The Children vs The Sons of Israel and the Weakness of the King James Version

Deuteronomy 32:8 in the King James Bible and in the English Standard Version

A "King James Only" YouTube channel has posted a video accusing the English Standard Version of horrific error (its primarily crime, consistent with the channel, is that it's not the KJV). The host goes after its translation of Deuteronomy 32:8 which we will address shortly. Here is a quick blurb about the ESV from BibleStudyTools.com

The ESV is an "essentially literal" translation that seeks as far as possible to capture the precise wording of the original text and the personal style of each Bible writer. It seeks to be transparent to the original text, letting the reader see as directly as possible the structure and meaning of the original.

At issue is the ESV's use of "sons of God" as opposed the KJV's use of "children of Israel." in the verse.

Here is the KJV version of Deuteronomy 32:8...

When the Most High divided to the nations their inheritance, when he separated the sons of Adam, he set the bounds of the people according to the number of the children of Israel.

It's very important to understand why God inspires the idea of "children" or "child" in some passages and "sons" or "son" in others. As always, we are careful to note context where we are in scripture. If scriptures notes someone had a "son" (a male child) it may not carry the full weight it does in other passages, for example. 

Before we get lost in the weeds, we are talking about similar phrases and certain promises when we look to distinguish "sons" from "children," not merely a male child (e.g. Gen 32:22). That is, "son" referring to simply a male child does not carry the weight or figure "sons" carries when juxtaposed against "children," as we hope to establish.

Let's take a quick look at Deuteronomy 32:8 in other translations. I'm not a huge fan of the ESV (while I acknowledge it does have its good points), but it does list in its notes on this verse that the Textus Receptus (TR) reads "sons of Israel." It translates, then, from a minority text the phrase as "sons of God" and then acknowledges the TR reads "sons of Israel." Both depart from "children of Israel" as  the KJV reads. 

The ESV most likely is quoting the Septuagint (LXX), the Greek translation of the Hebrew Old Testament. There we have "angels of God," which are also referred to a "sons of God" in scripture (e.g. Gen 6:2).

Let's first tun to the Geneva Bible and Wycliffe translation (TR) and NAS and NIV just FYC:

When the most high God divided to the nations their inheritance, when he separated the sons of Adam, he appointed the borders of the people, according to the number of the children of Israel. [Geneva]

When the highest parted folks, when he separated the sons of Adam, he ordained the terms of peoples by the number of the sons of Israel. (When the Most High God divided the nations, when he separated the sons of man, he ordained the borders of the peoples according to the number of the sons of God.) [Wycliffe]

When the Most High gave the nations their inheritance, When He separated the sons of man, He set the boundaries of the peoples According to the number of the sons of Israel. [NAS]

When the Most High gave the nations their inheritance,
when he divided all mankind,
he set up boundaries for the peoples
according to the number of the sons of Israel. [NIV]

Again, I don't think the ESV is particularly egregious here. We also note that John Wycliffe, "the morning star of the Reformation," uses "sons of God." This is due to his access only to the Latin texts .

Wycliffe supervised a handful of scholars at Oxford in the translation of the Latin Bible into the English language. This was the very first translation of the entire Bible into the English language. The only source that Wycliffe’s translators had to work with was a Latin hand-written manuscript of a translation made 1000 years previously.  

-ReformationSA.org

But we would never stand in judgment of Wycliffe who was condemned by the Catholic Church (as was his translation), yet unlike Tyndale later, he escaped imprisonment and death.

As a result of these activities and teachings, one pope issued five bulls against John Wycliffe for “heresy.” The Catholic Church tried him three times and two popes summoned him to Rome. However, Wycliffe wisely refused each summons and the political protection of the Duke of Lancaster and Queen Anne kept Wycliffe alive and free. He was never imprisoned. However, his followers were hunted down, expelled from Oxford and mercilessly persecuted.

        -ReformationSA.org 

The irony for the KJV-only people is that the 1611 KJV (or Authorized Version) contains most of the the extra-biblical books known as the Apocrypha. The Apocrypha is the backbone of several Roman Catholic doctrines including Purgatory and praying for the dead and indulgences. These extra books were not removed from the KJV for over two centuries. The Apocrypha was part of the KJV far longer than it was not.

One last thought. The KJV translates the same Hebrew word differently in our verse. The Hebrew word bên is translated "sons of Adam" and then as "children of Israel." This Hebrew word appears over 4800 times in the manuscripts. Young in his literal translation overwhelmingly translates it as some form of "son" or "sons." The few times he uses "children" (fewer than 25 times)  is is never in the form of "children of Israel."

The KJV Translation Choices in the New Testament are of a Far Greater Concern  

The KJV, even while relying on the Textus Receptus, makes an egregious error in its translation of the Greek words for "sons" and "children" from the Greek New Testament Textus Receptus texts. I find these far more serious to our understanding of God's plan for the ages and a source of confusion for those who may seek to rightly divide the Word of Truth (2 Tim 2:15).

