Many people have a first and a last name; it is then assumed that Jesus Christ is the full name of our Lord and Redeemer. In reality, and according to the scriptures, Christ is not a surname. The word Christ is derived from the greek word christos which means anointed or anointed one (1). In the Hebrew, the equivalent is mashiach which is where English gets the word messiah. The label of Christ after Jesus is more about a title than a name. The word Christ literally means the "anointed one of God". To be anointed with oil was the typical course of action for the priests and kings of the old covenant. Prophets were also occasionally anointed but it traditionally occurred to kings, the "anointed ones". This explains the meaning behind David's respect for King Saul (1st Samuel 24:6). Saul was considered to be the Lord's anointed. Accordingly, "The overriding biblical imagery of the word “Messiah” or “Christ” is that of a king chosen by God" (1). Much of the Old Testament points to a coming King. Jesus fulfilled the prophecies in dramatic fashion and "confounded the wise" with His message of the New Kingdom. Yet, during Jesus ministry and even after his resurrection, many still wondered if he would overthrow the Roman Empire and establish an earthly kingdom (or nation) for the believing Jews (Acts 1:6).
Jesus most definitely came as a suffering savior and as a conquering King in order to bring the New Covenant to full fruition. The ministry of Jesus brings us the Kingdom. The message of Jesus is quite political with new commandments and responsibilities (Matthew 5-7). The Gospel of salvation requires allegiance to the King of the message itself. Humans should break ties to former allegiances, namely sin and the world, and embrace the new Kingdom under the Lordship and rule of Jesus. It's no wonder that the first requirement for becoming a follower of the way is repentance (Matthew 3:2).
When we properly understand Jesus as the long-awaited and anointed Messiah, we look at the word Christ in a new light. A better way to think of "Jesus Christ" is to think and speak of "Jesus, the King", "Jesus, the Anointed", or "Jesus, the Messiah". This will properly exalt the Lord to His rightful headship as "ruler of the nations" (Psalm 22:28).
Of course, at the present time, earthly kingdoms do have their place (Romans 13) but it seems that followers of Jesus should consider themselves the "us" and governments the "them". We have committed to Jesus as our Ruler. Our total allegiance is required without compromise. This is quite possible by the hand of God when we understand the Gospel to be less about "getting saved and going to heaven" and more about leaving this present evil world (Galatians 1:4), dying with Messiah in baptism (Romans 6), and walking in the power of the Spirit (Romans 8 and Galatians 5). Through this, God writes His laws in our hearts, He dwells with us and walks with us after we become His covenant people (2nd Corin. 6:14-18). Better understanding Christ to be a glorious and powerful title brings fresh perspective to the New Testament.
Zion's Harp #12 - Lord Jesus, Thou Art King
v.1 Lord Jesus, Thou art King; At God's right hand Thou reignest. Thy praise the angels sing; Thy servants Thou sustainest. The world's release didst Thou upon the cross achieve. Look down in pity now, its wretchedness relieve.
v.2 Thy gospel free and pure send forth to every nation. Let all perceive Thy light, and welcome Thy salvation. Raise up Thy people true; let every tongue and clime sound forth Thy glorious praise, exalt Thy name sublime.
v.3 Let every heart and knee in reverence bow before Thee, and in the very dust in humbleness adore Thee. Let every tongue confess that God His son did raise to be a Savior, King, unto His Father's praise.
v.5 His glorious rule shall be unending and unbroken. The scepter of His might, of peace shall be the token. Ye nations shout for joy; His praise let all proclaim. Let all the earth bring forth the honor due His name.
v.8 Glory to God on high, To Father, Son, and Spirit, whose faithful children all the Kingdom shall inherit. The host of Thine elect, the heavens broad and free praise Thee, great Trinity, through all eternity.
(1) http://ourrabbijesus.com/articles/what-does-the-word-christ-actually-mean/
Thursday, April 27, 2017
Thursday, March 30, 2017
What is the Gospel?
Much chatter these days is centered around the concept of "sharing the Gospel". It would behoove us to first ask the question "what is the Gospel?" If we are not careful, we can turn the Gospel into something cheap and contrary to the Holy scriptures. The word "gospel" is first mentioned in the New Testament in Matthew 4:23 and describes Jesus going about Galilee teaching in synagogues and preaching "the gospel of the kingdom" while healing the sick and diseased. What is the Gospel of the kingdom? Is it not that the long awaited Messiah has arrived to restore the nation of Israel with a new level of spirituality and vigor? Is it not that the time of healing has arrived? Is it not that all tribes and nations should now embrace the Savior, Prophet, and King, Jesus himself? Is it not a new set of standards, ethics, and laws that will hasten the day when God himself will reign in the new earth? Is it not the glorious revelation of Yahweh's love that sinners are now beckoned to mercy, experience conversion, given a new heart for obedience, and passionately look forward to the resurrection of the dead? Is it not the tangible, abundant life which can be the lot of those who embrace Jesus as Lord?
