Did He Really Say That? by Ken Weliever, The Preacherman

 

https://thepreachersword.com/2014/01/22/did-he-really-say-that/

Did He Really Say That?

In a shocking speech that is reverberating across the world, Pope Francis made this declaration in the third Vatican council.

“Through humility, soul searching, and prayerful contemplation we have gained a new understanding of certain dogmas. The church no longer believes in a literal hell where people suffer.

“This doctrine, the Pope said “is incompatible with the infinite love of God. God is not a judge but a friend and a lover of humanity. God seeks not to condemn but only to embrace. Like the fable of Adam and Eve, we see hell as a literary device. Hell is merely a metaphor for the isolated soul, which like all souls ultimately will be united in love with God.”

“All religions are true, because they are true in the hearts of all those who believe in them. What other kind of truth is there? In the past, the church has been harsh on those it deemed morally wrong or sinful. Today, we no longer judge. Like a loving father, we never condemn our children. Our church is big enough for heterosexuals and homosexuals, for the pro-life and the pro-choice! For conservatives and liberals, even communists are welcome and have joined us. We all love and worship the same God.”

Can you believe the Pope really said that?

Well don’t.  Because He didn’t!

This is an internet hoax written by Erik Thorson on his blog The Diversity Chronicle.  He said it was satirical. And written for his own amusement!

However, many well-meaning folks have forwarded this story, posted it on facebook, and plastered it all over social media.

While the Pope may be intent on reforming the Catholic church, hold positions with which I disagree, or embrace a Theology contrary to my understanding of the Bible, I need to be fair.  Honest.  And accurate.

The same is true for President Obama.  I’ve had many emails attributing positions, practices and quotations to Mr. Obama that are simply false.

Why are folks so quick to forward such information? Especially when it seems on the surface to be unbelievable?  Usually, because it reinforces their dislike of the person or their disagreement with their policies, practices, politics or religion.

In an age of instant communication where ideas and articles can be posted, forwarded or tweeted in a nano-second, Christians would do well to follow these Biblical admonitions.

“Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil… Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all…. speak evil of no one… be gentle, and show perfect courtesy toward all people…Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor…”    (I Thess 5:21-22;  Rom 12:17; Titus 3:2 Eph 4:25)

Spreading false information, either knowing or innocently, undermines our credibility, decreases our godly influence and diminishes our Christian testimony.  We are called to a higher standard than those in the world who peddle gossip, utter innuendoes, and denigrate their opponents.

By the way, I understand that we’ve all been fooled at some time by a hoax, internet scam or urban legend.  It happens.  I’m simply encouraging us all to do a better job at checking out the facts and the reliability of our sources before we hit the send or share button.

So, the next time your tempted to share the latest unbelievable scandal or incredible story, you might ask, “Is it true?”   “Is it fair?”  “Is it factual?”

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman

ABOUT PHARAOH'S HEART BEING HARDENED GEORGE L. FAULL

 

http://steve-finnell.blogspot.com/2017/02/about-pharaohs-heart-being-hardened.html

ABOUT PHARAOH'S HEART BEING HARDENED

GEORGE L. FAULL

I am troubled by Romans 9:17, where it speaks of Pharaoh's heart being hardened by God. Does this really teach that God actually saves or destroys whom He will?

Romans 9:17, "For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth."

We need to see the verses in their context. We list here some basic observations:

The purpose of Romans 9: is not in regard to individual salvation, but rather God's dealings with the nation of Israel in comparison to the Gentile nations. When Paul quotes Malachi's statement:

Malachi 1:2-3, "2 I have loved you, saith the LORD. Yet ye say, Wherein hast thou loved us? [Was] not Esau Jacob's brother? saith the LORD: yet I loved Jacob, 3 And I hated Esau, and laid his mountains and his heritage waste for the dragons of the wilderness."

Romans 9:13, "As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated."

