – An Illustrated Timeline

GOD’S PLAN & PURPOSE

Here are just a few of the major Biblical events through which God has been working to accomplish His Plan and His Purpose in and through our lives. (I have selected only the most poignant events that begin “in the beginning” and point to God’s method and arrive at His predetermined conclusion on these matters, in order to simplify.

I believe this is important to know, or at the very least, to be familiar with because,

(#1), it shows that what has been prophesied (foretold) has come to pass with exacting accuracy, so,

(#2), you can know that the Bible, God’s Breathed Word, is dependable – you can count on it. And,

(#3), you can know to prepare for what is coming without fear or dread. In fact, you can prepare with confidence that you are loved, needed and called by God to join Him in what He is doing in these last days in preparation for His return and the gathering of His saints, His Church, for an eternity in our heavenly home with Him. And, finally,

(#4), you can boldly, lovingly and confidently confess to your friends and family that God loves them, is calling to them. You can lead them to the safety of His presence, today.

Next is an abbreviated timeline, from the beginning, through selected transition points, to the end and beyond:

Here, you can see God’s Hand moving in the affairs of humankind, leading to the End of the Age):

BEFORE TIME HAD BEGUN

1st. The creation of the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1–31) – Before time had begun. God created all things with a plan, which includes me and you! (He never needs a re-do). (Click here for complete detail, “In the Beginning, God – The Journey to Perfectrion).

2nd.  The first humans (Genesis 1:26–31; 2:8–25) – Before 4,000 B.C. God created them, male and female, with a plan, in Their image with a ‘flaw’, i.e., from Strong’s Bible Hebrew language Concordance – ‘a phantom, an illusion, a vain image, of dubious character’, but with potential; which includes me and you! (Click here for details, “Then Came Mankind”).

3rd.  The fall of man (Genesis 3:1–24) – Before 4,000 B.C.   Adam and Eve disobeyed. The ‘flaw in their character and image from creation’, which is ‘sin’, had its effect, which continues to this day, but it will have an end.

4th. The Abrahamic Covenant, Genesis 12:1 and Genesis 15 – Around 3400 B.C.   The Abrahamic Covenant is an unconditional covenant. God binding Himself to Abraham and his descendants.         5th. The great flood (Genesis 6:9–9:17) – Before 2,500 B.C.   God was sorry He made them. He was grieved. But it was His plan all along. (God is omniscient and omnipresent). (Click here for details, “The Flood”).

6th. The tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1–9) – Before 2,100 B.C.   The ‘flaw of sin’ reemerges as pride and rebellion toward God. Instead of destroying them, this time God scattered them. (Click here for details, “The Tower of Babel”).

7th. The call of Abraham (Genesis 12:1–5) – 2,091 B.C.   God prepares the world for Jesus with Isaac through Abraham.

8th. The exodus (Exodus 12:31–42; 14:1–31) – 1,446 B.C. God foreshadows the work of Jesus through the Exodus from captivity and as The Sacrifice for all time.       9th. The building of the first Temple (1 Kings 6) – 966 B.C. 10th. The destructin of the First Temple. (2 Kings 24:13).   The Temple was plundered by King Nebuchadnezzar II of the Neo-Babylonian Empire when the Babylonians attacked Jerusalem during the brief reign of Jehoiachin c. 598 BCE (2 Kings 24:13 11th. The building of the Second Temple. (Haggai 1)   As the central Jewish place of sacrificial worship from about 515 B.C.E. until its destruction by the Romans in 70 C.E., the second temple in Jerusalem played a major role in the religious and national life of the Jewish people.

12th. The birth of Jesus (Matt 1:18–2:23; Luke 2:1–10) – 5 B.C.   The arrival of Perfection on earth. Jesus, God in the Flesh, is born and the New Covenant – for you and me – is established. Now the ‘called’ can see and be made into the very image of God. The tribulation begins, and The Eternal Plan enters its final stages.   13th. The “Birth Pains” of the tribulation The “Birth Pains” of the tribulation which began at or around the birth of Jesus which includes the coming of false Christs, wars and rumors of wars, nations rising against nations, kingdoms against kingdoms, famines and earthquakes, which Jesus calls the beginning of Birth Pains, which describe tribulation Seals one through five as found in Matthew 24:1-31 and Revelation chapters 6 and 7. Testimonies and comments by Jesus and His disciples (the Apostles) clearly show the tribulation period, (the opening of tribulation Seals 1 through 5, began as early as Jesus’ birth through A.D. 95 and continue (see “Did Jesus and the Apostles Really Say This?”) 13 a. The Last Days Are Proclaimed and Explained.   The significance of the coming Messiah and the Last Days Are Proclaimed:     Section 13.a.1. Matthew 24:4-31, (Jesus), describing a panorama of the tribulation and the Last Days. Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” And Jesus answered and said to them, (see Matthew 24:3-4), (1). “In the Last Days, there will be a rise of false Christs and false prophets. (This was an ongoing problem since as early as A.D. 35. See Matthew 24:4-5). (2). In the Last Days, there will be famines and earthquakes. (This has been a regular occurrence since as early as A.D. 35 or earlier. See Matthew 24:7 and the 4th Tribulation Seal, found in Revelation 6:5-8). (3). In the Last Days, there are wars and rumors of wars. (Wars and rumors of war have been occurring since as early as A.D. 35 or earlier. See Matthew 24:6 and the 2nd Tribulation Seal, found in Revelation 6:3-4). (4). In the Last Days, there will be a persecution and martyrdom of Christians. (This has been an ongoing problem since as early as A.D. 35. See Matthew 24:9 and the 5th tribulation Seal, found in Revelation 6:9-11). (5). In the Last Days, there will be a falling away from the faith. (This has been an ongoing problem since as early as A.D. 35, and has been increasing to this very day. See Matthew 24:10). These things, false Christs, wars and rumors of war, famines, earthquakes and plagues, persecutions, martyrs, which Jesus calls the ‘Birth Pangs’ of the tribulation, are nothing new; and from these cited verses, we can plainly see that the first 5 tribulation Seals have been broken, and the effects had begun between the time of the birth of Jesus and A.D 95, and have been overlapping and increasing in their intensity since those early days. Jesus calls the 1st phase of the tribulation the ‘Birth Pangs’ (Matthew 24:8). Jesus then calls the 2nd phase of the tribulation, the Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:21), also known as the 6th Tribulation Seal (Revelation 6:12-14), and the Great and Terrible Day of the Lord (Joel 2:31), and the Wrath of the Lamb (Revelation 6:16).. (Please click these links for verification and understanding). Section 13.a.2. Acts 2:14-17, (the Apostle Peter), saying, “let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel: ‘And in the last days it shall be…’ (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60). 1 Peter 1:20, (the Apostle Peter), saying, “He, (Jesus), was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you.” (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60).  1 Peter 4:7, (the Apostle Peter), saying, “The end of all things is at hand.” (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60).  2 Peter 3:3. (the Apostle Peter), saying, “knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days.” (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60). If these verses say all these things began occurring in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60, and Peter called those days the LAST TIMES, THE LAST DAYS, and it is THE END OF ALL THINGS. Section 13.a.3. 1 Corinthians 10:11, (the Apostle Paul), saying, “Now these things happened to them as an example and warning [to us]; they were written for our instruction [to admonish and equip us], upon whom the ends of the ages have come.” (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60). Hebrews 1:2, (the Apostle Paul), saying, “but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son.” (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60). Hebrews 9:26, (the Apostle Paul), saying, “But as it is, Jesus has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.” (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60). If these verses say all these things began occurring in the LAST TIMES, THE DAYS, and it is THE END OF ALL THINGS. Section 13.a.4.  2 Timothy 3:1, (Timothy), saying, “But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty.” (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60). If these verses say all these things began occurring in the LAST TIMES, THE DAYS, and it is THE END OF ALL THINGS. Section 13.a.5. 1 John 2:18. (the Apostle John), saying, “Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. Therefore, we know that it is the last hour.” (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 30 to A.D. 60).  Revelation 1:9, (The Apostle John), saying, “I, John, your brother and fellow participant in the tribulation.” (Spoken and written in or around A.D. 95 to A.D. 100). If these verses say that John was a fellow participant IN THE TRIBULATION in the year A.D. 95. These testimonies clearly tell us that the Last Days, also known as The End of All Things, The End of the Ages, The Last Hour, The Last Times and the tribulation, began at the birth of Christ and these first 5 tribulation Seals have been overlapping and intensifying since those days. (We are still awaiting the breaking of the 6th tribulation seal, also known as the Great and Terrible Day of The Lord, the Wrath of the Lamb and the Great Tribulation.

14th. The temptation of Jesus (Matthew 4:1–11; Mark 1:12–13) –27 A.D.   Jesus is tested and shows those who will follow Him – which includes you and me – how to resist the devil and overcome trial, temptations and tribulation.

