I have a vision of heaven. It is mine. It was commissioned for me by Jesus of Nazareth Himself. From the outset, though, let me make it clear – I did not personally see anything with my eyes, nor was my spirit taken into another realm to see the mysteries of God. This vision was given to a brother of mine, and delivered to me by him. If you are believer in the genuine Gospel of Jesus of Nazareth this same brother, the beloved disciple John, has delivered this same vision to you. And we have it preserved for us in the book commissioned by Christ for us, and sealed by His authority. At the outset of this unveiling we read:

The revelation of Jesus Christ that God gave Him to show His slaves what must quickly take place. He sent it and signified it through His angel to His slave John, who testified to God’s word and to the testimony about Jesus Christ, in all he saw. Blessed is the one who reads and blessed are those who hear the words of this prophecy and keep what is written in it, because the time is near! – Revelation 1:1-3

When I was taking my first steps as a believer in Jesus of Nazareth I frequented Christian bookstores. I had a thirst to know more about this great salvation that had been extended to me. The Scriptures were certainly primary, but I also wanted to read of other peoples’ testimonies and belief systems. As I was perusing a local book proprietor one day, a particular book caught my eye. It was an account of a woman purporting to have been taken to heaven. She came back and chronicled her supposed testimony of a grandiose experience of speaking to Jesus and seeing the dynamics of heaven. The more I read and contemplated this woman’s account, the more it bothered me. What I was reading did not correspond with what I knew the Scriptures taught. “Surely,” my young naïve mind thought – “no one would make up such a story.” Yet, as my Christian life progressed, I encountered many more people proclaiming to have visited both heaven and hell; returning with visions and messages that greatly conflicted with both Scripture and each other.

I have my own vision of heaven. I can say with full assurance that it is true. It is well detailed, magnificent, and given to me by Christ Himself. You see, the King saw fit to give us all a vision of heaven. We need nothing more than this. It is our hope and it is sure. In the book of Revelation, we read that the Apostle John was in exile on the Isle of Patmos. In this context, the King appeared to the beloved apostle. He tells us that:

When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. He laid His right hand on me, and said, “Don’t be afraid! I am the First and the Last, and the Living One. I was dead, but look—I am alive forever and ever, and I hold the keys of death and Hades. Therefore write what you have seen, what is, and what will take place after this.” (Revelation 1:17-18)

John chronicles the culmination of the cosmic conflict, with the sure victory belonging to the Lamb and His people. Within John’s vision we are given a glimpse of the New Heaven, the New Earth, and the New Jerusalem. This vision was given to John to be given to us. This is our vision of heaven. Allow me to share with you some of the magnificent truths and previews we receive of our eternal home.

The New City of the Great King

After the purging of the world by fire, we read of the glorious, renewed abode of the redeemed where God Himself will dwell:

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” – Revelation 21:1-4

This vision given to John should stir our hope and grant us great encouragement. The land will be cleansed and God Himself will dwell with us. Every tear will be wiped away from the face of believers by the Ancient of Days. Pain and mourning will be a thing of the past. God dwells with His people in His holy city. This certain hope was delivered by Jesus of Nazareth. These words and promises were not new, but rather sang of the fulfilled promises granted to God’s people long ago. The ancient Israelites looked with great expectation to the coming of the eternal city – the New Jerusalem. There will be a new earth, a new heavens, with a new capital, where the King of all dwells with His people. While the natural descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob greatly anticipated the renewal of the land, the good news of Jesus of Nazareth proclaims that all – whether Jew or Gentile – who believe in the Gospel have this city as their hope and their eternal abode. The original recipients of Revelation were Christian churches in Asia Minor, primary populated by Gentile believers in the Jewish Messiah. Those who “conquer” are promised this city and all of its glories and blessings as their inheritance. Most importantly in all of this is restored and intimate fellowship with the Father, Jesus Himself, and the Spirit. The Father Himself announces: “The one who conquers will have this inheritance, and I will be his God and he will be my son.” (Revelation 21:7)

We further read of the wondrous aspects of this abode that was revealed to John:

Then came one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues and spoke to me, saying, “Come, I will show you the Bride, the wife of the Lamb.” And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great, high mountain, and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God, having the glory of God, its radiance like a most rare jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal. It had a great, high wall, with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and on the gates the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel were inscribed— on the east three gates, on the north three gates, on the south three gates, and on the west three gates. And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. – Revelation 21:9-14

I certainly believe John’s vision is describing a literal, magnificent city that will be in the renewed land of God’s promise. At this time, we can only get a partial glimpse of its glory with our minds as we anxiously wait to see it in our raised bodies with our eyes renewed. Yet, there is powerful significance in what these details proclaim. Through John’s account we see that the one who enters the city does so through one of its twelve gates. These gates are inscribed with names of the twelve tribes of Israel. This stirs up remembrance of the promise given by God to Abraham that He would give this land to his offspring, and also bless all the nations through him (See Genesis 12, 15, 22).

Furthermore, this feature of the coming city links the revelation given to John to a vision that Ezekiel was granted about the coming Jerusalem. It was revealed to the prophet of the exile that: “These will be the exits of the city: Beginning on the north side, which is 4,500 measures long, the gates of the city will be named after the tribes of Israel” (Ezekiel 48:30-31). Being that these are the gates where people enter in, these beautifully picture that it is through God’s promise to Abraham and His offspring that He has blessed the world, and all who have faith like Abraham enter His Kingdom. But the “foundations” of the city focus even more intensely on the means of redemption.

The twelve foundations of the city have the names of the twelve apostles of Jesus. As the redeemed see these names inscribed on the foundation stones of the city, this will bring to remembrance that it is the message of the Lamb, carried to the nations by His twelve apostles, that is the solid immovable foundation of both Jew and Gentile in the city of God. These same truths are taught by Paul in Ephesians when He declares:

So then you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with the saints, and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone. The whole building is being fitted together in Him and is growing into a holy sanctuary in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for God’s dwelling in the Spirit. – Ephesians 2:19-21

Our Hope of Glory

This vision, granted to John and commissioned for all of us who are privileged slaves of the King, is utterly magnificent. It should stir our hope and expectation to live now in light of the coming Kingdom. Our ambition is to be pleasing to the one who has made us heirs of these marvelous promises. For our Father is relentlessly dedicated to fulfilling His good purposes in His children. Our hope is secure in the One who endured the cross to become the living-giving Lamb. The Father’s promises regarding our future and secure and steadfast. Paul declares:

But God, who is abundant in mercy, because of His great love that He had for us, made us alive with the Messiah even though we were dead in trespasses. By grace you are saved! He also raised us up with Him and seated us with Him in the heavens, in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages He might display the immeasurable riches of His grace in His kindness to us in Christ Jesus. – Ephesians 2:4-7

What glory! What Good News!

Clinging to our Vision of Heaven

In my life as a Christian, I have read many accounts of heavenly visitations. Every couple of years a new book with this subject arrives on the bookshelves. Often times, these works stir up people to great hope and expectation. Yet, most of the time these are replete with messages that conflict with the Bible. These visions are not where our hopes lay. Rather, our hopes lay in the promises delivered by Jesus Christ and His chosen apostles and prophets – those who delivered the faith once and for all. I would exhort those who find fascination with the continuing “visions of heaven” to dispense of that which is on shifting sands and stand firmly on the rock of the word of Christ. His word and revelation are true and will certainly not bring disappointment to those that find their hope in Him.

I have my vision of heaven. If you are believer in Jesus of Nazareth, so do you. He gave it to you. It is secured vision not subjected to discredit, nor will it prove false. This vision has the seal of the Savior upon it. It is glorious. It is sufficient. It is our hope. Learn it and live by it. And may we all walk in the footsteps of our father in the faith, Abraham, who “by faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.” (Hebrews 11:9-10)

Earthquakes. Tsunamis. Wars and rumors of wars. Persecution. Apostasy. Certainly, these matters stir up expectation of Christ’s return, as they always have, and as they should. These are birthpangs, and we eagerly anticipate the “deliverance”: the splendor of Christ’s coming and the vindication of His Name.

