7/8/19

"THE SECOND EPISTLE OF PETER" The Depravity Of False Teachers (2:10-17) by Mark Copeland


"THE SECOND EPISTLE OF PETER"

The Depravity Of False Teachers (2:10-17)

INTRODUCTION

1. In his discourse against "false teachers", Peter has written 
   strongly and harshly against these individuals...
   a. They will bring in "destructive heresies", and bring on 
      themselves and those who follow them "destruction" - 2Pe 2:1-3
   b. Their doom is certain, for God knows how "to reserve the unjust 
      under punishment for the day of judgment", as illustrated by the 
      examples in 2Pe 2:4-9

2. Why such strong words?  Is Peter justified in writing so harshly 
   against these "false teachers"?

3. The answer is "yes", for by inspiration Peter knows the true extent 
   to which these depraved individuals have fallen
   a. Again, these "false teachers" are not just people who in their 
      ignorance are guilty of teaching error
   b. Rather, they are very much aware of their deceptions and what 
      they are doing!

[In our text for this lesson, we learn from Peter just how serious is 
"The Depravity Of False Teachers".  For example..]

I. THEY "REVILE" AGAINST THOSE IN AUTHORITY (10-12)

   A. NOTICE THEIR CHARACTER...
      1. They "walk according to the flesh in the lust of uncleanness"- 10
      2. They are "presumptuous, self-willed" - 10
      3. By so walking after the flesh, they became little more than 
         "natural brute beasts" - 12

   B. IN THIS CONDITION...
      1. They "despise authority" - 10
         a. They do not appreciate the principles of authority and 
            submission - cf. 1Pe 2:13-17
         b. They feel no need to submit to those over them
      2. They "are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries" - 10
         a. The word for "dignitaries" is doxa {dox'-ah} and literally 
            means "glories"
         b. It can refer to human dignitaries such as church or civic 
            leaders, but also celestial beings (such as good and 
            fallen angels)
         c. The context of verse 11 and the parallel passage in Jude 8-9
            suggests that fallen angels (those mentioned in 2Pe 2:4) 
            may be the "dignitaries" spoken of here
         d. Thus in some way these individuals would speak derogatorily
            of "fallen angels", something even angels "greater in power
            and might" would not do!
      3. They "speak evil of the things they do not understand" - 12
         a. Once again Peter's charge is that they "speak evil"
         b. The charge appears to be in the way they speak, even of 
            fallen angels...
            1) With an attitude of despite towards those in authority
            2) When they really are not in a position to know the whole
               situation
         c. With such arrogance and evil speaking, they corrupt 
            themselves! - Jude 10

[If the Scriptures condemn those who speak evil of "fallen angels", 
what does that say of those who speak evil of "fallen individuals", 
whether they be church or civic leaders?  May Peter's words encourage 
us to be very careful about such things.

The depravity of these "false teachers" is seen further as we consider 
how...]

II. THEY "REVEL" WITH GREAT PLEASURE (13-14)

   A. THEY LOVE TO "CAROUSE"...
      1. The word "carouse" (or "revel", the KJV uses "riot" and 
         "sporting") refers to extreme indulgence in sensual pleasures; 
          dissipation
      2. They count it pleasure to "carouse in the daytime" - 13
         a. This is not to suggest that it is all right to carouse at night
         b. But just demonstrates how depraved these individuals are!
      3. Like "spots and blemishes", they carouse in their deceptions
         "while they feast with you" - 13
         a. They take advantage of gatherings with Christians
         b. This they do with skillful deception

   B. FOR THEY HAVE CORRUPTED "EYES" AND "HEART"...
      1. Their eyes are "full of adultery" (cf. Mt 5:28) - 14
         a. "that cannot cease from sin" (this speaks of their depravity)
         b. "...beguiling unstable souls" (taking advantage of the immature)
      2. Their heart is "trained in covetous practices" - 14
         a. They are skilled in how to get what they want
         b. And what they want all pertains to the flesh! (as implied 
            by the term "adultery")

[In such depravity they have truly become "accursed children" (14).

That they are even described as "accursed children" is another 
indication that these "false teachers" were once true Christians  - cf.
"denying the Lord who bought them" (1) and "after they have escaped 
the pollutions of the world..." (20)

Another such indication is seen as we consider our last point 
concerning the depravity of these false teachers...]

