SIN IS NOT INHERITED, IT IS COMMITTED

 "If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God."

I Peter 4:11

We owe a debt of gratitude to the Puritan trailblazers as well as the Bible Translators and Reformers of the 1500s and 1600s who fought their way out of the darkness of Church tradition and deeply rooted false doctrines. Our affection for many of these heroes is understandable. However, it is no honor or tribute we pay them when we cling to any of their errors. One such error that they almost universally retained was the poisonous belief that all men are born sinners because of Adam's sin. From cover to cover, the Scriptures call out to us with the powerful truth that exposes that error. Please consider with me an analysis of what is called "original sin."

I am amazed at how many of the commentaries, Bible dictionaries, and lexicons are slanted by Protestant theology.  As I read and analyze some of them, I cannot help but be alarmed since many use them as tools.  I am not going to deny that some of them are good and useful and that not all of them accept all the concepts of Calvinism. Still, there are presuppositions running throughout their commentaries that are deeply embedded in many of their conclusions.  One can significantly benefit from them, but it is vital to discern Truth from error.

"But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good"  (I Thess. 5:21).

Notice what one Bible Dictionary says regarding "original sin."

"Original sin. "Our first parents being the root of all mankind, the guilt of their sin was imputed, and the same death in sin and corrupted nature were conveyed to all their posterity, descending from them by ordinary generation." Adam was constituted by God the federal head and representative of all his posterity, as he was also their natural head, and therefore when he fell they fell with him (Rom. 5:12-21; 1 Cor. 15:22-45). His probation was their probation, and his fall their fall. Because of Adam's first sin all his posterity came into the world in a state of sin and condemnation, i.e., (1) a state of moral corruption, and (2) of guilt, as having judicially imputed to them the guilt of Adam's first sin. "Original sin" is frequently and properly used to denote only the moral corruption of their whole nature inherited by all men from Adam."  

 I.   CALVINISM AND ADAM:  MAN IS BORN IN SIN

"But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death"  (James 1:14-15).

The primary basis of Calvinism and Denominationalism is the doctrine called "original sin." They claim that man is hereditarily born a sinner with a corrupt nature, i.e., that man inherits Adam's sin and has no free will. This is the Doctrine of Total Hereditary Depravity. The word "total" means all, full, complete. "Hereditary" means that one receives, inherits it from the parents. In this case, it means from Adam, therefore, Adam's original sin.  The word "depravity" means bad, evil, wickedness, lawlessness. Thus, each person born is born totally, utterly sinful. Since man is born a sinner with a corrupt nature, he is not able to believe in God. Thus, God has to do everything for him, and He has to elect those that He wants to be saved. They imply that Christ died only for the elect and that the Holy Spirit has to touch their hearts miraculously (to regenerate them) so that they can believe and be born again. This doctrine implies that man can do nothing to be free from his sad state of depravity, for he is totally inactive in his redemption. So the "enabling force" of the Holy Spirit must regenerate the sinner before he responds to the calling of the Gospel. According to them, this "direct action or working of the Holy Spirit" takes place without the individual's will, election, or choice. Those who teach the doctrine of original sin, total depravity, corrupt nature, unconditional election, limited atonement, irresistible grace, etc. do not speak according to the oracles of God (I Peter 4:11). The doctrine of original sin and sinful nature is one of Satan's most powerful and deceitful tools used in the deception of mankind.

From Genesis to the book of Revelation, the Bible clearly teaches that all men have free will and that they’re morally responsible or accountable before God for their sins. The Word of God explicitly teaches that "Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law" (I John 3:4). There is no Bible Scripture that shows that sin is inherited, or that one is born in sin, a sinner. This is nothing but one of Satan’s biggest lies or false doctrines (1 Tim. 4:1) to deceive all men about sin and his accountability before his Creator. Satan's ministers (2 Corinthians 11:15) teach that man’s sins are so great and so bad that the only explanation for it is that they are born depraved (sinful nature). The practical consequence of the original sin false teaching is that sins are reduced, and the guilt for personal sin is transferred to our ancestors. And that man sins because that is his sinful nature; therefore, he must do it. This, of course, gives them license to sin. These false concepts contradict the Bible from cover to cover on man's responsibility, accountability to his Creator! 

In Genesis 3:16-19, we see the consequences of Adam and Eve’s sin without any reference to an “original sin” that was to be inherited by Adam’s descendants. Such a fallacious concept contradicts all that the Bible teaches on the subject of sin! The Word of God never claims that because Adam sinned, he had a sinful nature. Much less does it say that all descendants after him had inherited such a sinful nature.

Indeed, Satan has always persuaded the carnal man to blame others for his sins.  And since Adam sinned, all his descendants also sinned, and all men inherit the supposed sinful nature of Adam. Thus, man is not morally responsible since he cannot choose between good and evil. According to this false doctrine, everyone (all mankind) is born sinful.  All babies are born utterly corrupt, depraved of all righteousness, and incapable of having a pure heart.  And he sins because he is a sinner and cannot help it.  And it is human to sin. This is what is called “original sin.”  That is why some (like the Catholics) practice "infant baptism," which, of course, is not in any sense Biblical or ordained by God.  Rather they make fun of the teachings of the New Testament over baptism, which is the immersion in water (for the sinner) for the forgiveness of his sins (Acts 2:38).

Satan has always made things chaotic for the Lord’s church.  He used the famous “St. Augustine,” the son of a Christian mother and pagan father.  He lived an immoral life searching for the most suitable path through several philosophies.  After his mother had died, he converted in 387 AD.  He became a monk and eventually the bishop of Hippo in northern Africa.  He was impressed with the moral depravity of man, which he believed to be inborn (influenced by his experiences and philosophy).  He also believed that the elect were predestined by God to obtain salvation.  He wrote a book named “Confessions,” where he retells his life story.  He is one of the most influential writers and teachers of the vast world of Catholicism/Protestantism.  He taught that because of Adam’s sin, everyone is guilty of “original sin.” And that man is born with a corrupt nature, sinful, totally depraved, unable to do good or righteousness, and believe in God.

II.   THE ROOT AND THE SOURCE OF MANY OTHER DOCTRINAL ERRORS:

 The doctrine of  "original sin" or "total depravity" is nothing but the wicked foundation for several other false doctrines as unavoidable consequences of this error. Consider them:

1. Unconditional election (or arbitrary predestination of some men and angels to salvation and others to condemnation).  
2. Irresistible Grace (the elect are regenerated only by the working of the Holy Spirit).
3. Perseverance of the saints (once saved, always saved, and that man can never fall from grace).

Having accepted the concept that man is born totally depraved of righteousness, the other four points of Calvinism are necessary to complete their theology.

The most popular false doctrines are:

• Salvation by faith alone.  They refuse to accept that "faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ"  (Romans 10:17). They rather twist Ephesians 2:8 to their own liking, saying that faith itself is not of our own doing, but rather, it is the gift of God.  How convenient it is to find Scriptures to suit our error!  The devil has succeeded in deceiving a multitude of people with this false teaching.   
• Infant baptism to take away original sin (Roman Catholic Church).   The baby is born with original sin, and since baptism is for the remission of sins (and it is according to them), then logically, the baby must be baptized (but instead of immersion, which is baptism, they only moisten the baby's forehead with a wet finger).  Such false teachers do not care about their lack of biblical authority for such so-called "infant baptism."
• Others teach that it does not matter what one believes.  For that reason, they deny that baptism is necessary for salvation.  Likewise, they dare to say that all churches are the same, and it is not essential to be a member of any church.  

The truth is that all these false doctrines are in one way or another related directly or indirectly to the fundamental error, that man is born corrupt, with a sinful nature. Then, he can do nothing to be saved, and whatever he does, it does not matter.  And if God wants to save him, he will be saved.  Therefore, once this false foundation is destroyed, the other false doctrines fall of their own weight.


III.   THE FALSE DOCTRINE OF THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD:

The false doctrine of original sin asserts that one diminishes and denies the sovereignty of God when he says that man has a free will and can obey out of his own will to be saved, and take part in the process of salvation.  On the contrary, we exalt the sovereignty of God when we emphasize man's obedience since this implies man's humiliation and the exaltation of God.


IV.   ALL BABIES ARE BORN INNOCENT AND PURE:

The Bible makes this clear!  Christ and the apostle Paul affirmed it as well.  Hence, the false doctrine that all babies are born sinful is a false doctrine.  Period!

In Matthew 18:3, Jesus said,

"And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven."

False teachers believe they know more than our Heavenly Father when they brazenly claim that Christ did not understand original sin.

Matthew 19:14,

"But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.

 Now, if all children are born corrupt, sinful, then all that are in the kingdom of heaven are corrupt as well.  What do you think?

I Corinthians 14:20,

"Brothers, do not be children in your thinking. Be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature."

So if all infants are born corrupt, how is it then, that Paul says, "be infants in evil?" 

Galatians  4:4,

"But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law.

If man is born a sinner, totally depraved, as many claim, then Jesus was born a corrupt sinner, totally depraved and inclined to do evil.  This is even revolting to the false teacher, and that is exactly why they feel compelled to invent some other false doctrines to correct their false teaching. One of these false and absurd doctrines is the "immaculate conception" of Mary.

Zachariah 12:1,

"The oracle of the word of the Lord concerning Israel: Thus declares the Lord, who stretched out the heavens and founded the earth and formed the spirit of man within him."

From this prophecy, we infer that the spirit of man is not corrupt.  It would be blasphemy to affirm that God could form an evil spirit in the baby or infant.  Those who teach such a thing must take heed!

My question:  Is the baby that is formed in the womb, the spirit, and body of a man, corrupted by God?  Even to ask such a question is an accusation and blasphemy of our God who forms the spirit of man within him!

Undoubtedly, the “god” of Catholicism and Calvinism (and other religions that teach this false doctrine) is not the God of love we find in the Bible  (I John 4:16).  “God is love.”  What kind of love would pervert or corrupt the spirit of a baby before he is born?

Genesis 6:5 speaks of the perversity and wickedness of man.  Notice that it does not say that man is born that way.  Verse 12 states, “God looked on the earth, and behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted their way upon the earth.”

Hebrews 12:9,

"Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live?"

Acts 17:29-29,

"In him we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets have said, 'For we are indeed his offspring.’ Being then God's offspring, we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man."

Therefore, those who teach that we are born with a corrupt, evil spirit and sinful nature are blaming God! 


V.   SIN IS NOT INHERITED, IT IS COMMITTED:  

 “Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness.”   (I John 3:4)

• James 4:17:  “To him therefore that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.”  One sins when he disobeys the will of God. 

• Ezekiel 18:20:  “The soul that sinneth, it shall die: the son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son; the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.”   

 Ezekiel 18 answers the complaint of the Jews that God unjustly punished the children for the sins of the parents. Ezekiel denies the premise of that complaint. Each one suffered the consequences of their own sins. No Scripture teaches that Adam’s descendants will inherit either the guilt or the corruption of their nature. A child is not born with a sinful nature. Every man will be judged for the sins that he himself has committed (2 Cor. 5:10).

The only consequences of the sins of Adam and Eve that we bear is physical death. In this present world, we have no access to the fruit of the tree of life in the Garden of Eden (Gen. 3:3; 17-19; Romans 5:17). I don’t see why those who teach “original sin” don’t read and take note of the phrase, “For all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Through one act of righteousness (He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross, Philippians 2:8) there was the result of justification for all men, if they take advantage of the Gospel plan of salvation. If we were to be consistent in applying Romans 5:17-19, then not only would all men be condemned unconditionally at birth in Adam, they would also be saved unconditionally forever through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ regardless of their response to His Grace and Mercy. The twisted “reasoning” of Catholicism and Protestantism (unconditional original sin) simply says that the righteousness of the one, Jesus Christ, resulted in unconditional universal salvation. The advocates of the “original sin” doctrine and “born with a sinful nature” simply are not consistent, or they would teach unconditional universal salvation.

CONCLUSION:

The study of Adam's sin has richly rewarded me because it pushed me beyond my knowledge in search of the truth on many aspects of a very troubling doctrine. I never stop marveling at just how much there is to learn from re-reading the Scriptures when one loves the Truth. It reminds me of Jesus' parable of the treasure hidden in a field which a man finds. He goes and sells all that he has to buy that field and rejoices to take possession of that treasure. That is how I often feel every time I am compelled to dig deeper into the Scriptures seeking God's riches. I pray that you may feel the same joy.

In John 3:16 Jesus said, 

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."

This Jehovah God obviously is not the god of those who support and teach this absurd doctrine of original sin. They know nothing about the salvation of "whoever believes in him."  

They reject what Jesus said in John 7:37.

"On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink."

 Notice it says, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink."  The god of Calvinism declares that man has no free will, therefore, even though he is thirsty, he still cannot come to Christ to receive the water of life on his own.  Amazing!

Another Scripture they ignore is Matthew 11:28 that says,

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

Again, the god of Calvinism says that since man has no free will, he cannot accept Christ's invitation on his own.

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.  (Revelation 3:20)

The god of Calvinism says that no one can respond to Christ's call but that the elect have to wait until the Holy Spirit works miraculously in their heart to regenerate them, and then God will give them the faith they need.  This is absurd!

They refuse to acknowledge that God shows no partiality "but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him"  (Acts 10:34-35).

The God of the Bible desires all men to come to the knowledge of Him that they might be saved.

The doctrine of original sin, total depravity, sinful nature are false doctrines.  Those who teach such doctrines are likewise false teachers who twist the Truth of God placing it and turning it on the instrument of torture until it says what they want it to say.  All of these false doctrines are nothing but a rotten foundation upon which many other false doctrines and practices rest.  They are the result of this fundamental error or false teaching.

These false doctrines have been invented by men to take away man's responsibility and accountability for their sins before their Creator.  However, God has revealed His will in a very simple and understandable way; giving or providing man with intelligence to understand it. He has also given man many other reasons to obey His will that he may receive the resulting blessings.  The doctrine of inherited sin is responsible for much of our lawlessness today.  Both Catholicism and Protestantism claim that man came to this condition unconditionally.  But that is not what Paul is saying!

In Philippians 2:8, Paul speaks of Christ’s work that undoes the consequences of sin:  

Through one act of righteousness (He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross, Philippians 2:8) there was the result of justification for all men, if they take advantage of the Gospel plan of salvation. If we were to be consistent in applying Romans 5:17-19, then not only would all men be condemned unconditionally at birth in Adam, they would also be saved unconditionally forever through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ regardless of their response to His Grace and Mercy. The twisted “reasoning” of Catholicism and Protestantism (unconditional original sin) simply says that the righteousness of the one, Jesus Christ, resulted in unconditional universal salvation. The advocates of the “original sin” doctrine and “born with a sinful nature” simply are not consistent, or they would teach unconditional universal salvation.

The power of God to save man is not an imaginary "enabling grace" but rather the glorious Gospel of Grace of His Son (Romans 1:16).  A Gospel that all men must hear, understand and obey.  The steps of such obedience are:  hear the Gospel, believe it, repent of sins, confess Christ as the Son of God, and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins (being immersed in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit).

My fervent prayer is that all those who have been taught error and false doctrines (which is but the invention and imagination of men to corrupt the purity and simplicity of the Gospel) may come to obey the Gospel with a humble heart that they might be saved.

Luci

THE DOCTRINE OF THE SECOND COMING OF JESUS

"And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.  And as they were gazing intently into the sky while He was going, behold, two men in white clothing stood beside them. They also said, 'Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.'"  

Acts 1:9-11

The faith of Jesus Christ is not a blind faith. Jesus demonstrated both the authority and the logic of His teachings and called on His disciples to be wary of religious charlatans. His apostles challenge us to prove all things and not to be gullible blind followers. If the blind lead the blind, both will fall into the ditch. Let us examine the doctrine of the second coming of Jesus as it is proven by abundant Scriptural authority.

There are many human doctrines and speculations that have caused a lot of confusion about what will happen at Jesus' second coming.  Many don't believe that Jesus will return and punish those who disobeyed Him. Our Premillennialist friends teach that Jesus will reign on earth from Jerusalem for a thousand years (the millennium).  They also speak of the "rapture" as part of their premillennial theory.  The speculations about these doctrines contradict the Bible.  We can prove with the Word of God the sequence of events that will occur at the end of times.

1. The second coming of Jesus.
2. The resurrection of the dead.
3. The destruction of the heavens and earth.
4. Judgment.
5. Heaven and
6. Hell. 

So will we face resurrection, judgment, and eternal rewards or punishment (heaven or hell)?  Will the earth continue to exist eternally, or will it be destroyed at the end of time?  The truth is that  "the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night"  (2 Peter 3:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:2).

The doctrine of the "rapture" is a distorted and false premillennial speculation.  According to this doctrine, the rapture is to be expected at a secret coming of the Lord in which He will take the righteous to a seven-year rapture while there is great tribulation on earth.  Jesus will fight the battle of Armageddon, and He will then reign for a literal thousand years from a physical throne in Jerusalem over a civil, political government.  The doctrine of the rapture is part of an eschatological system that makes Jesus a failure and dethrones Him (John 18:37; Matt. 28:18; 1 Tim. 6:15).  It breaks God's promises about His kingdom, it accuses the apostles of being false interpreters of Bible prophecy (Acts 13:33; Ps. 2; 132:11; Acts 2:30-33).  It removes Christ's priesthood, for they claim that His throne and priesthood are not yet established (Heb. 4:14; 7:17; Zech. 6:12-13).  It belittles Christ's authority, His death, the church, and the Gospel.  It exalts materialistic goals and Mosaic practices.  It denies that on Pentecost, the last days began (Acts 2:16-21).  It changes the Lord's kingdom to a physical kingdom (John 18:37).  Indeed, this false doctrine contradicts the Gospel teaching about Jesus' second coming!

The Bible clearly teaches that Jesus will personally come again to judge all men (2 Peter 3:3-4; Acts 1:9-11; Hebrews 9:27-28).  He will come again for His saints who live in expectation of that coming.  Jesus promised He would come again!  Consider several Scriptures of Jesus' promises about His second coming that contradict premillennialism:


I.   PROMISES OF THE SECOND COMING OF JESUS:

• Romans 14:11-12:  "For it is written, 'As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.'  12 So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.'"  

As God lives, He will judge everyone, and that includes you and me!

• Acts 17:30-31:  "The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, 31 because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead."  

God has appointed a day of judgment and has assured us by raising Jesus from the dead.  And just as surely as Jesus arose from the dead, we will surely be judged!  

• Hebrews 9:27-28:  "And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, 28 so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him."  

Surely, it is appointed to man to die once and after that judgment.  Judgment is as sure as death! 

• 2 Corinthians 5:10:  "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil."  

The Bible plainly teaches that all men will be present before Christ to be judged.

• Romans 2:6-8:  "He will render to each one according to his works: 7 to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; 8 but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury."  

God will render to each of us according to our works.

• Matthew 25:32:  "Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats."  

All people will be present!

• Romans 14:10-12:  "Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God; 11 for it is written, 'As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.'  12 So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.'"  

We must stand before the judgment seat of Christ, for every knee shall bow down, and every tongue must confess.  Each one of us must give an account of himself to God.  No one will escape this appointment.  No one will be able to give excuses, for no excuses will be accepted! 

• 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6:  "Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you. 2 For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, 'There is peace and security,' then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. 4 But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. 5 For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. 6 So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober."  

Although we don't know when Jesus will come, we must be prepared at all times, for He may come back at any time.  So we must live all the time righteously, for He can come at any moment!

• 2 Peter 3:3-13:  "Knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires. 4 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.' 5 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, 6 and that by means of these the world that then existed was deluged with water and perished. 7 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.  8 But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 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. 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.  11 Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, 12 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! 13 But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells."  

The day of the Lord will come like a thief, for no one can know the day or year.  Premillennialists teach that Jesus will come for the righteous, but will reign on earth 1000 years before judgment and the punishment of the wicked.  Others believe the earth will be eternal.  Jehovah's Witnesses believe Jesus will take 144,000 righteous people to heaven, but there will be a great multitude of righteous people who will live forever on a glorified earth.  The truth is that when Jesus comes again, the earth will be destroyed completely.

• 1 Corinthians 15:12-13:  "Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised."  

Some deny there will be a resurrection, for they believe that death is just the end of man's existence.  Among these are the Sadducees of Jesus' day, and many like them in modern times.  Others claim there will be two resurrections with a separation of 1000 years.  Again, premillennialists teach there will be a resurrection for the righteous before Jesus establishes His earthly kingdom, then another resurrection for the unrighteous 1000 years later.  The truth is that all men will be raised from the dead.  And since Jesus arose from the dead, that proves that resurrection will occur.  In Matthew 22:23-33, the Sadducees confronted Jesus, denying the resurrection because they did not believe that men have spirits that can exist after death (Acts 23:8).  Jesus answered them by saying that God is not the God of the dead but of the living.  Those who deny the resurrection "are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God" (verse 29).  

We all will be raised at the same time (John 5:28-29).  So there will be a "last day," which (please listen premillennialists) must be taken literally!  It is the same day all men will be judged. The righteous will be raised on that day, not 1000 years before.  Paul looked for a (one) resurrection of both the just and the unjust, not two resurrections separated by 1,000 years! (Acts 23:6; 24:15).  

• 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18:  "But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. 15 For this, we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words."  

When Jesus comes again, all men will be judged and eternally rewarded. There is no room for 1,000 years between Jesus' coming (parousia) and the judgment!  At His coming (parousia) (verse 15), the righteous, dead or alive, will be with the Lord forever (always, verse 17). This is the eternal reward and not a 7-year rapture.  Moreover, Jesus' second coming (parousia) will not be silent or invisible. It will occur with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and the trumpet of God (verse 16).   All these events surely contradict premillennialism.  Why?  Because the unjust, the wicked will be aware for sure when this occurs, for they will suffer destruction, not just tribulation (1 Thess. 5:3).  And though they claim that the phrase, "And the dead in Christ will rise first" (verse 16), implies at the first resurrection, 1,000 years before the wicked are raised, our context contrasts the dead in Christ (verse 13) to the alive in Christ (verse 15), not to the wicked or the unrighteous dead.  I must stress that verse 16 says the dead in Christ will rise "first," then those alive in Christ will be caught up together to meet the Lord (verse 17).  So, the resurrection of the wicked is not under consideration and is never mentioned in this context!!

• 2 Thessalonians 1:4-10:  "Therefore we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions that you are enduring.  5 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— 6 since indeed God considers it just to repay with affliction those who afflict you, 7 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 8 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. 9 They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might, 10 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."  

Notice that "in that day" when Jesus comes (verse 10), the Lord will be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels (verse 7).  The afflicted Christians will receive rest (verses 4,7), and those who know not God and did not obey the Gospel of our Lord will receive vengeance in flaming fire and will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction (verses 7-9).  The righteous will enter their rest from their troubles on the same "day" that the wicked will be punished.  But premillennialism has the righteous resting and rejoicing through the rapture and millennium before the wicked or unrighteous are punished!

• Matthew 25:31-33,46:  "When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left.  46 And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."  

When Jesus comes in glory with all His angels, all the nations will be gathered and separated.  Jesus will separate the sheep from the goats, that is, the good, the righteous and the wicked, unrighteous.  The righteous will enter eternal life, and the wicked will depart into eternal fire, punishment (verses 41, 46).  So, there will not be two comings, nor will the righteous be enjoying any rest and bliss for 1000 years and supposed rapture before the wicked are punished.  Both the righteous and unrighteous will enter their reward at the same time!

• 2 Peter 3:15:  "And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him."  

The coming (parousia) of Jesus will not be postponed to give men a chance to repent.  When Jesus comes, there will not be a second chance to repent, for their opportunity to repent will have ended, and sadly judgment will come.

• 1 Cor. 15:22-26:  "For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. 24 Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. 25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death."  

When Jesus comes the second time (parousia), the end will come, and Jesus will deliver the kingdom back to the Father, having raised all who died through Adam (verse 22).

• Romans 2:5-11:  "But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God's righteous judgment will be revealed.  6 He will render to each one according to his works: 7 to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; 8 but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury. 9 There will be tribulation and distress for every human being who does evil, the Jew first and also the Greek, 10 but glory and honor and peace for everyone who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek. 11 For God shows no partiality."  

All men will receive a just and fair reward for what they have done after this life is over.  The righteous will live forever, and the wicked will be punished eternally, that is, those who disobey the Truth and did evil will receive fury, wrath, tribulation, and distress (anguish).  But those who did obey the Gospel and continued doing good will receive glory, honor, immortality, peace, and eternal life.

• Matthew 25:41,46:  "Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels."  

The wicked will go to everlasting destruction, the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.  The righteous will receive eternal life. The saved will live forever with Jesus (1 Thess. 4:17; 5:9-10; Matt. 13:39-42; Rom. 6:23).

• Revelation 20:11-15:  "Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. 12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. 13 And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. 14 Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. 15 And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire."  

So anyone who is not found in the Book of Life will be cast into the lake of fire, which is the second death.  (Cf. 2 Thess. 1:5-9; Matt. 13:39-42; Rom. 6:23).

•  2 Thessalonians 1:5-9:  "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— 6 since indeed God considers it just to repay with affliction those who afflict you, 7 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 8 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. 9 They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might."  

God's love and mercy compel Him to offer men eternal life. But His righteousness and justice demand that He punish those who disobey Him, practice evil, and refuse to repent.  His nature demands that He punish the wicked, for they are storing up wrath for themselves and God's righteous judgment.  God's righteous judgments demand that the wicked (those who practice evil) be worthy of death, for they reject God's mercy and goodness, refusing to repent (Romans 1:32; 2:4-5).


CONCLUSION:

When the New Testament writers, led by the Holy Spirit, wrote the inspired words, they often presented concerns and instructions for the church to follow so that we may be whole in spirit and soul, blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:23).  The entire letter to the Thessalonians stresses the need to have our eyes open for the coming of our Lord.  It compels us to live our lives in the light of eternity and be ready for His coming.  Since Jesus is coming like a thief in the night, we must live our lives in all righteousness and holiness.  As spokesmen for Christ, we must present Christ well by the preaching of the Word, being ready in season and out of season, convincing, rebuking, exhorting with all longsuffering, and sound teaching (2 Tim. 4:2).  We must also be alert to every door of opportunity the Lord opens for us and enter, even when it is intimidating or inconvenient.  As representatives of Christ, we must be patient and not quarrel, for we must listen and understand.  We must likewise be gentle and respectful when we engage with those who disagree with us (2 Timothy 2:24).   We must also be reasonable when proving and giving a defense of the Gospel.  As spokesmen for Christ, we must have informed convictions and not just feelings. Give reasons and ask questions to seek sound answers.

The apostle Paul commands all Christians in 1 Thessalonians 5:21 to "test all things; hold fast what is good." God has given us reasoning skills and expects us to use them properly (cf. Isa. 1:18).  Thus, we must be tactical, maneuvering with wisdom to challenge bad thinking and wrong teaching.  We must present the Truth in a way that is understandable and compelling (Colossians 4:5; 1 Cor. 9:19-23).

You see, God gave the life of His only begotten Son to save us from the devastating consequences of sin.  When we reject salvation and what He has done for all of us, refusing to repent, surely we deserve to be punished eternally.  God's righteousness and justice demand it!  Surely, none of us deserves salvation, eternal life, but God in His loving-kindness and mercy offered Jesus to suffer and die for us so that we could have the hope of salvation (Romans 3:23; 6:23; 5:6-9).   So premillennialism is an unproved and false theory, incapable of any proof, for it contradicts, denies, and undermines the Lordship of Christ and the Truth of the Gospel.   Therefore, every faithful disciple of Christ must oppose it!!

"For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done"  (Matthew 16:27).  

There is NO man that can prove with the Word of God that Jesus will set up an earthly throne in Jerusalem and reign for a thousand years like so many claim today (2 Thessalonians 1:7-8).  Jesus is coming for His church. Thus the doctrine of the "1,000-year reign" is false!

"For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord"  (I Thessalonians 4:16-17).  

God's Grace will end when Jesus comes again.  The church will be presented in its plenitude to God, for Jesus will present to the Father His glorious church.  Therefore, He is not coming to "set up" His kingdom but instead "deliver up" His kingdom to His Father!  The glorious church will be presented in all its purity, having been cleansed by the precious blood of the Lamb, and the "washing of water by the Word" (Ephesians 5:25-27; Col. 1:22; 1 Thess. 3:13; 2 Thess. 1:10; Jude 24).  The church will be complete when Jesus presents it to the Father (Romans 11:12, 25) and will be spotless, unblamable in holiness and irreprovable, faultless.  Oh, what a glorious day that will be!!!

"27 And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, 28 so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him"  (Hebrews 9:27-28).

May we patiently and faithfully walk our path here on earth until death and be rewarded with our crown of life.

Luci

WE MUST NEVER TAKE THE WORD OF GOD FOR GRANTED

"The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. 8 The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether. 10 They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. 11 Moreover, by them Your servant is warned; In keeping them there is great reward." 

Psalm 19:7-11

How does God persuade a fleshly, sin enslaved people to look up and see the glory of righteousness?   Psalm 19 displays the glory of God's Laws, which lead us into righteous living.  Faithfulness to God's Word is the true excellence of all virtues.  God's Word must fill our thoughts day and night.  The Word of God tastes sweet like honey as we study it.  The holy words of God must not be taken for granted. God has provided everything that we need. Jesus came as the ultimate expression of God's Word so that now we are without excuse.  In today's world, there is very little respect, honor, or fear of God.  People take God's Word for granted. They use His name in a derogatory, dirty, and despicable way without even thinking.  They don't know who God is, and so they reject Him.  Do they even care who God is?  Do they know how to know Him?  How to respond to His calling?  Psalm 19 has the answers to these questions.  Let us marvel at His majestic Word and tremble in His presence.


I.   GOD'S EXCELLENT REVELATION THROUGH HIS WORD, HIS LAW:

• God Reveals Himself Through His Word (His Law):  (Psalm 19:7-11)

In Psalm 19:7-11, we are reassured that the Word of God is a great blessing when we study and understand it. The Word here is called:

1. Law
2. Testimony
3. Precepts
4. Commandment
5. Fear
6. Judgments

The Word of God, His Law, is described by six names, characteristics, and actions. It is a rule and God's Testimony for the Truth.  His Law is man's prescription of duty. It causes us to fear our God and reverence His righteous Judgments (judicial choices).  It is distinct, perfect, reliable, right, pure, holy, and true.  It revives the sinner, giving him the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.  It teaches God's principles of righteousness and holiness.  Those who embrace it will be rewarded greatly.  God's Word is God's wonderful gift to all humanity because of its nature. Indeed, God's power is described in His Word and can revive our souls. His instruction is perfect, complete, and lacks nothing.

Let's examine each of these terms carefully:

• "The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul."  (Psalm 19:7a)  

Here we are told that God's Law, the Word, is perfect.  There's no room for mistakes or error, only perfection!  It is perfectly designed for us.  It perfectly equips us with all that we need.  God gives us His perfect Word to help and guide us in a world of darkness and imperfection.   He pours out His Word on us with a fragrant aroma to help us live righteously.  But, we have been warned not to add or take away from it.

"Whatever I command you, you shall be careful to do; you shall not add to nor take away from it"  (Deuteronomy 12:32).  

The Word of God is as satisfying and refreshing as a glass of cold water on a hot day....just what we need!  The beauty of God's Law is that it draws us back to Him. The Word is the living water that we keep running to when we thirst for righteousness.  It converts our souls and brings salvation.  It's the power to restore our souls back to Him by showing us our sin and our need for Him and His Word.  The Word of God, His Law, can bring back to life the soul that is dead because of sin.  The Word of God can revive us, but we must let it work in us.  For "man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."

• "The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple."  (Psalm 19:7b)  

This refers to the whole Bible as God's sacred Testimony.  It is His Testimony of Who He is to us. Yes, the Word is sure, absolute, and confirmed.  It is trustworthy, making wise the simple.  The Word of God is easy to read, and we can trust the words God has written for us.  The instructions given in His Word are easy to follow.  When we follow them, we find salvation, contentment, joy, and, most importantly, eternal life.  Obedience to God's Word shows wisdom.  He who refuses to heed God's Word shows himself to be a fool.  In I Corinthians 1:19-21, Paul shows how God used the "foolishness" of the Gospel to destroy the wisdom of the wise.  God's Word can never be shaken. We can lean on it with confidence.  The Word makes us wise to salvation.  Even the simple can understand what is written in it!

"They read from the book,  from the law of God, translating to give the sense so that they understood the reading" (Nehemiah 8:8).

The people of Israel asked Ezra to bring the Book of the Law of Moses, which the LORD had given to them.

"And they read from it before the gathering from early morning until midday, in the presence of men and women, those who could understand; and all the people were attentive to the book of the law" (Nehemiah 8:3).

"And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up" (Nehemiah 8:5).

It was such an encouraging and emotional moment when they revered the Word of God.  They knew God's Word is sure, making wise the simple.  What an encouragement!

God's Word is Law to be defended and to be revered.  It is His Testimony to His faithfulness to those who choose to follow Him.  Let us never take His Word carelessly!  God's Word as Law, is perfect, and we can never go wrong.  As Testimony, we know it is all Truth, complete and sure.  Our God is so faithful that He makes a way for those who have trouble understanding it.  He shows them and teaches them what is right.

• "The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart."  (Psalm 19:8a)  

Here the word Precepts is defined as law, decree, or rule.  It tells us that the Bible is God's Law, decreed by Him, and made to rule over all.  It is His commandment for all those who profess to be Christians. The word Precept is defined here as a rule intended to regulate behavior or thought. God's Word dictates to us, His children.  God's Law is straight and perfect.  His laws are not crooked. God's statements are ordained for obedience, that one might walk the straight path and be joyful. God's straight paths, His Precepts, bring joy as we obey them. Obeying God's straight Precepts maximizes our joy in life. When we follow God's ways, they will bring gladness to our hearts.  God's Precepts are dictated to us so that we may do what is right, straightforward, suitable, and correct. The word "dictate" means to tell with authority. Therefore, we must believe and obey God's Word.

• "The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes." (Psalm 19:8b) 

God's Word is pure and gives off light.  Some translations say, "The commandment of the Lord is radiant" to show the purity of His Word.  The purity of His Law is enlightening to us (2 Timothy 3:15; Psalm 119:105).  His Word brings discernment.  It removes the darkness in us, leading us on the path of Light.  It is a lamp to our feet as we walk in the Light that we might find the perfect and righteous direction.   God's commandments are pure, meaning free from moral defilement, genuine, true, without spot, and holy.  The Word of God is purifying to all who read, study, and embrace it.

 "And for this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received from us the Word of God's message, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the Word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe"  (I Thessalonians 2:13). 

God's Word enlightens us and opens our eyes to an understanding of sin.  It teaches us to fear, honor, and glorify Him.

"Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures"  (Luke 24:45).

• "The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever."  (Psalm 19:9a)   

The word fear refers to the reverence and respect of our LORD.  It is a respect and reverence that grows out of a healthy fear of the great power of God and His righteous indignation against all sin and disrespect that men show toward their Creator and Lord. It is awe-filled reverence to our God.  It is used in Nehemiah 1:11 as "servants who delight to fear Thy name."  In other words, we, His children, must delight in honoring Him in all things.  In Job 28:28, Job refers to the fear of God as wisdom.  To revere God is wise.  So my question is, "Why can we not be in awe of His Word?" "Why should we not seek and make it our ambition to read, study, understand, and obey all that He has to say about His Word?"  The fear of the LORD is clean, meaning in a moral and ethical sense, it is clean by teaching us what is right and wrong.  Psalm 119:9 states that the Word of God cleanses us and makes us pure,  "How can a young man keep his way pure?  By keeping it according to Thy Word."  Those things that are corrupt decay and pass away.  Purity endures forever.