15th. The calling of the disciples (Matthew 4:18–22; Mark 1:16–20; Luke 5:1–11) – 27 A.D. God is building His invasion force of earth, and the preparation for eternity has begun – which includes you and me!

16th. The Sermon on the Mount/Plain (Matthew 5:1–7:29; Luke 6:29–40) –27 A.D. Jesus gives the picture of salvation and teaches about the process of sanctification and how we – that is, you and me – are to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven through many tests, trials, temptations and much tribulation.

17th. Jesus’s crucifixion (Matthew 27:32–56; Mark 15:21–41; Luke 23:26–49; John 19:16–37) – 30 A.D. The sacrifice is made. The eradication of sin and the imperfect because the perfect has come.

18th. Jesus’s resurrection (Matthew 28:1–20; Mark 16:1–20; Luke 24:1–53; John 20:1–31) – 30 A.D. – 30 .A.D. Jesus conquers sin and death. He lives, and we – you and I – can now live! The way is cleared to follow Jesus.

19th. The giving of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16–20) – 30 A.D. The invasion of earth has begun. Jesus sends His army of saints – which includes you and me – to set the prisoners free. He sends us with His authority, and He is with us until the end!

20th. The day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1–41) – 30 A.D.   The power of the Holy Spirit is released into the lives of the saints of God – and yes, that includes you and me, and, nothing will ever be the same.   21st. The Destruction of the 2nd Temple. (Matthew 24:1-2).   Jesus left the temple area and was going on His way when His disciples came up to point out the temple buildings to Him. But He responded and said to them, “Do you not see all these things? Truly I say to you, not one stone here will be left upon another, which will not be torn down.” FUTURE – END TIMES TIMELINE: 22nd. The rise of the Antichrist. After the church is taken out of the way (2 Thessalonians 2:7–8)   A satanically empowered man will gain worldwide control with promises of peace (Revelation 13:1; Daniel 9:27). He will be aided by another man, called the false prophet, who heads up a religious system that requires worship of the Antichrist (Revelation 19:20). From our perspective today, the next event in the eschatological timeline is the rapture can be considered as imminent, WITH THE EXCEPTION of the revealing of the antichrist, WHICH MOST COME FIRST, which is the man of lawlessness. (2 Thessalonians 1:2-4). 23rd. The Second Coming of Jesus. – (Matthew 24:29-31) – The Future. The sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory. And He will send forth His angels with a great trumpet blast, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other – and if you are alive at that time, we are included. (The rapture will have already occurred at this point in time. For greater detail, click here for “The Great Tribulation”). 24th. The Rapture Of The Church – (1 Corinthians 15:52)   The rapture of the Church. Christ comes in the clouds to “snatch away” all those who trust in Him (Matthew 24:29-31, 1 Corinthians 15:52). At this same time, the “dead in Christ” will be resurrected and taken to heaven, too. 25th. The Breaking of the 6th Tribulation Seal – The Beginning of the Great Tribulation, The Great and Terrible Day of The Lord, The Wrath of The Lamb and the Final 7 Years of Tribulation – (Matthew 24:29-31, Revelation 6 – 21). The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And the Great Tribulation, the Great and Terrible Day of the Lord, will have begun. (Those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life will have escaped these days.) Section 25.a.

The Great Tribulation, also known as the Great and Terrible Day of the Lord and the Wrath of the Lamb; a period of seven years in which God’s judgment is poured out on sinful humanity (Revelation 6–16). The Antichrist’s rise to power is associated with this time period. During the tribulation on earth, the Church will be in heaven (Revelation 7:9-11). It is thought that at this time the Judgment Seat of Christ and the Marriage Supper of the Lamb will occur in heaven (2 Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 19:6–10). Section 25.b. The Battle of Gog and Magog. In the first part of the tribulation, a great army from the north, in alliance with several other countries from the Middle East and Africa, attacks Israel and is defeated by God’s supernatural intervention (Ezekiel 38–39). (This can also be found in Revelation 9:1-21, Revelation 16:1-19:1-21, and in Daniel 7:24-27.) The Sixth Trumpet & The Army from the East Revelation 9:13. Then the sixth angel sounded [his trumpet], and I heard a solitary voice from the four horns of the golden altar which stands before God, verse 14, saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, “Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.” Verse 15. So the four angels, who had been prepared for the [appointed] hour and day and month and year, were released to kill a third of mankind. Verse 16. The number of the troops of cavalry was twice ten thousand times ten thousand (two hundred million); I heard the number of them. Verse 17. And this is how I saw the horses and their riders in my vision: the riders had breastplates [the color] of fire and of hyacinth (sapphire blue) and of brimstone (yellow); and the heads of the horses looked like the heads of lions; and from out of their mouths came fire and smoke and brimstone (burning sulfur). Verse 18. A third of mankind was killed by these three plagues, by the fire and the smoke and the brimstone that came from the mouths of the horses. Verse 19. For the power of the horses [to do harm] is in their mouths and in their tails; for their tails are like serpents and have heads, and it is with them that they do harm. The sounding of the 6th Trumpet signals the release of the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates, which represents an army. The number of the troops of cavalry is “twice ten thousand times ten thousand”, or two hundred million. Most commentators suggest this is an army of China based on the size of the army. However, the Euphrates river is in southwestern Asia, and winds through regions of the Middle East, through northern Syria and Iraq to the head of the Persian Gulf. It is also useful to note that the 10 Nation Confederation named in Ezekiel 38, in Daniel chapter 7 and 9 and again in Revelation chapter 17, as the armies of Armageddon are from the nations of: 1. Gog, also known as Rosh, (Russia) and, 2. Rosh, (Russia),   3. Magog, also known as (Russia), 4. Gomer, also known as (Eastern Europe-Southern Russia), 5.  Put, also known as (Libya), 6.  Cush, also known as (Ethiopia), 7.  Persia, also known as (Iran), 8.  Meshech, also known as (Modern Day Turkey), 9.  Tubal, also known as (an area in central Turkey), 10. Beth-Togarmah, also known as (Georgia, Chechnya, Turkey -Armenia) The combined armies described in the Book of Ezekiel, from the East. They are Russia, with an army of one million one-hundred thousand; Turkey, with an army of three hundred fifty-five thousand; Iran, with an army of five hundred twenty-three thousand, (including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard); Ethiopia’s army of one hundred thirty-eight thousand; Chechnya’s army is approximately ten thousand; the army of Georgia is approximately twenty-one thousand; Even with this abbreviated list we can count only two million, one hundred forty-two thousand fighting troops, far short of the prophesied “two hundred million troop” end-times military invasion of Israel.  (Interestingly, however, the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has since transformed geopolitics, uniting the West against Russia and reigniting talk of a new Cold War or even World War 3. But Russia, it is now clear, is not as isolated as the initial global outcry suggested. It benefits from a robust network of partners, allies, and fellow travelers that includes countries such as Belarus, China, India, Iran, and North Korea. Since the invasion, China and India have dramatically increased imports of discounted Russian oil, providing Moscow with a record current account surplus in 2022. Iran has provided Russia with vital arms, including Shahed kamikaze drones to swarm Ukraine’s air defenses. Last year, North Korea began shipments of artillery and missiles to Russia. And many countries in the Global South, including South Africa, continue to maintain military and strategic ties with Russia. When considering Russia’s allies in addition to the 10 Nation Confederation previous referenced in this article from Ezekiel 38, Daniel chapter 7 and 9 and again in Revelation chapter 17, as the armies of Armageddon, the numbers begin to increase dramatically. Finally, when considering the cumulative population of these countries (three billion seven hundred million) and their conscription capabilities, it is easy to see how a military force of 250,000,000 could be assembled at any moment. And, they will be released to kill a third of mankind. Section 25.c. The abomination of desolation. At the midway point of the seven-year tribulation, the Antichrist breaks his covenant with Israel and shows his true colors. The Jews are scattered, and many of them turn to the Lord, realizing that Jesus is their Savior. A great persecution breaks out against all those who believe in Christ (Daniel 12:11; Mark 13:14; Revelation 12:17). Section 25.d.  The Battle of Armageddon. At the end of the tribulation.  Having returned in the clouds after the breaking of the fifth tribulation Seal and before the breaking of the Sixth tribulation seal (Matthew 24:29-31), Jesus now re-appears with the armies of heaven And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written: “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS” (see Revelation 19:16), to save Jerusalem from annihilation and defeats the armies of the nations fighting under the banner of the Antichrist (Revelation 19:11–21). The Antichrist and the false prophet are captured and thrown alive into the lake of fire (Revelation 19:20). Section 25.e. The judgment of the nations. Christ will judge the survivors of the tribulation, separating the righteous from the wicked as “sheep” and “goats” (Matthew 25:31–46). (It is thought that at this time the Old Testament saints will be raised from the dead.) The righteous will enter the Millennial Kingdom; the wicked will be cast into hell. Section 25.f. The binding of Satan. Satan will be bound and held in a bottomless pit for the next 1,000 years (Revelation 20:1–3).     Section 25.g. The Millennial Kingdom. Jesus Himself will rule the world, and Jerusalem will be the capital. This will be a 1,000-year period of peace and prosperity on earth (Revelation 20; Isaiah 60–62). Memorial sacrifices will be offered in a rebuilt temple in Jerusalem (Ezekiel 40–48). Section 25.h. The last battle. At the end of the 1,000 years, Satan will be released from his prison for a short time. He will deceive the nations once again, and there will be a rebellion against the Lord that will be quickly defeated (Revelation 20:7–10). Satan will be cast into the lake of fire, never to reappear. Section 25.i. The Great White Throne Judgment. All those in hell will be brought forth, and all the wicked from all eras of history will be resurrected to stand before God in a final judgment (Revelation 20:11–15). The verdicts are read, and all of sinful humanity is cast into the lake of fire.