Those of us who have repented and believed in person and work of Jesus Christ know the world has an appointment with the Almighty. We know we must endure. We know we are to not be shaken when we see and experience such birthpangs. We know we are promised deliverance from the Day of the Lord. Yet, we also know there will be scoffers mocking the prospect of the return of the King. It is merely history that is yet to occur: the all powerful, holy Lord of Hosts will return to “to grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might, when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed” (2 Thessalonians 1:7-10). When this occurs scoffing will turn to explicit blasphemy. In the wake of the furious, unrelenting, righteous wrath of God at Christ’s coming, we read of the world’s response:

They were scorched by the fierce heat, and they cursed the name of God who had power over these plagues. They did not repent and give him glory. (Revelation 16:9)

As the dynamics leading to the end of the age are already operating in “preview form” (e.g. war, earthquakes, persecution, apostasy, false Christs), so is the response of those who despise the King of creation. In a commentary on the international news network MSNBC pertaining to recent upheavals (video here) Lawrence O’Donnell embodies the type of attitude Revelation 16:9 describes. (1) He comments:

“The Book of Revelation is a work of fiction describing how a truly vicious God would bring about the end of the world. No half-smart religious person actually believes the Book of Revelation. They are certain that their God would never turn into a malicious torturer and mass murderer beyond Hitler’s wildest dreams.”

O’Donnell flatly states the final book of the Bible is a work of “fiction” and “no half-smart religious person believes the Book of Revelation.” I would contend that the book of Revelation is grounded in fact. Sure, there is phenomenal imagery but all have a reference to reality. Consider the book of Daniel, the “Revelation of the Old Testament.” We see the same type of imagery and the concrete fulfillment of portions of Daniel’s prophecy that can be demonstrated. Revelation builds and expands upon Daniel, being breathed by the same Author. O’Donnell’s statements of “fiction” clash with the words of the King of Kings: “And he said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true. And the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent his angel to show his servants what must soon take place. And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” (Revelation 22:6-7). Furthermore, the underlying attitude of His commentary is itself a demonstration of the fulfillment of prophecy. Peter proclaims:

“[Y]ou should remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles, knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires. They will say, “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.” (2 Peter 3:2b-4)

Then O’Donnell proceeds to declare that the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the Father of Jesus of Nazareth described in Revelation is a “malicious torturer” and “mass murderer beyond Hitler’s wildest dreams.” Be sure: This is beyond mere “scoffing.” This is rank blasphemy. This is speaking evil about the sovereign, righteous, good, Lord of all. This is an affront to the holiness of God. The potter has His right over His clay (Romans 9:21). Lawrence O’Donnell is called to repent of such things and turn to the person and work of Christ for the purging of sins, including this grievous speaking against the King. The church is called to pray “Our Father in heaven, may your name be hallowed and revered in all the earth.”

While there should be a “vexing” in every Christian’s heart when reading and hearing such things, we must be sure our response is properly measured and pleasing to our Master who purchased us and “delivers us from the wrath to come” (1 Thessalonians 1:8). O’Donnell’s views demonstrate the depravity of the human heart—a depravity that I once shared and had nailed to the cross of Calvary by the grace of Jesus Christ. Allow me to share a few reflections on how, we, as Christ’s ambassadors, are called to confront such hostilities and attitudes, as they are prophesied to increase and become more manifest as that Day draws near.

1. Know — He has told us beforehand.

When we see the birthpangs Christ told us about, we are to know He has told us in advance. That conditions that lead to the end of the age: false Christs and false prophets, wars and rumors of wars, famines and earthquakes, persecution and apostasy—all these are in operation already. These will intensify, especially the persecution of God’s elect and the diabolical deception that accompanies it (see Matthew 24:9-29). Thus, the King’s words, which are directly related to these things, should sober us: “Take note, I have told you in advance” (Matthew 24:25 HCSB). And since His words are proven true, we also can take comfort and great hope that that same sure word has promised us deliverance, vindication, and resurrection.

2. Proclaim — the Gospel of salvation.

The blood-bought church has been entrusted with the duty and privilege to proclaim the glory of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. While we are in the midst of difficulties we must cling to our testimony and proclaim His glories. The world’s response will be increasingly hostile. In the midst of this hostility it is essential that we hold the banner of the cross high, regardless of the consequences. This, indeed, is how we conquer. For it is written: “And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.” (Revelation 12:11). As Christ’s ambassadors we are to plead with people to repent and believe the good news. Even those who are twisted and blaspheming may come to repentance for “God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.” (2 Timothy 2:25b-26)

3. Endure — in the midst of persecution and apostasy.

Endurance is essential. The author of Hebrews declares: “For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised (Hebrews 10:36). By God’s grace we must hear the consistent calling of His word to “endure.” Revelation chapter 13 describes the most difficult time the people of God will ever encounter. There will be persecution, apostasy, and death. Here is the calling:

Also it was allowed to make war on the saints and to conquer them. And authority was given it over every tribe and people and language and nation, and all who dwell on earth will worship it, everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain. If anyone has an ear, let him hear: If anyone is to be taken captive, to captivity he goes; if anyone is to be slain with the sword, with the sword must he be slain. Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints. (Revelation 13:7-10)

The word of truth assures us of this coming time; when hostilities against the saints will come to a crescendo. This should both sober us and cause us to fix our eyes on the ascended Anchor of our souls.

4. Pray — for strength and for the salvation of others.

We must realize our strength to proclaim the Gospel and endure hardships for our testimony does not lie within ourselves. We must fix our eyes on our Redeemer and plead with him to give us the power to proclaim and strength to endure. Pray for the Lord to save. Pray for the Lord to strengthen our own hearts and our spiritual siblings scattered across the globe – beginning now and not resting until He returns. The King Himself gave us this directive:

“But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man” (Luke 21:36)

These matters will intensify, as birthpangs always do. Scoffers will continue to saturate this world. Those who blaspheme the name of the King will become bolder. As we approach the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, we will see an increase in the matters the Lord Himself warned us about, thus His exhortation: “What I say to you, I say to all ‘Watch’” (Mark 13:37 NKJV). Because of such, it is imperative that we read the words of Christ, pray for the strength to bring them into practice, and thus have our houses built on the rock. These central words of instruction from our King provide our continuing focus as we wait for His return:

“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.” (Matthew 7:24-27)

(1) Agreement with the individuals mentioned by O’Donnell in this commentary is not intended to be implied.

Next Issue: Tearing Down the Straw Man
Responding to David Reagan on the Prewrath Rapture

This is my Bible
I am what it says I am
I have what it says I have
I can do what it says I can do
Today I will be taught the word of God
I boldly confess, my mind is alert, my heart is receptive,
I will never be the same

Much can be said about this weekly mantra. But a couple points strike me as I ponder these words. First, there is a declaration that “I am what it says I am.” I wonder how many are aware that the very word in their hands proclaims that apart from repentance and belief in the true Gospel all are “by nature children of wrath” (Ephesians 2:3). There is the declaration: “I can do what it says I can do.” I wonder how many are aware that the word proclaims regarding those without the Holy Spirit of God: “all have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one” (Romans 3:12).

Finally they announce: “Today I will be taught the word of God.” There are few churches that would frankly declare “We do not preach out of the Bible.” Most churches and preachers see themselves as those in accord with the will and word of God. However, we need to be able to properly distinguish between preaching that “uses the Bible” and true “Biblical preaching.” In my listening to Mr. Osteen’s messages, there are points where he uses the Bible (quite often mishandling the text), but true Biblical preaching is not evident. What do I mean by “biblical preaching”? By “biblical preaching” I am referring to the proper proclamation of God’s once and for all revelation in the Scriptures. Allow me to outline three evidences that emerge from preaching that is truly in accordance with God’s word.

1. True Biblical Preaching Properly Recognizes Context

The cornerstone of all types of communication is context. Context reveals and highlights meaning. The Bible is no exception. In order to glean the meaning, the context needs to be understood. Biblical preaching must pay attention to the context of the Scriptures. This entails understanding the book’s context, the historical context, and the overall Biblical context. The more one is acquainted with the context of the whole counsel of God, the better one will be able to understand and communicate the meaning of the Biblical text.