If we don't understand the Gospel by first looking to the Gospels of Christ we may end up with a narrow view of God's perfect plan of salvation. If we build our theology around the Epistles first, we may inadvertently make Jesus actual teachings complicated, awkward, or worse, obsolete, and we run the risk of turning the Gospel into nothing more than a formula for forensic justification ("getting saved"). Sadly, the Gospel has become compatible with and acceptable to all sorts of carnality and worldly living. The Gospel of Jesus (found in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) suggest otherwise; the Gospel is actually contrary to the ways of the world and the ways of the earthly kingdoms because it is against the natural disposition of man.
While the 'Roman's Road' does indeed contain scriptural truths and may be helpful in some situations, the Church should not start with it as the fundamental basis for our understanding of the Gospel. We must start with Jesus and His teachings. We must start with the good news that the King has arrived and its high time for any and all to save themselves from this wicked generation. We must understand that Jesus offers us the unimaginable: a love-trust-obey relationship with Almighty God 'without the works of the law'! We must understand that submission to His rule and doctrine through faith is paramount to being restored to the Father and rescuing mankind from sin.
Consider the Great Commission described in Matthew 28:16-20:
16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. 17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Think about it! Jesus spoke these words before Paul was converted or any of the epistles were written. What is the Great Commission compelling us to do? "Go and tell people they can be saved and go to heaven!" No...we are to go, teach all nations, baptize them, and teach others to observe all things whatsoever he has commanded us. In other words, we are to make disciples of Jesus who seek to obey His teachings and live the Gospel Kingdom values. We are to teach all nations, starting in Jerusalem, what Jesus actually said as recorded in the Gospels. Embracing the Kingdom vision of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the broader context into which we should share the Good News that Jesus does indeed desire to redeem individuals for His purposes and there is freedom from the temporal and eternal bondage of sin.
(None of the above is to imply that the rest of the New Testament is sub-par, less inspired, or less valuable than the Gospels. When we have a properly focused theology on the Kingdom message of Jesus the Acts, Epistles, and Revelation become rich and profitable passages for encouragement, doctrine and instruction.)
If we don't understand the Gospel by first looking to the Gospels of Christ we may end up with a narrow view of God's perfect plan of salvation. If we build our theology around the Epistles first, we may inadvertently make Jesus actual teachings complicated, awkward, or worse, obsolete, and we run the risk of turning the Gospel into nothing more than a formula for forensic justification ("getting saved"). Sadly, the Gospel has become compatible with and acceptable to all sorts of carnality and worldly living. The Gospel of Jesus (found in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) suggest otherwise; the Gospel is actually contrary to the ways of the world and the ways of the earthly kingdoms because it is against the natural disposition of man.
While the 'Roman's Road' does indeed contain scriptural truths and may be helpful in some situations, the Church should not start with it as the fundamental basis for our understanding of the Gospel. We must start with Jesus and His teachings. We must start with the good news that the King has arrived and its high time for any and all to save themselves from this wicked generation. We must understand that Jesus offers us the unimaginable: a love-trust-obey relationship with Almighty God 'without the works of the law'! We must understand that submission to His rule and doctrine through faith is paramount to being restored to the Father and rescuing mankind from sin.
Consider the Great Commission described in Matthew 28:16-20:
16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. 17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Think about it! Jesus spoke these words before Paul was converted or any of the epistles were written. What is the Great Commission compelling us to do? "Go and tell people they can be saved and go to heaven!" No...we are to go, teach all nations, baptize them, and teach others to observe all things whatsoever he has commanded us. In other words, we are to make disciples of Jesus who seek to obey His teachings and live the Gospel Kingdom values. We are to teach all nations, starting in Jerusalem, what Jesus actually said as recorded in the Gospels. Embracing the Kingdom vision of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the broader context into which we should share the Good News that Jesus does indeed desire to redeem individuals for His purposes and there is freedom from the temporal and eternal bondage of sin.
(None of the above is to imply that the rest of the New Testament is sub-par, less inspired, or less valuable than the Gospels. When we have a properly focused theology on the Kingdom message of Jesus the Acts, Epistles, and Revelation become rich and profitable passages for encouragement, doctrine and instruction.)
Saturday, February 25, 2017
The Kingdom of God
Much could be said about the Kingdom message of Jesus, the Messiah. Arguably, the Kingdom message was the focal point of Jesus' recorded ministry. Jesus, as the divine son of God, came into the world with a profound message for all, "Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand". The implications of such a message are far-reaching and utterly poignant. The perfect plan of salvation for fallen mankind was not simply about how individuals can be 'saved and go to heaven', although it includes that.