26th. The new heaven and new earth (Revelation 21:1–5) –  In the Future Those who have overcome, are with God eternally – which includes you and me – and, God’s Plan for Perfection has been completed.

Yes, we will experience difficulties, trials and tribulations in this life, but as The Apostle Peter says,

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable, undefiled, and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, which is more precious than gold which perishes, and though you are tested by fire, it may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

For a more detailed narrative, please see the series:  Journey to Perfection.

So, this concludes our REALITY CHECK. This is what the Bible has to say on this matter. The only three remaining questions:

1. “do you believe”,

2. “are you ready”, and

3. “what will you do about it”?

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

PREVIOUS:  The Condition of the Church in the Twenty-First Century?

Chapter 3

The Condition of the Church in the Twenty-First Century?

You can visit any of the approximately 1,000 church websites or visit any of the 350,000 to 400,000 churches in America for an example. You will find that the focus, training and preparation (or lack thereof) for the saints of God for His return.

Almost all churches are trying to attract people and to retain members and attendees through, among other things, (1), a stage presence, (2), loud, entertaining music (often called worship music), (3), depending on their ‘legacy’, (4), participating in secular and pagan holidays.

Largely missing are the days when Biblical preaching was useful for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, and for training in righteousness for the purpose of (1), equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, (2), for the building up of the body of Christ, (3), to attain to the unity of the faith, and (4) for the knowledge of the Son of God to mature believers into the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.

Many if not most churches fall into one of seven categories: (1), Those that have lost their first love, (2), the suffering church, (3), the compromising church, (4), the corrupted church, (5), the dead church, (6), the faithful church, and the (7), lukewarm church. (See Revelation chapters 2 and 3).

(1). The ‘Legacy church’ or religious church, meaning they exist solely as a sanctuary church. Their motto is “come grow with us”. They rarely go out to make disciples. (In fact, discipleship training, to them, is nothing more than a bible study by another name). They pander to their own crowd and their culture, and they are exceedingly proud of the 100 plus year’s history as a church – but their membership is growing old. They have forgotten that they are the Church, so they just “do church”. They may use the Bible and agree with its doctrines, but are more like the Church at Ephesus: “I know your deeds and your labor and perseverance, and that you cannot tolerate evil people, and you have put those who call themselves apostles to the test, and they are not, and you found them to be false; and you have perseverance and have endured on account of My name, and have not become weary. But I have this against you, that you have left your first love.

The “first love” is best understood as the wholehearted love, devotion, and affection for Christ that naturally expresses itself in obedience, worship, and love for others.

The Ephesian church had not abandoned truth; they had abandoned the loving devotion that should accompany truth. Jesus’ warning reminds believers that Christianity is not merely correct doctrine or faithful service—it is a living relationship with Him.

The church at Ephesus had remained rooted in truth, but Jesus was calling them to be rooted once again in love. This is descriptive of the “Legacy Church” today. Jesus calls them and is calling us back to the expressions of love and devotion that once characterized their walk with Him. “And do the deeds you did at first.”

(2). The Suffering Church is much like the church at Smyrna. It is often overlooked because it is not ‘fancy’ by today’s standards. Instead, it is considered to be plain and ordinary by many. No ‘big band orchestra’, no flashing or colorful stage lights, limited technologies. But it serves God according to His Word and decrees and is faithful amid persecution. It is spiritually rich despite material poverty. It has no obvious weaknesses, faithfully follows Christ’s commands and does not fear the suffering that follows their obedience to God and His Word – and remains faithful even unto death. This church is like the church at Smyrna. It is one of only two churches receiving no rebuke.

(3). The “moderate” or compromising church, like the church at Pergamum, tolerates false teaching. It allows compromise with worldly teachings on social, political or medical issues, among others. It is influenced by the doctrine of Balaam and the Nicolaitans and try to follow Christ without repentance. The doctrine of Balaam and the doctrine of the Nicolaitans both represent spiritual compromise – the attempt to unite devotion to Christ with participation in the sinful values and practices of the world. They think they can embrace worldly values without consequence. They separate faith from obedience. They Ignore biblical sexual ethics. They participate in idolatrous or sinful practices while claiming spiritual maturity.

The specific forms may change, but the underlying temptation remains the same: to make Christianity more comfortable by reducing the call to holiness.

Jesus’ message to Pergamum is that a church can remain orthodox in its confession while becoming compromised in its conduct. Therefore, believers must guard not only what they believe, but also how they live. “Those who practice such things shall not inherit the Kingdom of heaven”.

(4). The Corrupted Church. You can see this church among many ‘Word of Faith’, Pentecostal and ‘name-it-and-claim-it’ churches; it is also found in liberal-progressive congregations advocating for same-sex marriages, ordaining homosexuals and transgenders. They tolerate false teaching, and in fact advocate for anti-Christian policies. They allow false teachers to influence the church and fail to exercise proper church discipline. Although they can appear to be loving and active, they tolerate serious error. Jesus admonishes them to repent and reject false teaching. This is a church like the church at Thyatira. (Why do you call me Lord and do not what I say?)

(5). The Dead Church is recognized by a small remnant of churchgoers. The once had a reputation of being an active and alive church, but is now spiritually dead and have incomplete or no works before God. They may even be outwardly impressive, but are inwardly dead, like the Church at Sardis. Jesus says for you to wake up, repent and strengthen what remains, or you may be left behind.

(6). The Faithful Church is recognized and commended for its faithfulness in keeping Christ’s Word, proclaiming His Name, and persevering in His purpose, commands and commission, despite its limited strength. Like the Church at Philadelphia. Jesus encourages you to “Hold Fast”.

(7). The Lukewarm Church is comfortable, self-satisfied and spiritually indifferent. They are easily identified by its lukewarm spirituality, its self-sufficient complacency, and its blindness toward its true condition. They may be materially rich, but are spiritually poor.

Christ admonishes them to repent and seek true riches from Him; to open their doors to a renewed fellowship with Him.

This has been a word on the condition of The Church not just for that day (which was written in or around A.D. 96), but for historical reasons. And it is important to say that since it is found in the Word of God it is inerrant, incorruptible, unchanging and is still true today. (What was, is, and forevermore shall be). What comes next in history as it relates to eschatology (matters concerning the End of Time) and this profiling of the Church can be traced by reading and studying the rest of book of the Revelation.

So, now we have an abbreviated version of the historical and developmental track of the Church. Next is a track of the main events that have led us to this day.

(Next) Chapter 4 – God’s Plan of Perfection through Tribulation – An Illustrated Timeline

Chapter 2

WHERE WE ARE NOW ON GOD’S ESCHATOLOGICAL TIMELINE?

If you want to know where we stand on God’s timeline to the Second Coming of Jesus and the Great Tribulation, look first at the Church. I will focus on the Church, its condition and preparedness first. What I will present first is the ‘long view’, the global universal drifting of the church since its creation. (Then a more current view).

The History of The Church Drift

IN A.D 35 THE CHURCH WAS A MOVEMENT

During the time of Jesus’ earthly ministry, in AD 35, The Church of Jesus Christ, The Body of Christ, had no buildings, little money and no wealth, but, the Church was a Movement.

Jesus said to make disciples; collect no money except to make your journey.

The penalty for becoming a Christian was often death, still, the Church grew exponentially.

THEN THE CHURCH BECAME A PHILOSOPHY

A.D 49, The Church expanded into Greece. The Church became a philosophy to many. The Church grew and size and influence.

THEN THE CHURCH BECAME AN INSTITUTION

A.D 313, The Church expanded into Rome, and it gained recognition. It grew in power and popularity. It obtained wealth, buildings, property and influence. It became an institution.

THEN THE CHURCH BECAME A CULTURE

A.D 380, The Church expanded into Europe. It was becoming a worldwide phenomenon. It grew in wealth, stature, power and influence. It had become a culture.