III. THEY "REVOLT" AGAINST THE RIGHT WAY (15-16)

   A. "THEY HAVE FORSAKEN THE RIGHT WAY AND GONE ASTRAY"
      1. It is hard to forsake what you never had, or to go astray if 
         you were never in the right way
      2. Therefore this phrase of Peter...
         a. Lends support to the idea that these "false teachers" were 
            erring Christians
         b. Sadly adds to the description of how far one can fall from 
            the Lord

   B. "FOLLOWING THE WAY OF BALAAM..."
      1. Like the prophet Balaam, they were swayed by the 
         "wages of unrighteousness"
      2. Here Peter is evidently making a play on words, for he used 
         the same phrase earlier in a totally different way
         a. In verse 13, the "wages of unrighteousness" refers to the
            eternal compensation one receives for their sins (condemnation)
         b. In verse 15, the "wages of unrighteousness" refers to the
            momentary compensation one receives for their sins (money, 
            fulfillment of fleshly desires)
      3. But remember that Balaam was rebuked and restrained by a dumb 
         donkey who spoke - Num 22:22-35
      4. How much more should we take heed when it is the voice of an 
         inspired apostle (Peter) who seeks to rebuke and restrain the 
         madness of "false teachers"!

CONCLUSION (17)

1. In verse 17, we are given two illustrations that describe the 
   depravity of these false teachers...
   a. They are "wells without water"
   b. They are "clouds carried by a tempest"
   -- Both illustrations describe things which promise much (i.e., 
      water), but deliver nothing!

2. So it is with these "false teachers", who while promising much, are 
   so depraved themselves that there is only one thing awaiting them...
   a. "to whom the gloom of darkness is reserved forever"
   b. I.e., the same judgment given to the angels who sinned 
       - cf. 2 Pe 2:4
   -- How ironic, that these individuals who were so bold to revile 
      fallen angels, will suffer the same punishment!

3. Peter will have more to say about these false teachers in the final 
   section of this chapter, especially with regards to their
   "deceptions" and how they fail to deliver what they promise

In the meantime, remember that it is not sufficient to just "beware" of
false teachers, we must also being "growing" in the grace and knowledge
of Jesus Christ (2Pe 3:17-18).  Is this the case with you...?

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2016

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The Omniscience of God by Caleb Colley, Ph.D.

http://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=12&article=1394


The Omniscience of God

by Caleb Colley, Ph.D.