Let's take a quick look at translations and the Greek source in regard to children/sons in the Gospels:

But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

-Matt 8:12 [KJV]


while the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

-Matt 8:12 [ESV]

Let's ignore for the moment that many preachers skip the first half of this verse and apply the "weeping and gnashing" to unbelievers in some fiery torture chamber and concentrate on the word translated "children" and "sons" respectively in this verse. The Greek word used is huiós.

In its strictest sense, the word should be translated "sons." The context of this verse is a comparative of uncircumcised and non-law-keeping Gentiles in the future kingdom on earth juxtaposed against the "heirs" of the Kingdom (Israel). "Sons" is better in regard to heirs. All sons are children, but not all children are "sons."

Now let's look at the opposite translation choice of a different word in John 1:1

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 [KJV]

But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God [ESV]

Here the Greek word is "téknon" which better rendered "children," which is exactly how the KJV renders it in John 11:52. There, God prophetically gathers "the whole nation" (11:50), all the children. But, again, not all "children" are "sons."

We must separate the earthly program for the Kingdom in Israel with its promises and requirements from the program for the far above the heavens  (as revealed to Paul alone and taught in Ephesians and the seven post-Acts epistles). 

Salvation (redemption from the curse of death and decay) is, and has always been, by grace alone through faith alone. But there are rewards, crowns, a prize, etc. that are earned. There is a house to be built upon the foundation. There is a judgment of service.

For no one can lay another foundation than that which was laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or stubble, each one’s work will be revealed. For the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each has done. 

-1 Cor 3:11-13 (MEV)

The "sons of the kingdom" in Matthew 8 are the Jews who were to inherit the full blessings of Abraham and David by covenant, but failed. So where are they cast? They are cast out of the kingdom. The comparative is to "recline at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom" in that passage. That is what they lose. These are not tortured by fire. They had an inheritance, but by LACK OF FAITH, they lose that inheritance (not the gift of life) in the earthly Kingdom (and they lose the New Jerusalem).

When Jesus heard it [the faith of a Gentile], He was amazed and said to those who followed, “Truly I say to you, I have not found such great faith, no, not in Israel. And I say to you that many [Gentiles] will come from the east and west and will dine with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven [in the land]. But the sons of the kingdom [Israelites] will be thrown out into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” 

-Matthew 8:10-12

All in faith are children of God, but only sons have the inheritance. One becomes a child by faith alone (John 1:12; 3:16; 5:24; 20:30-32; etc), but one can lose an inheritance while still remaining a son. Again, that "inheritance" concerns the promises to and covenants with Israel (Romans 9).

For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brothers, my kinsmen by race, who are Israelites, to whom belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the service of God, and the promises, to whom belong the patriarchs, and from whom, according to the flesh, is Christ, who is over all, God forever blessed. Amen. 

-Romans 9:3-5

I speak to your [BELEIVERS'] shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren [BELIEVERS]? ... Nay, ye do wrong, and defraud, and that your brethren [BELIEVERS]. Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

-1 Cor 6:5, 8-10 (KJV)

We are running an individual race and we may be disqualified from rewards, crowns, etc.

Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.

-1 Cor 9:26-27 (KJV)

 

Could Paul "lose his salvation?" as some teach of believers? Absolutely not! Justification is a free gift. But he could find himself "disqualified" from an inheritance (Greek: adókimos = worthless). This is the "going on to PERFECTION (maturity)" spoken of in Hebrews 6:1 versus falling back into PERDITION (waste).

One can lose an inheritance by either wickedness or lack of faith without losing the free gift of reconciliation with God through Christ alone. The reward of the New Jerusalem, possible for inhabitants of the earthly Kingdom, is gained by faith and works. This reward is not speaking of Justification.

By faith [Abraham] sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: for he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

-Hebrews 11:10

When James speaks of faith without works (James 2:14), he gives two examples:

• Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
• Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?

What works are noted? Abraham's willingness to kill and offer his son upon an altar and Rahab hiding the spies and misleading her own people about their whereabouts. Human sacrifice, treason, lying. Is this what we need to emulate to "maintain" our free gift? God forbid. 

James quotes the same verse Paul quotes in regard to Abraham's gift of life ("Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness.") In regard to justification for the free gift, Paul leaves it there. In regard to fulfilling one's purpose unto reward, James states that the sacrifice of Isaac was the mark of faith and obedience. 

Abraham didn't suddenly put God in his debt. His "justification by works" in James 2 was unto his "perfection" (Maturity in the faith). James writes his epistle to the "twelve tribes" (Jas 1:1) who were promised a land and kingdom and awaited "restoration of all things" and "the return of Jesus Christ" to earth, if and when Israel repents and turns to Christ (as Peter offered and promised in Acts 3). 

We move on from the free gift  of justification to perfection and conditional rewards (based on the hope before the believer in the age he lives). Here again is Hebrews 6:1

Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection

-Hebrews 6:1

 

ALL the children of Israel came out of Egypt under the blood, but only the faithful were able to step into the blessings of the land. Caleb and Joshua BELIEVED God could give them the land and professed that faith.