The prophet speaks of nations, not individuals. The Edomites (Esau's descendants) were not favored as was Israel (Jacob's descendants). God had a definite purpose for Israel in His "Redemption Program" for mankind. It was the Israelites who were given the adoption.

Exodus 4:22, "And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD, Israel [is] my son, [even] my firstborn."

They were also given the glory of God's presence, the covenants (Genesis chapter 12), the Law of Moses, the service of God (Tabernacle), the promises to the fathers (Abraham, Isaac and Jacob) and the Messiah incarnate. Neither the Edomites nor the other Gentiles had these blessing happen among them. This does not mean that Gentiles do not currently enjoy the benefits of these historical events, which happened in Israel. Romans 9 is speaking of the past dispensational advantage Israel had as the elect nation in God's divine plan to redeem mankind.

An illustration may help. Perhaps a father chose one of his sons to go with him to town to purchase an ice cream freezer. Then he had the son churn the ice cream, while the other children worked in the fields. When the children came in from the fields, the father let all the children enjoy the ice cream equally. He elected the one to bless the others. The elected son may have had a candy bar with his father while in town, but outside of such an advantage, he had no priority in the real purpose of the father in providing ice cream for all his children. So God, in choosing Israel, used Israel to give His Word, His promises and His Son to the world. Though these were temporary advantages, the Jewish nation had no advantages in the eternal purpose of God in saving all believers in Christ.

It does not follow, that because of the dispensational advantages which Israel had as a nation, that every individual Jew was in on the promises to the Father, for it is plainly affirmed:

Romans 9:6, "Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they [are] not all Israel, which are of Israel."

That is, because they are literal descendants of Abraham, that does not make them heir of these promises. Was not Esau and Ishmael Abraham's seed? Yes! But these were not the heirs of the promise. It is in Abraham's seed of promise, i.e.: Christ, that one is blessed.

Romans 9:8, "That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these [are] not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed."

If one is in Christ, he is an heir of the promises, though he be a Gentile.

Galatians 3:26-29, "26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if ye [be] Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise."

There was no unrighteousness in God electing Israel as a covenant people. He can show mercy to whom He will. God's election is not to the one who wills or runs but to the one of God's own choosing. The nation of Israel was chosen while Jacob was yet in the womb. Esau was rejected, not because he did evil, for he was not yet born. Romans 9:11, "(For [the children] being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth.)"

Rebecca was told:

Genesis 25:23, "And the LORD said unto her, Two nations [are] in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and [the one] people shall be stronger than [the other] people; and the elder shall serve the younger."

We again stress that He speaks of nations, not individ-uals. Though Esau sought the blessing with tears, the election stood. God's election was of His own choosing. It is not based upon one's goodness nor one's will nor one's attempts. God alone chooses His vessels of honor.

Likewise, God chooses His vessels of dishonor. He chose the Pharaoh of the Exodus to be used as His vessel of wrath, to demonstrate the riches of His Glory.

Romans 9:23, "And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory."

In God's foreknowledge He knew the character of the man who became Pharaoh. He raised up this man to be Pharaoh.

Daniel 2:21, "And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding."

God hardened Pharaoh's heart by demonstrating His power to him over and over again.

Romans 9:22, "[What] if God, willing to shew [his] wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction."

Pharaoh is said to have a hard heart in Scripture eigh-teen times. Nine of these times it is so stated: "Pharaoh hardened his heart." Nine other times it is said, "God hardened his heart." God knew His man. Each plague would crystalize his heart more, and by bringing more plagues, he would become more stubborn. Just as chastisement will harden some children, and move others to repentance, so the plagues hardened this man whom God had raised up to be Pharaoh. "The sun that melts wax, hardens clay." This was clay and God knew it. He raised this vessel of dishonor to the exalted position of Pharaoh to make His own power known. God was long-suffering with the self-willed Pharaoh, but he was fitted for destruction, and was destroyed. God's sovereignty and power is thus seen, but the free will of the man was intact.