2. True Biblical Preaching Properly Bridges Contexts

The Scriptures were written halfway across the world and thousands of years ago. Since this is so, the context of the ancient world needs to be properly bridged to our contemporary context in order for the word to impact. The preacher must understand the true meaning of the text in order to properly “bridge” its teaching to today’s context. The preacher must consult the whole counsel of God in order to have an informed interpretation that will make the proper parallels with the contemporary context in which we live. A misunderstanding of the meaning will produce applications that miss the mark. Let me illustrate how understanding meaning, and consulting the context of the whole counsel of God, is essential to producing proper application.

An Example

A couple years ago, Joel Osteen preached a message on healthy living. He appealed to the food laws of the Old Testament to make his point. Osteen singled out pork and shellfish and that the Bible forbids them. He states:

“In Bible times, the pig was considered unclean. It was never considered a source of food.”

After giving several quips about his perceived benefits of cutting pork and shellfish out of ones diet, Osteen concludes:

“I made changes not only for my health’s sake; I made changes to honor God. View Video

Osteen’s focus was on healthy living. There is nothing sinful about pursuing healthy living. Indeed it is good to take care of one’s “vessel.” But Osteen’s understanding of the Biblical text is off the mark, and thus he produces an application not in accordance with the word of God.

As we survey the context of the whole counsel of God, we come to understand that one of functions of the dietary laws given to Israel (as well as many other restrictive commandments) is that they were there to keep them separate from the other nations. With the coming of Christ and the pouring out of the Holy Spirit, the dietary restrictions of the Mosaic law were lifted in order for Jew and Gentile to be united in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

There were episodes chronicled in both the Gospels (Mark 7:19) and early parts of Acts (chapters 10:1-11:18) that taught these truths. The issue then came to a culmination at the Jerusalem council in Acts 15 regarding the Gentiles relationship to the codes and restrictions of the law of Moses:

The apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider this matter. And after there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “Brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. And God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them, by giving them the Holy Spirit just as he did to us, and he made no distinction between us and them, having cleansed their hearts by faith. Now, therefore, why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.” (Acts 15:6-11)

The “yoke” that Peter spoke of, is the Mosaic law. The Apostles then collectively wrote a letter informing the Gentile churches they did not need to be burdened by thinking they had to observe the stipulations of the Mosaic law. Furthermore the apostle Paul exhorts the Colossians:

Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. (Colossians 2:16)

Therefore, under the New Covenant, eating pork and shellfish is a matter of Christian liberty. The preacher has no authority to bind Christians, or anyone, to abide by the food laws of the Mosaic law.

Osteen declares that his diet is to “honor God.” By implying and preaching that Christians are bound by the food laws of the Old Testament, he dishonors God by preaching a message that conflicts with the message of Jesus and His apostles. In preaching “freedom” he places his listeners into the bondage to the law of Moses, and those who place themselves under the yoke of the law are “cursed” according to the inspired apostle Paul (Galatians 3:10-13). This spiritually toxic application has taken place because of a misunderstanding of the meaning of the Old Testament dietary laws and ignorance of, or worse, rebellion against, the whole counsel of God’s word.

3. True Biblical Preaching Magnifies the Person and Work of Jesus Christ

The ultimate aim and focus of the Scriptures is the person and work of the Messiah— Jesus Christ. The Old Testament anticipates Him and promises His coming. The New Testament declares the faith delivered once and for all. All true Biblical preaching will point towards who Jesus is (the Messiah: true God and true man), what He has done (secured salvation through the cross and resurrection), and call people to the prescribed response (repent and believe in His person and work). These are the essentials and no matter what text is being stressed, all ultimately point to Christ. Furthermore, the Scriptures are there, not as an end, but as a means to come to Jesus on His terms. For He Himself declares:

You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life. (John 5:39-40)

The messages that flow from Osteen and those like him are very much “life enhancement” messages that are peppered with (often out of context) Biblical texts that are cited to attempt to support their preconceived notions. There is little, if any, legitimate interaction with the Biblical text to properly understand what message the original author was conveying. Because of this, the central message of the Bible is rarely, if ever, communicated from Osteen’s pulpit.

Do Some Believers Need to Start with “Milk”?

I have heard people say of Joel Osteen’s messages: “Some new believers need to start with the easy to understand “milk,” like Joel Osteen’s messages, before moving on to the meaty stuff.” New believers indeed need to be fed the “milk” of God’s word—the basic truths that constitute authentic Christianity. The fact is this: the Bible itself defines what constitutes true “milk.” The author of Hebrews teaches:

For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil. Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, and of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. (Hebrews 5:12-6:2)

The author of Hebrews wants to teach his readers about the further “meaty” portions of God’s word, but knows his readers need to be instructed again in the “milk” or basic principles. He wants to teach them about the glories of Jesus being of the priestly order of Melchizedek, but laments their continued need for basic teaching. Included in these are: repentance and faith, the resurrection of the dead, eternal judgment. These are the “milk” or basic principles of God’s word. Does Joel Osteen, and other preachers in his mold, preach such things? If not, those listening are not even getting the “milk” or elementary teachings of God’s word. If the elementary teachings aren’t even being preached, then the Gospel is absent. Where the basic teachings of the Gospel are absent, growth in grace will not result.

Accountability: The Preacher and the Listeners

The people that raise their Bible and repeat after Joel Osteen, as well as all who sit under teaching and preaching under a banner that is called “biblical,” are accountable for what they believe and put into practice. Teachers and preachers will indeed be judged according to a higher and stricter judgment, but all need to become well acquainted with the Scriptures in order to discern what is good and what is evil. The bitter irony is the very Bibles in the hands of those following Mr. Osteen and his ilk contains a very different message than that flowing from their pulpit. They may be hearing preaching “using the Bible,” but the message is certainly not true “biblical preaching.”

The apostle Paul comforted and exhorted the church in Thessalonica with the coming wrath of God to bring vindication for those who were suffering harshly for the Gospel of their King, Jesus of Nazareth. Ask yourself when the last time such truths have been driven home in your hearing of the word:

This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering—since indeed God considers it just to repay with affliction those who afflict you, and to grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might, when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed. (2 Thessalonians 1:5-10)

Such passages are plentiful in the Scriptures but are a rarity in most pulpits today. True biblical preaching does not shrink back from proclaiming the whole counsel of God. True biblical preaching recognizes the need for the complete word of God to go forth—to wound and heal, to humble and encourage, to convict and comfort. May the Holy Spirit rouse His remnant to stand in true biblical preaching—preaching that proclaims the whole counsel of God—preaching that brings authentic application that conforms the hearers to the image of Christ—preaching that magnifies and honors the name of the Magnificent One who purchased His people with His own blood. The dire need for such becomes more and more apparent as we continue to approach the last days of “the last days.”

Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near. Revelation 1:3

As I am progressing through Revelation, I am being further convinced and convicted of the immense value this enigmatic, but powerful book has for believers in Jesus Christ. Revelation is a difficult book. It takes an extensive understanding of the first 65 books of the Bible to begin to grasp how all these matters are being “consummated” in Revelation. In short, it is the last book of the Bible for a reason.

One area that has been greatly neglected in the study of Revelation is the exhortations to the 7 churches of Asia Minor in chapters 2 and 3. These are the primary “application” portions of the book of Revelation. We are called by our Sovereign Master to hear and heed these things. In this article I want to briefly explore Jesus’ message to the church of Ephesus, as I believe it has profound implications for us as 21^st century believers.

The Commendation: “Intolerance”

The book of Revelation begins with the Risen King appearing to John in His glory. John is instructed to write matters to the 7 churches of Asia Minor. Each church has a different condition. Thus, various commendations and admonitions are given to the churches from their Lord. This section of the book begins with the church of Ephesus:

To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: “The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands. I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake, and you have not grown weary.” Revelation 2:1-3

Jesus is the One who “walks among the golden lampstands.” The lampstands symbolize the 7 churches (Revelation 1:20). Jesus is in their midst, both ready to commend righteousness and discipline disobedience. Jesus commends the church of Ephesus for their intolerance.