And the Lord spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, How long shall I bear with this evil congregation, which murmur against me? I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel, which they murmur against me. Say unto them, As truly as I live, saith the Lord, as ye have spoken in mine ears, so will I do to you: your carcases shall fall in this wilderness; and all that were numbered of you, according to your whole number, from twenty years old and upward, which have murmured against me, doubtless ye shall not come into the land, concerning which I sware to make you dwell therein, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun.

-Numbers 14:26-30

Carcasses is the Hebrew word "peger" which is the same word used of those tossed into the fire which is not quenched, on earth, in a future age, from among the children of Israel and those that have transgressed in a future age (Isaiah 66:24 quoted by the Lord in Matthew).

And they shall bring all your brethren for an offering unto the Lord out of all nations upon horses, and in chariots, and in litters, and upon mules, and upon swift beasts, to my holy mountain Jerusalem, saith the Lord, as the children of Israel bring an offering in a clean vessel into the house of the Lord. And I will also take of them for priests and for Levites, saith the Lord. For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the Lord, so shall your seed and your name remain. And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the Lord. And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcases of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh.

-Isaiah 66:20-24

Related Translation Failures in the King James Bible

So, while the KJV-only crew focus in on the variation in Deuteronomy 32:8, they overlook far more serious translation choices in regard to the sons and children of Israel in the gospels and elsewhere. This is in addition to the failure of the KJV to translate and rightly divide the Hebrew words "katabolḗ" or "kósmos" correctly.  

God has revealed some things from or since "the throwing down and beginning of the ages" and some things from "before the throwing down and beginning of the ages." As we have noted in other studies, 

Young in his literal translation gives us a clearer view than does the KJV when he renders these verses as "age of the ages" and similar. As just one example, 1 Peter 5:11 (an epistles from an apostle to the circumcision preaching the gospel to the circumcision in the Acts age, addressed to the Jewish "dispersion" which is a parallel to James' "twelve tribes scattered abroad").

to Him [is] the glory, and the power -- to the ages and the ages! Amen. [YLT]


To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. [KJV]

The concept of "for ever" in English causes many problems for those who fail to rightly divide. A number of statutes in the Law of Moses are said to be "a statute for ever" [KJV]. yet we know these are not practiced today and if we did practice them we would be in serious error.  This is covered elsewhere, but we note it here to further show how the KJV should be understood as a translation completed by those with preconceived doctrines and understandings which failed to "rightly divide the Word of Truth."

Just one example:

Do not drink wine nor strong drink, thou, nor thy sons with thee, when ye go into the tabernacle of the congregation, lest ye die: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations: and that ye may put difference between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean...

-Leviticus 10:9-10

You might recognize the last part of this passage as it is sometimes referenced to condemn things like  electric guitars. We will leave that there (as it should be understood as silly on its face) and only note that we do not hear the first part of the passage being screamed from any pulpits today. If the "church" is in fact somehow "Israel," then this statute is "for ever."

If the argument is made that the Law was somehow replaced, then we must include in that the Ten Commandments (which is fine by me, but those who ignore some of the law conveniently choose the parts they don't like, but not all).

Those interested in this topic, especially the Greek usage in the New Testament, might find the following link helpful:

[Uses of] Everlasting, Eternal, and Forever

We also recommend the Far Above All translation

The Catholic Church's Definition of "Christian"

 A little different tack today. I am very careful not to parrot opinion or sterotype. I prefer to let people speak for themselves. As I like to put it, "I don't accuse 'em, I just quotes 'em."

Social network (GETTR) live-streamer and "influencer," Isabel Brown, groaned recently on her page, "Catholics are Christian too!" I suppose one too many Evangelicals questioned the status of Catholics as Christians. This would be a interesting gripe if not for the official doctrines of the Catholic Church. The Catholic Church officially, and with great prejudice, condemns, specifically, the gospel held by Evangelicals (Trent, etc.). That's fine. That should end the discussion (on both ends). We acknowledge they have a right to believe what the want, just don't pretend to be some sort of victim. 

For the record,  I don't care what label you take, I'll fellowship with anyone resting in the Lord's work alone. If one does believe in the gospel of the free grace of God, I don't understand why he would stay in the CC, but that's a horse of a different color. As to who is a true "Christian" however, Isabel's chosen church of affiliation has very clear opinion (and they're not very nice about it).

A few quotes from countless like them, covering a millenia or more:

"To be Christian one must be Roman. One must recognize the oneness of Christ’s Church that is governed by one successor of the Prince of the Apostles who is the Bishop of Rome, Christ’s Vicar on earth."
-Pius XII (1957)

"So long as the member lives in the body, it lived; separated, it lost its life. Thus the man, so long as he lives in the body of the [Catholic] Church, he is a Christian; separated from her, he becomes a heretic."
-Leo XIII

"He who confesses the doctrine of Jesus Christ in his Church. Hence, he who is truly a Christian thoroughly detests all cults and sects found outside the doctrine and outside the Church of Christ, everywhere and among all peoples, as for example the Jewish, the Mohammedan, and the heretical cults and sects."
-St. Peter Canisius

"[The CC] firmly believes, confesses and preaches that no one outside the Catholic Church, not only pagans, but neither Jews nor heretics and schismatics, can become partakers of eternal life, but will go into eternal fire 'which was prepared for the devil and his angels' (Mt. 25:41) unless before death they are joined with Her... No one, let his almsgiving be as great as it may, no one, even if he pour out his blood for the Name of Christ can be saved unless they abide within the bosom and unity of the Catholic Church."