Likewise, the Jewish nation was chosen to be raised up to the exalted position of God's covenant people. God has used them to bring forth His Word and the Messiah. However, the Jews are a stubborn and a stiff-necked people, who seek righteousness by law keeping. They stumble Christ's perfect and complete salvation. This has resulted in the Gentiles being offered salvation in Christ, the Promised Seed.

This has been God's plan for Eternity. Since both Jews and Gentiles have sinned, and since God's righteousness and mercy cannot be attained by willing it or running for it, salvation is solely by God's election. God elected salvation to all those who are in Christ, the Promised Seed. If one would be of the elect, he must be "elect in the Son." This removes any hope of salvation by works, merit or the will of men. It is solely of grace, for He has compassion on whom He wills.

God wills that those who are Abraham's seed be saved. Abraham's seed (note the singular) is Christ. To be baptized into Christ makes one Abraham's seed and an heir of the Promise.

Galatians 3:26-29, "26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if ye [be] Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise."

This makes it possible for both the Jews and the Gentiles to become God's people. The believing Gentiles who were not God's people, are now His people. Likewise, a remnant of the Jews will be saved, who have the righteousness of God, which is by faith in Christ. There is then no respect of persons, for it is offered to all who believe. There is no unrighteousness with God, for He is the potter, and He can make the vessel as He pleases. God used the Jews as a vessel to being about the promised seed. The Jewish nation rejected the seed and only a remnant is saved. He now uses the Gentile as a vessel to provoke the Jew to jealousy so they will become a true child of Abraham.

Consequently, both the believing Jew and the believing Gentile become the true Israel of God in Christ, as it is written:

Romans 11:26, "And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob."

Romans 11:33, "O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable [are] his judgments, and his ways past finding out!"

God's sovereignty demands our accepting His wisdom and righteousness without question. He has willed that only those in His Son be shown mercy. It is not those who are born of blood, nor will of the flesh, nor the will of men, but those born of God who are saved.

John 1:12, "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, [even] to them that believe on his name."

It is these "sons" whom He has predestined to be conformed into the image of His own dear Son.

Transformation by Tony Horton

 

http://www.oldpaths.com/Archive/Horton/Tony/Earl/1957/changed.html

Transformation

Remember, Christianity is a religion that requires one to utilize the reasoning ability of the mind. Because of this transformation of the mind, someone who does change his/her mind must also change the lifestyle of the body to conform to the will of God (read Romans, chapter 6, especially verse 6, and Galatians 2:20). The Christian is one who, through humble submission to the will of God, allows his/her body to no longer be owned by the power of sin, but by the power of God given to all who believe and obey Him.

Christianity is a total transformation of life: "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God" (Romans 12:1-2). We have a responsibility to grow (2 Peter 3:18), so that in the end the soul might be saved (Matthew 25:23; John 14:1-6; 2 Timothy 4: 6-8; Revelation 2:10).

God's nature will not allow Him to accept anyone who has not obeyed from the heart the gospel of Jesus Christ. However, His nature also will not allow Him to reject any who come to Him through and by means of that same gospel. Whoever is forgiven by God and continues to follow Him is also accepted by God (Romans 5:1-11; 1 John 1:7-9; 2:1).

"I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh" (Galatians 5:16). "Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God" (1 Corinthians 6:8-10). "....and such were some of you" (1 Corinthians 6:11). The past tense verb "were" proves that change is possible.

"Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's" (1 Corinthians 6:18-20).

Tony Horton

The Scripture quotations in this article are from The New King James Version. ©1979,1980,1982, Thomas Nelson Inc., Publishers.
Permission for reference use has been granted.

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

Why The Messiah, anyway? (part 1 of 4) by Gary Rose

 Why The Messiah, anyway?