In our culture, the world “intolerance” is almost always pejorative. Yet, the church of Ephesus is given a commendation by the King because they did not tolerate “false apostles” and “those who are evil.” Although the particulars are not granted, the false apostles were surely bringing a message that did not correspond to the faith delivered once and for all to the saints. So we see in this text that both the quest and application of doctrinal purity is something that pleases the Lord. It is an endeavor that needs to be engaged by a faithful church.

The Admonition: “Abandoning Love”

Yet, not all things were well at the church in Ephesus. Jesus admonishes them regarding their leaving of their “first love”:

But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. Revelation 2:4-5

“First love” could either be referring to the love that they showed earlier in their walk or the leaving of the love that was of “first importance.” The context (vs. 5) and theological ramifications imply that both may be in view here. What is the “love” that is referred to here? Most probably this is speaking of “love for God and neighbor”—this love is of “first importance” (Mark 12:28-31). In their quest for doctrinal purity, they seemed to lessen their evangelistic zeal. Instead of standing as ambassadors for the Gospel and declaring the redemptive love of Jesus Christ, they had fallen. The answer here isn’t either/or, it is both/and. We are called to both doctrinal purity and living in love for God and neighbor by announcing the Gospel of Jesus Christ to a dying world and teaching the word of God to those that may be wandering from the truth. The church of Ephesus had fallen from this love, and if they did not repent Jesus was going to remove their “lampstand” entirely. Their opportunity for representation of Christ will be taken away, unless they repent. The call for them is to “repent and do the works they did at first.” They were called to return to active service in loving God and neighbor through living the Gospel-centric life, both in and outside the church.

Bridging Contexts

The church of Ephesus was commended for testing false apostles and not tolerating their teaching. Are there Christians and churches today that need to emulate the example of Ephesus in this manner? The church of Ephesus was also admonished for leaving their love of both God and neighbor, most probably by cloistering themselves, and separating themselves, not standing as God’s ambassadors and pleading with the world to “be reconciled to God.” Are there Christians and churches today that need to heed this admonition? To the informed believer who knows the lay of the contemporary Christian land, these questions answer themselves.

Start With Me, Lord

We must be careful. It is easy to look for the lack of these characteristics in others, while we come up short. In light of this, we need to hear our Lord’s commendations and admonitions and ask Him to start with us. We need to stand firm to remain doctrinally faithful in the midst of such deceptive times. In our efforts to contend for the faith we cannot become hardened to where we do not reach out, preach the Gospel to the world, and teach the Scriptures to those who may be wandering. If we fall into such a state, we are not loving God, who has commanded us to do such, and thus we are not loving our neighbor as well. In the words of Lord, we must “repent” if these virtues are lacking. Our prayer should echo David’s petition in Psalm 139:23-24:

Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!

About 5,000 years ago there was a global climate change. Eight humans entered an ark, and were preserved while the world was purged through water. The world today scoffs at the notion that this actually occurred. Furthermore, they find it even more incredulous that a similar event is fast approaching. The apostle Peter teaches the people of God the following in his second letter:

They will say, “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.” For they deliberately overlook this fact, that the heavens existed long ago, and the earth was formed out of water and through water by the word of God, and that by means of these the world that then existed was deluged with water and perished. 2 Peter 3:4-6

History will be repeated. The world will be judged, but not with water. The climate of this world is reserved for fire. This will not be fire produced by the natural means of war or atomic weapons — the Sovereign Lord needed no such means for the examples of Sodom and Gomorrah. Instead, through His own power, and angelic hosts, destruction will come upon this world. Note Peter’s continuing, inspired words:

But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly. 2 Peter 3:7

This is the “global warming” humans really need to be concerned about. God is holy. He is the creator – the owner of heaven and earth. One day, He will arise and purge this world through fire. Note what John writes in the book of Revelation and how it reflects Peter’s description of the coming judgment in the “Day of the Lord:”

The first angel blew his trumpet, and there followed hail and fire, mixed with blood, and these were thrown upon the earth. And a third of the earth was burned up, and a third of the trees were burned up, and all green grass was burned up. The second angel blew his trumpet, and something like a great mountain, burning with fire, was thrown into the sea, and a third of the sea became blood. A third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed. The third angel blew his trumpet, and a great star fell from heaven, blazing like a torch, and it fell on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water. The name of the star is Wormwood. A third of the waters became wormwood, and many people died from the water, because it had been made bitter. Revelation 8:7-11

These first three judgments are just the beginning of the systematic, unstoppable, end-times wrath of God that encompasses all facets of this world’s climate: the earth, the water, the skies, and the world’s inhabitants. This day is fixed. God has declared that this will surely come to pass. But in the midst of these descriptions of the coming time of judgment, the rays of hope and redemption shine through. Hear Peter’s exhortation:

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 2 Peter 3:9

The reason that this world has not yet met global judgment is because our God is patient. He is full of mercy and lovingkindness. He is saving a people from every tribe, nation, and tongue through the preaching of the good news: that Jesus Christ has died, is raised, and is returning. The only way to escape the coming wrath is to repent of our sins and turn in faith to the One who holds the keys of Death and Hades (Acts 2:28, 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10, Revelation 1:18).

The delay is for salvation. May our lives be saturated with the Gospel of Jesus Christ as we wait for His return. We know His return will be blessing and vindication for those who trust in Him and it will be terror and wrath for those who do not obey His Gospel. Paul teaches us in 2 Thessalonians 1 that His return will:

grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8

Though the world is going to be purged through fire, the “climate change” does not end there. In the wake of the systematic unstoppable wrath of God, culminating with the final conquest over the Antichrist and his minions (Revelation 19), this world will lay in ruins. We are eagerly looking for the new heavens and the new earth. This world will be renewed by the hands of the Sovereign Lord, and most importantly, justice and righteousness will reign:

Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn! But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.
2 Peter 2:11-13

Climate change is coming. Let’s be sure we are at peace with the One who will bring it to pass.

In the first chapter of Matthew we read the royal genealogy of Jesus. The Messianic credentials are established. Jesus is the descendant of Abraham, Judah, David, and Zerubbabel — highlighting the fulfillment of God’s promises throughout the Law and Prophets. But in the text we are introduced to a problem; a crisis:

Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. Matthew 1:18-19

Here is the crisis: Joseph resolved to divorce her. He believed she had been unfaithful. And since, as far as we know, there had never been a virgin conception prior to this, who can blame him? Joseph is described as being “just.” Even though Joseph and Mary were betrothed, this was considered binding in the first century Jewish culture. According to the law, Joseph could have had her stoned. But Joseph is described as being “just” by not wanting to openly shame her, and resolved to end the matter quietly. How is this “just”? Kenneth Bailey suggests that Isaiah’s “servant prophecy” of Isaiah 42:1-6 may be the source of this description of justice, which describes the coming “Servant” as bringing forth justice, though not “breaking a bruised reed” nor “quenching a dimly burning wick.” Bailey’s comments on this passage:

“Joseph looked beyond the penalties of the law in order to reach out with tenderness to a young woman who was no doubt bruised and exhausted. Perhaps he saw Mary as “a dimly burning wick.” The prophetic definition of justice required a compassionate con cern for the weak, the downtrodden and the outcasts in their need. In his dealings with Mary, Joseph acted out of this prophetic definition of justice. Without that prophetic understanding of justice embedded in Joseph’s mind, Jesus would not have been born. Joseph is, therefore, not a passive, mute figure. Rather, he acts as a strong, thoughtful person whose bold decision at a point of crisis saves the life of the mother and her unborn child.”1

Yet, the crisis of Joseph “putting away” Mary needed to be averted. If Joseph did not take Mary as his wife, the royal line would not reach the Son. So God in his sovereign wisdom and mercy intervened:

But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet. “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus. Matthew 1:20-25

Joseph obeyed. His just actions preserved the life of the mother and her Child. He listened to the angels amazing announcement of the good news and proceeded to take Mary as His wife. Thus, through God’s sovereign orchestration the child in Mary’s womb became the heir to the promises. Joseph was given the indelible privilege of giving the Messiah his name, the name by which every knee will bow: “And he called his name Jesus.”

The Father has orchestrated His sovereign symphony of salvation history. To the called: It is marvelous in our eyes. Through the person and work of Jesus the Messiah, the promise to Abraham, that in his descendant all the nations would be blessed, is fulfilled. We who repent and believe are saved from our sins and have peace with God through the Gospel of Jesus Christ, regardless of ethnicity. We bow before the risen King, acknowledging Him as Lord and Christ. We should reflect on the justice of Joseph and seek to emulate his example. Yet, the most important implication to remember is this: Jesus is no longer a baby. The Word made flesh grew to a man and willingly went to the cross to save His people from their sins. He is now the risen King who, though once laid in an animal trough, will one day appear in the sky revealing Himself in glory as the eternal King. In the “season of peace,” we do well to ask “Am I at peace with Him?”

(1) Kenneth E. Bailey, Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes, (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2008) 44.

Earlier this month, I was blessed to attend a breakfast with Jerry Bridges. For those unfamiliar with this man, he has worked with the Navigators for nearly 50 years and is widely known for his writings on sanctification. In 1978 he wrote a bestselling book titled “The Pursuit of Holiness.” He followed up this work with titles such as “The Practice of Godliness,” “The Discipline of Grace” and “Respectable Sins.” In a small group setting, Mr. Bridges gave us a stirring message from the Scriptures and we had ample time to interact with him. While there were many memorable moments, two matters really “hit their mark,” stirring me to remembrance to how I need to pursue conformity to the image of Christ.

I. Pursue Sanctification Because Of The Gospel

Bridges preaches and teaches Gospel-driven sanctification. The call of conformity to the image of Christ is given throughout the Scriptures. However, it becomes easy for us to become, in Bridge’s words, “duty-driven” rather than “gospel-driven.” To further define, we often see the pursuit of sanctification as something we must do to earn or remain in God’s favor. This thought may be a subtle thought in the believer’s mind. Yet, we still can fall into this erroneous way of thinking. Bridges clearly and boldly established that we are called to pursue conformity to the image of Christ because we are saved. We are totally pure in the eyes of God because what Christ has done on the cross. We are totally secure in the love of God because of what Christ is doing right now—interceding for us at God right hand. We are destined for the resurrection because of His promise to raise us up with Christ when He returns. These are the truths that should be spurring us on to good works, and causing us to pursue holiness. A Scriptural passage that teaches this truth is Romans 12:1. After declaring the glorious truths of salvation by grace through faith throughout the first eleven chapters, the apostle Paul exhorts believers:

Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.

At the time of our breakfast, Mr. Bridges was on the threshold of his 80th birthday. At a time when most people in our culture are long retired, this man is traveling the globe, preaching the Gospel and teaching the word. Yet as he spoke, Mr. Bridges frequently noted his continuing struggle with sin. There have been times in the past I would (wrongly) assume that by the time the body reaches its elderly state, the deeds of the flesh will have been brought to the point of a virtual non-existence. My time with Mr. Bridges reminded me of this subtle, misguided notion. Sin is intensive. The closer we get to our Savior, the more we see the depths of our own sinfulness. Romans chapter 8 teaches our continual contention with corruption.

So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh—for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live. (Romans 8:12-13)

While we walk the way to glory, this text declares our ongoing battle: we must always be “putting to death the deed of the body.” This contention will not reach its end until we are with the Lord. Therefore, may we all gird ourselves with the expectation of conflict with sin in order to be faithfully contending until we enter His glory.

Running The Race

For those of us who believe in the person and work of Jesus Christ, our beloved King has saved us, secured us and destined us for the resurrection. He has lived the perfect life and our sins were nailed to cross. “Sin had left a crimson stain, and He washed us white as snow.” We are guaranteed to finish the race—our risen Lord has provided everything we need. And more than this, He is the One that will carry us across the finish line by His all sufficient power. I was both humbled and motivated by Mr. Bridges message that morning. May these biblical principles be fixed in the hearts of all those who love Jesus Christ, as we eagerly await the return of our King.

Our Submission

The first seven verses of Romans 13 are foundational for understanding how Christians (and all men) are to relate to the governing authorities. Paul declares in Romans 13:1-2, Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities for there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. Like marriage, God created the institution of human government and in every age and every nation, He has established the authorities that exist. Daniel 2:20-21a confirms this saying, Let the name of God be blessed forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to Him. It is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings. We are to submit to the governing authorities for in doing so we are submitting to God who is the source of all authority. Interestingly, the Roman government that was ruling when Paul wrote Romans was an oppressive, pagan, totalitarian empire that believed Caesar was divine. Nevertheless, Paul does not make submission to government conditional based on the manner in which they rule. Thus, our submission should (and must) be withheld only when the authorities command us to do something God forbids or forbid us from doing something God commands.

Paul continues in Roman 13:3-5 saying, For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience’ sake. Governments are not only ministers for good but also God’s agent of wrath to punish those who do wrong. This should cause us to be thankful for civil government as even wicked governments act as restrainers of human evil. Regarding what a society without government might be like, the 19th century Scottish preacher Robert Haldane said, “Without the powerful obstacle presented by civil government to the selfish and malignant passions of men, it would be better to live among the beasts of the forest than in human society.” (An Exposition of the Epistle to the Romans [MacDill AFB, Florida: MacDonald Publishing Co., n.d.], p. 581)

Paul finishes this section of Romans 13 by telling us to render to all what is due them whether tax, custom, fear or honor. However, as we’ll see, these are not the only debts we owe those in authority.

Our Intercession

Paul says in 1 Timothy 2:1-2, First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This command may be difficult to obey, depending on your opinion of those in government and how they govern. Unlike failing to publicly submit to government, which often brings punishment, failing to intercede for civil rulers may be done without fear of their retribution. Consequently, many of us who would never consider rebelling publicly against the authorities, do so privately by failing to make intercession for them. We should follow the example of our Master who lives to make intercession according to Hebrews 7:25, Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. Additionally, Paul tells us that we should be thankful for human governments. Though they are not perfect, as nothing administered by fallen men can be, we are far better off with them than without. May we, with great joy and gratitude, intercede regularly for the governing authorities that God has established. In doing so, let us never forget that, ultimately, we trust not in kings or lords, but in the King of kings and Lord of lords.

Our Blessed Hope

Only time will tell if America’s current political path leads to prosperity or ruin. However, regardless of what the near future holds for the United States, the fate of every nation in existence when the Antichrist comes to power will be the same—join him or be conquered by him. In light of this, we should commit ourselves to endeavors that will bear eternal fruit as we submit to and intercede for the governing authorities. As we do, let us rejoice knowing that the day is coming when our glorious Lord shall return to establish His kingdom in perfect justice and righteousness. We will then be eternally free of fallen, sinful legislatures and politicians as we reign with our conquering King forever. Until then, may we live obedient, peaceable, Gospel-centered lives continually looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus (Titus 2:13).

While the previous “Misapplied Scripture” articles have dealt with verses that are often used out of context by those professing a faith in Christ, this is a verse that is often used by those who have made no such profession, or in some cases they have only very recently made such a profession. Nevertheless, it is a verse that is commonly misapplied, so I wish to address it here.

As with any verse, this one must be taken within its context. Normally I advise, at the very least, to read a verse within the chapter that contains it. In this case, such an approach would be adequate, but not optimal. Chapter seven of Matthew’s Gospel comes as the third of three chapters detailing the famous Sermon on the Mount¹. This chapter is especially Gospel-centric.

I’ll begin by showing verse one in conjunction with the following verse: Do not judge so that you will not be judged. For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you (emphasis mine.)

Verse one doesn’t exhort Christians not to judge, but rather to keep their judgments fair, honest, and consistent. Because the Christian understands the Gospel, which at the most basic level states that in order to inherit eternal life one must repent of his sins and trust that the sacrifice made by Jesus our Savior on the cross is sufficient to pay the penalty for sins, it is fair, honest, and consistent to hold others to the standard of the Gospel.