-Eugene IV

And from the current catechism, released by the Magisterium under the auspices of "Saint" John Paul II in 1994 concerning me (condemned) and you (the Catholic Church is saving you from a distance, heretic):

YOU MUST BE BAPTIZED! Oh, except Muslims, Hindus, Animists...

And we have not even scratched the surface of the many caveats on their doctrines regarding baptism and non-Christian religions. The Paulist order (which the imprimatur of the Archbishop of Newark) taught that other religions (and even atheists) are just climbing the same mountain, but on the other side [Faith of Catholics: An Introduction by Richard W. Chilson, Paulist Press, 1978]. It's a free-for-all meant to deceive. 

Let us remind ourselves, again, of this "infallible" decree:

"Whosoever, therefore, knowing that the Catholic Church was made necessary by Christ, would refuse to enter or to remain in it, could not be saved.”

They'll say whatever works, on any particular day, to try and fool Evangelicals (I know, I was trained in the art of deception as a Religious Education Teacher in the CC), but they have never departed from "Christian = Catholic."

Isabel is offended if someone questions whether she's a Christian or not while her church condemns non-Catholic believers over and over and over while also insisting that only Catholics are real Christians?


I have less than zero sympathy for Miss Brown.

Law-Keepers - The Enemy Within

Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not hear the law?

-Galatians 4:21

We have recently touched on the sacramentalist element of greater Christendom in my entry,  Grace Alone that Purifies Now and Later. We've noted there and elsewhere how these elements have tried to make inroads into Evangelical communities for the sake of proselytizing. But I believe there exists a greater danger to the young Evangelical believer.  

We have looked at the Gentile Twelve Tribes Heresy and other similar heresies which constitute a Judaizing infiltration among believers. But even these, although quite dangerous, come with a label that may not appeal to the Evangelical. That is, there already exists a general sense of error when "Hebrew Israelite" teachers or sacramentalist teachers come among us.  The greatest danger, in my opinion, to the young believer (or the untaught) comes from the law-keeping element among Evangelicals.

There are some who have done some good work on behalf of God's word and the message of Christ who have fallen into the delusion of law-keeping or Sabbath-keeping. I will refrain from naming any of these as I don't want to divert from this short message and warning by getting into details about certain teachers. I will say this, some of them have materials that I have enjoyed. But I believe I am squarely established in my commitment to right division that their external doctrines pose no thereat to me (and I do not recommend them to the weaker brethren).

A the end of this short post, I will list a few related entries and a couple of podcasts for those interested in further study.

The basic problem with supposed law-keepers (or those who quote from the Mosaic law as binding on believers in this age) is that while accusing some of us neglecting the law, they themselves pick and choose what they believe as binding. I know of no professing Christian believer who also claims the law for himself who suggests we should be taking animals to the temple in Jerusalem for sacrifice. So, on that obvious point, they are (whether they like it or not) dispensationalists. Neither do I see any claiming the promises of the land promised to Abraham from the Nile to the Euphrates. They recognize a change in stewardship, a change in practice, and a change in hope. That is dispensationalism.

I know a supposed law-keeper who will not use his computer on the Sabbath as the computer heats up with use and thus it is the equivalent of starting a fire on the Sabbath. I know other Sabbath-keepers who tap away on their keyboards without a second thought. And what of a Sabbath-keeper in one time zone who is communicating with a Sabbath-keeper in another time zone? These are some of the manmade issues that arise when we extract the Law from its place in God's plan and use it as we see fit.  

I could list many many parts of the law that the law-keepers tend to ignore. Similarly, I can point to many things the Lord himself taught in his earthly ministry that those who claim his words are their gospel ignore. Is it worse to try to be obedient to the calling of this age as taught by Paul while not following the letter of the law (or all the words of Christ) or to claim the law and the words of Christ as both binding and applicable today? There is a hypocrisy alive in anyone who believes he is truly keeping the Law.

Let's look at a small sample of some the commands and teachings ignored:

You shall not shave around the sides of your head, nor shall you disfigure the edges of your beard. 

-Leviticus 19:27

 

You shall not wear a garment of different sorts, such as wool and linen mixed together. You shall make tassels on the four corners of the clothing with which you cover yourself. 

-Deuteronomy 22:11-12

 

If any man takes a wife, and goes in to her, and detests her, and charges her with shameful conduct, and brings a bad name on her, and says, ‘I took this woman, and when I came to her I found she was not a virgin,’ then the father and mother of the young woman shall take and bring out the evidence of the young woman’s virginity to the elders of the city at the gate... “I found your daughter was not a virgin,” and yet these are the evidences of my daughter’s virginity.’ And they shall spread the cloth before the elders of the city. Then the elders of that city shall take that man and punish him; and they shall fine him one hundred shekels of silver and give them to the father of the young woman... 