Scripture: ACTS 2:13-39                 Song: ALL HAIL THE POWER OF JESUS NAME

I. INTRODUCTION

 

A. A long bible discussion with good friend eventually led to a discussion of "The messiah".

B. A theme worth studying, it really is central to an understanding of Bible truth.

C. A cohesiveness between the old and new testaments is seen in the Bible when we understand the Messiah.

D. A brief lesson of introduction in this series of four.

1. Why The Messiah, Anyway?

2. What was the messiah to be like?

3. Who was the messiah?

4. What good was there in sending The Messiah?

E. A lot of lessons for just this one theme? Well, what was Acts 2 about anyway?

F. A good question... Why the Messiah, anyway?

 

II. BODY

 

A. WHAT DO WE MEAN....MESSIAH ? John 4:1-26

1. "The word Messiah comes from a Hebrew term that means "anointed one." Its Greek counterpart is Christos, from which the word Christ comes. Messiah was one of the titles used by early Christians to describe who Jesus was." -Nelson's Bible Dictionary

2. The Messiah and the Christ are one! This ties both old and new testaments together.

3. The Messiah mean a political hero to the Jews, something quite different to Christians.

4. The Messiah was the "anointed one", another way of thinking of Him is the appointed one.

"anointed" To authorize, or set apart, a person for a particular work or service <Is. 61:1>. The anointed person belonged to God in a special sense. -Nelson's Bible Dictionary

5. The concept of The Messiah was understood even by the woman at the well, and so should we.

B. GOD HAS DECREED IT IN HIS WORD. Psa 2:1-12

1. If God decides to do something, who are we to second guess God? Would we fight against God? Psa 2

2. If there were another way, (other than the difficult way of the Messiah) wouldn't God have done it?

3. If God said it, that settles it.

4. If would listen to the witness of the scriptures, then perhaps to the testimony of God in the flesh.

C. NECESSARY FOR GOD'S PURPOSE FOR MANKIND. Eph 3:1-11

1. The fulfillment of God's eternal purpose.

2. The final hope for ALL OF MANKIND.

3. The future of mankind is in GRACE, not LAW.

D. A SIGN OF VICTORY OVER SIN. Isa 53:1-12

1. God's problem was sin, His power was Himself, His sign of Victory was (is) the Messiah!

2. God's victory was an unexpected one, a victory in heaven and on earth.

3. God's victory was complete, just as He is perfect.

4. God's victory was His word, His promise, His Messiah!

E. HOPE FOR THOSE STILL IN THIS WORLD OF SIN. 1Pet 1:1-13

1. Hope for those who desire to be pure in a world of sin.

2. Hope that is genuine hope.

3. Hope that will endure beyond this life.

4. Hope because someone did something for us we could not do ourselves.

III. CONCLUSION

 

A. WHY THE MESSIAH.. BECAUSE GOD NEEDED TO SEND HIM.. WE NEEDED HIM !

B. WHY THE MESSIAH.. BECAUSE IT WAS GOD'S WAY OF OVERCOMING SIN.

C. WHY THE MESSIAH.. BECAUSE IT TOOK A MAN TO TESTIFY TO MEN.

D. WHY THE MESSIAH.. FOR ME? DELAY? BECAUSE NOT OBEYING HIM ENDANGERS YOUR ETERNAL LIFE.

Your cup runs over... by Gary Rose

 

The picture conveys a good point: When you are upset, what’s in you will come out, so choose positive attitudes and actions. Question: How do you make sure that what is in you is something worthwhile and where to begin?

The Answer is…

 

 

Matthew 5 ( World English Bible )

¹ Seeing the multitudes, he went up onto the mountain. When he had sat down, his disciples came to him.

² He opened his mouth and taught them, saying,

³ “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.

⁴ Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

⁵ Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.

⁶ Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled.

⁷ Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.

⁸ Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

⁹ Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.