THE CHURCH BECAME A BUSINESS

A.D 1607, The Church reaches America.

A.D 1681, The Church became corporate. It had become a business and incorporated. It became regulated by the government.

The Corporate Church grew. It needed money to support growth and expansion, which meant the Corporate Church needed more people.

A.D 1777, The state of Virginia granted tax exemption to houses of worship.

A.D 1894, The corporate church was granted tax exemptions by the Federal Government.

A.D 1954, The Federal Government regulated what a church could and could not say in order to retain tax-exempt status.

The church continued to grow, and in order to attract more people, the Corporate Church lowered its membership and doctrinal standards. More people became ‘members’ and gave more money to support more growth.

The Church corporation is complete with leaders, boards and membership and a business model.

Local churches compete against one another for members (customers). The church is selling itself in “three -line slogans”.

The Church members now have choices and have become religious consumers. Church people can shop around for the religious brand and standards that best suits them. (See 2nd Timothy chapter 3).

The Leadership (pastors and preachers) have become CEOs, disciples have become church leaders, growing their 501(c)(3) business models.

And just like in business, record numbers of pastors quitting the ministry because of stress, burnout or are being fired by their congregations (some stats say 1500 – 1700 leave “the ministry” each month).

Contrary to what the Bible say about debt, the Church debt in America soars; church foreclosures soar.

THE CHURCH ABANDONS THE TRUTH

A.D 1968, Despite what the Bible teaches about homosexuality, the church begins to ordain homosexuals as clergy.

A.D 1972, The United church of Christ ordains homosexual clergy

A.D 2010, The Lutheran church ordains homosexual clergy

A.D 2012, The Presbyterian church USA, ordains homosexual clergy

The Episcopal Church in the United States and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) have also allowed ordination of openly gay and lesbian candidates for ministry for some years.

Internationally, churches that have ordained openly lesbian or gay clergy include the Church of Scotland, the Church of England, the Church in Wales, the Church of Sweden, the Church of Norway, the Church of Denmark, the Church of Iceland, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland, the Evangelical Church in Germany, the Methodist Church in Britain, the Protestant Church in the Netherlands, the United Protestant Church in Belgium, the Swiss Reformed Church, the United Protestant Church of France, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, Anglican Church in Canada, the Old Catholic Church, the Czechoslovak Hussite Church and the United Church of Christ in Japan.

A.D 2019, The formation and establishment of the One World Church, THE ABRAHAMIC FAMILY HOUSE.

Now, approximately 1,900 years later:

A.D 2020, The church is losing and has lost influence. The church in 2020 is losing members.

A.D 2020, The church is teaching and living a different Gospel than that of the Apostles.

A.D 2026, By God’s gracious choice, there has come to be, at the present time, a “Faithful  Remnant” – those who endure to the end.

This is not the End, but we are, by all metrics, at the precipice. For now, THE AGE OF APOSTASY IS WELL UNDER WAY.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

NEXT: REALITY CHECK – Chapter 3, The Condition of the Church in the Twenty-First Century

PREVIOUS: REALITY CHECK – Chapter 1, How Can We Know?

Chapter 1

HOW CAN WE KNOW?

 We can know because the Bible say we can know. Matthew 24:32, tells us, “Now learn the parable from the fig tree: as soon as its branch has become tender and sprouts its leaves, you know that summer is near; verse 33, so you too, when you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door. Verse 34. Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. Verse 35. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.”

These verses are an epilogue to the preceding 31 verses in which Jesus answers His disciple’s question “what will be the sign of your coming and the end of the age?” This is a warning for the Church to get ready for His return.

A quick study of scriptures should make this one thing obvious: Any clear-thinking person can see that these things described by Jesus have been occurring with greater and greater frequency and intensity and are continuing to occur, and that the relevancy of these events began with the birth of Jesus. His advent – His birth – was the onset of the End of Days Eschatological Clock countdown.

Furthermore, Jesus has warned us that immediately after these “Birth Pain tribulation signs”, referring to the times of false prophets and false teachers in the church distorting and twisting the meanings of the scriptures, false Christs appearing, deceptions at all levels of religion, government, education, healthcare, wars and rumors of wars, earthquakes, famines, that “THE SUN WILL BE DARKENED, AND THE MOON WILL NOT GIVE ITS LIGHT, AND THE STARS WILL FALL from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Verse 30. And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the SON OF MAN COMING ON THE CLOUDS OF THE SKY with power and great glory. Verse 31. And He will send forth His angels with A GREAT TRUMPET BLAST, and THEY WILL GATHER TOGETHER His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other.”

(A simple face-value reading of these verses should make clear what is to happen).

Then Jesus continues with instructions on what it means to be ready and how to prepare for His return and the coming judgments of the Great Tribulation and the Wrath of the Lamb, a time in which “no life would have been saved if those days had not been cut short for the sake of the elect”. (See, Matthew chapters 24 and 25).

Now let me ask: Assuming these things are true, and these events are the precursor to what is known as the Great Tribulation, the Great and Terrible Day of the Lord, what is the Church doing to prepare for these days (which are now upon us)? In fact, what are you doing in preparation for these days?

If your church and you are doing nothing in preparation then you either don’t know what the Bible says, or you don’t believe the Bible, or you don’t understand the Bible or you are not ready for what is upon us and what is to follow.

I am just as certain that most people in church who think of themselves as Christians and do know about these things, have the misplace belief that all that is necessary to avoid these coming Judgments of God is to have said the ‘sinner’s prayer’. It that is you, then here is parable about these warnings from Jesus, found in Matthew 25:1-13:

“Then the kingdom of heaven will be comparable to ten virgins, who took their lamps and went out to meet the groom. Five of them were foolish, and five were prudent. For when the foolish took their lamps, they did not take extra oil with them; but the prudent ones took oil in flasks with their lamps. Now while the groom was delaying, they all became drowsy and began to sleep. But at midnight there finally was a shout: ‘Behold, the groom! Come out to meet him.’ Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps. But the foolish virgins said to the prudent ones, ‘Give us some of your oil, because our lamps are going out.’ However, the prudent ones answered, ‘No, there most certainly would not be enough for us and you too; go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.’ But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the groom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut. Yet later, the other virgins also came, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open up for us.’ But he answered, ‘Truly I say to you, I do not know you.’ Be on the alert then, because you do not know the day nor the hour. (Matthew 25:1-13).

The virgins symbolize purity and readiness, representing believers or members of the church. The number ten may signify completeness or a community, as it is a number often used in Jewish tradition to denote a quorum or a complete set. And because they (the 5 foolish virgins) were not ready for His return because they did not have enough oil. Oil in the Bible often symbolizes the Holy Spirit, anointing, and spiritual preparedness. The lack of extra oil indicates a failure to maintain a living, active faith and readiness for Christ’s return. This phrase highlights the importance of perseverance and continual spiritual vigilance. The absence of extra oil suggests a superficial faith that lacks depth and sustainability, similar to the seed that fell on rocky ground in the Parable of the Sower, which sprang up quickly but withered away because it had no root.

So, they were left behind! (Note: For the Calvinist, they were not truly saved in the first place – or they were not part of the Elect. For the Arminian, they made the wrong choices. Either way, they were left behind).

I can tell you with great certainty that most churches and the people who attend them are not ready, despite their doctrinal view. In fact, they have no idea of what is about to overtake them nor how to respond to these deadly days of chaos, confusion and catastrophe. I could go into great detail but at this time I will simply and succinctly explain what has been presented to this point: (1), Where we are on God’s Eschatological Clock, (2), our immediate future and most importantly, (3), what Jesus has been saying about our preparedness since A.D. 25.

NEXT: Chapter 2 – WHERE WE ARE NOW ON GOD’S ESCHATOLOGICAL TIMELINE?

PREVIOUS: INTRODUCTION

Have you ever been in one place thinking that things were as you see them only to find out that things are much different than you thought? Perhaps you were deceived, or perhaps you simply misunderstood what was actually going on? Then, on closer inspection you realize that both were true – you were misled, and you did not see it coming because you missed the signs of deception. Now you realize the trouble facing you, and you may be confused, hurt and maybe even angry. Just settle down. Maybe it’s time for a REALITY CHECK.

On such man, Del Tackett, was awakened to the fact that a monumental deception was taking place and the dangers lurking behind this deception could be catastrophic. Catastrophic for the Church in America, for each and every Christian and for religious liberty at large.

Dr. Del Tackett is known for being the chief spokesperson for Focus on the Family’s The Truth Project, a series aimed at instilling a Christian worldview. He has challenged the twenty-first century Biblical worldview as having become tepid and compromised. An admixture of secularism, a biased secular-scientific view on creation and religion, artificial intelligence-based fantasies and outright lies. This deception, these lies, have been a directed and concerted effort by social and political Leftists, Socialists, Marxists, Communists, hedonistic-atheists all.