God is the only One Who possesses limitless knowledge. The Illustrated Oxford Dictionary defines “omniscience” as “knowing everything,” and the Bible certainly ascribes omniscience to God (Psalm 139:1-4; cf. Woods, 1988, p. 34). Consider a sample of what the Bible reveals about God’s omniscience: “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good” (Proverbs 15:3). “Can anyone teach God knowledge, since He judges those on high?” (Job 21:22, emp. added). Consider a few of the implications of God’s omniscience.
God knows every past action. At times, humans struggle to interpret history because we often lack complete historical information. The eternal God, Who had no beginning, has no problems seeing clearly through the mists of time, for history is ever before Him (Isaiah 57:15). God emphasized this when He told Moses in Exodus 3:14, “I Am Who I Am.” John 8:58 reads: “Jesus said to them, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I Am.’ ” In the Day of Judgment, we will be judged based on God’s complete knowledge of our history (see Revelation 20:12). God cannot be taught anything about the past (Isaiah 40:14).
God knows every present action. Psalm 33:13-15 reads: “The Lord looks from heaven; He sees all the sons of men. From the place of His dwelling He looks on all the inhabitants of the earth; He fashions their hearts individually; He considers all their works.” Despite the uniqueness of each person, God understands everyone individually, and knows everyone personally (see Matthew 10:29-30). God even knows everything that is done privately (Matthew 6:4), so no one can hide from God (see Kizer, 2001, p. 7). God cannot be taught anything about the present (Matthew 28:20; 1 Corinthians 4:5).
God knows every future action. The fact that God gave prophets the capability to predict accurately very specific events in the distant future is one of the great evidences for the inspiration of the Bible (Thompson, 1999, p. 19). God has emphasized repeatedly that He knows the future, perhaps never more emphatically than when Jesus Himself prophesied (see Matthew 24:1-51; Mark 8:31; John 2:19-22). The fact that God knows the future does not imply that humans somehow lose freedom of choice. Just because God knows that something will happen, does not mean that He causes it (see Bales, 1974, p. 49). God cannot be taught anything about the future (Acts 17:31; John 14:3).
God knows every human thought. King David addressed his son: “As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind; for the Lord searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever” (1 Chronicles 28:9). Psalm 94:9-10 reads: “He who planted the ear, shall He not hear? He who formed the eye, shall He not see? He who instructs the nations, shall He not correct, He who teaches man knowledge?” God cannot be taught anything about the content of human intellect (Acts 15:8).
God knows what humans need. Ecclesiastes 2:26 reads: “For God gives wisdom and knowledge and joy to a man who is good in His sight….” Noah of old would have perished in the Flood had God not given him a way of escape. The Israelites could not have conquered Canaan without divine guidance and protection. God has promised that He will provide for the physical needs of those who serve Him (Matthew 6:24-34). Most important, God has identified the problem of sin and death and provided the only possible solution—the blood of His Son (1 Peter 1:18-19).
God knows what is right and wrong, because He defines morality and truth—His Word is the standard for righteous judgment. Hannah wanted desperately to have a child, but she was unable to do so. In her fervent request for God’s intervention, she prayed: “…the Lord is the God of knowledge; and by Him actions are weighed” (1 Samuel 2:3). God has revealed what to do in order to please Him, and He knows of our obedience and disobedience (Proverbs 15:3).
What is the proper response to God’s omniscience? The inspired apostle Paul provided a fitting answer in Colossians 3:24: “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.” Those who refuse to serve the Lord should be frightened by God’s omniscience, because God knows of every sin. And unforgiven sin will be punished (Psalm 90:8; Romans 6:23). For God’s children, however, the implications of God’s knowledge are sources of peace and strength (2 Timothy 2:19; 1 John 3:22; Romans 11:33). Ultimately, the God Who knows everything will judge humans based on how we use the knowledge that has been revealed to us. We must act based on ourknowledge to prepare for eternity.

REFERENCES

Bales, James D. (1974), The Biblical Doctrine of God (Shreveport, LA: Lambert).
Kizer, Drew (2001), “Omniscience,” Words of Truth, 38[11]:6-7, November.
Thompson, Bert (1999), In Defense of the Bible’s Inspiration (Montgomery, AL: Apologetics Press).
Woods, Guy N. (1988), “What is Meant by ‘God’s Omniscience and Omnipresence’?,” Gospel Advocate, 130[2]:34, February.