¹⁰ Blessed are those who have been persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. ​

¹¹ “Blessed are you when people reproach you, persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

¹² Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

³ “You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt has lost its flavor, with what will it be salted? It is then good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under the feet of men.

¹⁴ You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill can’t be hidden.

¹⁵ Neither do you light a lamp, and put it under a measuring basket, but on a stand; and it shines to all who are in the house.

¹⁶ Even so, let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

The principles in Jesus’ beatitudes, if applied to your life, will make you a better person. So, apply them and when you are upset, they will be revealed. And these are just beginning principles; imagine trying to apply all the teachings of the Bible in your life? What a lofty goal! Start today!

"THE GOSPEL OF MARK" The Temptation Of Jesus (1:12-13) by Mark Copeland

 

                          "THE GOSPEL OF MARK"

                   The Temptation Of Jesus (1:12-13)

INTRODUCTION
1. A blessing of Jesus as Savior is His ability to comfort and aid those who are tempted...
   a. This is because He too was tempted - He 2:18
   b. He is sympathetic, and can provide mercy and grace to help in time of need - He 4:14-16

2. One of His greatest periods of temptation was at the beginning of His public ministry...
   a. Immediately following His baptism by John - Mk 1:9-11
   b. Just prior to beginning His preaching ministry - Mk 1:14-15

3. Studying "The Temptation Of Jesus" can be fruitful for several reasons...
   a. It reminds us that Jesus can understand our own temptations
   b. It reveals how we can be more successful in overcoming temptation

[With that in mind and using Mk 1:12-13 as our basic text, let's begin with...]

I. THE TEMPTATION OF JESUS REVIEWED

   A. THE SETTING OF THE TEMPTATION...
      1. The Spirit drove Jesus into the wilderness - Mk 1:12
         a. It appears this challenge was initiated by the Spirit
         b. The same Spirit who descended upon Him in bodily form as dove - Mk 1:10; Lk 3:22
         c. It was likely the wilderness of Judea, a very desolate place
      2. Where he was for forty days - Mk 1:13
         a. During which he fasted, like Moses and Elijah - cf. Mt 4:2;Exo 34:28; 1Ki 19:18
         b. During which he was tempted - cf. Lk 4:2
      3. Tempted by Satan - Mk 1:13
         a. Mark uses the term "Satan" (lit., adversary)
         b. Matthew and Luke use the term "devil" (lit., accuser,slanderer)
      4. Mark alone mentions the presence of "wild beasts" - Mk 1:13
         a. Animals known to inhabit the area include hyenas, jackals,panthers, and lions
         b. Not known is whether they were a source of comfort or trial for Jesus (I suspect the latter)
      -- For forty days, Jesus experienced desolation, deprivation, and temptation

   B. THE CLIMAX OF THE TEMPTATION...
      1. Mark does not record the climax of Satan's temptations at the end of forty days
      2. Both Matthew and Luke do, which we briefly summarize:
         a. Satan's appeal to the lust of the flesh - Mt 4:3-4
         b. Satan's appeal to the pride of life - Mt 4:5-7
         c. Satan's appeal to lust of the eyes - Mt 4:8-10
      3. With each temptation, Jesus responds "It is written..." - Mt 4:4,7,10
      -- With the aid of Scripture, Jesus was victorious over Satan!

   C. THE END OF THE TEMPTATION...
      1. Angels ministered to Jesus - Mk 1:13
         a. Exactly what they did is not mentioned
         b. Perhaps they provided bodily nourishment (Hendriksen)
      2. This would not be the last time
         a. That Satan would tempt Jesus - cf. Lk 4:13; Mt 16:21-23
         b. That angels would minister to Jesus - cf. Lk 22:43
      -- After tribulation came consolation!

[With forty days of overcoming temptation behind Him, Jesus was now
prepared to begin His public ministry.  What application might we draw regarding "The Temptation Of Jesus"...?]