-Deuteronomy 22

 

Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell what you have and give alms... 

-Luke 12:32

 

Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away. 

-Matthew 5:42

We see the Kabbalistic Hasidic Jews seeking to follow Leviticus 19 more than we see the supposed Law-keeper in Christendom. 

I could go on and choose command and teaching after command and teaching from the Law and the Lord's earthly ministry that "law-keepers" and "red letter Christians" generally ignore. That last one from Matthew 5 (the Sermon on the Mount) I have used for years with those who claim that sermon as their truth. I have asked many times for help with medical bills, etc. To date, I have seen exactly zero dollars. 

The excuse given is the guiding sermon of their life is reduced to "guidelines." Similarly, just as the Lord teaches to "sell what you have and give alms" in Luke 12, the Pentecostal church sold all they had and gave to the apostles and lived communally (Acts 2, 4). Further, after Gentiles were grafted into the promises of Israel, Paul taught that it was the duty of Gentile believers to send money to Jewish believers in Jerusalem. We have covered the many differences in the Acts Age assemblies and the current age, but it seems as though no one cares. The differences are chalked up to things like "transitional truths" to "accommodation," or worse, to Apostolic error!

If you have not followed our studies on Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth, and in your heart you know that there are differences in scripture which need explanation, please look through this blog or check out my podcast on Spotify (or any of the major podcast services), "Brooklyn's Dad Talks About Everything."   

My style is conversational and I believe in the liberty of the believer. All who claim Christ alone as their only hope are my brothers and sisters, I offer explanations and an understanding of the Word that, hopefully, will free some from the bondage of the law and the bondage to the flesh. 

The law was weak through the flesh. The law was part of a covenant to expose sin and failure in God's earthly, chosen people who were and are to be "a royal priesthood," "a kingdom of priests" for the nations in a coming age under the New Covenant. Both the Old and the New Covenants are for Israel. They are earthly. The First failed through the flesh, the second shall succeed as God himself with give them the ability to succeed in the new, spiritual nature.

The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

-1 Cor 15:55-56

 

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

-Romans 8:1-8

Is the law then against the promises of God? Certainly not! For if there had been a law given which could have given life, truly righteousness would have been by the law. But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.

-Galatians 3:21-22

And many more. 

Grace Alone that Purifies Now And Later

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.

-Titus 2:11-14

When we think of the grace of God, we need to pull the lens back and realize the tremendous breadth of this word.  God's grace has always been the only way for a sinner to be reconciled to a thrice holy God. God's holiness is so great, we cannot comprehend its full glory. Our sin is so offensive to God's holiness that inconceivably great grace is the only possible remedy to reconcile inconceivably great holiness.

The Law was given to make sin (which already existed) even more sinful. The Law being holy and good serves to expose the wickedness in even the chosen children of Abraham to who it was given.

Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful. For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.

-Romans 7:12-14

 

For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

-Romans 8:2-4

Yet so many men (even many who take the name of Christ) believe somehow trough the works of their own hands they can approach God's holiness or add to what Christ accomplished on our behalf. They actually believe they can put God in their debt and through their own efforts they can force God to grant them forgiveness and resurrection life for the ages to come.

This is the pride of men from which we must rise if we want to start to understand grace. 

The idea men have of a "saint" is one whose works are so tremendous and numerous that God is obligated to take care of that one forever. In fact, the Roman doctrine teaches that some have such an overabundance of good works that he/she can put those works onto my account. So, God is then obligated to take care of me forever based not only the work of Christ, not only the works of my hands, but on account of the works of others. 

The Roman doctrine of Purgatory teaches that Christ's work is not able to deliver from the flames, but the works of "Saints" and even my family and friends can. Christ and the cross are robbed of the glory. Men have sought since the foundation of the ages to rob God of His glory. May it never be said of us!

According to the doctrines of visible and ecclesiastical Christendom (as far as our fate and hope are concerned), we owe our blessings in the heavens not only to the work of Christ on Calvary, but also to our own works, and to the works of others (via sacraments, blessings, etc.). They may have an outward appearance of piety, but just as with the whited sepulchres who opposed the Lord's earthly ministry, religious men in our age exalt their own works.

And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

-2 Cor 11:14-15

The religious institutions of our day, as that in the time of the Lord's earthly ministry, demand we give them titles, demand we look to the for blessings and even for the forgiveness of sins. They demand of us our money with the promise of the forgiveness of sin. The Catholic Church is not alone in this exaltation of a clergy class, to some degree, so do all organized "churches" in our day.   

The Orthodox look to their priests for blessings. This is brief summation in their own words:

 

It is important to show respect and reverence to Orthodox priests and bishops when greeting them. After all, they are not just “one of the boys.” They serve as your spiritual fathers, your guides. They are icons of Christ we should all seek to emulate. When you kiss their hands, you show respect for their office — they are the ones who “bless and sanctify” you and who offer the holy gifts on your behalf. So, next time you greet your priest or bishop, do not shake his hand. Instead, ask for his blessing.