One of Del’s more notable challenges is rooted in the question, “What is Truth?”, knowing that revealing the Truth is much more effective just than challenging a lie. (This is the same question Pontius Pilate asked Jesus when Jesus said, “I have come into the world to testify to the Truth. Everyone who listens to My Voice is of the Truth.”) The implication is that truth is only found in the Person of Christ Jesus – in God’s Word; and is being largely ignored, twisted and denigrated by the secular world.

The thesis presented is that if any part of the scriptures is not true, then none of them are true. Therefore, what the Bible tells us – and by the way, with frightening prophetic accuracy – is Truth, but is being ignored by most this world’s leaders and to humanity’s great harm and ultimate destruction.

It is time, at least for the Church – that is every Christian – to take an assessment, a reality check, and where necessary, correct their course, for the End of the Age may be more literal and nearer than you think. And we have an integral part and an important role to play.

Next: REALITY CHECK – Chapter 1 – HOW CAN WE KNOW?

THE BOOK OF EPHESIANS, Chapter 5

Be Imitators of God, Marriage Like Christ and the Church

Paul’s Holy Spirit inspired words now become intensely personal for the believer. It is written that the Word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, even penetrating as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart, and the words of this chapter will reach to deepest regions of your heart, soul, mind and spirit – if you will allow it – and will transform you.

Be Imitators of God

Ephesians 5:1, Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; verse 2, and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.

(Commentary Break): Scriptures tell us, in Genesis 1:7 that “God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female”. A close examination of the Hebrew word “image” (tseh’-lem) reveals that we were made in His image as a faint copy, a phantom, a likeness but with the flaw of dubious character; a vain show – but with the potential of being perfected through Christ Jesus; (And by this one sacrifice, He has perfected those who are being sanctified, Hebrews 10:14.)

In the meantime, we are to “be imitators, (mimétés) of God” – mimics, emulators; a positive imitation that arises by admiring the pattern set by God Himself: God shapes His people through the visible, Spirit filled replication of approved patterns, climaxing in the conformity to His Son). And this “imitation” is to be done as a sacrifice of our own former life just as Christ gave Himself up for us. A high calling, indeed. (End Commentary Break).

Verse 3. But sexual immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be mentioned among you, as is proper among saints; verse 4, and there must be no filthiness or foolish talk, or vulgar joking, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. Verse 5. For this you know with certainty, that no sexually immoral or impure or greedy person, which amounts to an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.

(Commentary Break): This is where the tares are separated from the wheat. (See Matthew 13:24-30). There are those in the church who regularly practice “deeds of the flesh” in the dark with no remorse. (I say ‘with no remorse’ because a sense of remorse is a sign that perhaps the Holy Spirit is at work convicting and guiding such a person to break free from the sin that ensnares and entraps them. But the lack of remorse shows the probability that they are the ‘tares’ in the field of wheat and the ‘goats’ hiding in the flock of God’s sheep.)

This teaching and warning is repeated in similar language in Galatians 5:16-24. Paul makes it crystal clear that the believer must make it a high priority to purge such thoughts and behavior from their lives – “for this you know with certainty, that no sexually immoral or impure or greedy person, which amounts to an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God”. (Know that God has made a way, a provision for those of us, like Paul, who struggle in these matters. And that there is now no condemnation for those of us who are in Christ Jesus as we wage this war of the mind, this war of the flesh versus the Spirit. (See Romans 7:14 through Romans 8:11). (End Commentary Break).

Verse 6. See that no one deceives you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Verse 7. Therefore do not become partners with them; verse 8, for you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light verse 9, (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), verse 10, as you try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Verse 11. Do not participate in the useless deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; verse 12, for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. Verse 13. But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light. Verse 14. For this reason it says,

“Awake, sleeper,

And arise from the dead,

And Christ will shine on you.”

(Commentary Break): Today as then, false teachers and wolves, even agents of Satan have crept into the church to mislead as many as possible and to even corrupt the church if that were possible. Scriptures warn of the coming apostasy. People will practice a form of godliness which denies the power of the Gospel of Christ (See 2 Timothy 3:5) – this too is a falling away from the faith, the true Gospel of Jesus. This apostasy is of epic proportions today and it is masquerading as the church. (Please reference “The False Church Emerges”). (End Commentary Break).

Verse 15. So then, be careful how you walk, not as unwise people but as wise, verse 16, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. Verse 17. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

(Commentary Break): Here are four instances of the twenty-five occurrences of the phrase “God’s Will” from the Bible where the Bible clearly explains God’s Will:

1 Peter 2:15 “For such is the will of God, that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men.”

Romans 12:2 “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”

1 Thessalonians 4:3 “For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality;”

1 Thessalonians 5:18 “in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Do you want to see the power of God’s Word and His Spirit work for good in your life? Does using these three verses sound too simple? Well, you can expand on these verses. But, just try these for a start.

DO RIGHT.

RENEW YOUR MIND TO THAT WHICH IS GOOD AND ACCEPTABLE AND PERFECT.

ABSTAIN FROM SEXUAL IMMORALITY.

IN EVERYTHING, GIVE THANKS

Interesting, huh? God’s Will produces a life that is RIGHT, GOOD, ACCEPTABLE, PERFECT and produces THANKSGIVING. Isn’t that what you want for every circumstance in your life? Think about it. (End Commentary Break).

Verse 18. And do not get drunk with wine, in which there is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, verse 19, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your hearts to the Lord; verse 20, always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to our God and Father; verse 21, and subject yourselves to one another in the fear of Christ.

(Commentary Break): Has it become unacceptable to live a righteous life in speech and behavior? It would seem that the pagan and unregenerate world has either convinced the child of God or cowered him or her to just relax their standards. They say, “don’t be so rigid. Don’t be so legalistic”. But Jesus says that we are to be “salt and light” in this fallen and dying world as a witness to God. We aren’t to condemn but we are not to participate in the foolish ways of the world – and that includes getting drunk. (And by the way, in case you haven’t thought about it, there is only one way to get drunk – and that is by drinking.) The voices of the Bible repeatedly warn that we are not to participate in such things, and that we are even to flee from them. So, does it make you an oddity, a weird person to, at all times, be filled with the Spirit, speak to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and make melody with your hearts to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to our God and Father; and to subject yourselves to one another in the fear of Christ? Again. Think about it. (End Commentary Break).

Marriage like Christ and the Church

Verse 22. Wives, subject yourselves to your own husbands, as to the Lord. Verse 23. For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body. Verse 24. But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything.

Verse 25. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, verse 26, so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, verse 27, that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless. Verse 28. So husbands also ought to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself; verse 29, for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church, verse 30, because we are parts of His body. Verse 31. FOR THIS REASON A MAN SHALL LEAVE HIS FATHER AND HIS MOTHER AND BE JOINED TO HIS WIFE, AND THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH. Verse 32. This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church. Verse 33. Nevertheless, as for you individually, each husband is to love his own wife the same as himself, and the wife must see to it that she respects her husband.

(Commentary Break): These verses speak loudly and clearly enough without comment. However, despite their clarity, these teachings and instructional commandments are largely ignored in these last days. Feminism has influenced and infected many women in the church – so much so, they desire to rule over the entire church as pastors. And just as sadly, men are neglecting their role as leaders and have gone silent, are submitting to or are staying away from the current-day feminized church. And by Paul’s own words, it is women who are to remain silent in the church. Even well-known pastors are encouraging women to assume positions of authority over men and the church as they have become false teachers, bending to the will of the world.

Paul, in sharp contrast, tells men and women how to love the Church and one another. Is it little wonder that “many are called but few are chosen”? Please, dear friends let’s not depart from the word of God. It is our source of strength and sanctuary. (End Commentary Break).

End Chapter 5.

“Because the days are evil, do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”

The Bible speaks of God’s will many times. Do you want to see God’s Word and Spirit powerfully at work in your life? These instructions may seem simple, but they provide a solid starting point:

• Just do what is right.
• Deliberately and frequently renew your mind according to what is good, acceptable, and perfect.
• Abstain from sexual immorality.
• Give thanks in every circumstance, know that everything works together for your good – for those who are called according to His purpose.

Notice the result: God’s Will leads to a life characterized by righteousness, goodness, spiritual maturity, purity, and gratitude. Isn’t that the kind of life we desire in every circumstance? Think about it. Meditate on it.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

Next:  THE BOOK OF EPHESIANS, Chapter 6, Children and Parents, Slaves and Masters, The Armor of God.

Previous: THE BOOK OF EPHESIANS, Chapter 4, Unity of the Spirit, The Christian’s Walk.

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THE BOOK OF EPHESIANS, Chapter 4

Unity of the Spirit, The Christian’s Walk

Paul now moves from the fundamentals of the faith to the bedrock upon which they are firmly rooted. If there ever was a prime directive for the believer and follower of Jesus, this is one.