Teachings of Jesus (Part 16) A House Divided by Ben Fronczek

http://granvillenychurchofchrist.org/?p=1818

Teachings of Jesus (Part 16) A House Divided




Abe Lincoln was elected to congress in 1847. The Mexican war was going on at the time and Lincoln opposed the war. His antiwar speeches did not make his political supporters very happy and he knew they wouldn’t re-elect him.
So at the end of His term in 1849 he returned to Illinois to practice law. Then in 1858 he was nominated by the republican party to be an Illinois state senator.
Addressing the State convention at Springfield, he gave the first of his memorable speeches. His huge hands tensely gripped the speaker’s stand, he declared slowly and firmly: “A house divided against its self cannot stand”
At that time he was talking about the country being divided on the issue of slavery. But where did he get that phrase? He got it from Jesus. And it’s recorded in 3 of the 4 gospels. Matthew 12:25, Mark 3:25, and in our text for today Luke 11:17.
Even tho He was doing a good things Jesus was accused of driving out demons in the name of Beelzebul, or the ruler of demons.
In Luke 11:17-20 it says: “Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them: “Any kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and a house divided against itself will fall. 18 If Satan is divided against himself, how can his kingdom stand? I say this because you claim that I drive out demons by Beelzebul. 19 Now if I drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your followers drive them out? So then, they will be your judges. 20 But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.”
Jesus brushes their accusation off with logic. They’re accusing Him of being in league with the prince of demons because of His power over demons. Basically He says that Satan would not attack his own subjects because it would only weaken and divide his kingdom.
As you know, we live in a country that is divided on many issues. Certain events periodically bring it together (Like what happened on 911). But that unity is usually short lived. We live in a world full of division and different loyalties. But we as Christians we are not to be of this world.
We are separated from the world by our belief in the word of God, and His Word never changes nor will it ever fade away.
Sad to say, that even Christ’s church has divided over time on numerable issues. But it did not start out that way when it began on the day of Pentecost and closely thereafter.  One can read in Acts 2 how the apostles and the early church was all with one accord in one place when it first began there in Jerusalem and the church was a unified body, of one faith, one hope, and love that bound believers together.
Bu that slowly changed; and in Eph. 4:3-6 the Apostle Paul wrote: “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one spirit. Just as you were called to one hope when you were called. One Lord, one faith, one baptism; One God and Father of all. Who is over all and through all and in all.”
When church members disagree over what God has prescribed in His word, then division begins to occur. Unfortunately we see division in almost every venue of life; in our nation, in families, in business, and even in the church.
Today I’m going to briefly talk about this problem which is addressed in one church, and then what will help cure division.
In the city of Corinth Paul shares some issues that they had and then tells us how to deal with these issues in His letters to them.
When Paul went to Corinth He worked as a tent maker and preached the Gospel there on a regular basis. He remained there for about a year and half, and established a growing church. (Acts 18)
The congregation consisted of some Jews, but was mostly Gentile and ex-pagan in nature. Socially, the membership ranged from the very affluent to Jewish refugees (Ac.18:2) and former criminals  (I Cor.6:9-11).
Paul’s letter to the Corinthian church was written about 55 years after the death of Jesus. In it he deals with issues on marriage, celibacy, food offered to idols, proper dress, responsibilities of women, public worship, spiritual gifts, and the resurrection of the dead.
Paul was also concerned about growing friction and division in that church. Different groups were forming and were quarrelling among themselves. Some had even taken other members to pagan courts to settle disputes. Although Paul’s first letter to the church at Corinth was written to deal with specific needs of that church, it also has a tremendous value for us.
In his letter Paul addresses divisions in the church. I Corinthians 1:10; Paul wrote, “I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.”
And in verse 12:13 He says, “What I mean is this: One of you says, I follow Paul, another , I follow Apollos, another, I follow Cephas, still another, I follow Christ. Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into Paul?”
Sometimes congregations even today are divided for the same reason. People say I’m going to follow this teacher because He’s my favorite speaker, or I’m going to side with this person because he a family member. I’ve heard of some churches where the affluent people sit on one side and the not so affluent sat on the other side. Invisible barriers like this actually divide congregations. Close fellowship with one another should be a distinctive mark of the members of Jesus’ church. This unity among our members came about because of Jesus Christ. And this fellowship is meant to prompt church members to help one another emotionally, spiritually, and even economically if the need arises because of our relationship with Jesus..
Because of Jesus and what He did on that cross, He made it possible for all of us to unite across all cultural and economic lines to become ONE BODY.    Our relationship with Jesus should help produce unity and bonds with other church members who they would not normally associate with,
Galatians 3:27-28 says, 27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
Listen to what Paul says in Romans 15:5-7; “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
God desires unity among His people. Holding grudges and resenting other members of the body separates us from the will of Christ. Christians should accept each other as Christ accepts us. In Christ all people are one. All are brothers and sisters in Christ because all are indebted to Jesus.
Paul has weaved a thread of unity throughout this letter, but that thread doesn’t stop in this one letter to the Corinthians. It is woven throughout the Bible. We are called to be in harmony and in unison with each other. In chapter 11:19; Paul also says that there is no doubt that there will be differences of opinions. But differences can be healthy if they are approached in a Christ like manner. It’s where we can learn from one another, but we need to be careful with our attitudes.
Now in our text today, Jesus said that a house divided will not stand. In other words, division destroys relationships and peace. A divided home will fall apart. Division and arguments will cripple if not destroy a marriage, a friendship, a business, a church and even a nation, and more if things go too far.
We therefore need to learn how to nip this problem in the bud before they corrode our relationship and permanently divide us.
There are many things that can divide us. One big thing that can divide us is when we sin. Sin divided and separated us from God. Satan deceived Eve, separating man from fellowship with God. And He’s still at work, deceiving and dividing people with sin.
Immoral and adulterous behavior and lies divide husbands and wives. Sinful behavior can divide children from their parents. Jealousy, envy, and greed will divide people. Gossip, slander and sowing discord among brethren can tear even the best congregation apart.
There are other things that also can lead to division if we are not careful; things like poor communication, jumping to conclusions without all the facts, selfish behavior and other bad attitudes. We have to be careful of all of these.
So what is the cure for division? If anything, I believe a loving, faithful, kind, truthful, and forgiving attitude is the best cure. I believe they will pacify if not cure the problem. Love is the key to defusing division..
In I Corinthians 13:4-8, Paul says “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not boast, it is not proud, it is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with truth. It always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.”
God sent his only begotten son into the world, because He loves us.      Jesus suffered and died on the cross for our sins, why? Because He loves us and wanted to fix the great rift or divide between us and God.
Love is the Key. Not being selfish, self centered, confrontational and always trying to argue our point as being the best.
I’m not saying that we need to approve of or even tolerate sinful behavior in others; some things are just plain unacceptable. But when someone simply thinks differently than we do, our love for them should prevent us from getting upset wit them because of those differences.
I would like to close by reading what the Apostle Paul wrote to the Romans about our need to love, and our need to accept other rather than divide over differing opinions.
Read Romans 12:9-18   Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
13:8-10  Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. 9 The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
And Chapter 14:1-3 “Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters. 2 One person’s faith allows them to eat anything, but another, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. 3The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted them. 
6-8 Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord. Whoever eats meat does so to the Lord, for they give thanks to God; and whoever abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God. 7 For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone. 8 If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.”
13-22   Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister. 14 I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean. 15 If your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy someone for whom Christ died. 16 Therefore do not let what you know is good be spoken of as evil. 17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, 18 because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval.
19 Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. 20 Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a person to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. 21 It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.
22 So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves.”
You want to defuse arguments and potential rifts? Then seek peace. Sometimes that means keeping some of your beliefs and opinions to yourself.
Based on what I’ve read here, some things are just not worth fighting and dividing over. You don’t have to win every battle, and every argument. Rather in vs 19 Paul wrote, “Make every effort to do what leads to peace and mutual edification.”
Can you do that? I pray that you will make an effort to do so. It will only lead to a happier and more peaceful life.
Is there a rift between you and someone else? Go and do your part or what you can  to fix it. You don’t have to put up with another’s sinful behavior or fake  that it’s OK, but it’s important for us to remember that we need to hate the sin but love the sinner…. Just like God does with us.
(Based on a Sermon by David Thompson) For more lessons click on the following link: http://granvillenychurchofchrist.org/?page_id=566
All comments can be emailed to: bfronzek@gmail.com