They stand between the believer and Christ. Blessings and sanctification are sought through them. And this is just the tip of the iceberg, but alone this is offensive to the work of the Savior and to his overabundance of inconceivable grace. It has the markings of holiness as it denies the true ugliness of sin, by diminishing Christ and exalting sinful men. 

Bishops and priests are bearers of grace. They are called to guide and sanctify the faithful and to call down upon them God’s blessing... In bestowing a blessing, a priest makes the sign of the Cross, holding his fingers in such a way that they represent the initial letters of the Lord’s name, Jesus Christ. In order to receive a blessing upon meeting a bishop or a priest, one joins his hands, right over left, palms upward, and says, "Bless me, Father," to a priest, or "Bless me, Vladyka (Master)," to a bishop. The blessing should then be received with faith that one will receive God’s grace. On receiving a blessing, one kisses the hand that gives the blessing, as if kissing the invisible hand of the Savior.

Glory and Never-Ending Life can be attributed to, under the understanding of most of Christendom, to:

• Christ
• Plus My works
• Plus the blessings of a clergy
• Plus The works of others who have fully redeemed themselves 
• Plus the intervention of an earthly "church" 

In some corners, faith in Christ isn't even necessary. John Paul II taught (and the Catholic Catechism teaches) that Muslims may attain salvation, albeit imperfectly, via Islam. 

“But the plan of salvation also includes those who acknowledge the Creator, in the first place among whom are the Muslims: these profess to hold the faith of Abraham, and together with us they adore the one, merciful God, mankind’s judge on the last day.”

-Second Vatican Council, Lumen Gentium 16, November 21, 1964 

(repeated in the 1994 Catechism of the Catholic Church)

Note the inclusion of "in the first place" which places the Muslim ahead of even the Jew. Now, the Jew and the Muslim are in the same boat, as it were. Without faith in Christ Alone, both are lost, neither has hope. This would reflect the historic condemnation of the Jews by the Roman Church clearly stated by Pope IV is "Cum nimis absurdum." In that papal decree, Jews had to live in Roman ghettoes, wear yellow markers on their clothing, and were forbidden from holding professional jobs. Sound familiar?

The word "absurdum" is based on this in the opening. It was deemed "absurd" to deny the condemnation of Jews to eternal slavery. 

 

"Since it is absurd and utterly inconvenient that the Jews, who through their own fault were condemned by God to eternal slavery..."

This idea of condemnation is applied to all those outside of Romanism by previous ad later Popes and Councils. This idea was not isolated to Paul IV. We choose just one example.

It firmly believes, professes, and proclaims that those not living within the Catholic Church, not only pagans, but also Jews and heretics and schismatics cannot become participants in eternal life, but will depart “into everlasting fire which was prepared for the devil and his angels," unless before the end of life the same have been added to the flock; and that the unity of the ecclesiastical body is so strong that only to those remaining in it are the sacraments of the Church of benefit for salvation, and do fastings, almsgiving, and other functions of piety and exercises of Christian service produce eternal reward, and that no one, whatever almsgiving he has practiced, even if he has shed blood for the name of Christ, can be saved, unless he has remained in the bosom and unity of the Catholic Church.

-Pope Eugene IV ("Cantate Domino" AD1441)

 This entry is not an exhaustive defense of the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice nor the sufficiency of grace alone and faith alone. Those arguments can be found elsewhere. I just want to focus on the power of grace before and after one comes to rest in Christ. The quotes above reflect the teaching from the largest entity in Christendom and the denial of the sufficiency of Christ (which reflects itself in its contradictory understanding of grace).

In our passage from Titus 2, we see the reason for living a Godly life and the source of the power to live a Godly life. We do not do this to obtain or maintain a free gift, we seek to liv righteously because we have been redeemed.

We were redeemed by Christ alone so He could call a people unto Himself. He gave Himself as a sufficient sacrifice so we could redeem us from iniquity. 

 

our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good work

He finds us where we are and His gift creates in us a new nature. From that moment the war has begun. As a redeemed people we   are zealous of good works in the new nature as our old nature rebels against the new order. We "should" seek to live soberly for two reasons.

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age

The grace of God teaches us that we "should live" righteously. Now, the second reason has to do with "this present age." Would we dare conclude that, in other ages, believers had no call on their lives to live righteously? Of course not. But in this present age we are looking for what they knew not: the sudden appearing (Gk: epipháneia) of the Lord Jesus Christ. 

looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ

We close this short study with a reminder from Titus 3:3-8:

For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; that being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

We are saved according to God's mercy made possible in Christ, and because of this wonderful gift, we should be careful to maintain good works. But grace never wavers.

The servant has a choice. The consequences of his choice will determine his judgment of works in an age to come. But he will never face the damnation of death as that debt has been fully paid. Choose to walk in the new nature.