Every word, phrase and paragraph are expressive of God’s deep spiritual truth, brought into the light for us so we may conduct our lives in way that reaps the greatest rewards of God’s plan, purpose and promises.

This Word of God, These Words spoken by Paul, by way of the indwelling and inspiration of the Holy Spirit, are for our immediate consumption – eat this Body, His Word, The Logos of God; drink deeply from the well of His spirit, His life-giving Blood and live in His life forevermore.

Unity of the Spirit

Ephesians 4:1,Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, verse 2, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, verse 3, being diligent to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Verse 4. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you also were called in one hope of your calling; verse 5, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, verse 6, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.

(Commentary Break): Paul, like Jesus, is leading by example. He is a voluntary prisoner of Christ Jesus, in total submission to Jesus. Being held captive in the bonds of Christ allows him the will to restrict the desires of his flesh, reflecting the enigmatic idea that true freedom, and true unity within The Body in humility, gentleness, patience while bearing with one another is only found – is only truly possible – in servitude to God. (End Commentary Break).

Verse 7. But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.

(Commentary Break): Grace is central, representing unmerited (unearned and unearnable) favor from God, a gift. this idea of grace is a sharp contrast with the transactional nature of the hedonistic pagan worship then and now. This grace empowers believers for service and spiritual growth. This indicates that the grace given is not uniform but varies according to God’s sovereign will. It suggests a tailored distribution of spiritual gifts, aligning with the needs and purposes of the church. And, this measure is not based on human merit but on divine wisdom, ensuring that each believer is equipped for their specific role within the body of Christ. (End Commentary Break).

Verse 8. Therefore it says,

“WHEN HE ASCENDED ON HIGH,

HE LED CAPTIVE THE CAPTIVES,

AND HE GAVE GIFTS TO PEOPLE.”

(Commentary Break): This introduces a quotation from the Old Testament, specifically Psalm 68:18. The Apostle Paul often uses Old Testament references to connect the teachings of Christ with the Hebrew Scriptures, showing continuity in God’s plan. (This method of teaching was common in Jewish tradition, where rabbis would cite scripture to support their teachings.) The imagery of ascending on high is associated with victory and triumph. In the ancient Near Eastern context, a king or military leader would ascend to a high place after a victory, symbolizing authority and dominion. This phrase is understood to refer to Christ’s ascension into heaven after His resurrection, signifying His victory over sin and death. It echoes the ascension of a victorious king returning from battle.

This part of the verse suggests a triumphal procession, where a victorious leader would lead captives as a demonstration of their conquest. In the context of Ephesians, it is interpreted as Christ leading spiritual captives—those who were once bound by sin and death—into freedom. This imagery is consistent with the Roman practice of triumphal processions, where captives were paraded as a sign of victory.

The giving of gifts is a reference to the distribution of spiritual gifts to the church. In ancient times, a victorious king would distribute spoils or gifts to his people. Here, it signifies the spiritual gifts given by Christ to believers, empowering them for service and building up the body of Christ. This concept is further elaborated in the subsequent verses of Ephesians 4, where Paul discusses the various gifts and roles within the church. (This foregoing comment is excerpted from BibleHub.com). (End Commentary Break).

Verse 9. (Now this expression, “He ascended,” what does it mean except that He also had descended into the lower parts of the earth? Verse 10. He who descended is Himself also He who ascended far above all the heavens, so that He might fill all things.)

(Commentary Break): Paul’s reasoning here is that Christ descended in humility; He died and was buried; He rose from the dead; He ascended in victory; He now reigns over all things; Therefore, Christ has the authority to distribute gifts to His people.

The focus of the passage is not primarily on the details of Christ’s descent, but on the fact that the One who humbled Himself is now exalted above all things and actively building His church.

The practical application of Ephesians 4:9-10 is to remind believers that Jesus fully entered our human condition, and no depth of suffering or humiliation was beneath Him. His exaltation followed His humiliation and He now reigns as the victorious Lord. The gifts and ministries within the church come from the risen and ascended Christ.

The same Savior who came down to rescue sinners is now enthroned over heaven and earth, governing His church and accomplishing His purposes until all things are brought into complete submission to Him.

This is remarkably similar to Jesus’ statement to the thief on the cross when He said, “Today you will be with me in Paradise” (see Luke 23:43 and 

Ephesians 4:8–10), Christ “descended into the lower parts of the earth” and then “led captivity captive.”

“Paradise” before Christ’s resurrection as the blessed compartment of Sheol/Hades where Old Testament believers awaited the completion of Christ’s redemptive work. This is often connected to Jesus’ description of “Abraham’s bosom” in Luke 16:19–31.

Jesus died on Friday and His spirit entered Paradise. Between His death and resurrection, He proclaimed His victory over sin, death, and Satan. At or immediately following His resurrection, He brought the redeemed saints into the direct presence of God in heaven. Since that time, believers who die go immediately to be with Christ. This is why the Apostle Paul said, “To be absent from the Body is to be present with Christ”. See 2 Corinthians 5:8 and Philippians 1:23). Paradise was “emptied” sometime between Christ’s death and His ascension, most commonly associated with His resurrection. (End Commentary Break).

Verse 11. And He gave some as apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelists, some as pastors and teachers, verse 12, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ; verse 13, until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.

(Commentary Break): The Apostle describes the distribution of Gifts of the Holy Spirit here and more completely in 1 Corinthians chapter 12. Importantly, however, Paul describes the purpose of the Gifts: they are for (1), the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, (2), and for the building up of the Body of Christ until (3), we all attain the unity of the faith, (4), (and) the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.

Somewhere along the way, the teaching and paradigm of pastors and church leaders preparing the saints to do the work of ministry shifted. They began preparing the fewer of those who felt “called to ministry”. Some went, some sent but the majority made it into a job and a career. They pandered to the church. They became ‘leaders’ and ‘C.E.O.s – ‘radio preachers’, televangelists and conference speakers. The church became a congregation, then an audience and a source of income for power and influence. But the Bible is clear: Pastors and Elders are to equip the saints for the WORK OF MINISTRY. They are to lead by example, not by edict. The twenty-first century Church must return to the model of the first century model of Jesus or it will continue to fade into obscurity as a religious relic of the past. (The Good News, however, is that God is preparing a Remnant that won’t shrink back, but will carry the Message and the fight and will crash the gates of hell for the rescue of the saints and the Glory of God. He has Spoken. (End Commentary Break).

Verse 14. As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of people, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; verse 15, but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, that is, Christ, verse 16, from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.

(Commentary Break): Paul’s words here should encourage all followers of Jesus, in any age. He is speaking present tense and future tense: As a result of having Gifted and empowered us for the work of ministry; as a result of having matured us and united us, we are no longer children tossed about by every wind of doctrine, by trickery, craftiness, deceitful scheming. We are growing up in all aspect to Him, Christ, fitted and held together in love. Take your place brothers and sisters. Arm yourself with the full Gospel of Christ and begin to pull down the strongholds of darkness. The victory is ours if we will only follow and obey! (End Commentary Break).

The Christian’s Walk

Verse 17. So I say this, and affirm in the Lord, that you are to no longer walk just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their minds, verse 18, being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart; verse 19, and they, having become callous, have given themselves up to indecent behavior for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness. Verse 20. But you did not learn Christ in this way, verse 21, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus, verse 22, that, in reference to your former way of life, you are to rid yourselves of the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, verse 23, and that you are to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, verse 24, and to put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.

(Commentary Break): Paul says, “affirm this in the Lord”. This is a formal, weight-bearing testimony. More than a casual speech, it is an oath-like affirmation delivered in the hearing of God and people, biding both the speaker and the audience to the truth declared. Meditate on it. Memorize it. Say it aloud. (End Commentary Break).

Verse 25. Therefore, ridding yourselves of falsehood, SPEAK TRUTH EACH ONE OF YOU WITH HIS NEIGHBOR, because we are parts of one another. Verse 26. BE ANGRY, AND YET DO NOT SIN; do not let the sun go down on your anger, verse 27, and do not give the devil an opportunity. Verse 28. The one who steals must no longer steal; but rather he must labor, producing with his own hands what is good, so that he will have something to share with the one who has need. Verse 29. Let no unwholesome word come out of your mouth, but if there is any good word for edification according to the need of the moment, say that, so that it will give grace to those who hear. Verse 30. Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Verse 31. All bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and slander must be removed from you, along with all malice. Verse 32. Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. (End Chapter 4).

The reborn, regenerated person in Christ will undertake, endeavor and practice these words of the Apostle. Anything less is falling short.

Please. Let’s pray for one another as believers that we are made able and each of us will hear the words, “Well done good and faithful servant”.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

Next:  THE BOOK OF EPHESIANS, Chapter 5, Be Imitators of God, Marriage Like Christ and the Church.

Previous: THE BOOK OF EPHESIANS, Chapter 3, Paul’s Stewardship.