The gospel of the grace of God by Roy Davison

http://www.oldpaths.com/Archive/Davison/Roy/Allen/1940/063-grace.html

The gospel of the grace of God

Just hearing his name was enough to frighten Christians in the first century. He was known far and wide as a tireless persecutor of Christians. “He made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison” (Acts 8:3).
In those days, who would have thought that Saul of Tarsus would ever become a Christian, let alone become God’s chosen vessel to proclaim the Christian message to the nations of his time and, through his writings, to the nations of all times. But, by the grace of God, he became the apostle Paul whose commission was “to testify to the gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20:24).
In his letter to the Romans Paul explains the gospel: why grace is necessary, how it is provided, what it accomplishes, and how it is obtained. Grace is necessary because everyone sins. Grace is provided by justification. The intended result of grace is sanctification. Grace is obtained by obedient faith.
[For the many references from Romans, only the chapter and verses will be given.]

What is grace?
Grace is benevolent, unmerited favor. “The LORD is merciful and gracious” (Psalm 103:8). God’s grace is shown by His bountiful blessings, especially salvation in Christ. God bestows grace according to His sovereign will: “I will have mercy on whomever I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I will have compassion” (9:15,Exodus 33:19).

What is the gospel?
“Gospel” means “good news.” The gospel is the good news of salvation by grace through the substitutional sacrifice of Christ. The gospel “which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures” (1:2) is God’s power for salvation (1:16). The gospel was foretold in the Old Testament as a mystery and is “made known to all nations” in the New Testament (16:25, 26).

