Dispensational Premillenialism: Land Promise Unfulfilled?

Dispensational Premillenialism: Land Promise Unfulfilled?

This examination focuses itself on eschatology, the unfolding of events in “end times”.  I suggest to you we are indeed in the “end times, latter days, last days” (Isaiah 2:2, Micah 4:1, Hebrews 1:2).  The broader term of these days which I would personally use is the Christian Dispensation.  In these last days, our discussion includes a context of Dispensational Pre-Millenialism (DPM).  Central to this context are beliefs regarding the Kingdom of God and the role of physical Israel.  Believers of DPM hold that physical Israel (the DNA of Jacob) will again be gathered again as a nation and serve an important role in a thousand year Kingdom reign upon earth with Christ.  In this role a thousand years may be held figurative for eternity, however, most DPM believers see a final judgment at the end of the millennium.  At the heart of all DPM teaching are the questions: 1. What is the Kingdom of God?  2. What is God’s plan for the physical descendants of Jacob?  The answers reside within God’s promises regarding Israel and the Church.  The predominance of this study will focus on the answer to the second question.

Opening the pages of the Bible and looking for passages regarding the “kingdom of God” results in four different kingdoms.  Searching in Psalm 103:19 and Daniel 4:3, it is found that the Kingdom of God can refer to God’s universal kingdom over all things.  From I Chronicles 28:5, 2 Chronicles 13:8, and Mathew 21:43 it is seen that physical Israel was considered God’s Kingdom.  Next, Daniel 2:44, Mark 9:1, Acts 1:8, Acts 2, Colossians 1:13, and I Timothy 3:15 demonstrate that the Church is referred to as the Kingdom of God.  Finally, 2 Peter 1:10-11 and 2 Timothy 4:18 present the eternal home of the Faithful in heaven as the Kingdom of God.   Sesame Street is an American children’s television show which often plays a game called “one of these things is not like the other”.  Indeed, that is the situation with the four Kingdoms of God mentioned above. God’s universal kingdom, the Church, and the heavenly kingdom are all eternal.  National physical Israel is not like the others.  It is not eternal.  The physical descendants of Israel are scattered and no longer a Kingdom of God, nor will they ever be again.  Their purpose has been served and the physical descendants of Jacob no longer serve any more importance than any other individual upon earth.  We are undertaking this study because adherents of DPM reject these statements and declare promises to Abraham and Israel prove otherwise.

Dispensational Premillenialism

Dispensational Premilenialism finds its error in many ways.

What were the promises to Abraham?  The book of Genesis provides five instances where God spoke to Abraham and detailed the given promises (Genesis 12:1-7, 13:14-17, 15:18-21, 17:2-8, 22:17-18).  Specifically referenced are a nation promise, a land promise and a seed promise.  The Genesis 12 passage makes it clear that from Abraham would come a great nation.  Yes, this was physical Israel from the line of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  Additionally, Abraham was promised the land of the Canaanites.  Finally, this same passage also makes it clear that all families of the earth would be blessed through Abraham.  This is known as the seed promise.  Further information is gleaned about each of these promises as God speaks to Abraham in additional Genesis texts.  Genesis 13 details the land of the Canaanite would be given to Abraham and his seed “forever”.  This passage further figuratively declares the descendants of Abraham would be as numerous as the dust of the earth.  Genesis 15 provides not only information that the seed of Abraham would be as numerous as the stars of heaven, but specifics to the land promise.  It details a northern and southern border demonstrating the scope of the possession would encompass many other peoples.  Important to notice in this passage are the terms “river of Egypt” and “great river, the river Euphrates”.  This will be considered later in our examination.  Genesis  17 sees God declare His covenant with Abraham and his seed would be everlasting.  Additionally, God states the land of Canaan will be for an “everlasting possession” to them.  Finally, Genesis 22 essentially repeats the three promises, but it declares the reasoning for giving them – “thou has obeyed my voice”.  The promises given to Abraham and his descendants would also be directly promised to Isaac and Jacob.  The critical issue surrounding these promises is:  were the promises fulfilled?