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The target audience for this is ‘seniors’, I suppose. But this is excellent food for the soul, heart and mind of anyone and everyone who can hear it…. (Buckle up)…

THINK ON THIS

No one has ever seen God; the only-begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he has declared him. John 1:18.

Jesus is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. Colossians 1:15

“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:9

No one has ever seen God; God is invisible; His thoughts and way are above our thoughts and ways.

So how does an invisible God whose thoughts exceed our ability to understand Him, communicate with lowly humans?

He sent His Son, in our form, as a human being, to not just represent Him but as His exact image and likeness, to speak to us in our limited human languages.

Please be patient here. You cannot see Him. You cannot understand Him. He is, according to the Bible (His breathed word), from far above outer space – in heaven. God is not one of us. He just IS, and He said He created us. He made us what we are, and He is perfecting us to His image. We are in the process of being perfected into His image and likeness so we can dwell with Him in His Heaven, for eternity. (Well, my mind is blown).

And if that is not enough, Jesus said that He has gone to the Father – to “sit at His right Hand” (whatever that means) to intercede for us. And that since He has gone to the Father, we may as whatever we will, and He will do that for us (keep this in the context of His purpose, His Will and His ways). He also said that we would now do the Works that He has done and greater works.

Okay. Okay. Stop. Just stop for a minute. Is this for real?

Yeah. Is this for real? Because He also said that I could “Ask, and it would be given to me; Seek, and I would find; Knock, and the door would be opened to me. (For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Or what person is there among you who, when his son asks for a loaf of bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he? So if you, despite being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!”

Is this is becoming too much? Well, let’s add this to our little fire: Jesus also said that “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, (He cursed it, and it withered because it was not bearing fruit – it had become useless) but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” Matthew 21: 21-22.

Okay then. Why don’t I see this happening around me? Why don’t I see this happening in the lives of Christians and in the Church?

(Perhaps you and I are not watching. Or, “You will be ever hearing, but never understanding; you will be ever seeing, but never perceiving.” Matthew 13:14-15. This verse highlights the idea of spiritual blindness and the inability to comprehend the truth.)

Do you know that Jesus had twelve men voluntarily follow Him – “up close and personal” – for about three years? They were subjected to the most strenuous, amazing, miraculous, dangerous training and the most mind-boggling experiences before He released them to represent Him and the Kingdom of God? (And this was not seminary or Bible college. It was O.J.T.)

How about you? When you pray, do you pray that He will allow you to really follow Him – “up close and personal-like”? Or do you follow at a comfortable distance, like the crowds did? Yeah. The crowds that eventually dispersed and left Him?

Let’s please not be like Thomas was a one point, “I will believe it when I see it”. Plenty of folks “saw it” but still did not believe. Some even called the works of Jesus, demonic.

But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. We will endeavor to do and practice those things He told us:

• • • • Worship and serve the Lord your God, only.
      • Be kind to one another (Christians).
      • Do not return evil for evil, but return good.
      • Lay hands on the sick.
      • Pray at all times.
      • Endure to the end.
      • Be filled with the Holy Spirit His Gifts.
      • Express the fruit of love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, patience, long-suffering and self-control.
      • Go and make disciples, teaching all that He has commanded, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
      • Give (and it will be given to you – good measure, pressed down and running over – others will pour into your lap).
      • “Tell that mountain to be moved”.
      • “Ask, Seek and Knock”.
      • “Have faith” – even the size of a mustard seed.
      • “Ask in faith – believing”.
      • Rejoice always – give thanks in all things.
      • Whatever is good, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good report, think on these things and the peace which passes understand will guard your heart and mind.
      • (And so forth as you go forth).

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young.

PS: And, oh yes. It is real.

OUR FIRST, BEST AND ONLY HOPE

JESUS

I can only imagine the (1), silent applause, (2), the rolling of eyes, and (3), the clueless look on the faces of others after reading the title of this post.

We are living in a world of dangerous extremes. And it would be easier to define the dangerous conditions and situations with which we are faced if it were not multifaceted. It is not simply “us versus them”. It is like some third world nation filled with tribes of fanatics led by maniacal tribal chiefs, plotting, butchering and killing one another.

It has been said that “a house divided against itself cannot stand”, and that is where we find the United States today.

Ironically, this quote originates from the Bible, specifically from the Gospels of Mark, Matthew, and Luke, where it emphasizes the importance of unity and warns against internal conflict leading to destruction. (Abraham Lincoln famously used this phrase in his 1858 speech to highlight the dangers of a nation divided.)

The world into which Jesus was born was fractured and dangerous. A world of extremes. Islam, the great Roman Empire, Judaism, all looking for dominance and willing to kill and die for their goals.

Both little and a lot have changed since that day. These same forces are still seeking dominance in the world, but they have been joined by scores of evil unprincipled and morally corrupt forces who are set on purging the world of standards of good and evil, replacing them with a Pagan and Humanist free-for-all. Subjugating the human race to an elite few, recreating the conditions much like those of ancient humans or even by eradicating the human race altogether. And now the world has the technology for this to happen. (See article on Malthusianism).

The stark truth is that even Christianity and the Bible teach that the world is barreling toward the day of planned and programmed extreme anarchy leading to its destruction. And those behind the curtain, pulling the levers – those creating these conditions – also have a plan to ‘save the world’ from itself, and it is what I have titled “The Reemergence of the Tower of Babel”.

The only good news, if you can call it good news, is that there is a consolidation of political, social and religious factions taking place. It will boil down to a rebellious humankind (Humanism) verses God, and not just any god, but the God of the Bible. The creator of the world and everything in it. The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, as the Bible puts it. The God who has repeatedly injected Himself into the affairs of His creation since the beginning. And that day is very near – and is, in fact, at hand.

Which brings us back to our title, “OUR FIRST, BEST AND ONLY HOPE – JESUS”.

The Bible clearly and with great accuracy foretells of this approaching time. And the main character of the Bible, Jesus, explains why He is not only OUR FIRST, AND BEST HOPE, but that His is our ONLY HOPE.

He is both the Great Divider and the Great Uniter. He is the Dividing Line between the Light and the Darkness; between Good and Evil; between eternal Life and eternal Death.

The time is upon us that all evil and all darkness will be vanquished and ‘cast into a lake of eternal fire, where there is wailing and gnashing of teeth’. A time when the people of God will be rescued and will spend eternity in heaven with God.

In the meantime, can we find some kind of peace through unity. Ironically, Jesus said I did not come to bring peace (or unity), but division. He is both the Great Divider and the Great Uniter. He is the Dividing Line between the Light and the Darkness; between Good and Evil; between eternal Life and eternal Death. He and His message is dividing the sheep of God from the goats of the world; the wheat of God from the tares of darkness, wickedness and of evil.

The only unity that leads to life and peace is one established in Christ Jesus.

(The Bible correctly instructs that “those who are living according to their fleshly selfish desires set their minds on the things of the flesh which gratify the body, but those who are living according to the Spirit, set their minds on the things of the Spirit of God, on His will and purpose. Hear this: The mind of the flesh is death both now and forever – because it pursues sin; but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace – the spiritual well-being that comes from walking with God – both now and forever.)

The choice, then, is yours. Some say God has already called some to unity in Christ. Others are saying that you must choose unity through Christ Jesus. Some say It is not in the power of humans to make that choice, it is up to God alone. Others say you must make that choice to survive what is coming. Either way, JESUS IS OUR FIRST, BEST AND ONLY HOPE.

(So, imagine if you can, that there really is Heaven, it’s easy if you try. There’s also a hell below us, and above us God’s limitless sky. Imagine all the people just living for That Day.

Imagine all the countries. It isn’t hard to do. It’s what people kill and die for, and for religion, too. Imagine all the people living life in the peace of Christ!
You may say that I’m a dreamer. But I’m not the only one. I hope someday you’ll join us, and in Jesus the world will be one.

Imagine your possessions, all coming from Him. No greed or hunger, a brotherhood Christ. Imagine all the people living in His kingdom world.

You may say I’m a dreamer, But I’m not the only one, I hope someday you’ll join us, and we can all live in Christ as One.)

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

Your Credit Don’t Transfer

Have you ever heard the phrase “credits don’t transfer”? If you transferred from one school to another you probably had to deal with the idea of transferring credits. Good if you had credits – bad if you had none.

I was finishing my shower today when I felt, heard in my thoughts or sense God saying to me “credits don’t transfer”. “Yikes”, I thought. What can that mean? I prayed. I pondered. I thought. What if God is saying I do not get credit for anything I have done in the past (except for my salvation of course)? “That could be good news or bad news”, I reasoned.

Good news if all the bad things I had done in my past are not credited to me. Bad news if all the bad things I had done in the past are credited to me.

Good news if all the good things from my past are credited to me. Bad news if none of the good things I had done are not credited to me.