Grace is necessary because everyone sins.
Sin is the violation of God’s laws. The whole world is blameworthy before God (3:19). “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (3:23). “Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness” (1 John 3:4).
Grace does not excuse sin. After powerfully affirming His graciousness to Moses, God added, “by no means clearing the guilty” (Exodus 34:6, 7). “The righteous judgment of God” (2:5) requires that sin be punished by death (1:32). “The wages of sin is death” (6:23).
Through Adam “sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned” (5:12).
Because of our sins, we deserve the death sentence. To appreciate grace, we must understand how bad sin is. “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men” (1:18). God’s wrath is mentioned twelve times in Romans (1:18; 2:5, 8; 3:5; 4:15; 5:9; 9:22; 12:19; 13:4, 5). God is not unjust when He inflicts wrath (3:5).
Although everyone sins, people have different patterns of behavior and different relationships with God, “who ’will render to each one according to his deeds’: eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness - indignation and wrath” (2:6-8).
Since all are sinners, and death is the just penalty for sin, how can God extend grace to some sinners and wrath to others, and still be righteous?

Grace is provided by justification.
God can forgive the sins of believers without compromising His righteousness if the penalty for their sins is borne by someone else. 

But who is qualified to serve as a sacrifice for sin?
Animal sacrifices are not sufficient: “For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins” (Hebrews 10:4). No sinner is qualified because he must die for his own sins! Only a sinless man could volunteer to suffer the penalty for the sins of mankind.
Of the Messiah it was foretold: “By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify many, for He shall bear their iniquities” (Isaiah 53:11).
God sent His Son who “became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14) and “was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15) so He could die for man’s sin. John testified: “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). Because He was without sin, Jesus did not have to die, but He allowed Himself to be crucified for the sins of humanity (John 10:11, 17, 18). He “bore our sins in His own body on the tree” (1 Peter 2:24). 

God justifies believers through the atonement of Christ.
Justification is mentioned seventeen times in Romans (2:13; 3:4, 20, 24, 26, 28, 30; 4:2, 5, 25; 5:1, 9, 16, 18, 19; 8:30, 33). “To justify” means to declare free of condemnation. We are justified by the blood of Christ and His resurrection (5:9; 4:25). Someone whom God has justified may not be condemned (8:30-34)!
Justification is “by faith” not by meritorious “deeds of the law” (3:28, 30; 4:2, 5; 5:1). Justification is a “gift” (5:16). 
Although we are “under grace” and “not under law” for justification (6:14, 15), grace does not exempt one from God’s laws. “Do we then make void the law through faith? Certainly not! On the contrary, we establish the law” (3:31). Grace encourages and helps believers to abide by God’s laws! 
Justification is for those who keep “the righteous requirements of the law” (2:26). “Doers of the law will be justified” (2:13). But because the law is “weak through the flesh” “the righteous requirement of the law” is fulfilled only by grace through Christ’s sacrifice for those “who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit” (8:3, 4).

People can be righteous only by the grace of God!
“The righteousness of God” is bestowed on those who believe (3:22), who are “justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith” (3:24, 25). This was to demonstrate “His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus” (3:26).

In justification, faith is accounted as righteousness.
“Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness” (4:3, Genesis 15:6). This means that God credited Abraham’s faith to him as righteousness even though he was not completely righteous.
Abraham was faithful and obedient. “You found his heart faithful before You” (Nehemiah 9:8). “Abraham obeyed My voice and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes, and My laws” (Genesis 26:5).
Although Abraham was obedient, he was not justified because of his obedience but because of his faith. Justification was necessary, not because of the good he did, but because of his sin! God credited his faith to him as righteousness.
When someone believes on Him who justifies the ungodly “his faith is accounted for righteousness” (4:5). “David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works: Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; blessed is the man to whom the Lord shall not impute sin’” (4:6-8, Psalm 32:1, 2).
Abraham’s example indicates that righteousness will also “be imputed to us who believe in Him who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead” (4:22-24). 

The intended result of grace is sanctification.
Paul’s letter is addressed to those who are “called to be saints” (1:7). Throughout Romans he calls believers saints (8:27, 12:13; 15:25, 26, 31; 16:2, 15). A saint is someone who has been sanctified (made holy) and is dedicated to God. Paul’s purpose in writing was that his readers might be “sanctified by the Holy Spirit” (15:15, 16). The branches on God’s tree are holy (11:16). The sanctified ones present their “bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God” (12:1). They present their “members as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification” (6:19, 22 ESV).
The intended result of grace is “sanctification without which no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14 NASB).