For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

In the Acts age, those under grace could commit terrible sins (as they can to this day, even in the present age), but they would always remain in that body. 1 Corinthians 5 and 6 list many terrible sins possible for the believer who walks in the flesh and not according to the new nature, but we will point out just one which illustrates our point.

 

Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid.

In the current age, as in Titus. we are similarly encouraged by our Apostle in Ephesians.

I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the calling wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love...

After receiving the Lord's gracious gift of Life through his name by faith, we have a choice as to how we will walk. We can walk in the new nature or in the old nature. One is the way of peace and blessing and the other way is the way of misery and loss (perdition).

But despite all these warnings and admonitions, grace never wavers. Never.

Christ's work was absolute, pure, sufficient, holy, and perfect. Suggest even the slightest doubt of its ability to save to the uttermost is to blaspheme the only Savior and the Father who accepted His work of salvation. 

 

Hail, Believer, Full of Grace

 Those of us with a Catholic upbringing (or any familiar with the prayers of the Catholic Church) will be familiar with the "Hail Mary." Known officially as "The Hail Mary," it is one of the (if not the) most offered prayers in Catholicism. In the saying of the Five-Decade Rosary, the prayer is repeated over 50 times.

 The text of the prayer is made up a first half carved from scripture (Luke 1:28) and the second half was codified by the RCC in AD1568 as one of the responses of the RCC to the Reformation. It was informally used for several centuries before that, but as with the canonization of the Apocrypha, it found itself becoming "official" in the counter-reformation.

Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.
-KJV

Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.
-Douay-Rheims (1899)

The Greek word here is "charitóō." Strong's defines it thusly:

 

to grace, that is, indue with special honor: - make accepted, be highly favoured.

"Special Honor" and "be highly favored." Wonderful! But let us not miss "make accepted."

Mounce defines it this way:

to give graciously, to show acts of kindness by freely giving; (n.) one highly favored

We note that "freely giving." This explains why such a one is "highly favored." It is not internally true. It is a bestowed honor in this context.

Thayer defines it:

1. to make graceful charming, lovely, agreeable
2. to peruse with grace, compass with favour
3. to honour with blessings

Note "to MAKE" and "to HONOR." 

This Greek word, "charitóō," is used by the Holy Spirit in one other instance in the Greek text of scripture.

Ephesians 1:6

To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
-KJV


Unto the praise of the glory of his grace, in which he hath graced us in his beloved son.
-DR 1899

As with Mary, we are graced from the outside. We are the recipients of honor we do not deserve. Note in Ephesians the praise is for "the glory of his grace." Incredible! His grace surely is glorious! How blessed are we? Blessed beyond measure. Those of us in the One Body are blessed with "unsearchable riches" in the far above the heavens!

To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ...

The great apostle Paul takes his place as "less than the least of all the saints." He recognizes the grace given him, an undeserved grace. A grace we all need. A grace we are dependent upon for our hope of resurrection life in the ages to come.

We turn back to Mary and look at her example as well.

Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

The word translated "maidservant" here is the Greek word "doúlē." It was used to refer to a female slave or female servant. One who had no rights. Neither Mary nor Paul claimed anything before the Lord. Both understood they were highly graced, blessed beyond measure by a gracious and loving God!

That is the example we need to take from these saints of God. As saints ourselves, we should never forget all our blessings and our hope of life to come is purely by grace alone through faith alone in the death, burial, lack of decay, and resurrection of the Savior, the Holy One of Israel, the Lord Jesus Christ!

As to the ending of the Catholic prayer ("pray for us now and at the hour of our death"), we must reject. It is a negation of the grace of God. These words are not found in scripture and surely Mary would have no thought of such a thing.

And Mary said:

“My soul magnifies the Lord,
And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.
For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant;
For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed.

God, Mary's Savior. Yes, we call her blessed. Such an honor to bear her own Savior and the Savior of the world!  Mary took her place as God's servant, Paul was faithful to his calling to bring the truth of the Mystery of the current dispensation to us Gentiles. Let us be thankful for their faithfulness and, along with them, give all glory to our Savior and the author of Life eternal, the Lord Jesus Christ!

A Quick Word on Sola Scriptura and Gainsayers

Why Sola Scriptura? Why the scriptures alone as our authority? How can we ignore things like tradition and practice and the thoughts of "holy" men? 

I taught the catechisms of "Sacred Tradition" and was schooled in it for 25 years. I don't think Sola Scriptura is anything but a way of stating succinctly a central spiritual truth. Paul is my Apostle, not Augustine or Aquinas or Cyprian... or whomever. We all stand alone, naked, before him with whom we have to do. We all must study to show ourselves approved unto God, rightly dividing the Word of Truth. 

We bring nothing in our hands that he wants. All of our works are comparatively filthy rags to God. In Christ alone can we show fruit. This is not fruit that puts God in our debt in any sense, but fruit that witnesses to his mercy, grace, and glory. Any other understanding robs Christ of his glory.