II. THE TEMPTATION OF JESUS APPLIED

   A. WE HAVE THE SAME ADVERSARY...
      1. Jesus was tempted by the devil, and so are we - 1Pe 5:8-9
      2. The devil now directs his attention towards the disciples of Christ - cf. Re 12:17
      -- We should not treat him lightly, for the conflict is real! - Ep 6:12

   B. WE HAVE SIMILAR TEMPTATIONS...
      1. The lust of the flesh - e.g., immorality, especially when young
      2. The lust of the eyes - e.g., materialism, especially when middle-age
      3. The pride of life - e.g., pride and arrogance, especially when elderly
      -- These we must overcome, if we wish to have the love of the Father - 1Jn 2:15-16

   C. WE HAVE THE SAME TOOLS TO OVERCOME...
      1. Jesus appealed to the Word of God, and so can we - cf. Ep 6:17
      2. Jesus had faith in the plan of God (victory through suffering),
         we need a similar shield of faith - Ep 6:16; cf. He 10:35-39
      3. Jesus undoubtedly prayed, He taught the use of prayer to overcome temptation - Mt 26:41
      -- The Word of God, faith, and prayer...against these the devil has no chance!

   D. WE HAVE SIMILAR BLESSINGS WHEN WE OVERCOME...
      1. Jesus was administered to by angels, angels will carry us home - cf. Lk 16:22
      2. Jesus received wonderful blessings when He ultimately overcame
         and ascended to heaven; He has promised similar blessings for us - cf. Re 2:10,26-27; 3:21
      -- Angels will minister to us, as heirs of salvation! - He 1:14

   E. WE CAN LEARN SOME IMPORTANT LESSONS...
      1. Material food alone cannot satisfy, we need spiritual food from God's Word
      2. While we are to trust in the Lord, we should not foolishly tempt Him
      3. Scripture can easily be abused, as well as used - cf. 2Pe 3:16
      4. The way to glory is not quick and easy, but long and hard - cf. Ac 14:22; Ro 2:7
      -- The Temptation of Jesus teaches much about serving God!

CONCLUSION

1. Perhaps the greatest lesson from "The Temptation Of Jesus" is that we
   have a Savior who in all things was made like us...
   a. That He might be our merciful and faithful High Priest - He 2:17
   b. That having suffered, being tempted, He can aid us who are tempted - He 2:18
   c. That He might be sympathetic, providing mercy and grace to help in time of need - He 4:15-16

2. Are you burdened with temptations...?
   a. Look to Jesus as your example in learning how to overcome temptation in your life!
   b. Look to Jesus as your High Priest when you need to approach God in
      prayer and receive mercy and grace for those times when you succumbed to temptation!

As in all things, look to Jesus, as the writer to Hebrews exhorts us...

   "Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who
   for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising
   the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

   "For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against
   Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls."

                                                      - He 12:2-3 

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2016

What is the “Fruit of the Vine”? by Kyle Butt, M.Div.

 http://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=11&article=1262

 

 What is the “Fruit of the Vine”?

by	Kyle Butt, M.Div.

In the 21st century, scientific names and designations of certain fruits and vegetables often disagree with commonly accepted notions of the produce. For example, is a tomato a fruit or a vegetable? What about a cucumber? Although most people see these two foods as vegetables, technically they are viewed in scientific circles as fruit. Furthermore, both cucumbers and tomatoes grow on vines, which would, in the strictest sense of the word, classify them as “fruits of the vine.” Other fruits that grow on vines include melons, such as watermelon and cantaloupe, as well as grapes.

In light of the fact that there are many different “fruits of the vine,” how are we to understand the New Testament phrase, “the fruit of the vine,” that Jesus used during the Last Supper just before His death. Is it possible to identify which “fruit of the vine” was used to produce the drink of the last Supper? And if so, how does the identification of that specific fruit affect the observation of the Lord’s Supper today?

