enrowid
September 2nd 2005, 05:39 AM
The Bible, which contains the words and the laws of God, is a formidable weapon in a time and dispensation like ours when uncertainty, chaos, and evil seem to be an everyday norm. Indeed, our times is what Paul dubbed as “the perilous time” wherein, “men shall be lowers of their own selves, covetous, boasters and proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God …” Needless to say, we should take all necessary precautions in times like these, and the best ‘weapon’ one can have in his arsenal to have an excellent chance of survival is none other than the irrefutable words of God which is described in Ephesians 6:13-17 as a “spiritual sword” that goes along with the “whole armor of God …” that Paul admonished Christians to “…take unto you … that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day …” because “…the word of God is quick, powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword…” (Hebrews 4:12).
The biggest question that faces us is the manner or way by which we are going to use this formidable weapon, because there are a lot of things in this world that when used improperly, will cause harm. Take for example a knife. This simple utensil can be of great help to people if used properly. A knife can be of use to housewives with their cooking chores. It can also be of benefit to fisherman, a meat retailer, or even a farmer. Yes, a knife is arguably one of the best utensils that mankind had devised. But a knife, as a useful and as handy as it may be, if used in a rather demonic manner, as in man slaughtering, will certainly bring damage to both the victim and to the suspect. Another good example is ‘pain killers’ such as Paracetamol. These drugs can be helpful to alleviate intolerable pain one may experience, but without proper prescription, and if abnormally used, can ultimately result to addiction, leading to overdose, and more often than not, eventually cause death! These are just some of the many fine examples wherein something that is supposed to be beneficial to us will turn out to be harmful because it is not used the proper way that it should be.
The same can be said with regard to the word of God, because there are certain prescription or instructions on how we are supposed to use them. If we know the appropriate way to employ it, if we do not follow the right instructions, if we pervert it even, then it will lead us to eternal damnation. One of the best illustration of this is the very popular incident that happened to Guyana, wherein a religious group called “The People’s Temple,” led by Jim Jones perished, all 913 of them, when they literally took cyanide, as per instruction of Jones, in his belief that they will not die. They acquired this conviction after reading the book of Mark 16:19-20, which, unfortunately, are verses not actually contained in the original Greek scriptures, according to Bible scholars. This therefore, proves the statement made by St. Peter in his epistle that (2 Peter 3:16):
“…in which are some things hard to understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as [they do] also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.”
We really should know how to use the bible. We should not perceive it as something so simple that anybody can readily interpret. In fact, it is the opposite! The Bible is not a plain as it may seem to be. The Holy Scriptures has the highest degree and the utmost quality of words and wisdom any book could offer that a man can read in his lifetime. According to the book of Isaiah 55:8-9:
“…my thoughts [are] not your thoughts, neither [are] your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For [as] the heavens are higher than the earth (which distance, up to this day, is still unfathomable by modern science) so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
The Bible is unique and more special than any other book essential to our salvation. Hence, not anybody can just stand up and explain, elucidate, or even interpret the words of the Almighty Himself! Why? Clearly because a simple man does not have the capacity to understand God’s words (2 Corinthians 2:11):
“For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? Even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.”
By the ‘spirit of man’ that is in each and every one of us, one can easily understand what it means if we see someone trying to rush his or her way to the restrooms. It is also the ‘spirit of a man’ that let us know what is the feeling of a male and female staring at each other. These are a couple of instances in which a man, with the aid of what the Bible refers to as ‘a man’s spirit’ that is in him, can effortlessly construe actions made by his fellowmen. But for a simple man to construe he words of God, using ‘the spirit in man’ that is in him, is as unconceivable as the distance of the heavens from the earth especially, if you are asked to explain what was written in the book of Psalms 22:6, 16, 18; John 8:40; and 1 John 5:20.
In Psalms 22:6, the one who is speaking is supposedly “… a worm, not man. Reproached of men, and despised of people.”
Continuing in verse 16 and 18, this so-called ‘worm’ said that: “…dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have enclosed me … For they pierced my hands and my feet, they part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.” These descriptions fit very well to our Lord Jesus Christ because Christ experienced all these at the time of His crucifixion and death. Therefore we can safely say that Jesus Christ, as He himself said, is “a worm, not man;” but, in John 8:40, Jesus said to the Pharisees that He is “a man hath told you the truth”. Still, in 1 John 5:20, it says that, “Jesus Christ is the true God and eternal life.” Here, we are faced with the dilemma of distinguishing the real nature of our Lord Jesus Christ. Is He a worm, a man, or a God? This is one of the greatest debates in the religious world; but how can we, in our humble being, be able to understand this seemingly complicated issue? Is it possible for us, human beings, to comprehend complexities such as these? In 2nd Corinthians 2:10, it is said that “…God hath revealed [them] unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.” Therefore, there is hope for us humans to understand such intricacies if, and only if, it will be revealed to us by God himself, through the Spirit, which, according to the verse, “searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.” Consequently, if we want to gain knowledge of even the deep things of God, we must have the Spirit of God!
The next question is: Who may have the Spirit of God in him? Are there any requirements? If so, what are those requirements? In the book of Psalms 25:12, it clearly says that: “What man [is] he that feareth the LORD? Him shall he teach in the way [that] he shall choose.” For us to obtain God’s Spirit, we must first have that so-called ‘fear’ the Lord in the same way that some people allegedly fear what others call as ghost, Dracula, werewolves, or Frankenstein (we do not believe in them anyway). “The ‘fear’ of the Lord …” according to the book of Proverbs 8:13, “…is to hate evil …” such as, “…pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth …” It basically means that every time we turn away from evil deeds and refrain from all iniquities, we are demonstrating our fear of God, that is, conclusively, according to Ecclesiastes 12:13, keeping his commandments. If we do this, then God will pour out His Spirit on us to allow us to grasp truths written in the Holy Scriptures.
The need to seek and read (Isaiah 34:16)
This is where other religious denominations often fall because whenever they encounter some difficulties in the Bible, they tend to pin their hopes on supplementary materials or references such as the “Webster’s Dictionary,” Encyclopedia, “The World History,” or any other books that they deem will help them explain or solve whatever is needed to be solved in the Bible. Take for example the “four angels” that is mentioned in the book of Revelations. How can we know the possible meaning of these supposed “four angles?” Do we need to refer to the “World History” and recklessly conclude that these “four angels” that the Bible is talking about are Lloyd George of Great Britain, Clemenceau of France, Orlando of Italy, and Wilson of America? Of course not! The book of Isaiah 34:16 prescribes us to “… Seek ye out of the book of the LORD, and read …”
Therefore, each time that we have questions or problems to solve in the scriptures, we need not use any reference, other than the Bible itself, to get to the bottom of anything that appears to be a conflict of some sort, or else, we will be arriving at a wrong conclusion and, ultimately, be misled. Of course we can use references to prove the authenticity of the Bible but not to explain the meaning of its verses. All we need is to have patience to seek out the answers from within the pages of the Bible, and read. Why? Because there is a guarantee from the Lord that “…no one of these shall fail, none shall want her mate: for my mouth it hath commanded, and his spirit it hath gathered them.” Always bear in mind that the Holy Scriptures is sufficient enough to explain itself.
We should always be faithful to the Words of God that are written in the Bible so as not to put our chances for salvation at risk. Thus, every time we see a religious group uses other books to interpret the contents of the Bible, moreover, uses other references instead of the Bible, then that religious group could very well lead us to damnation.
The Stern Warning
Always be confined within the parameters of the Scriptures. Paul said in his letter to the Christians at Corinth: “…not to think [of men] above which is written …” For this reason, we should always be on the lookout for people who speak beyond what is in the Scriptures. There are a lot of preachers, in our time, who add their ‘own’ doctrine to what was already written in the Bible—doctrines that are bogus, absurd, and unbiblical! Some of them tell their members to raise their umbrellas upside-down when it rains; or lift up their passports towards the sky and immediately expect to have a job opportunity abroad the following day. In Proverbs 30:6, it says, we must not add things like these unto the words of God that is written in the Bible; we also must not deduct anything from it, because “if any man shall add unto these things,” according to the book of Revelations (22:18), “God shall add in him the plagues that are written in this book.” And in verse 19 it says: “…if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the Holy City, and from the things which are written in this book.”
The words of God in the Bible are very potent weapons if we only know the right way of using it; but if we do not follow these instructions and pervert what is written, then eternal damnation will follow. The key is to first have fear in the Lord; follow His commandment, so that He will pour out His Spirit among us for us to be able to discern the words of salvation which s the best formidable bastion.
/PUBLICATIONS/
http:www.angdatingdaan.org
The biggest question that faces us is the manner or way by which we are going to use this formidable weapon, because there are a lot of things in this world that when used improperly, will cause harm. Take for example a knife. This simple utensil can be of great help to people if used properly. A knife can be of use to housewives with their cooking chores. It can also be of benefit to fisherman, a meat retailer, or even a farmer. Yes, a knife is arguably one of the best utensils that mankind had devised. But a knife, as a useful and as handy as it may be, if used in a rather demonic manner, as in man slaughtering, will certainly bring damage to both the victim and to the suspect. Another good example is ‘pain killers’ such as Paracetamol. These drugs can be helpful to alleviate intolerable pain one may experience, but without proper prescription, and if abnormally used, can ultimately result to addiction, leading to overdose, and more often than not, eventually cause death! These are just some of the many fine examples wherein something that is supposed to be beneficial to us will turn out to be harmful because it is not used the proper way that it should be.
The same can be said with regard to the word of God, because there are certain prescription or instructions on how we are supposed to use them. If we know the appropriate way to employ it, if we do not follow the right instructions, if we pervert it even, then it will lead us to eternal damnation. One of the best illustration of this is the very popular incident that happened to Guyana, wherein a religious group called “The People’s Temple,” led by Jim Jones perished, all 913 of them, when they literally took cyanide, as per instruction of Jones, in his belief that they will not die. They acquired this conviction after reading the book of Mark 16:19-20, which, unfortunately, are verses not actually contained in the original Greek scriptures, according to Bible scholars. This therefore, proves the statement made by St. Peter in his epistle that (2 Peter 3:16):
“…in which are some things hard to understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as [they do] also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.”
We really should know how to use the bible. We should not perceive it as something so simple that anybody can readily interpret. In fact, it is the opposite! The Bible is not a plain as it may seem to be. The Holy Scriptures has the highest degree and the utmost quality of words and wisdom any book could offer that a man can read in his lifetime. According to the book of Isaiah 55:8-9:
“…my thoughts [are] not your thoughts, neither [are] your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For [as] the heavens are higher than the earth (which distance, up to this day, is still unfathomable by modern science) so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
The Bible is unique and more special than any other book essential to our salvation. Hence, not anybody can just stand up and explain, elucidate, or even interpret the words of the Almighty Himself! Why? Clearly because a simple man does not have the capacity to understand God’s words (2 Corinthians 2:11):
“For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? Even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.”
By the ‘spirit of man’ that is in each and every one of us, one can easily understand what it means if we see someone trying to rush his or her way to the restrooms. It is also the ‘spirit of a man’ that let us know what is the feeling of a male and female staring at each other. These are a couple of instances in which a man, with the aid of what the Bible refers to as ‘a man’s spirit’ that is in him, can effortlessly construe actions made by his fellowmen. But for a simple man to construe he words of God, using ‘the spirit in man’ that is in him, is as unconceivable as the distance of the heavens from the earth especially, if you are asked to explain what was written in the book of Psalms 22:6, 16, 18; John 8:40; and 1 John 5:20.
In Psalms 22:6, the one who is speaking is supposedly “… a worm, not man. Reproached of men, and despised of people.”
Continuing in verse 16 and 18, this so-called ‘worm’ said that: “…dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have enclosed me … For they pierced my hands and my feet, they part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.” These descriptions fit very well to our Lord Jesus Christ because Christ experienced all these at the time of His crucifixion and death. Therefore we can safely say that Jesus Christ, as He himself said, is “a worm, not man;” but, in John 8:40, Jesus said to the Pharisees that He is “a man hath told you the truth”. Still, in 1 John 5:20, it says that, “Jesus Christ is the true God and eternal life.” Here, we are faced with the dilemma of distinguishing the real nature of our Lord Jesus Christ. Is He a worm, a man, or a God? This is one of the greatest debates in the religious world; but how can we, in our humble being, be able to understand this seemingly complicated issue? Is it possible for us, human beings, to comprehend complexities such as these? In 2nd Corinthians 2:10, it is said that “…God hath revealed [them] unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.” Therefore, there is hope for us humans to understand such intricacies if, and only if, it will be revealed to us by God himself, through the Spirit, which, according to the verse, “searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.” Consequently, if we want to gain knowledge of even the deep things of God, we must have the Spirit of God!
The next question is: Who may have the Spirit of God in him? Are there any requirements? If so, what are those requirements? In the book of Psalms 25:12, it clearly says that: “What man [is] he that feareth the LORD? Him shall he teach in the way [that] he shall choose.” For us to obtain God’s Spirit, we must first have that so-called ‘fear’ the Lord in the same way that some people allegedly fear what others call as ghost, Dracula, werewolves, or Frankenstein (we do not believe in them anyway). “The ‘fear’ of the Lord …” according to the book of Proverbs 8:13, “…is to hate evil …” such as, “…pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth …” It basically means that every time we turn away from evil deeds and refrain from all iniquities, we are demonstrating our fear of God, that is, conclusively, according to Ecclesiastes 12:13, keeping his commandments. If we do this, then God will pour out His Spirit on us to allow us to grasp truths written in the Holy Scriptures.
The need to seek and read (Isaiah 34:16)
This is where other religious denominations often fall because whenever they encounter some difficulties in the Bible, they tend to pin their hopes on supplementary materials or references such as the “Webster’s Dictionary,” Encyclopedia, “The World History,” or any other books that they deem will help them explain or solve whatever is needed to be solved in the Bible. Take for example the “four angels” that is mentioned in the book of Revelations. How can we know the possible meaning of these supposed “four angles?” Do we need to refer to the “World History” and recklessly conclude that these “four angels” that the Bible is talking about are Lloyd George of Great Britain, Clemenceau of France, Orlando of Italy, and Wilson of America? Of course not! The book of Isaiah 34:16 prescribes us to “… Seek ye out of the book of the LORD, and read …”
Therefore, each time that we have questions or problems to solve in the scriptures, we need not use any reference, other than the Bible itself, to get to the bottom of anything that appears to be a conflict of some sort, or else, we will be arriving at a wrong conclusion and, ultimately, be misled. Of course we can use references to prove the authenticity of the Bible but not to explain the meaning of its verses. All we need is to have patience to seek out the answers from within the pages of the Bible, and read. Why? Because there is a guarantee from the Lord that “…no one of these shall fail, none shall want her mate: for my mouth it hath commanded, and his spirit it hath gathered them.” Always bear in mind that the Holy Scriptures is sufficient enough to explain itself.
We should always be faithful to the Words of God that are written in the Bible so as not to put our chances for salvation at risk. Thus, every time we see a religious group uses other books to interpret the contents of the Bible, moreover, uses other references instead of the Bible, then that religious group could very well lead us to damnation.
The Stern Warning
Always be confined within the parameters of the Scriptures. Paul said in his letter to the Christians at Corinth: “…not to think [of men] above which is written …” For this reason, we should always be on the lookout for people who speak beyond what is in the Scriptures. There are a lot of preachers, in our time, who add their ‘own’ doctrine to what was already written in the Bible—doctrines that are bogus, absurd, and unbiblical! Some of them tell their members to raise their umbrellas upside-down when it rains; or lift up their passports towards the sky and immediately expect to have a job opportunity abroad the following day. In Proverbs 30:6, it says, we must not add things like these unto the words of God that is written in the Bible; we also must not deduct anything from it, because “if any man shall add unto these things,” according to the book of Revelations (22:18), “God shall add in him the plagues that are written in this book.” And in verse 19 it says: “…if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the Holy City, and from the things which are written in this book.”
The words of God in the Bible are very potent weapons if we only know the right way of using it; but if we do not follow these instructions and pervert what is written, then eternal damnation will follow. The key is to first have fear in the Lord; follow His commandment, so that He will pour out His Spirit among us for us to be able to discern the words of salvation which s the best formidable bastion.
/PUBLICATIONS/
http:www.angdatingdaan.org