Marriage and Bondage

“Not Under Bondage”

“But if the unbeliever departs, let him depart; a brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases. But God has called us to peace” (1 Corinthians 7:15).

bondage

What Does Not Under Bondage Mean?

A current misconception with regard to divorce and remarriage is the notion that 1 Corinthians 7:15 is a “later revelation” that “modifies” or “clarifies” Matthew 19:9. It is argued that 1 Corinthians 7:15 permits the Christian, who is deserted by a non-Christian mate, to remarry on the sole ground of that desertion. On the other hand, it is suggested, Matthew 19:9 (which permits remarriage only on the ground of fornication) applies strictly to a Christian married to a Christian, and therefore is not to be considered applicable to the Christian who is married to a non-Christian. Several factors make this position untenable.

First, the context of Matthew 19 is divorce (Matthew 19:3), while the context of 1 Corinthians 7 is not divorce but the propriety of marriage (1 Corinthians 7:1ff.). Jesus applied God’s original marriage law (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4-6) to the question of divorce and remarriage (Matthew 19:9). But Paul applied God’s marriage law to several different questions that related to celibacy and the legitimacy of marriage for widows/widowers, Christians/non-Christians, and singles.

Second, it is incorrect to hold that if 1 Corinthians 7:15 pertains to a Christian married to a non-Christian, then Matthew 19:9 must refer exclusively to a Christian married to a Christian. Matthew 19:9 was uttered in context to a group of Jews seeking an answer to their question concerning Jewish divorce (Matthew 19:3). Jesus gave them an answer that was intended for them, as well as for those who would live during the Christian age. He appealed to Genesis 2, which resides in a pre-Jewish context and clearly applies to all people—i.e., the totality of humanity. Genesis 2 is a human race context. It reveals God’s ideal will for human marriage for all of human history—pre-Mosaic, Mosaic, and Christian.

Though divorce and remarriage for reasons other than fornication was “permitted” (epetrepsen—Matthew 19:8, though not endorsed) during the Mosaic period, Jesus made clear that the Jews had strayed from the original ideal because of their hard hearts. He further emphasized (notice the use of de—“but” in Matthew 19:9) that the original marriage law, which permitted divorce and remarriage for fornication alone, would be reinstated and would be applicable to all persons during the Christian age. Prior to the cross, ignorance may have been “unattended to” (huperidon—Acts 17:30), that is, God did not have a universal law, like the Gospel (Mark 16:15-16), but with the ratification of the New Testament, all men everywhere are responsible and liable for conforming themselves to God’s universal laws of marriage, divorce, and remarriage. God’s original marriage law was, and is, addressed to all people (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4-6). Christ’s application to the question of divorce was implied in the original law, and is addressed to all people (Matthew 19:9). Paul’s application to questions of sex, celibacy, and non-Christian mates is addressed to all people (1 Corinthians 7). Scripture harmonizes beautifully, and God treats all impartially. Thus the phrase “to the rest” (1 Corinthians 7:12) cannot be referring uniquely or solely to non-Christian marriage relationships, since Jesus already referred to all marriages (whether Jew or non-Jew, Christian or non-Christian).

Third, 1 Corinthians 7 does not address different “classes” of marriages. The Corinthian letter was written in response to correspondence previously sent to Paul by the Corinthians (cf. 1:11; 5:1; 7:1; 8:1; 12:1; 16:1). Thus, 1 Corinthians amounts to a point-by-point response to matters previously raised by the Corinthians themselves. When Paul referred to the general question of sexual activity/celibacy (7:1), he was alluding to the method by which he organized his remarks in direct response to questions asked by the Corinthians. Thus, “to the rest” (7:12) refers to the rest of the matters or questions about which the Corinthians specifically inquired (and to which Jesus did not make specific application while on Earth). These matters (not marriages) are easily discernible from what follows. The “rest” of the questions would have included the following:

  • Should a Christian male who has a non-Christian wife sever the relationship (vs. 12)?
  • Should a Christian female who has a non-Christian husband sever the relationship (vs. 13)?
  • Are Christians somehow ceremonially defiled or rendered unclean by such relationships (vs. 14)?
  • Are children born to such relationships ceremonially unclean (vs. 14)?
  • Is a Christian guilty of sin if their non-Christian mate severs the relationship (vs. 15-16)?
  • Does becoming a Christian mean that one should dissolve all conditions and relationships that were entered into before becoming a Christian (vss. 17-24)?
  • What should be the sexual and/or marital status of virgins and widows in light of the current period of distress (vss. 25-40)?

All of these questions may be answered in light of, and in harmony with, Jesus’ own remarks in Matthew 19. Jesus did not specifically make application to these unique instances (vs. 12—“to the rest speak I, not the Lord”). He did not address Himself to the application of God’s general marriage law to every specific situation (specifically to the spiritual status of a Christian married to a non-Christian). Yet, His teaching applies to every case of marriage on the question of divorce.

Fourth, the specific context of 1 Corinthians 7:15 relates to the person who becomes a Christian, but whose mate does not. The unbeliever now finds himself married to a different person (in the sense that his mate underwent a total change and began to live a completely different lifestyle). The unbeliever demands that his mate make a choice: “either give up Christ or I’m leaving!” Yet to live in marriage with an unbeliever, who threatens departure if the believer does not capitulate to the unbeliever (i.e., compromise Christian responsibility or neglect divinely ordained duty), is to be involved in slavery (i.e., “bondage”). But neither at the time the marriage was contracted, nor at the present time (the force of the perfect indicative passive in Greek), has the Christian been under that kind of bondage. God never intended nor approved a view that regards marriage as slavery. Christians are slaves only to God—never to men or mates (Matthew 23:10; Romans 6:22; Ephesians 6:6; Colossians 3:24; Philemon 16; 1 Corinthians 7:15). So Paul was saying that although a believer is married to an unbeliever (and continues to be so), the believer is not to compromise his or her discipleship. To do so, at the insistence of the unbelieving mate, would constitute slavery that was never God’s intention for marriage.

To suggest that dedoulotai (“bondage”) refers to the marriage bond is to maintain that in some sense (or in some cases) the marriage bond is to be viewed as a state of slavery. But God does not want us to view our marital unions as slave relationships in which we are “under bondage.” We may be “bound” (1 Corinthians 7:27,39; Romans 7:2), but we are not “enslaved” (1 Corinthians 7:15). So Paul was not commenting on the status of a believer’s marital relationship (i.e., whether bound or loosed). Rather, he was commenting on the status of a believer’s spiritual relationship as a Christian in the context of marital discord that is initiated by the non-Christian mate. Paul was answering the question: “How does being married to a non-Christian affect my status as a Christian if he or she threatens to leave?” He was not answering the question: “How does being married to a non-Christian affect my status as a husband/wife (and the potential for remarriage) when the non-Christian departs?” Jesus already answered that question in Matthew 19:9—divorce and remarriage is permitted only upon the basis of sexual unfaithfulness. Paul, too, spoke more directly to this question earlier in the chapter when he ruled out remarriage: “Let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband” (vss. 10-11).

To summarize: although God’s marriage law is stringent (for everybody), and although God hates divorce (Malachi 2:16), nevertheless, there are times when an unbelieving mate actually will force the believer to make a choice between Christ and the unbelieving mate. To choose the mate over Christ would be slavery (i.e., “bondage”). Yet, the believer is not now, and never has been, in such enslavement. Thus, the believer must let the unbeliever exit the relationship in peace. The believer must “let him depart”—in the sense that the believer must not seek to prevent his departure by compromising his loyalty to Christ. Of course, the Christian would continue to hold out hope that the marriage could be saved. If, however, the non-Christian forms a sexual union outside of marriage with another, the Christian is permitted the right to exercise the injunction of Matthew 19:9 by putting away the non-Christian on the sole grounds of fornication, and may then marry another eligible person.

One final factor needs to be addressed. Verses 17-24 cannot be requiring an individual to remain in whatever marital state that person is in at the time of conversion. Paul used the examples of slavery and circumcision to show that merely because a person becomes a Christian, he or she is not absolved of pre-Christian circumstances. If a person is a slave prior to baptism, that person will continue to be a slave after baptism, and should not think that becoming a Christian gives one the right to shirk legal status as a slave. This is why Paul instructed Onesimus to return to his position of servitude (Philemon 12). Thus Paul was encouraging the person who becomes a Christian, but whose mate does not become a Christian, to remain in that marriage rather than think that becoming a Christian somehow gives him or her the right to sever the relationship with the non-Christian mate. Being married to a non-Christian mate is not sinful in and of itself (see Miller, 2002).

Paul was not placing his stamp of approval upon relationships, practices, and conditions that were sinful prior to baptism; nor was he encouraging Christians to remain in those relationships. Such would contradict what he later told the Corinthians concerning unequal yokes (2 Corinthians 6:17) and repentance (2 Corinthians 7:8-10). Rather, he was referring to relationships and conditions that were not sinful prior to baptism, and was telling Christians that they still had the same obligation to conduct themselves appropriately (i.e., according to God’s laws) within those situations, now that they were Christians. Such instructions apply to any relationship, practice, or condition that was not sinful (i.e., in violation of Christ’s laws) prior to baptism. But it does not apply to any practice or relationship that was sinful prior to baptism (i.e., adultery, homosexuality, evil business practices, etc.; cf. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11).

May God grant us the humility and determination to conform our lives to His will concerning marriage—no matter how narrow it may seem (Matthew 7:14). May the church of our day be spared any further harm that comes from the promotion of false theories and doctrines that are calculated to re-define God’s will as “wide” and “broad” (Matthew 7:13). May we truly seek to please, not men, but God (Galatians 1:10).

REFERENCES

Miller, Dave (2002), “Be Not Unequally Yoked,” Apologetics Press, http://www.apologeticspress.org/articles/1802.

Dave Miller – Apologetics press – http://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=7&article=1081

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Identity and Contentment

Do You Know Who You Are?

Maybe you can answer this question really quick, maybe you haven’t thought about it, or perhaps you are still trying to figure it out.  We all have behaviors which reflect who we are, and oftentimes, others have a very clear picture of who we are even if we do not.

contentment

Do You Have Contentment Knowing Yourself?

Self examination is key to knowing who you are. The Bible provides a great number of examples for which you may be able to identify:  Luke 10:30 tells the parable of the Good Samaritan.  Are you compassionate like he was?  Do you stop to help those in need and go beyond what is required?  Or maybe you are like the priest and Levite who lacked the compassion to stop and help those in need.  You may even be like the cruel persons who robbed and injured the victim of the parable.

Perhaps you bear similarity to those in Luke 10:39, Martha and Mary.  Mary was focused on every word Jesus was sharing.  Martha worried herself with other priorities rather than focusing on Jesus.  Do either of these sound like you?

In Matthew. 13 (Parable of Sower), there was described one who withered away when pressure began to come upon their life.  Another individual described was one who was choked out of living a godly life through the lure of the pleasures of the world?

Do you know folks like the ones described so far?  I certainly do. I have seen compassionate, uncompassionate, cruel, focused, unfocused, weak, materialistic – all of the above.

  • I Thessalonians. 4:10b-12 –  …But we exhort you, brethren, that ye abound more and more; and that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your hands, even as we charged you; that ye may walk becomingly toward them that are without, and may have need of nothing.

Does that verse resemble you? Perhaps you are like the Corinthians of I Cor. 5, arrogant about how righteous you are? Are you like the folks of James 1:27 who visit the widowed and the fatherless? Or those of Phil. 4:8 filling your life with things that are true, honorable, pure and virtuous? Or perhaps you are or were a fornicator, idolater, adulterer, effeminate, thief, or drunkard as mentioned in I Cor. 6:9-10?

Are you timid or bold when taking God’s Word to the world?  Or do you even do that?  Maybe you are hiding your talent away to show the Lord when he comes?  Have you prepared to be someone who is ready for the meat of the gospel?  Is it about time?  Can you defend the truth?

Does Gal. 5:22-23 describe characteristics that make up your life?  “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, self-control; against such there is no law.”

Overall, whatever you see yourself as, if you asked five other people who spend time around you, would they agree with you?   Do you know yourself? Is what you think a reality or are you fooling yourself?  Would you feel comfortable saying:

  • Psa 26:2 – Examine me, O Jehovah, and prove me; Try my heart and my mind.

Are You Content With Who You Are?

Are you content with who you are?  Many folks would answer this in the negative.  Surrounding the physical aspect of this question is a Billion dollar industry.  If you are poor there are books and classes and seminars and videos to guide you to being rich.  Do you not like being rich?  There are folks who will be glad to replace your money with activities designed to make you happy about you.   Perhaps you don’t like the way you look. There are products out there to make your bigger, stronger, smaller, faster,.  You can be stimulated to grow hair, remove hair, change the color of your hair, or shorten or lengthen the appearance of your hair in moments.  Not happy with your skin?  It can be lightened, darkened, or written on.  Your teeth can be whitened, straightened, and decorated.  Not happy with the number of holes in your body?  You can be pierced through and through with patterns galore.   Perhaps great grandma and grandpa had 3 or 4 pairs of clothes and a pair of shoes (to share).  The never ending supply of clothes and shoes is amazing.

You car, your home, even your spouse can be changed in the twinkle of an eye in this era. What about your friends?  We have the internet, you don’t have to have the same old friends.  You can have them in China, England, Australia.  If you don’t want to deal with them, turn off the net, phone, or just put a block on them. With all of this at your fingertips how can you not he happy about who you are?  Yet, again many people are not happy.  They try to spend, eat, drink, or medicate to change the feelings they have, but no solution.

Some folks come to the conclusion they don’t like their behaviors.  Maybe they are too nice.  They decide they are pushovers and not assertive enough.  On the other hand, maybe they say mean things and don’t treat people kindly.  Maybe they feel they don’t care enough.  Perhaps they don’t like images or thoughts in their heads?  They feel like bad people.  Is there any cure for folks who are not happy about themselves?

The Bible gives examples of individuals who suffered from not liking who they were.   In Acts 5, Ananias and Saphira lied about how much money they had sold their property for and given to the needy.  Why?  They wanted to be people who received the praise of others.  The Pharisees were a similar group, who sought the chief seats at feasts so they could be seen by men.  Yes, even the hypocrites praying in the synagogues and street corners needed the praise of men.  They were not happy with who they were without praise and attention.

All unhappiness with oneself is not bad though.  It is true, the scriptures speak negatively of folks seeking riches and power such as Haman in the Persian Empire, Judas the betrayer of Jesus, and Diotrephes written of by John.  Yet, men such as Paul, who once saw himself as Chief of sinners (I Timothy 1:15), found peace.  Paul ultimately found contentment in all situations he was in (Philippians. 4:11).  Also consider the men of Acts 2.  Peter shared the message of the Kingdom of God with them, Christ died, was buried, and arose, and the Jews were pierced to the heart.  They were not happy with their state.  Yet, they took action to change their state and had “gladness and singleness of heart” (Acts 2:46).

Who Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up?

This is an important question.  We often direct our young people to think about professions.  What do they want to be, as in a profession, when they grow up.  However, shouldn’t the question be a focus on character which encompasses a lifelong pattern of living, rather than a vocation which can change with the whims of society and the fortunes of health?  The scriptures provide a great deal of emphasis on the type of people we ought to be.

  • 3 John 1:11 – Beloved, imitate not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: he that doeth evil hath not seen God.
  • 1Corinthians 11:1 – Be ye imitators of me, even as I also am of Christ.
  • John 13:15 – For I have given you an example, that ye also should do as I have done to you.
  • 1Peter 2:21 – For hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that ye should follow his steps:

This is really the solution to knowing who you are.  If you imitate Christ, you are a Christian.  This is the solution to finding peace within yourself.  If you know you walk as he walks, you are in the light (I John. 1:7).  Though the whole of scriptures is a focus toward and on Christ, Colossians 3, paints a picture of Christ which we should all work for in our life.  It calls for a new self which gets ever brighter as we mold ourselves into the image of Christ.  I Timothy 2-3 and Titus 1-2 also provide direction for the kind of men and women we should strive to be.  The examples are of leaders, virtuous, good reputations, encouraging, servants of mankind who look forward to the coming of Christ.

If you know you want to imitate Christ from the beginning, there are a great deal of problems you will never encounter.

Know Who You Are!

You are a creation of God.  God created you in his image (Genesis. 1:26).  Your purpose is to glorify God with good works (Ephesians. 2:10).  If you come under his submission, repent and are baptized as commanded (Acts 2:38, Acts 17:30, Acts 22:16, Romans 6:1-7), then you are his Child (Galatians. 3:26, 4:7).  Think about that.  You can be considered a Child of God.  If you are a child of God, ask yourself, what is the best way to honor my parent? Ephesians 6:1 tells us “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.   Proverbs 1:8-9 is more exact saying, “Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and do not forsake your mother’s teaching; Indeed they are a graceful, wreath to your head, and ornaments about your neck.”  If you are a son or daughter of God, act like one.

Have you ever wondered what it was like to be royalty?  Have you wondered what it was like to be part of a family with a grand and reputable name?  Have you imagined being heir to a vast domain?  This is what you have as a child of God.

  • 1 Peter 2:9-11  – But ye are an elect race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, that ye may show forth the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: who in time past were no people, but now are the people of God: who had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. Beloved, I beseech you as sojourners and pilgrims, to abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; having your behavior seemly among the Gentiles; that, wherein they speak against you as evil-doers, they may by your good works, which they behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

Do you know who you are?  If you do, you know what you need to do to fulfill the role God has given you.  Are you happy with who you are?  If not, you can follow the examples of others who have made the changes needed to find contentment.  Do you know what you want to be when you grow up?  You are a Child of God.  Your example is Christ.  It is him who we are to grow into.  Now go and grow…

  • 2 Pet. 3:18 – … grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity.
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I Am Never Coming Back

I Am Never Coming Back

“Dude!”, “Dude?”, “Duuuuuude!”, “Dude…”. My children and I get a kick out of seeing how the same words can be used to express different meanings. It is a quick break from whatever we are doing and can result in a few good laughs. Words can be silly, serious, scary, etc. However, some words can certainly carry more power with them than others. Consider the words, “I am never coming back”. These are powerful words. In them we can find a number of meanings:

coming back

I am never coming back!

Sadness – “The Ocean is so beautiful, but I am never coming back”
Threat – “Your prices are awful; I am never coming back!”
Happiness – “I am free from jail, and I am never coming back”
Anger – “You betrayed me! I am never coming back!”
Teasing – “You didn’t make carrot cake? I am never coming back.”

The words when stated in truth represent personal decision based on “I”. This means within an individual there is a conclusion that has been reached. They are words of power because ultimately, only the individual controls their personal decisions. Their resolve determines what happens. We can make suggestions to others. We can seduce, bribe, ridicule, influence, suggest, request, or beg others to do something, but their decisions are their own. Personal decisions have been faced by man throughout history. Some decisions have much greater impact than the choice of white bread or wheat with your eggs.

Deuteronomy 30:19 –“I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:”

Joshua 24:15 – “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”

The term “Never” is an absolute. It means not at any time under reference. Not on a weekday or weekend, not in the morning or night, not in any timeframe specified by never. “Never” is finality depending upon the resolve of the decision maker, time and authority. If the individual’s resolve does not change, then the decision stands without end. How “Never” is impacted by time can be seen by the following Bible verse:

Acts 14:8 – “And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother’s womb, who never had walked:”

The time under reference in this scripture is the past. At no point in the past had the man walked. The term does not apply to the future for the apostle Paul through the power of God would make the lame man walk. “Never” is dependant also upon authority. Consider my daughter telling my son he can never have a cookie again. She has no authority to make such a command. Consequently, “never” would not stand, as my son would definitely end up with a cookie at some point in the future. However, “never” with authority is a strong term to use. If the one setting the mandate has the authority to allow something to never happen and holds that resolve, it won’t happen for the duration of the time under reference.

“Coming Back” is to return to something. Whether an idea, a location, or an action, when it is stated someone is never coming back they have determined not to return to it. It pains God when man makes the statement he is never coming back to God. Thus, God through His apostles gave warning concerning such a decision:

Hebrews 3:12 – “Take heed, brethren, lest haply there shall be in any one of you an evil heart of unbelief, in falling away from the living God:”

No one, including God, wants to hear a loved one tell them, “I am never coming back”. There are loved ones who can be closer than the physical family. These are one’s spiritual brothers and sisters, the Church. Over a lifetime, many have seen or heard variations of “I am never coming back”, from a number of people who once attended Church. The causes have ranged from hurt feelings, a greater desire for worldly things, or a disagreement regarding the gospel of Christ. Once the powerful words of “I am never coming back” have been uttered, the issue often becomes one of pride.

Proverbs 16:18 – “Pride goeth before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall”.

The “goeth before” references a leading. Pride walks ahead of destruction. It leads the way. When a man or woman makes a statement, they do not like to change back. They do not want to look foolish or be embarrassed. They do not want to admit they were wrong. In fact, if challenged, they will often hold tighter to their statement even if inside they know they are wrong. Such actions pain others who don’t want to see the loss of one for whom they care. The statement “I am never coming back” can be a very negative decision.

As mentioned previously, “I am never coming back” can have a number of meanings. Thus, “I am never coming back”, does not have to be a negative or alarming phrase. It can reference a man never coming back to a life of adultery, theft, murder, lying, alcoholism, or other sins. A term utilized in the Bible that is quite similar to “coming back” is “Repent”. Repent in simplicity means to return or change. Much rejoicing in heaven and on earth occurs when man determines to repent or never come back to living a life that is not righteous.

Act 17:30 – The times of ignorance therefore God overlooked; but now he commandeth men that they should all everywhere repent.
Luke 15:10 – Even so, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.
2 Corinthians 7:9 – I now rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye were made sorry unto repentance; for ye were made sorry after a godly sort, that ye might suffer loss by us in nothing.

The Bible passage Luke 15, is known by a great number of people as the story of the Prodigal Son. In it a young man determines he wants his inheritance immediately. His father gives it to him and the young man goes out into the world and loses the inheritance by not living wisely. The young man’s actions spoke the unspoken, “I am never coming back”. Yet, in moments of despair, when he realized what he had done, he did not let his pride keep him from changing his decision, he went back to his father.

Man in his foolishness has often made “never” statements. While the instinct is to refuse to repent of those statements and actions, man has and can make that decision. This goes back to his resolve. Remember, “never” is an absolute depending upon resolution of the decision maker, time, and authority. Unlike God, man makes foolish decisions. Man contradicts himself. Because of this, by the authority of God man has been given the opportunity and time to repent of what he resolves in error.

2 Peter 3:9 – The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some count slackness; but is longsuffering to you-ward, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

In the story of the Prodigal Son, the repentant son goes home to his father and finds the father has been waiting. The Father welcomed his son home and held a big feast to celebrate. Our Father in Heaven awaits those too who have uttered with their life or words to Him, “I am never coming back”. He longs for us to utter the same words in reference to a life of foolishness and sin. If we do, a great rejoicing awaits us as well.

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False Teachers

Waves and False Teachers

My idea of the perfect place to live is the mountains with the ocean at their feet. This is a blessing I was fortunate enough to visit frequently when I lived in Oregon. Mountains, hills, and canyons can be found relatively quickly in the United States. However, to reach the ocean, say from Ohio, is a bit of a trip. When my wife and I first married, I said I was willing to travel and live in a great number of places. However, the one caveat that I presented was I wanted to live near the ocean for at least one year.

False Teachers

False Teachers are Sneaky Waves.

The ocean is a bastion of pleasure. Man can build sand castles on its shores or swim in waters. He can explore its tidal pools or fish its depths. The waves can be calm and soothing or a raging force that can weaken the bravest of knees. The tides can pull so far back that you can hardly see the ocean or they can come in and leave no beach whatsoever. The ocean tides leave treasures of rocks, shells, wood, and more along the shore each day. The shores provide not only a continual treasure hunting ground, but a vast area for walks, picnics, and all sorts of recreation.

One of the most popular games children play at the ocean is running from the waves. Back and forth, back and forth, they challenge the ocean. How close can they get without getting wet? The problem with the game is sometimes, when the children lose, they also get into quite a bit of physical trouble. For instance, when I was a boy, I was knocked down by the waves. As I tried to stand, another wave came and hit me. This process repeated itself as I began to get weaker. My father eventually ran over and picked me up from the waves. Had he not done so, it is quite likely the ocean would have eventually dragged me off into deeper water at which point, I would have been no more. The ocean does not forgive the carelessness of youth, so vigilant eyes must be aware.

Even though I have been around the ocean frequently in my life, I do not approach it with recklessness. I have a great respect for its dangers. People on the shore and in boats get into trouble fast. We have all probably seen or heard of these dangers on television or on the news. My mother-in-law actually experienced the tragedy of losing two friends right in front of her eyes at the ocean. A sneaker wave came up and onto a rock and then they were no more. Ocean waves claim not only the young and weak, but the mature and strong.

The realization of the power of the sea was not lost on the seamen recorded in the Bible passage Jonah 1:4-5:

But the LORD sent out a great wind into the sea, and there was a mighty tempest in the sea, so that the ship was like to be broken. Then the mariners were afraid, and cried every man unto his god, and cast forth the wares that were in the ship into the sea, to lighten it of them.

Nor was it lost on the disciples of Jesus in Mark 4:37-38:

And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?

These men who were afraid included seasoned fishermen. They were not boys or infants. They knew how to handle a ship. Yet, they had fear. It was a healthy fear. No man can control the sea, it is the domain of God alone. Of course, this is exactly what God did for the men in Jonah 1:4-5 and Jesus did for the disciples in Mark 4:37-38.

Psalms 107:29 – He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.

Four points stand out in examining the ocean: It draws people to itself, it is a quick danger to the weak, the wise have a healthy fear of it, and God has ultimate control of it.

With this knowledge, consider the ocean and man from a Biblical standpoint. It is true that God created the seas (Genesis 1:9-10). He also created man (Genesis 1:26-27). Both were created good, man in the image of God. Men do many things which draw others to them. Some are gifted athletically, some have amazing genius, some have wonderfully warm kindness, and still others may have voices talented in song which draw people. There are numerous wholesome aspects demonstrated by man which are appealing. However, there are also seedy, evil components which man has himself devised that attract as well. Men often do not at first run to the evil, but they are deceived and enticed to partake of it.

2 Corinthians 11:13-15 – For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

God through the inspired writer Jude penned the following words to describe false teachers who were drawing others to them and imparting false words and beliefs:

Jude 1:13 – Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.

False teachers are a danger to everyone, however, they are a quick danger to the weak. The truth that youths love to play with ocean waves has been mentioned. However, man also loves to play amongst the raging waves of the sea of false teachers. A false teacher typically does not waltz in announcing he is a false teacher. Rather, he portrays himself as a strong, knowledgeable follower of Christ. He attracts the immature Christians more quickly because they lack the strength to protect themselves alone and they do not proceed with wisdom as the Bereans (Acts 17:11). The false teacher encourages man to rely upon his own emotions rather than rest upon Biblical authority which they know to be true. Thus, these “Raging waves of the sea” draw soul after soul.

The wise have a healthy fear of false teachers. They remain cautious about their own actions and pay attention to the waves. When the waves are seen as raging waves, they rise to higher ground, warning others all the while of the danger that exists. Unfortunately, the immature and deceived often dally among the waves, not believing them to be as dangerous as the wise say. The false teacher takes the opportunity to knock one sound belief after another down as the deceived Christian gets weaker and weaker, farther from Biblical authority and the safety of their brothers and sisters. The stronger, mature Christian tries to send them spiritual lifesavers from the Bible, but are ignored as the raging waves call the deceived to rely on his own emotions and is drawn away to his spiritual death.

While many good people have been attracted to the false teacher, deceived by immaturity and foolishness, one must remember that God will calm the raging waves. He will put an end to the falseness. Consider these two passages from 2 Peter written by the apostle Peter in regard to false teachers:

2 Peter 2:1 – But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

2 Peter 2:12-13 – But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness,

God has control over the raging waves. They cannot pull him under, nor can they even tempt him. God has equipped man to prevail over the raging waves as well. He has given him the life preserver of His Word. He has given them wise, mature members of the Church to pull them from the waves and warn them not to play with the waves. The raging waves may attract, but they can only harm if the individual chooses to allow his emotions to reign over what he hears from the truth of the Word of God.

Psalms 93:4 – The LORD on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, yea, than the mighty waves of the sea.

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Binding and Loosing

Binding and Loosing

The Biblical concept of binding and loosing pertains to the degree to which actions are constrained by law. To illustrate, by way of secular example section 92.06 of the Akron, Ohio, city ordinances states: “No person shall dye or otherwise color any rabbit or baby poultry, including, but not limited to, chicks and ducklings.” This law has been bound and is thereby enforceable in Akron, Ohio. The Akron citizen is constrained from coloring baby ducks. However, since there are no laws in Akron, Ohio about painting your pet elephant, citizens are loosed (not constrained) in doing so. All citizens of Akron, Ohio, are bound or loosed by the laws pertaining to Akron. On the largest of scales, the Bible is the ultimate authority by which all actions are bound or loosed today. How does this book have such authority to bind and loose?

Binding

Binding and Loosing? How is this done?

“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1). God is creator, we are creation. The man Job realized the state of humans when before God he stated: “Behold I am insignificant; what can I reply to Thee” (Job 40: 4). Isaiah 64:8 establishes that God is the potter, man the clay. The creation logically does not have authority over the creator. The Bible given to man is the Word of God. They are the edict of the King. They are uncontestable.

When the man Jesus came to the earth, God made it clear Jesus was His Son and man was to listen to Him (Matthew 17:5). The Jews of that time wondered when Jesus spoke how he could do so with authority (Matthew 21:23). Consider how Jesus received his authority:

John 5:30 – I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.

John 12:49-50 – For I spake not from myself; but the Father that sent me, he hath given me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. And I know that his commandment is life eternal: the things therefore which I speak, even as the Father hath said unto me, so I speak.

Jesus sought to do the will of his Father. He only stated what the Father would have him say. He did nothing of Himself, only that which the Father had given him authority to do. Consider John 1:1-3 where Jesus, the Word of God (John 14:6, John 17:17) creates all things. God says, “Let there be light” (Genesis 1:3), it was done. Jesus did not simultaneously create a light source. God had not said to do so and Jesus only does what He is told. Jesus does not add to or do less than what He is told by the Father. Thus, through the Father, Christ has always constrained himself. When tempted by Satan in Matthew 4, Jesus followed the same pattern of stating his Father’s will, “it is written”. In the obedience of Christ, the Father than gave Jesus all authority (Matthew 28:18).

The apostles were gathered together by Christ. They were nobodies. However, Christ made them men with authority. How?

John 14:26 – But the Comforter, even the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said unto you.

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

Matthew 28:19-20 – Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.

The Holy Spirit comes to these men and by the authority of Christ, given by the Father, shares all truth (the Word of God) with them. They are then told to teach the truth Christ shared by himself and through the Spirit. In doing so, they are doing no less than what Christ himself did. They acted with authority of the Father. They constrained or bound themselves to it. Jesus tells Peter the following in Matthew 16:19:

“I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you shall bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you shall loosen earth shall have been loosed in heaven.”

Of note is the false doctrine some twist from this verse of papal succession. It is believed that starting with Peter a line of succession to bind and loose doctrinal precepts upon mankind was handed down through today by the popes. This is a gross misunderstanding and misapplication of scripture. To begin with, “the keys of the kingdom” is a term referencing the sharing of the Word of God. Peter shared the Word on the day of Pentecost and 3000 souls were added to the kingdom. The doors to the kingdom were opened by the keys of the gospel. Next, the charge to bind and loose was not just given to Peter, but also to the disciples (followers of Christ – Matthew 18:18):

“Truly I say to you, whatever you shall bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven.”

The binding and loosing is not something that was assigned to an individual or a succession of popes, but to the followers of Christ. Yet, there is an even more important understanding that must be realized. In both Matthew 16 and 18, the ability to bind and loose, the ability to constrain according to authority of Christ given by the Father, is something which is directly tied to that which has already been bound or loosed in heaven. In simplistic terms: Share the word and stick to it. Don’t add to it and don’t take away from it. What is commanded to be followed is that which has been established by God already. There is not authority given to create new law. God’s law is not imperfect needing additions or subtractions to it depending upon the situation.

Romans 12:2 – Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 – All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.

2 Peter 1:3 – His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence,

Jude 1:3 – Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.

The verses above all point to the fact that the Word of God has been given in complete to man. There are no further words or clarifications which are needed. There are no new laws to constrain upon mankind. Of importance in answering our question about how the Word of God has authority two more verses must be mentioned. We know that God the Father instructed Jesus and he followed. Jesus instructed the apostles directly and through the Holy Spirit and they followed. This is important in the understanding of the authority of the Bible for no word of scripture has been taught by the opinion of those apostles. It has only been through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit through Christ we have received the teachings of Christ.

2 Peter 1:20-21 – knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

Galatians 1:11-12 – For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man’s gospel. For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.

If by Pope, “angel”, vision, emotion, friend, Bishop, or theologian an instruction is given which is not found to be in agreement with the Bible, there is no authority in their words (Galatians 1:6-10). Man cannot be constrained by that which the Words of God as found in scripture do not constrain. Man is free where there is no constraint. Binding and loosing is the responsibility of all who would share the gospel. It is a responsibility they follow with Christ, the Apostles, and past disciples. It is the binding and loosing of that which has been established previously in heaven and nothing more. Accursed are those who do not do so.

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