There is no doubt in Christendom or within the DPM circle that the nation promise to Abraham was fulfilled.  The question do be answered later is whether or not Israel will be gathered again as a Nation.  Deuteronomy 1:10, 4:6-8, and 2 Samuel 7:23 all make it clear the descendants of Abraham became a great nation.  In the first passage the words of Moses proclaim fulfilled prophecy in that he describes Israel in number as the stars of heaven.  In the second passage Moses calls Israel a nation three times.  Finally, in 2 Samuel 7, King David of Israel in proclaiming the might of God recognizes Israel as a nation whom God redeemed from Egypt.

The promise to Abraham regarding the boundaries and duration of the possession of the promised land by the nation of Israel are hotly declared as unfulfilled by DPM adherents.  This is a must for DPM doctrine.  If Israel’s role is over, if there place as a nation is over, then DPM fail to stand.  Later, their objections shall be examined.  At the present, let us search the inspired scriptures of God and see what He has said.  Joshua 21:43-44 declares all the land sworn to the fathers of Israel (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob) was given to them and they possessed it.  The context follows from Joshua 18:1 in which the land was said to be subdued before Israel.  Thus, Joshua sent me out to detail the boundaries and he then divided the land among the tribes.  Prior to this in Joshua 11, it is said that Joshua took the whole land promised unto Moses (who brought the children of Israel to the land to claim the promise given to the Fathers.).  I Kings 4:21 details the third king of Israel holding all the land from the Border of Egypt to the Euphrates (the land promised).  Nehemiah 9:7-8 sees Israel centuries after it had taken the land.  They were now returning from captivity in Babylon.  Having been centuries since Israel had taken the land, common sense would declare there would have been much grumbling and complaining if God had not fulfilled His land promise to Abraham.  Yet, during that time frame there is not a single utterance about a lack of fulfillment.  In fact, when Nehemiah and the other Israelites returned to the land, Nehemiah references the promise God made to Abraham and declared that God had performed it.  Are the scriptures God breathed as stated in 2 Timothy 3:16-17?  Are they from the mind of God 2 Peter 1:20-21?  If God be true, then the scriptures proclaim the Land promise fulfilled.  Further evidence of this is seen in Deuteronomy 19:8-9 and Joshua 20:7-8.  God told Moses that three cities of refuge should be established in the land of Israel.  Then, when all the land God had promised the fathers had been given three more cities of refuge should be set up.  Following the fulfillment of the promise, Joshua appointed the three additional cities of refuge.  Once more in the Old Testament, the psalmist writes in Psalm 105:42-44 that Israel had inherited the promised lands as he had spoken to Abraham.  But does the New Testament say anything about the Land Promise to Abraham?  In Acts 13:19 the apostle Paul declares Canaan was conquered and divided among the tribes.  Never in the Old Testament or the New Testament were the words of fulfillment to Abraham challenged.  Never did the people cry out that God had failed to be faithful.  This cry comes only from the 1800’s AD by a people looking back at history and questioning the veracity of the very people to whom the promise was made and acknowledged fulfilled.

From scripture it has been seen that the nation and land promise to Abraham have been fulfilled.  This leaves an examination of the seed promise.  Galatians 3:8-9, 16, 26-29 provides us with the words of the apostle Paul.  He preached both to Israel and non-Israel.  He shared the gospel with everyone.  All those that are in Christ through baptism are considered the Children of Abraham.  Paul says these people of all families and nations of the world are blessed by the seed promise to Abraham.  The apostle Peter declared to the Jews who would convert to Christianity that the seed promise to Abraham would also be fulfilled in them and 5,000 were baptized (Acts 3:25-26).  Paul speaks later to the Jews and he provides an understanding of exactly what the blessing to all promised to Abraham would be.  In Acts 13:32-33, 38, it is established that through Christ was the forgiveness of sins.  The forgiveness was available to all and the blessing experienced by those who acted in faith to the commands of God.

A straightforward look at the scriptures has demonstrated that the promises to Abraham (nation, land, seed) have been fulfilled.  Specifically regarding the Land promise, those who took the land believed it, those who returned to the land believed it, and the apostle Paul declared it so.  With such strong witness as the Word of God, his prophets, and his apostles teaching this it is a fair question to ask why anyone would question the fulfillment of the promises to Abraham.  Next up a number of DPM arguments are presented as to why they believe the way they do.

Some DPM believe that Abraham himself did not receive the promised land and must therefore rise before the millennium to enter the promised land.  Stephen filled with the Spirit of God testified in Acts 7:5-7 that the fulfillment of Abraham’s possession would be with that of his descendants.  He clearly states Abraham would not even put a foot in it.  As he spoke his reference was the promise given by God in Genesis 15:7-8, 13-16, when Abraham asked how he would know if he inherited the Land.  God told him that he would die before going, but his inheritance would come with his descendants returning to the land after their stay in Egypt.  Promise fulfilled.

Some DPM believe that physical Israel was to receive the promised land forever (previously read).  Consider this from two different approaches.  First, remember the promise was given to Abraham based upon his obedience.  The children of Israel were told before entering the land that though they would receive the Land, they would perish if they were disobedient to God (Deuteronomy 8:19-20; 30:17-18).  Joshua repeated this and declared their disobedience would destroy them off the Land God gave them (Joshua 23:12-16).  Consider the promised land like a car.  A father gives his son a car and tells him this is your car forever.  He tells him before handing him the keys, if you transgress the law you I will not let you enjoy its blessings.  The son later breaks the law with the car.  The father “impounds” the car.  The car may still be the son’s car, but he no longer has the right to be in it.  The father may drive the car.  The mother may drive the car.  The sister or neighbor may drive the car.  However, the son is excluded from driving his own car based on his disobedience.  Promise fulfilled.  A second way to consider the concept of forever is to examine the Hebrew language.  Though the English words “forever” and then “everlasting” are used in translation in Genesis 17 and 13 the translation is not adequate to explain the Hebrew.  The Hebrew words are “Olam” and “Ad”.  “Olam” is used in Leviticus 24:7-9 and 2 Chronicles 2:4 in reference to the showbread offering of Israel.  Though the terms everlasting, forever, and perpetual are used, it is quite clear the Law of Moses would end and so would the earthly sacrifices.  One might argue that these could again begin.  Why on earth would someone reject the once for all sacrifice of Christ which could forgive sin in order to go back to an imperfect sacrificial system?   “Ad” is used in Job 20:4 and Psalm 132:13-14.  As used in Job it references mankind from the beginning of earth… not an eternal timeframe.  In the book of Psalms the references God’s connection with Israel, yet God would cast off that people and place.  Alternative definitions for “Olam” and “Ad” prohibit certainty of the solution stating these terms mean the English “forever”.   Israel held the land for a period unseen into the future.  The end of that period became visible with their sins.  Promise fulfilled.

Some DPM believe that despite the nation of Israel declaring it received the promise of God that not all the land promised was truly given.  This is based upon the words in Genesis 15:18 that the land would be possessed to the “River of Egypt”.  By this it is declared that the River of Egypt is the Nile.  Numbers 34:5, Joshua 15:4, I Kings 8:65, and 2 Chronicles 7:8 reference the River of Egypt in regard to the possession of Israel.  Yet, all obvious scriptural references to the Nile use H2975 to reference the Nile.   None of the aforementioned verses use that word.  Additionally, other passages describing the promised land of Israel use “Brook of Egypt”, “Border of Egypt”, “Shihor”, and “From the wilderness” (Exodus 23:31, I Kings 4:21, 2 Kings 24:7, 2 Chronicles 9:26, Isaiah 27:12, Jeremiah 2:18).  These terms are all synonymous with the river name or location of the Wadi el Arish.  That this land was held is not disputed.  The River of Egypt in Genesis 15:18 is the same.  Note:  From Genesis 15 we drew attention to the “great river, the river Euphrates”.  The Nile was not smaller than the Euphrates.  To call the Euphrates “Great” in comparison would indicate the truth that the Nile was not being referenced.  Again, the fulfillment of the land promise was never questioned by ancient Israel.

Some DPM declare Replacement Theology is responsible for substituting the Church for Israel and it should not be done.  It is declared that the Bible does not spiritualize literal Israel.  Jeremiah 31:31-40 speaks of the ending of the Law of Moses and points to the New Covenant in Christ.  It is said this new covenant would be with the “House of Israel”.  Then the text continues on to mention a faithful Israel, forgiveness of sin, and God’s faithfulness to that Israel.  The question is whether or not this “House of Israel” is the Church or physical Israel.  The truth of the matter is that the Law of Moses, the sacrifices, the tabernacle, all of it was a shadow or type of what was to come.  Hebrews 8ff puts the context and fulfillment of Jeremiah 31:31-40 into proper understanding (Hebrews 8:6-13, 9:28, 10:14-22).  The Hebrew author first quotes Jeremiah.  Then he ties this to Christ and forgiveness of sins.  Finally, he ties all of this to those who would be sanctified by Christ.  That is the “House of God” which Timothy declares is the Church (I Timothy 3:15).  What DPM says cannot occur, the spiritualization of physical Israel in the form of the Church, is exactly what God does.

Finally, though there are countless arguments that DPM attempt to assert, we now consider the claim that Israel was promised to be restored.  It has already been seen from Jeremiah 31 that speaking of a physical faithful Israel can reference the Church. I suggest to you all such passages speak of the Church.  Historic Israel never returned faithful to God.  It is understood as well that there are passages like those in Daniel 9 and Jeremiah 25:8-13 referencing the return of Israel from their 70 year captivity in Babylon. This was certainly fulfilled. However, in regard to the destiny of physical Israel Jesus proclaimed in Mathew 21:42-44 that their kingdom would be taken from them.  Jeremiah 19:1,10-11 proclaims physical Israel to be like broken pottery – impossible to make whole again!  The destiny of Physical Israel is complete.  Physical Israel had the purpose of showing the world God’s blessings and curses (Romans 15:4).  They had the purpose of carrying the seed who is the Christ (Galatians 3:16).  In doing so, they fulfilled the seed promise of Abraham.  There will be no physical restoration of the nation of Israel.  The salvation of all mankind is united in Christ not divided in DNA.

DPM is a false doctrine that looks to a future plan for physical Israel.  These plans rest upon assertions that God has not fulfilled His promise to Israel.  Yet, scripture refutes these claims.  God is faithful and just.  God cannot lie.  What he declares by Word has and will occur.  His plans for faithful men revolve around Christ’s Church and not physical Israel.

 

 

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You Have But Little Power

You Have But Little Power

The Pew Research Center published an article on September 13, 2022 entitled: Modeling the Future of Religion in America.  The first paragraph of that article states: ‘Since the 1990s, large numbers of Americans have left Christianity to join the growing ranks of U.S. adults who describe their religious identity as atheist, agnostic or “nothing in particular.’  While the article examines a downward trending of Religious affiliation, inherent in the data is the possibility that the percent of the population clinging to spiritual truth is also likely declining.    Man’s destiny is perfectly and directly connected to the Bible which is not a little power but that of God to mankind for salvation (Romans 1:16).Downward Trend

There are many assemblies of Christians across the country.  The quality of instruction they receive from the pulpit can be readily seen through writings, audio sermons, and video posted online.  Affixing the spiritual state of those lessons to that of the congregation is quite often not encouraging.  Examining many congregational websites and the views and activities they promote sadly leaves a further disappointing viewpoint. Those who choose not to gather, but “worship” at home by following these teachings/examples are worse off yet.  When observing the “Seeking a Preacher” ads which have been circulated, a deeper lack of hope is seen.  As a representation of the Lord’s true and singular Church which He established (Matthew 16:18, Ephesians 4:4), these sources lend themselves to data pointing toward spiritual decline among the population of the United States.  Again, observationally, the preponderance of spiritual truth also appears minimal.

The most powerful presentation of truth the world has ever known is readily available in nearly every populated location on earth (Bible).  The evidence it contains demonstrating the existence and perfect wisdom of God is to the earnest, unrefusable.  The pitfalls proclaimed in Matthew 13:10-23 are also visible in everyday life.  A lack of understanding, the trial of faith, and the lure of the world (desire of flesh, eye, and pride of life – 1 John 2:16) work to diminish the present numbers of Christian faithful among the living.  Yet, despite these occurrences, trends, concerns, there are faithful, seeking Christians yet.  The have of themselves, but little power; however, they keep the Word of God and do not deny the name of Christ.

Lost among the crowds of larger and mid-size congregations and quite possibly the cog of frustration to the “religious” in small congregations, herein, reside the faithful.  They obey the Book.  They follow the commandments of Christ.  They are those righteous from the first century forward who were and are in the congregations to which the seven Churches of Asia in the book of Revelation are a type.  Despite a likely decline in numbers, the presence of false teachings, the existence of unauthorized worship, and the waning of godly works around them, their hearts, minds, and actions stride boldly onward seeking their heavenly Father.  If you will, they are the representation of the Church of Philadelphia (Revelation 3:8).  They patiently endure holding fast to what God has given them.  The statistics, trends, polls, and reality of the wave of data calling the weak and brazen to forsake Christ will not detour them from their goal.  The Master of the Seas is their Captain; no storm can reject His Command or founder the peace which He offers.

Friends, brothers and sisters, do not let the rumors of the demise of Christianity weaken your resolve to serve God.  Seek, study, care, comfort, strengthen, and love while there is yet time.  Rely upon Him who can save your souls.  No force, no number of agnostics, atheists, or blind guides can take away what Christ gives freely.  Do not let the illusion of loneliness overtake you for long.  The great crowd of witnesses in heaven await your presence before the throne of God.  Our loving Savior will return in the clouds and with a great cry of command we will arise with those who have gone on before us.  Never lose sight of this.  Never lose hope. You may have little power by your own hand, but our mighty God can accomplish all things as He wills.

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Do You Seek Togetherness?

Do You Seek Togetherness?

Over the last thirty years, my wife and I have moved many times. It seems as if the number is a lot larger, but for certain we have lived in at least 20 different locations.  We have also worshipped with brethren in numerous states.  Whether as the located preacher, conducting a meeting or a class, or just visiting, it is likely we have assembled with well over 100 congregations large and small.  Beyond the places of worship, we have gathered with Christians in even far more venues enjoying their company, sharing their lives, coming to know their families, and comforting one another over the trials and struggles that present themselves.  Whether in a home, an auditorium, a gym, a grange, a restaurant, sitting at a ballgame, out fishing, taking a walk, at conferences, the park, antique malls, countless settings, the togetherness made a difference.  Who knows how many emails I have received from Christians over the years or calls I have received or made to other Christians/preachers.  It helped and continues to beat back the feeling of being a Christian and being alone.Togetherness

Christians since the first century have met together on the first day of the week to worship God and remember their Savior at His command by communing with other Christians though the Lord’s Supper, singing, study, and prayer.  They follow the example and inference of coming together from Luke 22:19, Acts 20:7, I Corinthians 11: 17-29, I Corinthians 16:2. This practice has been verified and recorded through plentiful extra-biblical writings of Christians and non-Christians from the first century forward.  This has been observed from those early days throughout the world.  However, there are examples, not commanded by God, when Christians in the past gathered.  Acts 2:46 records Christians gathering at the temple as well as “house to house” sharing meals together.  The fact that Christians early on did not meet in “church” buildings is without dispute.  Equally as true is that the preponderance of times they met together was not for the purpose of worship.  People lived normal lives of work, play, and other occasions when they came together individually and as a community to share their time with one another.  Why do they do this?  Because people typically do not spend their time alone.  They enjoy building relationships, having fun, sharing conversation, encouraging one another, and helping one another in life.  This is true for Christians and non-Christians alike.

Jews and Christians have often suffered over the ages.  Near to the first century during the time of the Maccabees there was unrest.  Pompey would take Jerusalem in 63 BC for the Romans.  The Jews were under this governance when suffering the murder of their children by Herod during the childhood of Jesus.   Jesus would later go to the cross instead of Barabbus an insurrectionist (an activity drawing the attention of Rome).  The Jews would be forced from Rome at the hand of Claudius during the 40s AD due to concern over insurrection.  The insurrection of the Jews during the 60s Ad ultimately brought about the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD by Rome.  Christians were not immune from being tied to the behavior of the Jews.  They were considered just a sect of the Jews.  Unfortunately, not only did Christians suffer because they were either Jews or associated with them, but they also suffered at the hand of the Judaizers for their beliefs.  The witness of this is great throughout the New Testament.  While, the destruction of Jerusalem eased the punishment of the Judaizers upon Christians, Rome would certainly have their hand upon Christians as time would progress.  If you found yourself a Jew or Christian during these times do you think you would isolate yourself from those who could lend you support?  The Christians specifically would need to gather themselves together even more closely as it seemed they were being persecuted from all sides.  They would need the comfort, aid, and fellowship of brothers and sisters in Christ to get them through the terrible times.