But the thought persists. “Credits don’t transfer”.

It is true that God will judge the deeds of the wicked and repay them for their wickedness through judgment and condemnation.

It is also true that God will judge the deeds of the righteous and will reward them with His Crowns of Glory, which we then return to Him, for they are due Him, and they are from Him. (So, really, no lasting credit to us).

How does this play out in life?

If I still brag or remind myself and other of my past accomplishments or ‘good deeds’, I may be trying to ‘transfer credits’ to my account. (This would be me, justifying myself to God. Never a good idea.)

If I claim humility and tells others of my humility through stories, tales and remembrances, of my past, then there is a really good chance that I may be trying to ‘transfer credits’ to my account.

If others’ accomplishments secretly bother me or if I am compelled to match their story with one of my own (of equal or greater value), then there is a really good chance that I may be trying to ‘transfer credits’ to my account.

The Bible says that the only credit a Christian gets is the Righteousness of Christ, which is “imputed” or credited to their personal spiritual account. And when it is done, it is forever done – at least in God’s Mind.

(Righteousness is the quality of being morally right or justifiable according to divine standards, signifying a right standing with God. It encompasses both the holy character of God and the ethical behavior expected of humanity, a gift of grace received through faith in Jesus Christ.)

But even though when this is done, it is done – meaning it is completed and is never needed to be repeated – it is to be remembered and refreshed in our mind and behavior, day by day.

This act of God crediting my account with His Righteousness is called Justification. Martin Luther the great reformer said that this is the issue upon which the church rises or falls. Justification is more of a legal concept, that is, God is Holy and our Judge, and we are sinners and guilty. So, how can we be justified or declared righteous in the sight of God if we are guilty?

Justification which is by faith alone through grace alone and Christ alone is “imputed righteousness”. Because we have no righteousness of our own, God credits us with His Righteousness. The Bible says that our righteousness is like filthy rags (which is really no righteousness at all), and since we don’t have inherent or ‘built in’ righteousness of God, we need “imputed righteousness” – righteousness that is attributed or credited to our account. When Jesus comes into your life, Who is without sin – the life we have not lived – He dies the death we deserve and should die, the death for sin; He rises to conquer the enemies we could not conquer, that is Satan, sin, death, hell and the wrath of God – then Jesus on the cross, took our place and put us in His place – Second Corinthians 5:21 says God made Him sin Who knew no sin, so we might become the righteousness of God. Martin Luther called this the great exchange, so that my righteousness (which is filthy anyway and does not reach God’s standard of righteous) is inadequate – it falls flat. And the Righteousness of God does not naturally dwell in me, it is not inherent in me – it is only found in Christ.  This means is a “great exchange” must take place: that is, Jesus gets my condemnation and I get His great gift of salvation; He endures the wrath of God and He gives me the grace of God. What that means now is that my righteousness is Jesus Christ. (In other words, God made Christ sin Who had no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God). I say again, righteousness is not in me but it is in Christ, and it is imputed to me as my own. It is imputed, credited, attributed, reckon or granted to me, meaning when I stand before God and if He would ask why should He let you into His kingdom of heaven, you and I can say it is because we have come with Jesus Christ Jesus as my Savior, and He is my righteousness. I come before God not with my performance but with His performance, and I come in Christ positionally inheriting the righteousness that he is given to me as a gift of Grace – that is justification – that is right standing with God and among people. (This is the new birth, where Jesus says to Nicodemus you must be born again. This is the new birth of the New Covenant – also known as regeneration – where God’s work for you then begins to work in you. This means you get a new mind you no longer conform to the pattern of this world, but you transformed by the renewing of your mind you get a new heart you get new emotional life you get new desires. The Apostle Paul says, in Galatians, that the spirit is against the Flesh and the flesh is against the spirit to keep you from doing what you want to do so if you. If you were regenerated – born again – you have new desires, you are thinking things like ‘I want to know Jesus, I want to learn the Bible, I want to become more like Christ, I want to find a church, I want to get to know other Christians. I love them like brothers and sisters and family. By this, you know that you have been justified and when regeneration ‘kicks in’, you think and act differently than before. In other words, you think about Jesus all the time and feel bad about some things in your life that need to change. You want to read the Bible and have a desire to learn the Bible, and to worship God. This says that you have been born again. That is God working in you. There is change. Again, justification is God’s work for you because of Jesus’ work of regeneration in you.

Want to talk about this? Make comments below or connect with.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young – a sinner saved, restored and set free by God’s Grace. Please join me in this adventure of a lifetime!

(PS: much of the foregoing, although found in the Bible, was influenced by a teaching from pastor Mark Driscoll).

THE BOOK OF EPHESIANS, Chapter 3

Paul’s Stewardship.

The book of God, through the Book of Genesis tells us that we have been made in the image of God. God is three persons in One God. We have been made, likewise, body (soma), soul (psyche – mind, will, emotions) and spirit (pneuma). This is important because Paul is speaking about how God by His grace has empowered us to live by the power of His Spirit, rooted in love as He accomplishes more than we could humanly imagine through our mortal bodies, souls and spirit.

Ephesians chapter three centers on the “mystery” of God’s plan: that through Jesus Christ, Gentiles and Jews are now united together as one people of God. The chapter also reveals Paul’s calling, the wisdom of God displayed through the Church, and closes with one of the most profound prayers in the New Testament.

Paul’s Stewardship

Ephesians3:1, For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles— verse 2, if indeed you have heard of the administration of God’s grace which was given to me for you; verse 3, that by revelation there was made known to me the mystery, as I wrote before briefly. Verse 4. By referring to this, when you read you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, verse 5, which in other generations was not made known to mankind, as it has now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit; verse 6, to be specific, that the Gentiles are fellow heirs and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel, verse 7, of which I was made a minister, according to the gift of God’s grace which was given to me according to the working of His power.

(Commentary Break): Paul’s words are dramatic and powerful as he describes his calling, mission and God’s promise: “a prisoner of Christ Jesus”, “the mystery of Christ”, “the working of His power”. This is a continuation of his explanation of the seismic shift from the Old Covenant of the Law to the New Covenant in Christ, and what it means to the believer: “to be specific, that the Gentiles are fellow heirs and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel”. The implications are nothing less than staggering when understood and applied to your life. (End Commentary Break).

Verse 8. To me, the very least of all saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ, verse 9, and to enlighten all people as to what the plan of the mystery is which for ages has been hidden in God, who created all things; verse 10, so that the multifaceted wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places. Verse 11. This was in accordance with the eternal purpose which He carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, verse 12, in whom we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him.

(Commentary Break): Paul rightly calls himself “the very least of all saints” considering his record as having been a Pharisee of Pharisees, a hunter and a former murder of Christians. But now his transformation is complete having been made an Apostle of the Gospel of Christ and a slave and prisoner of Jesus and soon to be a martyr on in service to and on behalf of Jesus and the Gentile world. The message is clear: we now have boldness and confident access through faith in God the Father through Christ Jesus our Lord! (End Commentary Break).

Verse 13. Therefore, I ask you not to become discouraged about my tribulations in your behalf, since they are your glory.

Verse 14. For this reason I bend my knees before the Father, verse 15, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, verse 16, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner self, verse 17, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, verse 18, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and height and depth, verse 19, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled to all the fullness of God.

(Commentary Break): Disclaimer: The words in Paul’s prayer are too rich, too deep and too profound for me to properly and adequately express. (Therefore, I would encourage you read more on the BibleHub.com topical lexicon).

First, Paul is praying that God would grant us to be strengthened with power (dunamis) through His Spirit in the inner self – rooted and grounded (rhizoo – firmly planted and stable) in love; he is actually asking that we be supplied with the dynamic, explosive power in achieving Jesus’ inherent abilities – which supply and exceed the riches of wealth of all the earth.

When you, as a Christian understand this, as to embrace this truth, then as the Bible says, for you, “with God all things are possible” and for you, “with God, nothing is impossible” – all in the context of the works, mission and calling of Christ Jesus.

Secondly, that “Christ may dwell in our hearts through faith; and that we, being rooted and grounded in love and may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and height and depth and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled to all the fullness of God”. Through this we gain peace, purpose, courage, and boldness – and indeed, nothing is impossible for those of us who love God and are called according to His purpose. (End Commentary Break).

Verse 20. Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, verse 21, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.

(Commentary Break): There is just no way to improve upon nor to adequately explain the depth of Paul’s words here. (End Commentary Break).

(End chapter 3).

Jesus has done and continues to do “far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think”, and that is the power that is working within us as Christ followers. Grasp it. Embrace it. Apply it. Now, do it – and nothing will ever be the same.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

Next: THE BOOK OF EPHESIANS, Chapter 4, Unity of the Spirit, The Christian’s Walk.

Previous: THE BOOK OF EPHESIANS, Chapter 2, Made Alive in Christ.

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