The phrase “the fruit of the vine” is used in only three places in the New Testament:

Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom” (Matthew 26:27-29).

Then He took the cup, and when He had given thanks He gave it to them, and they all drank from it. And He said to them, “This is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many. Assuredly, I say to you, I will no longer drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God” (Mark 14:23-25).

Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, “Take this and divide it among yourselves; for I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes” (Luke 22:17-18).

In order to identify the specific “fruit of the vine” referred to by Jesus, we must analyze the words of the phrase in light of how the first-century audience would have understood them. The Greek word translated “vine” in these three instances is ampelos. Arndt, et al., define the term as “vine, or grapevine” (1979, p. 46). In virtually every instance in the Bible when the term is used, it refers to a grapevine. For instance, in James 3:12 several Bible translations render the word ampelos as “grapevine.” The New King James version reads: “Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs?”. In Revelation 14:18, we read: “And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, ‘Thrust in your sharp sickle and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth, for her grapes are fully ripe.’” Notice that the term “vine” is used, then modified by the phrase “for her grapes...,” obviously referring to a grapevine.

Another Greek term relevant to this discussion is ampelōn, deriving from the same word as ampelos. Arndt, et al., give as its almost universal meaning, “vineyard” (p. 47). References in the New Testament using the term to denote a vineyard filled with grapes include Matthew 21:33-41, Mark 12:1-11, and Luke 20:9-16. In fact, the only reference in the New Testament where the term might mean anything other than a vineyard of grapes is Luke 13:6, where the term could possibly mean “orchard” (Arndt, et al., p. 47), specifically an orchard of figs. Since figs, however, are never referred to as the “fruit of the vine,” nor would a fig tree be classified as a vine, then this possible exception to the term “vineyard” has no bearing on the definition of the “fruit of the vine.”

Indeed, the terms “vine” and “vineyard” are so universally associated with grapes and wine made from grapes, that William Smith, under the entry for the word “vine,” wrote: “The vines of Palestine were celebrated both for luxuriant growth and for the immense clusters of grapes which they produced” (1870, 4:3446, emp. added). In Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, W.E. Vine included the following statement with his definition of “wine”: “In instituting the Lord’s Supper He [Jesus—KB] speaks of the contents of the cup as the ‘fruit of the vine.’ So Mark 14:25” (1997, p. 1232). In The Expositor’s Greek Testament, A.B. Bruce summarized Jesus’ statement in Matthew 26:29 in the following words: “It is the last time I shall drink paschal...wine with you. I am to die at this Passover” (2002, 1:312).

It is an absolutely established fact that Jesus’ disciples, as well as the broader first-century readership of the gospel accounts, understood Jesus’ phrase “fruit of the vine” to refer to juice from grapes [NOTE: There is ongoing debate as to whether the grape juice was fermented or unfermented. For a brief, but trenchant discussion of this debate, see Jackson, 2000).

If Christians today want to follow the example that Jesus set during the Lord’s Supper, and the apostles followed throughout their ministry, then they will drink juice from grapes during their observance of the communion. Although we today might technically view products such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and melons as “fruits of the vine,” they were not referred to as such by Christ, the New Testament writers, or the greater Greek-speaking community at large during the time of Christ.

REFERENCES

Arndt, William, F.W. Gingrich, and Frederick W. Danker (1979), A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature (Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press), second edition revised.

Bruce, A.B. (2002 reprint), The Expositor’s Greek Testament, ed. W. Robertson Nicoll (Peabody, MA: Hendrickson).

Jackson, Wayne (2000), “Was the ‘Fruit of the Vine’ Fermented?,” Christian Courier, [On-line], URL: http://www.christiancourier.com/articles/224-was-the-fruit-of-the- vine-fermented.

Smith, William (1870), Smith’s Dictionary of the Bible, ed. H.B. Hackett and Ezra Abbot (New York: Hurd & Houghton).

Vine, W.E. (1997), Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson).