About Sin and Forgiveness

About sin and forgiveness Are you ever uncomfortable when you hear people say, “It’s OK, God will forgive me”, as they knowingly rush head on into sin? Have you ever wondered about 1 John 5:16 If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it. Or that passage from Hebrews: Hebrews 10:26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. The modern gospel teaches a vision of forgiveness, from a gentile view of the scriptures. We are taught that The Christ’s blood, shed for the world, is payment for sin once and for all, and every sin. We are told, “If we confess our sin, he is faithful and just, to forgive us our sin, , , ,” And this is true. It is a truth in need of explanation, because it makes no distinction about sin. Neither does it explain those pesky verses above, suggesting, plainly a warning of falling from the grace of God. When we approach the Word, we are taught to focus on the New Testament. We read the gospels and the epistles. And, we do well to read them, because they are God’s good news to the Gentile. But, think of it for a moment. When you want to learn a subject, do you start at the beginning, or the end, or maybe the middle? Of course, you start at the beginning. And, for the Christ Follower, the beginning of our story starts out, oddly enough, “In the beginning,, ,” That is not where the “church” will usually begin. No. We are taught beginning from the gentile perspective. That is, from the middle of the story. From our first Sunday School class it is a New Testament, gentile, perspective by which we gain knowledge of The Christ and His Word. When Timothy is told,”You have know the scriptures to make wise unto salvation, , , ,” do you suppose they meant the Gospels and the Epistles? No. Timothy was taught in the Jewish tradition – He was taught the Torah and the Prophets. The frame of reference for all early-church teaching is the Torah. And so, it must be that their understanding of sin and forgiveness is found in the Torah. A big disclaimer here: I am not a Hebraic scholar!!! But, I can read. And if you accept that the Bible is the Word of God in print, then we can continue. If we are to really understand the Epistles where they speak to sin and forgiveness or for that matter the entire New Testament, we need to understand them in terms of the Old Testament – With perspective of a Hebrew. We need to begin our quest for knowledge at the beginning. Perhaps we should decide if it is even important. I think a recent experience I had decided that for question for me. I heard a radio program recently, and the narrator recounted this story: A pastor standing outside an abortion clinic attempted to tell the male companion of a woman he had just dropped off to get an abortion, what was wrong about what he was doing. According to the pastor, the man just replied, “I know, but God will forgive me.” To this the pastor then said, “Yes, but , , , “. The pastor was agreeing that God would forgive what he believed to be a sin, knowing full well the young man thought it sin. I have heard this reasoning over and over, that God would forgive that sort of sin, and it has left me feeling neither blessed nor assured. Maybe it is that long ago, brief, Catholic experience and catechism classes that provided that troubled feeling. I have been a non-denominational, evangelical type for forty plus years, and have understood that we are saved by unmerited favor – Grace. But, this is young man’s act, is exactly the sort of presumptuous sin alluded to in Hebrews 10:26. And that passage has always been a challenge to understand, in light of traditional evangelical doctrine of Grace and Salvation. This pastor’s suggestion that that sort of sin would be forgiven, sent me into the Word, to see “if these things be so.” We hear a little commentary preaching about sin. There is a lot of preaching and teaching about feeling good. And, if you think about it most of the focus is on the forgiveness of sin, but without understanding sin. Oh yes, they quote, “Sin is the transgression of law.” And, so it is. But how much do they teach you about transgression. To understand it we must go to the Law I propose the Bible describes tow kinds of sin (Yes, the Catholic comes out). But unlike the Catholic version mortal and venial, we will use a Bible reference, and call them Sins of Ignorance, and Presumptuous Sins. Let us see what God said through Moses, in the Law. And since we have an abiding interest in forgiveness, we shall see what God says about forgiveness, as well. THE LAW Leviticus 4:2 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a soul shall sin through ignorance against any of the commandments of the Lord concerning things which ought not to be done, and shall do against any of them: Leviticus 4:13 And if the whole congregation of Israel sin through ignorance, and the thing be hid from the eyes of the assembly, and they have done somewhat against any of the commandments of the Lord concerning things which should not be done, and are guilty; Leviticus 4:22 When a ruler hath sinned, and done somewhat through ignorance against any of the commandments of the Lord his God concerning things which should not be done, and is guilty; Leviticus 4:27 And if any one of the common people sin through ignorance, while he doeth somewhat against any of the commandments of the Lord concerning things which ought not to be done, and be guilty; Numbers 15:29 Ye shall have one law for him that sinneth through ignorance, both for him that is born among the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them. So what is “ignorance”? What says the scriptures? Here are two excerpts from the Hebrew interlinear Bible. Leviticus 4:22: Which prince he is sinning and he does one from any of instruction of Yaweh Elohim of him ruler which not they shall be done, in error, and he is guilty. Leviticus 15: 29 the•native in sons of Israel and for the sojourner and the one sojourning in the midst of them law one shall be for you to the one doing in error. So, what can we say of Sins of Ignorance? Clearly the distinction lies in “Intention”. It is an error. FORGIVENESS All through the giving of the law, this word “ignorance” appears. And for each of these ‘’sins through ignorance” or error, God provides an ordinance of sacrifice, for forgiveness. Leviticus 4:2 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a soul shall sin through ignorance against any of the commandments of the Lord concerning things which ought not to be done, and shall do against any of them: if the priest that is anointed do sin according to the sin of the people; then let him bring for his sin, which he hath sinned, a young bullock without blemish unto the LORD for a sin offering. And so it is for each of the sins of ignorance, that there is a corresponding sacrifice where blood is shed for forgiveness (covering) of sin. This is the first kind of sin. The Second Kind of Sin There is not a lot of discussion of this kind of sin within the Torah. I think it is because it is easily recognized and there is only one corresponding remedy, to cleanse Israel of it – Death. Here is a single example: Numbers 15:30 But the soul that doeth ought presumptuously, whether he be born in the land, or a stranger, the same reproacheth the LORD; and that soul shall be cut off from among his people. Let us call the Second Kind of Sin, “Presumptuous Sin” What then, does it mean to be presumptuous? Miriam-Webster defines it: : overstepping due bounds (as of propriety or courtesy) :taking liberties From “The Dictionary of the English Language”, Third Edition, Printed by W.E. Jones 1778, Presumptuous: Arrogant, confident, Irreverant with respect to holy things. Presumptuously: Arrogantly; irreverently, With vain and groundless confidence in divine favor. (Note: Irreverant is the correct spelling for 1778) But, how does one arrive at presumptuous or presumptuously when translated from Hebrew into English? Using an interlinear Hebrew bible I found the literal translations from four verses where Presumptuous Sin is mentioned. Note: The word is arrived at from the context, as there appears to be no single word that translates to presumptuous. Unfortunately, we can get into some circular reasoning at this point, with respect to words, as the word “arrogant” is used in the interlinear (modern) translation – also apparently derived at from the context of the passage. But, if dealing in Spirit and Truth, we should be OK. Here are the four key verses as literal translations. Exodus 2:14: and•that ־ he-is-cplanning-arrogantly man on associate of him to to-kill him in craft Numbers 15:30: and•the•soul who is doing in hand high, from native and sojourner, Yaweh he taunting, the and he is cut off. Deuteronomy 1:43: and•I-am-speaking and not you listened and your defying bidding of Yaweh and you are being arrogant and your ascending the mountainward. Deuteronomy 17:12: and•the•man which he is doing in arrogance to so as not to to listen of to the priest the one standing to to minister there Yaweh Elohim of you to to the one judging and he dies and you errdiacte the evil from Israel. King James Version Exodus 21:14 But if a man come presumptuously upon his neighbour, to slay him with guile; thou shalt take him from mine altar, that he may die. Numbers 15:30 But the soul that doeth ought presumptuously, whether he be born in the land, or a stranger, the same reproacheth the LORD; and that soul shall be cut off from among his people. Deuteronomy 1:43 So I spake unto you; and ye would not hear, but rebelled against the commandment of the LORD, and went presumptuously up into the hill. Deuteronomy 17:12 And the man that will do presumptuously, and will not hearken unto the priest that standeth to minister there before the LORD thy God, or unto the judge, even that man shall die: and thou shalt put away the evil from Israel. What is common here is these transgressions of the law are conscious, wilfull, and, in modern terms, “In your face” disobedience. NO FORGIVENESS There is one other commonality, very crucial to the understanding of sin as discussed in the New Testament – There is no atonement, or sacrifice for Presumptuous Sin. The conclusion to Presumptuous Sin is clearly different from that of Sins of Ignorance. But the soul that doeth ought presumptuously, whether he be born in the land, or a stranger, the same reproacheth the LORD; and that soul shall be cut off from among his people. (Numbers 5:30) So, what do we now know, that every Hebrew would have known, in the “church”? For Sins of Ignorance, there is atonement available. For Presumptuous Sin, there is only death. Fast-forward to the early Apostolic era. Now we see the crucified Christ - the Lamb of God. And we, who now have some understanding of Hebrew perspective of the sin sacrifice, what can we say? Let us not say it – yet. But, let the Apostles suggest an answer. 1 John 5:16 If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it. Now, as good Hebrew thinkers, what do you suppose John is talking about here? First we see a reference to a “sin which is not unto to death”. With our newly acquired perspective, we should have clear understanding. From the Hebrew perspective we can assert that this is referring to a Sin of Ignorance. We could even, dare I suggest it, rewrite it thus: If any man see his brother sin through ignorance, he shall ask, and he shall give life for them that, , , , Next we read: “There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.” Here to we can ascent that this is a Presumptuous Sin, because we know from the scriptures available at that time, this is the only kind sin for which the blood sacrifice was not available. And we could also rewrite this portion: “There is Presumptuous Sin: I do not say the he shall pray for it. And, a full rewrite with this in mind might read: If any man see his brother sin in ignorance (error), he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin in ignorance. There is presumptuous sin, sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it. It is Presumptuous Sin. The writer of Hebrews suggests the very same idea. Hebrews 10:26 For if we sin wilfully (Presumptuously) after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, Reading this with our new perspective, as the Hebrews had received the knowledge of the law, so to the Christ Follower having received the knowledge of the truth has no access to forgiveness for wilfull sin, since that forgiveness is found in the Blood of the Lamb which the sinner presumed upon, and trampled the Grace of God under foot. UNFOREGIVEABLE SIN NAMED We do know that The Unforgiveable Sin is named in the New Testament. Mark 3 28 Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme: 29 But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation. Knowing what the unforgivable sin is, we can identify what kind of sin it is. Is it the first kind or the second kind? However, the question often arises, as is evidenced by the many sermons which attempt to answer it, “what is blaspheme”? The New Testament writer does not go into a lot of detail on this. It is my guess that, as with any commonly understood terms, further illumination was unnecessary for the hearers. And of course, if you were a Hebrew, it was probably well understood by you. We need to understand this, as Hebrews. And so, we return to the Torah and the Prophets. BLASPHEME The definition is again found in the context or the word. Two verses are given below, the interlinear translation is shown in red. In these verses, The Lord describes how He was blasphemed. Isaiah 36 13 Then Rabshakeh stood, and cried with a loud voice in the Jews' language, and said, Hear ye the words of the great king, the king of Assyria. 14 Thus saith the king, Let not Hezekiah deceive you: for he shall not be able to deliver you. 15 Neither let Hezekiah make you trust in the LORD, saying, The LORD will surely deliver us: this city shall not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria. 16 Hearken not to Hezekiah: for thus saith the king of Assyria, Make an agreement with me by a present, and come out to me: and eat ye every one of his vine, and every one of his fig tree, and drink ye every one the waters of his own cistern; 17 Until I come and take you away to a land like your own land, a land of corn and wine, a land of bread and vineyards. 18 Beware lest Hezekiah persuade you, saying, the LORD will deliver us. Hath any of the gods of the nations delivered his land out of the hand of the king of Assyria? 19 Where are the gods of Hamath and Arphad? where are the gods of Sepharvaim? and have they delivered Samaria out of my hand? 20 Who are they among all the gods of these lands, that have delivered their land out of my hand, that the LORD should deliver Jerusalem out of my hand? 37 5 So the servants of King Hezekiah came to Isaiah. 6 And Isaiah said unto them, Thus shall ye say unto your master, Thus saith the LORD, Be not afraid of the words that thou hast heard, wherewith the servants of the king of Assyria have blasphemed me. and•he-is-saying to•them Isaiah thus shall-say to lords of you thus he says Yaweh must not your are fearing from faces of the words which they heard which they taunted me, lads of king of Assyria, me Ezekiel 20 27 Therefore, son of man, speak unto the house of Israel, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Yet in this your fathers have blasphemed me, in that they have committed a trespass against me. Therefore speak you! To house of Israel son of human and you say to them thus He says my lord Yaweh further this they Taunted me fathers of you to offend of me offends me. 28 For when I had brought them into the land, for the which I lifted up mine hand to give it to them, then they saw every high hill, and all the thick trees, and they offered there their sacrifices, and there they presented the provocation of their offering: there also they made their sweet savour, and poured out there their drink offerings. There is no direct translation to Blaspheme. What we see is that in these cases the act of taunting God is interpreted to be Blaspheme. And, now, we can make a claim about The Unforgivable Sin that it is no act of error. You do not accidentally taunt – it is an act of will. So, as to kind, Blaspheme is Presumptuous Sin. However, there were two ways that God was taunted. First by the words spoken by the servants of the King of Assyria. The second was in disobedience to God when they had come into the land where He had brought them. Was not the message of Rabshakeh, as accusation of the Pharisees? Did they both not make the same false accusations against or about God? Perhaps we can better understand Mark 3:28 this way: 29 But he that shall taunt the Holy Ghost, as Rabshakeh taunted God, hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation. We now see that there are at least two ways to blaspheme – in word and deed. NEW TESTAMENT SINS OF IGNORANCE So what do the Apostles say regarding sins of ignorance? Acts 17:23 For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, To The Unknown God. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you. 1 Timothy 1:13 Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. Acts 17:30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: Ephesians 4:18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: 1 Peter 1:14 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: It is no mystery that the Apostle would use this word. In the Hebrew frame of reference, those outside of the covenant would of course be acting in ignorance, in error, not knowing God or the Law. Above, Paul speaks of his persecution of the Body of Christ and forgiveness which was available and given, because he did it in “ignorance”. Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. Without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sin. Sins of Ignorance and Presumptuous Sin - Forgiveness and Condemnation Let everyone be persuaded in his own mind. But, give very serious thought to what you read here and compare what the word says with what people tell you, and particularly, the next time the tempter tells you, “It doesn’t matter because, “God will forgive you.” . Heed the warning in Hebrews. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden underfoot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?

Sacrifice - A happy thing.

New Testament scribes and Pharisees sit in Jesus’ seat: All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. These are “false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.” And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. OK, pretty heavy start, I guess. But, it applies. In light of the intro, what is the first image or feeling that pops into your head when you read the following word: SACRIFICE Write it down if your memory is as bad as mine, and we’ll get back to it shortly. I have come to realize that among the faithful (Christ followers) it is not always that we don’t only not understand Greek or Hebrew, it is that we often don’t understand English. That is, English as it was intended. Now back to the word sacrifice. Be honest. Were your thoughts “happy”, “joyful”, or “gay”? (Another misuse of English) Did the word conjure up images of feasting, and song? No? Why not? If you thought of “doing without”, “depriving” yourself of something for a good cause, or any of the other “Religious” connotations that have attached themselves to this word, you can blame the “false teachers among you”. Sacrifice meant none of those things. Think about it. There are connections in God’s word that would never make sense if sacrifice had those meanings. How about, "the sacrifice of praise”. Now I suppose you could point to Paul’s “Philippian Jail” experience, but I am doubtful that was an altogether somber experience. How silly to think of two guys in chains, singing a Psalm or Hymn, as if it were a dirge – all glum, with mouth turned down, as if they a kid being forced to say, “I’m sorry.” Consider the Old Testament sacrifice? There, the Jews were to “sacrifice” and “rejoice” before the Lord, in the place where He has chosen to put His name. Oh yeah: They were to “eat it there” before the Lord. Same picture –Down-in-the-mouth, making an effort to appear happy. Once you understand the English, as it was written, you get a clear picture of what is meant to happen, and what a wonderful experience you can have when you sacrifice. When the bible was translated, the word used for sacrifice was taken from the Latin. Two roots, "sacre"; meaning sacred or holy and "facere"; to do or to make, literally combine to mean, Make Holy or Do Holy. Now it makes wonderful sense to say, “make a sacrifice of praise”, or “Make Holy praise”. And too, “make holy” rejoicing before the Lord, eating the offering, with your family. These are a far cry from the notion that has been perpetuated for a very long time. It is a notion, by which some teachers may justify themselves, “For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders”. And, they rob widows houses, convincing all that it is the nature of true sacrifice. Yes, you can choose to forego a few goodies, or even many. But, do it in knowledge. Oh, to make sacred your life. Remember, “, , , ,they will make merchandise of you”. P. McDermott 01/28/2013

To whom do we pray?

How should we pray? What should we ask for?
These are two very good questions, and worth exploring. But, there is one, much more important question, which needs to be answered first.
Within the modern church, and I speak with respect to evangelical churches which I frequent, there is a tradition that says we pray to Jesus.
I heard a very good sermon this morning on how we should pray. The pastor really nailed it with respect to “how” and “what”. He went right to the source, Jesus.
From the Gospel according to Matthew we read:
“And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
This simple, but elegant prayer covers all the answers – How to pray, what to pray for, and to whom we should pray.
To whom should we pray?
So what is the answer to, “To whom should we pray?”
The Father.
Unfortunately, it has become commonplace to substitute Jesus as the one to whom they pray, the previous and quite obvious teaching notwithstanding.
The next time you are in a church service or prayer meeting listen.
To whom do these believers pray?
If they have been caught up in modern, feel-good, Christianity you will hear them praying to Jesus, not to God the Father.
“But, wait,” you may protest, “Is not Jesus, Emanuel, which is interpreted God with us?”
Yes, Jesus is “God with us”. And yet, it is Jesus who taught us that we should ask the Father, not him.
SPLITTING HAIRS?
The Christ came to bring us to God. The scriptures testified that the whole of the salvation message and church is to glorify God.
• John 21:19, This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God
• Romans 15:6, That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father
• Romans 15:9, And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, "For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name."
• 1 Peter 4:16, Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
“But,” You ask, “If Jesus is God, then why are you splitting hairs over whether we call God, Jesus, or the Father, or Just God?”
I’m not splitting hairs; I’m repeating what God has said. The scriptures are replete with examples of this distinction.
Consider the following:
“And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. “(John 14)
“At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you” (John 16: 26)
The Christ makes the distinction between himself and the Father.
There are many more such passages.
Yes, we know that The Christ is God with Us. Yet He chooses to maintain a distinction.
We can see that there is, in time – outside Heaven- a distinction in position between God the Father and God the Son.
Some will point to Philippians where The Christ (Jesus) is mentioned as being equal.
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
This passage is immediately followed by further explanation:
But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
It is his ministry to bring people to God and glorify God as we saw earlier. We see is no uncertain terms in First Corinthians.
1 Corinthians 15: (22) For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.
For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.
Whoa!
There are a lot of “hes” and “hims”. Which he is Him and which Him is he?
Just for fun, let’s insert the word “God” (the Father) and Jesus for some of the “hes” and “hims”, and see if we can make sense of it.
Then cometh the end, when Jesus shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when Jesus shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.
For Jesus must reign, till God hath put all enemies under Jesus’ feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
For God hath put all things under Jesus’ feet. But when God saith all things are put under Jesus, it is manifest that God is excepted, which did put all things under Jesus. And when all things shall be subdued unto Jesus, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto God that put all things under Jesus, that God may be all in all

There now, whether you agree or not with the interpretation, it does seem clearer. Give it some prayer, and serious contemplation, and I believe God will show you will there is truth to this.
Finally, let us look at the last book of the Bible – Revelation. Here we see the same determination to glorify God and maintain the distinction between Jesus (the man Savior) and God (the Father).
For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
Let’s look at revelation
In revelation, we see even more complex relationships between man and God in communicating His plan to the Church through John.
Rev. 22
And he said unto me, “These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.”
‘Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book”.
And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things.
Then saith he unto me, “See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.”
And he saith unto me, “Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand. He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.”
“ I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.”
“I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.”
In the last verse, above, we Jesus reveal himself as the speaker. He is the “I”, who has been speaking, and revealing himself as the “Beginning and the End.”
If you follow through the entire set of passages, it is clear that the very first “I” (the angel) is this very same “I, Jesus.”
All along, Jesus maintains, and directs John to maintain, a distinction between himself and God.
We see that God has chosen to make a distinction between Jesus and Himself and that distinction applies with respect to spiritual exercises such as praying and worship.
Why?
The scripture does not address that specifically. But, in general, we can surmise, because:
“Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” (Revelation 4:11)

When we Pray
So, when we pray, let us pray to the Father. And pray, by the authority given us through The Christ – “in His name.”
Who is God the Father?
He is that He is.
He does have a name. And, Hallowed be His Name.
Hallowed be Yahweh.

Good Friday? Good Grief!

If you have placed your faith in a Christ, crucified on a Friday and raised on Sunday; you have misplaced your faith. We are coming up on, what most believe, to be the Holiest of the Christian calendar days – Easter. Preceding Easter, is a week containing memorials of events leading to The Crucifixion and resurrection of the Christ. Unfortunately, Palm Sunday, Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are all vestiges of Roman influence and in error. Christ could not have been crucified on Friday, and raised about 36 hours later, on Sunday morning. Quote Matthew 12:40; For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. (Just one reference to his tour of duty in Hell.) Now, one really absurd argument used to explain the apparent discrepancy here is that, “In those days, a day was different.” Then the expositor will then explain that the day was a twelve hour period so that Friday night, Saturday day, and Saturday night qualifies as 3 days. This however presents a whole other set of difficulties--to name a few: 1. Two Saturdays (Sabbaths) per modern week. 2. 102 Bible weeks per modern year 3. 730 Bible days per modern year, 4. And, Jesus was about 16 modern years old when crucified. I believe the difficulty lies in two areas. First, Rome had some pagan holidays to incorporate into the Holy Year, and second, a poor understanding of what a Sabbath is. I will not attempt to address Romes rationale on pagan celebrations. Regarding the Sabbath: Generally there are two classes – The Sabbath of the Lord (7th day), and general Sabbaths. (I call them general sabbaths, I'm sure there is a more theological term) General Sabbaths are tied to Jewish feasts/convocations, such as Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. This is the Sabbath of, John 19:31: Quote The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the Sabbath day, (for that Sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. It is noted that this was a different Sabbath than others – possibly the Feast of Unleavened Bread Quote Leviticus 23:6: And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the feast of unleavened bread unto the LORD: seven days ye must eat unleavened bread. Deuteronomy 16:16 Three times in a year shall all thy males appear before the LORD thy God in the place which he shall choose; in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles: and they shall not appear before the LORD empty: These are special days, but how can it be said they are “Sabbaths”? Feasts and convocations have or are a Sabbath: Quote Leviticus 23:39: Also in the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when ye have gathered in the fruit of the land, ye shall keep a feast unto the LORD seven days: on the first day shall be a Sabbath, and on the eighth day shall be a Sabbath. Of course to maintain tradition, one must have a calendar which guarantees that this feast day falls on a Saturday every year. The arithmetic will not work no matter how hard one tries, and this is not the only feast/convocation that is/has a Sabbath. It may seem like a harmless thing to teach The Christ was crucified on a Friday. But it is a lie, after all. Traditions of Men perpetuate confusion – and God is not the author of confusion. There are enough “traditions of men” to burden down the child of God. It’s time we began unburden our brothers and sisters with TRUTH.

A Steading Dripping of Water

Mark 7:7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

This, The Christ said of the religious leaders of His time. Now, well into the Times of The Gentiles, the seeing eye sees that we have come full circle.

Howbeit in vain do they worship God, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

2 Peter 2 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you:

Sin is like a continual dripping of water. Heresy, too, is like a continual dripping of water. In the beginning the impact on the bucket is hardly noticed as rain drips through the roof. Not long after it starts the sound becomes “white noise” and few pay little if any attention. But, as time goes by, the bucket fills and begins to overflow. And now, the problem is clearly apparent.

The Body of Christ has inherited a New Testament burden much like that The Christ sought to ease when He said, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

True, His yoke is light. But, “The Church”, and by The Church I mean the Religious, have hung buckets on that yoke. (After all, isn't that what a yoke was designed to carry?) Gradually the New Testament Pharisees have filled these buckets with heresies, lies, and the traditions of men – Not God’s Truth. And, like a dripping of water, we hardly notice it has happened.

Perhaps the clearest illustration is the modern concept of Sacrifice, Offerings, and Tithes.

We are taught that a sacrifice is giving up something, or giving to God, and in that giving we deny our flesh, and may even suffer as a result of that giving – a good basic Religious tradition.

But, consider the following commandment of God to Israel. Then recall the adaptation by the modern Religion around you, and ask, “Are modern teachings about tithes, offerings, and sacrifices Biblical?” Ask, that is, if it is not already clear by the time you finish reading God’s word below. (I’ve formatted some passages for clarity)

Deuteronomy 14:26 (King James Version) And thou shalt bestow that money for whatsoever thy soul lusteth after, for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatsoever thy soul desireth: and thou shalt eat there before the LORD thy God, and thou shalt rejoice, thou, and thine household,

Deuteronomy 12 (11 & 12): Then there shall be a place which the LORD your God shall choose to cause his name to dwell there; thither shall ye bring all that I command you;

1. your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices,

2. your tithes, and

3. the heave offering of your hand, and

4. all your choice vows which ye vow unto the LORD:

And ye shall rejoice before the LORD your God, ye, and your sons, and your daughters, and your menservants, and your maidservants, and the Levite that is within your gates; forasmuch as he hath no part nor inheritance with you.

Deuteronomy 12 (17 & 18): Thou mayest not eat within thy gates the tithe of thy corn, or of thy wine, or of thy oil, or the firstlings of thy herds or of thy flock, nor any of thy vows which thou vowest, nor thy freewill offerings, or heave offering of thine hand: But thou must eat them before the LORD thy God in the place which the LORD thy God shall choose, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and the Levite that is within thy gates: and thou shalt rejoice before the LORD thy God in all that thou puttest thine hands unto.

Does that even begin to reflect what the Body of Christ is being taught today?

What we see is God calling His people to bring a portion of their increase into the House of God (Jerusalem) and there offer it and eat it, sharing with those around them--Not throwing their money into a basket never to see it again. 

Look again at what God says about the tithe in Deuteronomy 14 :

"And if the way be too long for thee, so that thou art not able to carry it; or if the place be too far from thee, which the LORD thy God shall choose to set his name there, when the LORD thy God hath blessed thee: Then shalt thou turn it into money, and bind up the money in thine hand, and shalt go unto the place which the LORD thy God shall choose: And thou shalt bestow that money for whatsoever thy soul lusteth after, for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatsoever thy soul desireth: and thou shalt eat there before the LORD thy God, and thou shalt rejoice, thou, and thine household, , , ,"

Here God has made provision for those who live a long way from the place where He will put His Name (Eventually Jerusalem), by telling them how to celebrate His goodness toward them. He commands them to have, what in any other setting would be, a party. (If you don’t think the above recipe is as good a list of things to have at a party, you haven’t partied.)

What’s the difference between the tithe or any other sacrifice and the worlds way to party?

God is the center. God is the focus. It is God who is thanked and glorified.

The commandment doesn’t say, “Get drunk”.

God says you may buy strong drink if you wish, and wine, and anything else WE desire. God wants us to be happy. God wants us to enjoy the bounty He provides. God wants us to share that bounty with the less fortunate. And, rejoice doing it.

If there is a modern Church which practices tithing, sacrifice, and offerings in the way commanded by God, they have probably long been declared Apostate. Nevertheless, should I run across that body, I certainly would hope to be allowed to rejoice with them?

This is one of the easiest of New Testament heresies to discuss. It is obviously contrary to God’s word (The Bible), and among the most frequent and public examples of the Religious malpractice of God’s Commandments.

How miserable and unhappy we are in "our own righteousness", when compared to what God wanted for us.

If you want to suffer, let it not be at God’s hand. Suffer for righteousness --for living out the spirit of God’s commandments. And, if you suffer, it will be another's hand that lays heavy on you.

Yes, Christ Followers will suffer, but at the hands of the evil one. It is the World that hates Christ Followers, not God -- Because, they first hated Him.

It is the World that wants to enslave us, but God sets us free.

And, the TRUTH shall set you free