By stating what Jesus did in verses one and two, Jesus was also rebuking the standards of Pharisaical Judaism, which demanded an impossible righteousness from the laity, while the leadership was corrupt to the core. Jesus was rebuking those who imposed a “do what I say, not what I do” standard on others. The apostle Paul clarifies this nicely in Romans 2:1, where he says: Therefore you have no excuse, everyone of you who passes judgment, for in that which you judge another, you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things (emphasis mine.)

Not only does Jesus not command us never to judge, looking at the greater context of the New Testament we find that He often commands the Christian to make judgments. For example, later in chapter seven, beginning with verse fifteen, Jesus instructs us to beware of false prophets. How are we to beware of false prophets if we are not permitted to judge them false in the first place? He goes on to explain that bad fruit comes from a bad tree. If the fruit of a prophet is unbecoming of a believer in Christ, it is not only safe to judge him false, we are commanded by our Lord to do so.

If Matthew 7:15-20 is not enough to convince the reader, John 7:24 should be. In John’s Gospel, Jesus states: Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment²(emphasis mine.)

Furthermore, in Luke 12:57, Jesus says: And why do you not even on your own initiative judge what is right?

The apostle Paul magnifies the fact that righteous judgment is not forbidden. In 1 Corinthians 6:1-3, he says: Does any one of you, when he has a case against his neighbor, dare to go to law before the unrighteous and not before the saints? Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? If the world is judged by you, are you not competent to constitute the smallest law courts? Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more matters of this life?

So we see that judgment is not forbidden by scriptures as many non-Christians familiar with Matthew 7:1 would like to believe. Rather, judgment should be done in righteousness. The whole of scripture, among other things, is written to equip the believer to correctly judge right from wrong. Where the scriptures are silent, we as believers should be silent (for example, the scriptures are silent on participation in sports activities, therefore there is no basis to condemn one who enjoys playing (or watching) baseball.) However, where the scriptures are clear, we are to rebuke, reprove, and call others to repentance; and we are to be willing to be held to the same standard we hold others to.

In addition to scriptural arguments regarding judgment, it is also reasonable to appeal to logic. In this case, it is fair to point out to the non-Christian who says that it’s wrong to judge that their statement is itself a judgment. It is self-contradictory, logically fallacious.

Supplementary to describing how this verse is misquoted and misapplied, I would like to discuss the primary reason it is misused so often. The scriptures teach that men hate righteousness and love darkness. Exposing the darkness in their lives pricks their consciences, typically evoking wrath. They do not want their deeds to be judged in any way because they love their sin more than they love their own lives, and don’t want to be reminded of where their sins will lead them. However, even if we disobey our Lord and remain silent, they are left without excuse. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. (Romans 1:18-21)

These people need the Gospel. The kind of rebuke that we Christians would offer each other is offensive to them. To the Christian, proper rebuke and instruction in the Word of God is as precious as fine jewelry, but to those who despise the Word of God, rebuke is received in much the same way as hurled stones. Don’t waste your time treating them the way you would a fellow believer. For Jesus said: “Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.” (Matthew 7:6) Instead, plant the seed of the Gospel, pray that it take root, and move on to other business.

I’ll conclude the way I always do, by exhorting the reader to consider the context of every verse in the Bible. No verse is given in a vacuum. At the very least, read the chapter that the verse is contained in, but ideally read a chapter or two before and a chapter or two after. Also consider the greater context. Consider Matthew 7:1 in the larger context of the four Gospels at one level, but also the New Testament at another level.

In addition, consider the logic of how the verse is being applied. If the statement contradicts itself, as the application of this verse often does, the application must be wrong.

“The Last Days” – The Pouring out of the Spirit

In Acts chapter 2, we read of a climactic event in salvation history. Jesus has been raised from the dead, appeared to His followers, and instructed them to wait in Jerusalem. The promise of power from on high was about to come. On the day of Pentecost, 50 days after Jesus was raised from the dead, the Holy Spirit was poured out upon all who believed in Jesus of Nazareth. They began speaking in various tongues, pointing to the truth that this was the fulfillment of God’s promise proclaimed through the prophet Joel. The apostle Peter, full of the Holy Spirit, announced:

“Men of Judea and all you who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you and give heed to my words. For these men are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only the third hour of the day; but this is what was spoken of through the prophet Joel:” ‘AND IT SHALL BE IN THE LAST DAYS,’ God says, ‘THAT I WILL POUR FORTH OF MY SPIRIT ON ALL MANKIND; AND YOUR SONS AND YOUR DAUGHTERS SHALL PROPHESY, AND YOUR YOUNG MEN SHALL SEE VISIONS, AND YOUR OLD MEN SHALL DREAM DREAMS; EVEN ON MY BONDSLAVES, BOTH MEN AND WOMEN, I WILL IN THOSE DAYS POUR FORTH OF MY SPIRIT And they shall prophesy. ‘AND I WILL GRANT WONDERS IN THE SKY ABOVE AND SIGNS ON THE EARTH BELOW, BLOOD, AND FIRE, AND VAPOR OF SMOKE. ‘THE SUN WILL BE TURNED INTO DARKNESS AND THE MOON INTO BLOOD, BEFORE THE GREAT AND GLORIOUS DAY OF THE LORD SHALL COME. ‘AND IT SHALL BE THAT EVERYONE WHO CALLS ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED.’ “Men of Israel, listen to these words: Jesus the Nazarene, a man attested to you by God with miracles and wonders and signs which God performed through Him in your midst, just as you yourselves know – this Man, delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death. But God raised Him up again, putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power.”

Acts 2:14-24

Peter proclaimed to his contemporaries that they were witnessing evidence that the “last days” (2:17) were upon them. Peter notes two “signs” of the “last days” drawn from the prophet Joel: 1) God pouring out His spirit on all flesh, and, 2) the darkening of the celestial bodies. It is my belief that these two events are “bookends” of the last days; the first signaling the inception of the last days (the pouring out of the Spirit), the last signaling their consummation (the signs in the sun, moon, and stars. See Matt. 24:29, Rev. 6:12). Also note the content of Peter’s proclamation: the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is through the proclamation of the Gospel that the Spirit is calling people to Christ and anointing them with His power.

“The Last Hour” – The Arrival of Antichrists

In the epistle of 1 John, the beloved apostle teaches, like Luke in Acts, that all believers are anointed with the Holy Spirit (1 John 2:20). But while there are genuine anointed ones, those who believe in the person and work of Christ, there are also false anointed ones. John labels these people who deny Jesus’ uniqueness “antichrists”. And since there are “antichrists” among us, this is also a sign that we are living in “the last hour.”

Children, it is the last hour; and just as you heard that antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have appeared; from this we know that it is the last hour.

1 John 2:18

John exhorts the children of God to know it is “the last hour.” Not only has the true Christ come and conquered through His death and resurrection, but false christs have arrived seeking to draw hearts and minds away from the only One who can truly bring peace between God and humans.

So the “last days” were inaugurated with the first coming of Christ. The “last days” will be consummated by His second coming. With these texts understood, we can confidently know that we are living in the “last days.” This time will consist of God pouring out His Spirit upon all nations through the preaching of the Gospel. It will also consist of false anointed ones arising, seeking to draw hearts away from the unique Anointed One – Jesus Christ. We currently stand in this significant era. What Peter and John spoke of, we continue to behold today. We see the Spirit gathering the King’s people from all tribes, nations, and tongues, through the preaching of the gospel. We experience the continual contention of “antichrists” who seek to usurp Jesus position as the only unique “anointed one.” And as John declared, the ultimate Antichrist will arise in the “last days of the last days.” So what are we called to do with the impending consummation of the “last days?”

Our Continual Calling: Watch!

The day and hour of the Lord’s return has not been revealed to us. Whether He delays or comes sooner than we think, our calling is clear. We are to “watch.” Our King Himself instructs us:

“Be on guard, so that your hearts will not be weighted down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of life, and that day will not come on you suddenly like a trap; for it will come upon all those who dwell on the face of all the earth.”

Luke 21:34-35

We are to watch ourselves, our lives, and our practice. We are to watch for the signs which our Lord has revealed (Matthew 24:32). We must avoid placing ourselves under the deceptively intoxicating pleasures of this world. If this happens, we will become deceived and that day “may come upon us suddenly like a trap.” Instead, we are called to continually engage in fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of faith (Hebrews 12:3). Through devoting ourselves to His word, prayer, and fellowship, we will be well prepared as we “see the day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:25).

“Where did you come up with the name for your ministry, “Signet Ring”?

This is a commonly asked question when people are first introduced to our ministry. In order to understand where the name comes from, and why we chose it to represent the mission of our ministry, I invite you to learn some biblical theology.

The Curse of Jeconiah

A while back, I was in the middle of doing research for some expositional work, and I ran across an argument against Jesus’ credentials as the Messiah. For me this was rare—someone using the Old Testament to attempt to discredit Jesus’ claim as the Christ. An anti-missionary website cited Jeremiah 22:30 as evidence that Jesus could not be the Messiah:

“Thus says the LORD, ‘Write this man down childless, a man who will not prosper in his days; for no man of his descendants will prosper sitting on the throne of David or ruling again in Judah.’”

This text is referring to Jeconiah (a.k.a. Coniah and Johoiachin), one of Judah’s Kings. In light of this text, anti-missionaries are quick to cite Matthew 1:12 where Jeconiah is listed in Jesus genealogy. They argue that since none of Jeconiah’s descendants will prosper on the throne of David, this disqualifies Jesus as the Messiah. So how are we, who believe that Jesus of Nazareth is Israel’s Messiah, and our Savior, to respond to this?

Taking Every Thought Captive

The evidence supporting Jesus’ claim as the Eternal King is overwhelmingly compelling. I was convinced that this “problem” presented by those seeking to discredit Him was built on sand. When confronted with this argument, I was motivated to address this challenge with intellectual honesty, but also Christian tenacity. Paul’s calling in 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 fueled this desire:

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.”

The way to understand the “Jeconiah problem,” and its resolution, is recognizing a key term in the context of the curse of Jeconiah. That term is “signet ring.”

“As I live,” declares the LORD, “even though Coniah the son of Jehoiakim king of Judah were a signet ring on My right hand, yet I would pull you off.” (Jeremiah 22:24)

What was a signet ring? In ancient times, a king or a noble would wear a ring. This ring acted as a stamp. When issuing decrees, commandments, and resolutions, the king would seal the scroll with clay or wax with the royal signet or emblem authenticating the message. Jeconiah was a “signet ring” on the LORD’s right hand, and God plucked him off. Jeconiah was of the Davidic line and God was pronouncing the end of his kingship and representation of God to Israel. Did this forever end the royal line of Davidic kings? The answer, found even within the Old Testament is “No!” God had established that the eternal King would come from the house of David. Just two persons after Jeconiah’s presence in Jesus’ genealogy, there is an individual named Zerubbabel.

“After the deportation to Babylon: Jeconiah became the father of Shealtiel, and Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel.” (Matthew 1:12)

This text indeed lists Jeconiah (another name for “Coniah” who was cursed in Jeremiah 22:30) as an ancestor of Jesus. But we have to remember to read the whole counsel of God when considering theological arguments. This very text, Matthew 1:12, also lists Zerubbabel as Jesus ancestor. Let’s read what the Lord declares regarding Zurubbabel. Be on the alert for some familiar terminology:

“‘On that day,’ declares the LORD of hosts, ‘I will take you, Zerubbabel, son of Shealtiel, My servant,’ declares the LORD, ‘and I will make you like a signet ring, for I have chosen you,’” declares the LORD of hosts.’” (Haggai 2:23)

This language is telling. Whereas, Jeconiah was figuratively God’s “signet ring,” one who carried His name and purposes, he was “plucked off” because of unfaithfulness. Zurabbabel, Jeconiah’s grandson, was declared God’s servant and would become a “signet ring,” continuing to carry the royal Davidic dynasty. Even early rabbinical writings confirm that Zurababbel was believed to have been chosen by God to re-establish the Davidic dynasty. Therefore, the Messiah would come from Zurubabbel.

The Scepter and the Signet Ring: Fulfilled in Jesus

In Genesis 49, Jacob bestows promises and prophecies regarding His posterity. To Judah, a royal promise was given:

“The scepter shall not depart from Judah, Nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, Until Shiloh comes, And to him shall be the obedience of the peoples.” (Genesis 49:10)

Jesus holds the Scepter of Judah. He is the final, eternal King of the Davidic dynasty. And He is the heir to the re-established promise proclaimed to Zerubabbel (Matthew 1:1-12).

Thus, the name “signet ring,” became our banner. Not only does this name remind us of God’s faithfulness to preserve His promises, but it calls us to consider what our mission is as His church. Jesus is God’s signet ring. He is the ultimate One—who carries the authority of God, indeed is God incarnate, being the eternal King of the Davidic dynasty. It is our duty to go forth and “leave His mark” through preaching and teaching about His person and work. Recall the “great commission:”

“And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’” (Matthew 28:18-20)

We go forth in this commission with great confidence, because it was delivered by the One who has “all authority in heaven and on earth.” It was delivered by God’s Signet Ring.

Note: This article is a short primer on the “Jeconiah problem” and its solution. Look for an extended article later in the year that further addresses the many issues evident in this complex biblical passage.

A few years ago an area pastor took out advertisements in one of our local Christian periodicals. These ads issued both a proclamation and a challenge: “Christians are required to observe the Sabbath on Saturdays, and I invite anyone to debate me on this subject.” The challenge was eventually accepted and I proceeded to attend the public debate. At the time of this debate I was engaged in expository work on both Galatians and Hebrews. As I listened to these two men debate the issues, I compared their views to what I was learning through my studies. What struck me was this: the theological issues that the first century church struggled against are just as pressing 2,000 years later.

Perhaps you have read the commands to observe the Sabbath in the Old Testament and asked yourself: “How does this command apply to me?” The history of biblical interpretation has produced several answers to this question. Many teach that Christians are called to keep the Sabbath, in the sense that the Old Covenant commands (i.e. no work on the seventh day of the week [Saturday]). These teachers are quick to point out that Sabbath keeping is one of the “Ten Commandments.” They argue: “Since we believe that the commands against murder, stealing, and adultery are still binding, why should we think the command of Sabbath keeping has been abolished?”¹)

In this article I will demonstrate that the New Testament teaches that true “Sabbath rest” is not found through obeying an Old Covenant ordinance, but rather through trusting in the person and finished work of Jesus Christ. Since the teaching of the New Testament is primary, let us now explore the teaching of Christ and His commissioned apostles regarding the place of the Sabbath in the Christian life.

Entering True Sabbath Rest

The first text we will interact with is in the book of Hebrews. The entire thrust of the book of Hebrews is to exhort Christians to remain in the perfect, completed work of Jesus Christ and not return to the elements of the Mosaic Covenant. In fact, the Messiah and his work are described as being greater than all that was held dear under the Old Covenant: Moses, the priesthood, angels, sacrifices, and the Sabbath. In chapter four of this epistle we are granted keen insight into the New Covenant view of “Sabbath.”

The precept of “the Sabbath” is related by the Spirit-led author to the promise of entering God’s eternal, enduring rest. He declares that those who refuse to listen to God’s word of salvation will never enter (see 3:11, 19) and those who listen and believe the message brought by His Son have already entered. He writes:

Therefore, let us fear if, while a promise remains of entering His rest, any one of you may seem to have come short of it. For indeed we have had good news preached to us, just as they also; but the word they heard did not profit them, because it was not united by faith in those who heard. For we who have believed enter that rest. (Hebrews 4:1-3a)

Consider that the means of entering God’s “Sabbath rest” is belief. The faithful are at rest, not through the works of the Law, but rather through faith in Jesus. The author of Hebrews continues to note “the Sabbath” rest that we find in the New Covenant: “So there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God. For the one who has entered His rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from His” (Hebrews 4:9-10). The Sabbath day observance, like the Old Covenant sacrifices and the priesthood, pointed towards the day when God’s people would find rest for their weary souls through the power of the cross. Jesus fulfilled the Law and we who believe have entered true Sabbath rest.