Sanctification involves obedience.
In the letter to the Romans disobedience is denounced seven times (1:30; 2:8; 5:19; 6:12; 10:21; 11:30, 32). This refutes those who would turn God’s grace into license (Jude 4) by claiming that grace makes obedience unnecessary.
The gospel must be obeyed (10:16)! The preaching of the gospel of grace is for “obedience to the faith among all nations” (1:5; 16:26). “The faith” that must be obeyed is the “one faith” (Ephesians 4:5) “once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3).
Paul defines the sanctified as those who have “obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine” to which they were subjected (6:17). Believers must avoid teachers who depart from the original doctrine (16:17).
The sanctified must be slaves of “obedience leading to righteousness” (6:16). Christ worked through Paul “to make the Gentiles obedient” (15:18). Paul complimented the saints at Rome for their obedience (16:19).

Grace is obtained by obedient faith.
Justification is “by faith” (3:28, 30; 5:1, 2; 9:32; 11:20). In the gospel “the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, ’The just shall live by faith’” (1:17, Habakkuk 2:4). This has a two-fold meaning. Habakkuk 2:4 is quoted in two other passages. The life of the just is founded on his faith (he does not “draw back” but “believes to the saving of the soul” - Hebrews 10:38, 39) and God gives him eternal life because of his faith (not because of his imperfect “works of the law” - Galatians 3:10-12).
Thus, one must live by faith! Superficial, half-hearted faith is not enough. The faith required to receive God’s grace is a true, living, obedient faith that walks “in the steps of the faith” of Abraham (4:12) who trusted God and obeyed His voice (Genesis 26:5; Hebrews 11:8).
We are “justified by faith” (5:1) but “not by faith only” (James 2:24). As “obedience to the faith” (1:5; 16:26) additional prerequisites for salvation by grace are stated in Romans: “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (10:17), “the goodness of God leads you to repentance” (2:4), “with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (10:10), and one is “baptized into Christ Jesus” (6:3).
Since we are “justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (3:24) and since we are “baptized into Christ Jesus” (6:3) baptism is essential for salvation by grace.
After being “buried with Him through baptism” we “walk in newness of life” (6:4), continue “in doing good” (2:7), and present our “bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God” (12:1).

What have we learned about grace?
In Romans, Paul has testified to the gospel of the grace of God, explaining why grace is necessary, how it is provided, what it accomplishes, and how it is obtained. Grace is necessary because everyone sins. Grace is provided by justification. The intended result of grace is sanctification. Grace is obtained by obedient faith.
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God” (5:1, 2). Amen.
Roy Davison
The Scripture quotations in this article are from The New King James Version. ©1979,1980,1982, Thomas Nelson Inc., Publishers unless indicated otherwise.

Published in The Old Paths Archive
(http://www.oldpaths.com)

Look! by Gary Rose



Over the past year or so, my TV choices have changed; I now watch more nature shows, more survival stories and of course, more veterinarian (aka, dog) programs.


They all lead me to the outdoors and it was no surprise when I thought of using the above picture for today’s post. And, speaking of that picture… I wonder what that man on that precarious ledge is pondering? I think the following Psalm might give us a hint. Read on…


Psalm 8 ( World English Bible )
Psa 8:1, For the Chief Musician; on an instrument of Gath. A Psalm by David. Yahweh, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth, who has set your glory above the heavens!
Psa 8:2, From the lips of babes and infants you have established strength, because of your adversaries, that you might silence the enemy and the avenger.
Psa 8:3, When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have ordained;
Psa 8:4, what is man, that you think of him? What is the son of man, that you care for him?
Psa 8:5, For you have made him a little lower than God,* and crowned him with glory and honor.
Psa 8:6, You make him ruler over the works of your hands. You have put all things under his feet:
Psa 8:7, All sheep and cattle, yes, and the animals of the field,
Psa 8:8, The birds of the sky, the fish of the sea, and whatever passes through the paths of the seas.
Psa 8:9, Yahweh, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!


If I were that man on the ledge, I would be marveling at the wonders of name and probably thinking: Where is God? And, the answer would be obvious- In all of creation. And anyone who could do such a wondrous work must be far beyond anything I can imagine. Such a being would be wondrous beyond description in all that HE is and does.

Where is God? look to the heavens and all that is around you. Look! There HE is...