God's plan is to restore earth and humanity (whosoever will) to His ways. For His commandants are not grievous and are for our well-being (Proverbs 3 for example). Jesus spends much time explaining this new Kingdom, how to enter into it, and how to remain in it. The long awaited redemption of Israel was fulfilled in Christ, the Messiah. Jew and Gentile alike can now experience the blessing of God's righteousness in the fulfilling of the Abrahamic covenant (Genesis 15). The Apostles continued the Gospel, or "good news" that Israel's redemption and long-awaited Lord has arrived with power and authority, ready and willing to establish a people for Himself.
Not all the Jews realized this was their God acting in dramatic and unanticipated fashion. In Thessalonica in Acts 17, the unbelieving Jews brought "the brethren" to the Roman rulers of the city and cried saying, "These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also...and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying there is another King, one Jesus".
A true follower of Christ must firmly grasp that this Kingdom is not of this world nor of a particular nation or land with man-made boundaries. Rather, the earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof (Psalm 24:1). The Kingdom of God is universal, within the true believer, and has no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness. To be Kingdom-minded is also to be very aware of fallen man's carnal kingdoms, marking them, and striving to give allegiance solely to Jesus, the Lord and King of God's new Kingdom. For this new Kingdom truly "turns the world upside down".
The Word of God provides the redeemed with guidance and counsel on how to live within earthly kingdoms and yet be fully vested in God's Kingdom. The principles and applications impact nearly all areas of life. Whether we reside in an earthly kingdom that is tolerant or full of persecution and hatred, the believer must give total obeisance to God and remain faithful to the covenant blessing of His Kingdom.
Consider what Peter states in 1st Peter 2:7-12 (and really the whole chapter):
"7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, 8 and a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. 9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: 10 which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. 11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; 12 having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation."
God's plan is to restore earth and humanity (whosoever will) to His ways. For His commandants are not grievous and are for our well-being (Proverbs 3 for example). Jesus spends much time explaining this new Kingdom, how to enter into it, and how to remain in it. The long awaited redemption of Israel was fulfilled in Christ, the Messiah. Jew and Gentile alike can now experience the blessing of God's righteousness in the fulfilling of the Abrahamic covenant (Genesis 15). The Apostles continued the Gospel, or "good news" that Israel's redemption and long-awaited Lord has arrived with power and authority, ready and willing to establish a people for Himself.
Not all the Jews realized this was their God acting in dramatic and unanticipated fashion. In Thessalonica in Acts 17, the unbelieving Jews brought "the brethren" to the Roman rulers of the city and cried saying, "These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also...and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying there is another King, one Jesus".
A true follower of Christ must firmly grasp that this Kingdom is not of this world nor of a particular nation or land with man-made boundaries. Rather, the earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof (Psalm 24:1). The Kingdom of God is universal, within the true believer, and has no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness. To be Kingdom-minded is also to be very aware of fallen man's carnal kingdoms, marking them, and striving to give allegiance solely to Jesus, the Lord and King of God's new Kingdom. For this new Kingdom truly "turns the world upside down".
The Word of God provides the redeemed with guidance and counsel on how to live within earthly kingdoms and yet be fully vested in God's Kingdom. The principles and applications impact nearly all areas of life. Whether we reside in an earthly kingdom that is tolerant or full of persecution and hatred, the believer must give total obeisance to God and remain faithful to the covenant blessing of His Kingdom.
Consider what Peter states in 1st Peter 2:7-12 (and really the whole chapter):
"7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, 8 and a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. 9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: 10 which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. 11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; 12 having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation."
Thursday, February 16, 2017
Believe and Confess
It is common for Romans 10:9-11 to be read very narrowly, as if it is some sort of formula for instant and unconditional eternal security.
"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed."
True faith from the heart in the Lord Jesus is the requirement for vindication (God in His love stating "you are right") and then confession of our mouth is made unto salvation and the scripture saith "whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed" (v. 11). The confession of our mouth is a life-long calling. Hence, Jesus is quite serious when he says he who endures to the end shall be saved (Matthew 24:13) and no man putting his hand to the plough and looking back is fit for the kingdom of God (Luke 9:62). The Apostle Paul states, "if we deny Him, He will deny us" (2nd Tim. 2:12). Yet, if we abide in Christ, obedient to the New Covenant purchased for us with innocent blood, we look forward to the crown awaiting us (2nd Tim. 4:6-8).
As disciples of Jesus, we must yield ourselves to the Spirit after we have been purged from our former life of sin and rebellion (2nd Peter 1:9) and therein bear much fruit that the Father may be glorified (John 15:8).
A mere profession of faith is no faith at all unless accompanied by the power of the Spirit to mortify the deeds of the flesh and overcome sin, Satan, and the world. It is far too easy to claim the title of a Christian in this day and time, deceiving oneself that the Gospel is more like a permanent vaccine against hell than a glorious message of individual and corporate redemption.
Zion's Harp #175 - The Faith of the Fathers
v.1 Spirit by whose operation faith and holiness proceed, source of heavenly conversation, strength in weakness, help in need; Spirit, by whose inspiration Prophets and Apostles spake; martyrs bled and tribulation saints endured for Jesus' sake.
v. 4 Give us Joseph's chaste behavior when the world with crafty wiles seeks to draw us from the Savior to herself with frowns or smiles. Give us grace and strength for shunning this ensnaring Potiphar, wisdom to elude her cunning, strength her open hate to bear.
v6. Arm us with Thy true discernment as Elijah, in these days when men, led by superstition, to false idols altars raise. Let us shun a mere profession common in our days and land, witnessing a good profession, even if alone we stand.
Jesus Christ says "But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him." (John 4:23)
"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed."
True faith from the heart in the Lord Jesus is the requirement for vindication (God in His love stating "you are right") and then confession of our mouth is made unto salvation and the scripture saith "whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed" (v. 11). The confession of our mouth is a life-long calling. Hence, Jesus is quite serious when he says he who endures to the end shall be saved (Matthew 24:13) and no man putting his hand to the plough and looking back is fit for the kingdom of God (Luke 9:62). The Apostle Paul states, "if we deny Him, He will deny us" (2nd Tim. 2:12). Yet, if we abide in Christ, obedient to the New Covenant purchased for us with innocent blood, we look forward to the crown awaiting us (2nd Tim. 4:6-8).
As disciples of Jesus, we must yield ourselves to the Spirit after we have been purged from our former life of sin and rebellion (2nd Peter 1:9) and therein bear much fruit that the Father may be glorified (John 15:8).
A mere profession of faith is no faith at all unless accompanied by the power of the Spirit to mortify the deeds of the flesh and overcome sin, Satan, and the world. It is far too easy to claim the title of a Christian in this day and time, deceiving oneself that the Gospel is more like a permanent vaccine against hell than a glorious message of individual and corporate redemption.
Zion's Harp #175 - The Faith of the Fathers
v.1 Spirit by whose operation faith and holiness proceed, source of heavenly conversation, strength in weakness, help in need; Spirit, by whose inspiration Prophets and Apostles spake; martyrs bled and tribulation saints endured for Jesus' sake.
v. 4 Give us Joseph's chaste behavior when the world with crafty wiles seeks to draw us from the Savior to herself with frowns or smiles. Give us grace and strength for shunning this ensnaring Potiphar, wisdom to elude her cunning, strength her open hate to bear.
v6. Arm us with Thy true discernment as Elijah, in these days when men, led by superstition, to false idols altars raise. Let us shun a mere profession common in our days and land, witnessing a good profession, even if alone we stand.
Jesus Christ says "But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him." (John 4:23)
Friday, February 10, 2017
Much more then,...
The glorious plan of salvation for mankind involves two interwoven truths. First, man is incapable of earning forgiveness from God because of a fallen, sinful nature. The death and shedding of Christ's pure blood become the basis for anyone who gladly receives the Gospel. The second truth, which cannot be separated from the first, is that the new believer is given full access to God's grace and a new life in Christ Jesus through His advocacy and intercession. After reconciliation by the blood of our Savior, God's children are given a new nature and actually live in Christ, separated unto God's Kingdom for His purposes and pleasure.
Romans 5:1-11
"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
"Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement."
Commenting on Philippians 3:10, S.H. Froehlich states, "To be found in Christ is the same as being found in the book of life. But on that day no one can be found in Christ who here and now has not become a new creature in Christ, to keep God's Law, and also to walk as Christ did when he was on earth."
By God's grace through Christ, with access to resurrection power, the called of God can remain faithful unto their end. It is only possible by the two inseparable truths of God's merciful forgiveness through Christ's sacrifice and establishing a new life with the very much alive Redeemer.
Romans 5:1-11
"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
"Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement."
Commenting on Philippians 3:10, S.H. Froehlich states, "To be found in Christ is the same as being found in the book of life. But on that day no one can be found in Christ who here and now has not become a new creature in Christ, to keep God's Law, and also to walk as Christ did when he was on earth."
By God's grace through Christ, with access to resurrection power, the called of God can remain faithful unto their end. It is only possible by the two inseparable truths of God's merciful forgiveness through Christ's sacrifice and establishing a new life with the very much alive Redeemer.
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