God's Word endures forever, and it never perishes because it is pure, without any blemish, error, or flaw.  It is in harmony with God's character, thus enduring forever.  It remains unchanged. Likewise, God is steadfast and unchangeable!  The Word of God cleanses us from the filth of sin.  It cleans our character, lives, mouths, personality, bad habits, and actions.  It regenerates men into righteousness, in the likeness of God, our Creator.  In knowing and understanding this, we are more than confident that God will sustain us.  The Bible, the Word of God, His Law is amazing!  Let's never take for granted His Word!  Let's revere and embrace it in our hearts.  The fear of the LORD is reverential obedience and hatred of evil, or sin (Proverbs 1:7, 29; 2:1-5; 3:7).  The fear of God was a trademark that characterized the first-century church (Acts 9:31).  The fear of the LORD is what we need today to please God!

• "The judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether." (Psalm 19:9b) 

The word Judgments here is referring to God's ordinances.  His rules and commandments.

"Thou has ordained Thy precepts, that we should keep them diligently.  Oh that my ways maybe established to keep Thy statutes!"  (Psalm 119:4-5) 

 We can confidently rely on the Word of God for direction and counsel, for it is righteous altogether.  Every word God speaks is righteous, and so are God's actions.  They are for our benefit. God has our best interests in mind.  We can rest assured that we can depend on Him and His Word completely.  Those who walk in His Law are not defiled but instead are blessed.  His Word is "true and righteous altogether."  His Truth is perfect, according to the LORD's righteousness.

• "They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold."  (Psalm 19:10a)  

The phrase "more desirable" is saying we are to covet and take full pleasure in His Word.  God's Word must be desired more than anything else in life... even much fine gold!   Consider, gold is one of the most sought after precious metals.  It doesn't compare to the value of God's Word, His Law.  It doesn't even come close to the value of God's righteous commandments and statutes. The value of God's Law to transform and regenerate us is immeasurable, for it revives our souls and makes us wise (the simple).  It gladdens the heart as it enlightens our eyes.  How impressive is God's Law! God's Law is more valuable than all the money and possessions this world has to offer us.  When we treat the Word of God, His Law as more valuable and more precious than gold, we will then learn to be more diligent in studying it. 

• "Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb."  (Psalm 19:10b).  

God's Word is also sweeter than honey dripping from the honeycomb.  Do you like honey?  I do!  I eat it and love cooking with it!  Oh, what a pleasant taste it is to our palate!  It is full of sweetness and pleasure to the senses.  Did you know that the Bible, the Word of God, has the same effect on us by causing pleasure to our souls?

"How sweet are Thy words to my taste!  Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth!"  (Psalm 119:103)  

But the big difference is that honey has a temporary sweetness, and the Word of God is everlasting to everlasting to those who believe and obey it.  It is satisfying to the hungry and malnourished soul. A side effect of honey, when consumed in excess, is that it works against our bodies, causing damage to our teeth and our vital organs.  But no matter how much we consume of the Truths of God, it is never enough!  Actually, the more, the better for our souls. God's Word can fulfill and enrich us like nothing else in this world.  It fills the emptiness in our hearts that many people try to fill with earthly things.  Yet the only thing that can satisfy our spirit and soul is God and His Word.  God's Words are the sweetest blessing in our life!

• "Moreover, by them Thy servant is warned."   (Psalm 19:11a)

 Let us never forget that the Word of God is a warning to us, a warning to obey by doing exactly what is expected of us, a warning not to put it aside.  A warning of the terrible consequences if we do not abide in it.  God does not leave us ignorant of the dire consequences of rejecting and disobeying His Word.  God has warned us greatly about violating His righteous laws. We must never take God's Word for granted!  It is a terrible thing to neglect God's Word!  It is the lifeline of our soul and life.

"Son of man, I have appointed you a watchman to the house of Israel; whenever you hear a word from My mouth, warn them from Me" (Ezekiel 3:17).   

God's revelation is demonstrated when we receive the warnings of God's Word.

• "In keeping them there is great reward."  (Psalm 19:11b)   

David highlights for us God's great reward when we keep His Words.  Not only will we be rewarded on that great Day of Judgment, but even today, there are great rewards in our lives.  When we obey God's laws, the rules He has given for our lives, we are walking the path of righteousness, and we will reap the fruits of righteousness.  Because we keep God's laws and commands, our very lives help us to judge righteously (make righteous choices) in our lives with hope, contentment, peace, and calmness of heart.  Others cannot enjoy these blessings because of sin and evil in their lives. They are slaves to their desires and lusts, making it difficult to be free from the slavery of sin.  They refuse to obey God's commands, so they rob themselves of the joy that can only be found when we obey God's commands. There is great reward in keeping God's Word exceedingly beyond what we can imagine.  We learn full obedience through God's Word.  His Word gives us peace, wisdom, comfort, joy, relief, and great satisfaction.  The Word gives us grace and redemption through Jesus Christ.  His revelation is shown in our willingness to obey His Word and receive His rewards.

May we cultivate a heart that is completely devoted to God and His Word.  May we hear and heed the words of Christ on how to be saved from our sins, deny our self daily, serve and love others, and endure to the end.  May we have a desire for God's Word and receive the warnings of His Word.


Luci