Enter the book of Hebrews.  Hebrews is written to what is believed to be a Hebrew/Israelite/Jewish Christian audience.  The letter furthermore is believed by many to have been written specifically to the Jewish Christians of Jerusalem possibly months before the 70 AD destruction.  Whether or not that is exact, or the letter was written to Jewish Christians of that timeframe throughout the known world of that time, the Christians were alive during a time of increasing stress, hard times, persecution, and peril.  Apostles were being martyred! Fear and uncertainty most certainly surrounded Christianity.  Herein comes Hebrews 10:23-25:

“Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but encouraging one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”

This passage is most often used to guilt people into making every bible study a body of Christians holds i.e. additional Sunday morning, night, and Wednesday evening gatherings.  No such mandate of these specific times was ever made in scripture.  The authorized command of assembling by Christ in remembrance and examples of assembling on the first day of the week by the Church has been established, but no other has been bound in heaven nor can be upon the earth.  If the context of Hebrews 10 were specifically refencing a congregational time of worship, the first century Christians would not define the time of assembling as done today.  Under such a specific view the time would be the first day of the week.  However, is this what Hebrews 10 is referencing?  The context of Hebrews would resoundingly say “No!”.  The meaning is far deeper and critical.  The assembling here using the logical ability to infer, as authorized by Christ in (Matthew 22:29-32), would always direct Christians to the understanding of communing together for comfort, encouragement, and strength.  Specifically, as they see the time of duress coming near.  Again, in context, a time of judgment would be approaching the Christians (Hebrews 10:13, 27-39).  They had been in and would be through trials.  They needed “encouraging” (25), “compassion” (34), “confidence” (35), and “faith” (38).  If the time coming was the destruction of Jerusalem, persecution from Rome, or the final Judgment of all (unlikely due to the immediacy of the language of Hebrews), as stated earlier, the Christians would need the comfort, aid, and fellowship of brothers and sisters in Christ to get them through the terrible times.  This involves a whole lot more cruciality than a mindset of making a Bible study.  It means in one’s life gathering with Christians frequently in a wide variety of settings and locations for multiple purposes.

The Hebrews 10 passage brings about a truth that the entire Bible confirms.  Being in contact with and surrounding ourselves with godly brothers and sisters will build us up and see us through all seasons.  It will help us avoid the feeling of being alone, helpless and stranded in a world of sin.  While it is a truth that frequent Bible study is uplifting and done so in assembling with other Christians has the possibility of making it even more so, we must leave passages in their appropriate context as addressed to the given audience.  To “forsake”, “treat as empty”, “desert”, or “leave behind” assembling with others also has a far different connotation associated with it than being concerned about a specific Bible study time.  Christians we need to remember that at times, there are different needs that must be met.  We are created for the purpose of good works.  This means your time may be better served talking to someone and spending time with them, rather than having your head in the good and holy Book (Matthew 15:1-9).  Value the time to go serve someone and show the love of Christ.  Let us not be like the Pharisees happy to show our check list of successfully attended class times, but rather be as the anonymous good Samaritan who seized the moment to do what is right and pleasing in the sight of God.

 

 

 

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Reproof or Reprove?

Reproof or Reprove?

Yes, words have meaning.  It is important to know what they mean.  As a boy, I once called my father a name I had heard from the boys at school.  I had no clue what it meant.  After I got up off the ground my father explained to me what the word meant.  When it comes to scripture, words are more important than a knock on the head.

Words impact the meaning of the context they are in.  A man running from a smoking building and yelling “fire!”, is in a far better place than a man in front of a death squad yelling “fire!”.   When we turn to the scriptures, we want to be able to understand them because they can affect the destiny of souls.  This brings me to the specific topic of this article.  The word “reprove” is Strong’s number H3198 in the Old Testament and its partner in the New Testament is G1651.  These words in Hebrew and Greek carry the idea of rebuking, correcting, or admonishing someone.  This word is not the same as “Reproof”. Fire has multiple meanings.

The “Reproof” I am referring to is in the New Testament.  It is used only two times.  It is the word with Strong’s number #G1650.  It is first found in 2 Timothy 3:16-17: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:”.  Nearly every preacher I have ever known or heard has taught this passage is teaching rebuking and then correction.  That is simply not correct.  It is a proof, evidence, or aspect which convicts.  Scripture aids in coming to know doctrine.  It presents convicting evidence.  It enables poor behavior to be corrected.  Finally, it provides direction on how to do right.

The second passage and only other which uses this word, strengthens this understanding.  Hebrews 11:1 states: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”  Here we come to an understanding of a few things.  Faith is the substance or foundation.  Faith, of course, is built on what is heard from the Word of God (Romans 10:17).  Faith is furthermore composed of what is stated in the latter part of the verse, “evidence” – Exactly what 2 Timothy 2:16-17 claims.  The Word is profitable for evidence and that faith building evidence is what our hope stands on.  Failing to understand the meaning of the word reproof in Timothy (which should be written evidence as in Hebrews 11:1), pulls it from the supporting tool chest drawer of verses that it needs to be in.

The Bible is the mind of God.  Understanding it takes time and study.  It provides continual growth and insight as to who our God is.  Take the time to examine words and find their place in God’s great message.  He has given it to us to uncover and discover as we glorify Him day to day.

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Private Sin

Private Sin

Matthew 18:15-20 provides the foundation for dealing with private sin.  Approaching public sin is a different story for a different day.  With this passage, Jesus provides a very distinct approach for dealing with an individual’s sin against another.  Sadly, though these passages are frequently declared by Christians in and out of the pulpit, rarely are they followed correctly.  In fact, it can be safely said many do not even understand the entire passage properly.

To begin, Jesus has been discussing the value of all men within the Kingdom of Heaven.  Down to the smallest and least prominent there is value.  The spiritual value of men is far more important than what the physical offers.  Indeed, the importance of one single soul is worth our complete focus.  Thus, when the conversation comes to the discussion in verse 15, even when the individual has been sinned against by another, he is to seek out the transgressor to resolve the situation.  The hope is the transgressor will listen and repent.  His soul is precious!

Of course, when tasked with the objective of restoring a soul from private sin, success is not always achieved alone.  Thus, Jesus encourages the inclusion of others in the effort when the first has failed.  Frequently, within congregations, this is when an individual approaches elders rather than other sound brothers and sisters to assist him.  This is not incorrect; it is just common.  When success is not met in this group interaction, the elders frequently inform the congregation as to what is going on, however, they frequently fail to obey what Jesus establishes here.  Verse 17 of the text establishes that if the transgressor does not listen there is supposed to be an interaction of the Church, the Christians, with the one in sin.  The body of Christ is to reach out and talk to the man… not just be informed and leave it in the hands of the elders.  The responsibility lies within the congregation to engage for the sake of the individual’s soul.  His soul is worth the attention of everyone!  The proper path is not to wait for months while a couple of elders engage in a letter writing war.  By then the individual with feet braced often wants no part of anyone at the congregation, the relationships have become irrelevant because the proper steps were not quickly taken, and the individual has moved on and established others.

A second failure, often as a matter of understanding, comes from verse 18: “Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”  Correctly understood, those things which are bound or loosed (followed or not followed) are those which have already been established by God’s Word.  Thus, the point is, if the transgressor has either repented or continued in sin, and the brethren who have approached him have done so according to what has been established by God, then God will accept the decision on their course of action.  The text is not encouraging the creation of any course of action outside of what has been revealed by God.

The final failing of understanding in this passage is in verse 20: “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am among them.”  This verse is often utilized as “Hey! I want to go camping not meet with the brethren on Sunday, so as long as someone is with me to worship at the campfire, God is with us.”  That is a common and terrible misuse of Jesus’ words.  The wider context of Jesus’ words has been the value of the human soul.  The more narrow context is church discipline.  The proper meaning is that if the discipline is done with authority, God endorses it.

Church discipline is something that is not to be done lightly.  It is something that needs to be done in timely fashion according to God’s authority.  It is a blessing when private sin can be resolved between individuals, but when it cannot, and the concern escalates to the entire Church, let each and every member engage with kindness, love, and concern over the precious soul in trouble.  The Church cannot dismiss their duties as Christians and the Eldership cannot assume those duties as their own.  It is in those scenarios that regardless of how many are gathered together, God will not be among them.

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