In light of these precepts, we must always remember Paul’s exhortation to the Colossian church, who were being troubled by those who advocated a return to the elements of the Old Covenant:

Therefore no one is to act as your judge in regard to food or drink or in respect to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath day – things which are a mere shadow of what is to come; but the substance belongs to Christ. (Colossians 2:16-17)

These are powerfully instructive words. The elements of the Old Covenant were shadows of the Savior. Since the substance, Jesus, has come and fulfilled the Law, we dare not return to the shadows.

In a related text, Paul, in writing to the Galatians, was so distressed by those who were returning to elements of the Old Covenant rather than remaining in the simplicity of faith in Christ, he severely admonished them, stating:

But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how is it that you turn back again to the weak and worthless elemental things, to which you desire to be enslaved all over again? You observe days and months and seasons and years. I fear for you, that perhaps I have labored over you in vain. (Galatians 4:9-11)²

We are warned not to return to the shadows of the Old Covenant, or fear those who would judge us for not observing them. Instead, our fear should be directed elsewhere. The author of Hebrews continues: “Let us fear if, while a promise remains of entering His rest, any one of you may seem to have come short of it” (Hebrews 4:1).

When we consider the intent of the book of Hebrews and its implications, we encounter a subtle irony. We, as readers, are warned to not return to the elements of the Old Covenant because of the great salvation that has arrived, superseding the Mosaic Law (see Hebrews 1:1-3, 3:1-6, 8:6). If one adheres to observing the Sabbath as a necessary means of being at peace with God, they are falling short of entering His rest.³ They have become “Sabbath-breakers” because they have not entered true rest through belief in the terms of the New Covenant established by Christ and His apostles. On the other hand, those who believe in Christ and His work alone as the way to peace with God have entered the eternal rest brought about by His blood. By His grace, these are the true “Sabbath-keepers.” That, is irony.

Saturday, Sunday, Any Day?

Given the centuries of Jewish tradition preceding the coming of Christ, it is not surprising that this teaching of the New Testament caused great controversy in the Jewish culture of the time. As the controversy crept its way into the church, questions arose: When should we worship? How should we view those who set aside a specific day for worship? How should we view those who see all days alike? These questions have continued to be asked throughout the age of the church, and have received a wide range of answers.

In Romans 14, the Apostle Paul answered these inquiries in this way:

Who are you to judge the servant of another? To his own master he stands or falls; and he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand. One person regards one day above another, another regards every day alike. Each person must be fully convinced in his own mind. (Romans 14:4-5)⁴

If Paul wanted to command mandatory Sabbath keeping for New Covenant Christians, this was the perfect place to do so. One of the issues he addressed in this text was “regarding one day above another” referring to days of worship. Yet rather than command a specific, binding day of worship, the Apostle, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, established something different: Freedom in worship under the New Covenant.

Some time ago in a debate about mandatory Sabbath keeping, I challenged my opponent with this passage and its implications. He replied: “Peter tells us that Paul often writes things that are hard to understand. This passage is one of them.”⁵ While his comment was cleverly elusive, his response spoke volumes: He had no good answer to this text.

Sunday “Sabbath?”

Beyond teaching that there is no mandatory Saturday Sabbath observance under the New Covenant, this text also implies there is no mandatory Sunday “Sabbath.” Some have answered the Sabbath question by asserting that the Sabbath has been moved from Saturday to Sunday in light of Jesus’ resurrection. An example of this is the so-called “Puritan Sabbath.” M. James Sawyer explains some of its dynamics:

The Puritans established a Christian Sabbath (Sunday) during which Christians must “not only observe an holy rest, all the day, from their own works, words, and thoughts about their worldly employments and recreations, but also are taken up, the whole time, in the public and private exercises of [God’s] worship and the duties of necessity and mercy.” The Puritans saw this Sabbath as binding and honored it with the utmost seriousness. In fact, they believed so strongly in Sabbath adherence that they thought natural disasters resulted from a lack of obedience.⁶

To address this teaching, it is significant to note that there is no text in the New Testament where the authors equate the first day of the week (Sunday or “the Lord’s day”) with the Sabbath. When this is considered along with Paul’s teaching regarding days of worship in Romans 14, it is well established that there is no binding command to New Covenant believers to worship on a specific day. Instead, Christians are given freedom in the Gospel to gather and worship according to their conscience. Yet, do not misunderstand, it is essential that we worship and gather, “not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:25) Yet, under the New Covenant, we are free as to when we engage in worship, and are called to not impose our personal conscience upon others. If a community desires to gather, rest, and worship on Saturday, they are free to do so. The same applies to Sunday. The perilous practice we need to avoid is mandating that all Christians must observe a specific day.

Resting in Jesus’ Perfect Work

Many hearts become troubled by those who advocate the need for a Christian to observe the Old Covenant Sabbath. Misguided teachings such as the following do such:

The overwhelming evidence of the Bible and history proves that the Seventh day Sabbath—Saturday today—is the true day of rest and worship of God. God puts His presence into that day. He fellowships with His people on that day, as well as, the annual holy days which, He has commanded to be observed in worship of Him. Now that you have this knowledge and God holds you responsible for it, what will you do? Jesus Christ commands, “Repent and believe the Gospel.” Will you repent sins [sic] and turn to God, or will you continue in your sins? Your eternal life, or eternal death is at stake.⁷

On the contrary, we must never allow such distorted views of salvation to eclipse our view of Jesus’ perfect, finished work.

Whenever I have debated the “Sabbath” issue with those who believe we are required to observe it to be pleasing to God, I am grieved by their focus: Jesus and his perfect work are minimized and in its stead is a misplaced zeal for the Law of Moses. We well remember that:

What the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. (Romans 8:3-4)

Since our King has come and fulfilled the Law, we need to continue to rely on Him for salvation, sanctification, and security. When we meet people who condemn us as not pleasing to God because we do not obey the Old Covenant Sabbath observance, we should announce to them the Gospel of grace and keep our eyes fixed on the all sufficient Savior. We will then know what it means to heed Jesus’ invitation:

Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Matthew 11:28-29)

End Notes

1. The short, proper answer to this objection is that the whole Law is fulfilled in Christ and His work. We who believe then proceed to live our lives according to His word through the teaching of the New Covenant.
2. De Lacey rightly concludes regarding this passage: “The situation seems to have been that Paul viewed any attempt to impose Sabbath keeping (or indeed the keeping of any regular festivals of the Jewish or astrological calendars) upon Gentiles as wrong, and any tendency on the part of converts to submit to this coercion as a retrograde step.” D.C. Delacy, “The Sabbath/Sunday Question and the Law in the Pauline Corpus” in From Sabbath to Lord’s Day: A Biblical, Historical, and Theological Investigation, ed. D.A. Carson (Eugene: Wipf and Stock, 1999) 181.
3. In the book of Galatians, Paul makes a parallel point. Those who are preaching (and receiving) a different gospel than “Paul’s Gospel,” are anathematized because they have insisted on the necessity of receiving circumcision for justification (Galatians 1:6-9, 5:1-4). As noted above, the Sabbath is implicated in Galatians as well.
4. “The balance of probability, then, is in favor of the Sabbath being included in the days of Romans 14:5. Paul allows that the keeping of such days is purely a matter of individual conscience.” De Lacey, 182.
5. The passage he was alluding to was 2 Peter 3:16.
6. M. James Sawyer, The Survivor’s Guide to Theology, (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2006) 323. It is notable that the much of Puritan thought had the view that they were the “New Israel” with this producing “replacement theology” in portions of their doctrine and practice. Thus, “Sunday Sabbath” replacing “Saturday Sabbath” is part of this paradigm.
7. www.cbcg.org/true_sabbath_4.htm accessed October 1, 2007.