As Luther noted, the men deemed the arbiters of faith (in our case) often contradicted each other (and still do). As he said in his defense at Worms:

 "Let my errors be proven by scripture... unless you can convince me by scripture (and not by popes and councils who have often contradicted themselves), unless I am so convinced that I am wrong, my conscience is captive to the Word of God. To go against conscience is neither right nor safe. I can not and I will not recant. Here I stand. I can do no other. So help me God."

Luther was accused at his trial of opposing "established truths which have passed into usage, rite, and observance... things you are obligated to believe." That he did, and rightly so! The Roman Chch doesn't even uphold its own traditions. As with all doctrines of men, they ebb and flow with the tide of men's desires and follies and whims. Scripture is the only solid rock upon which to build.

Now, to those who want to look to things like "church fathers" and "traditions" and "long-held truths," I say, feel free to do so. You have a free will. You have a choice to make. I know what my choice is and I demand no one follow me. It matters not to me what choice others make.

The East-West Great Schism should be enough to show us the uselessness of trusting "authorities" (if the contradictions among popes and councils isn't sufficient evidence):

In 1054, Pope Leo IX sent an emissary, Cardinal Humbert, from Rome to Constantinople. The cardinal's visit with Patriarch Cerularios was meant to be a mission of conciliation. It became anything but. The cardinal excommunicated the patriarch who, in turn, excommunicated the cardinal. The main point of contention was the use of leavened bread during the celebration of Mass… While it is commonly accepted that the separation of Rome and Constantinople into two Christian Churches was the result of centuries of conflict, the event became known as the Great Schism of 1054. The schism, which reflected numerous long-standing tensions between the eastern and western Roman empire, may have been inevitable. The Church had remained united for centuries without solving several theological disputes. 

Excerpt from EWTN (Catholic Source) 

So, by their own admission, there were theological disputes for which there was neither agreement nor direction. What was the layman to do? He was subject to the whims of men. And over time, those whims would change.

This is why we call each individual to study to show himself approved unto God, rightly dividing the Word of Truth (2 Tim 2:15).

The Clarity on the Role of Good Works in Titus 3

I was recently chided for my continued exalting of the "finished work" of the Savior on a believer's forum. As I have noted on this blog (and more pointedly on my podcast), there is a nefarious devotion to the law in these last days. Not a call for holy living necessarily, but a call to some self-deluded belief that:

a. We can actually obey the law to perfection (its requirement)
b. That the law was given to us at all
c. That the law is necessary to maintain the free gift of resurrection life

 

We have covered this topic in a number of ways previously, but suffice it to say that the Law was never given to Gentiles and certainly never given as a requirement for resurrection (immortal) life. At best, it served as a schoolmaster to Israel to reveal her wickedness and failure. It also contained pictures of the coming sacrifice of her Messiah. Surely we can learn from the Law, we are not to be subject to it nor are we to delude ourselves into thinking compliance pleases God to the point we have claim over his mercy and grace as a debt to our supposed obedience. 

There are many passages in Paul's epistles which address the role of the Law in the life of Israel. We can find an Acts Age perspective and also a Post Acts perspective. Today, we want to look at Paul's balancing of faith, grace, and the role of works in the life of a believer in this age as found in Titus chapter 3.

For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another.

The structure of this passage starts with the reminder that all of us, no matter how religious or wicked in the eyes of the world (or in our own eyes), we must recognize that all are condemned under sin. This is true for those under the law and those outside the law. Romans 2:12, 23; etc.

We also know that the Law plays no part in the work of grace, nor can it. Similarly, works of any kind are excluded from the work of grace. Romans 11:6; etc. It is in law where we see the power of sin. We also note the blasphemy of trying to add the works of my hands to the death, burial (lack of decay), and glorious resurrection of the Savior. His sacrifice was presented to the Father and accepted. His work alone.

It is shocking that we have o continue to reiterate this glorious truth among professed believers.

 

But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

God's love displayed towards us (particularly towards us Gentiles) is found in his mercy, his wonderful, kind, and loving mercy. We dare not sully his mercy with the notion that we can "maintain" grace, mercy, love, or righteousness by the works of our hands. Again, shocking that we have to revisit this topic again and again and again with professed believers.

From the Reformed to the Ultradispensationalist, we all rest on the Finished Work of the Savior. It is on that sure foundation that we find grounds for fellowship. Without that common foundation of Christ Alone (upon which we build a structure by our service), there can be no fellowship. Together we cry "Christ alone!" to a lost and dying world deceived by its ideas of righteousness. 

This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.

Here enters the admonition to "maintain good works." Note in this age, this is not the Law. We also note that this admonition is given in light of "his mercy" which "saved us." Grace is the act of God granting us immortal, resurrection life through faith in his name (John 20:30-31). Mercy is the act of God ignoring our misguided attempts to put him in our debt via the works of our own hands.

And that confusion and blasphemy has crept into the lives of believers who fail to rightly divide the word of truth (2 Tim 2:15). The Law has its place. But the law could never save nor could it ever maintain salvation. We used to see this delusion outside the walls of faith, poisoning man's world of "religion." Today, we see it inside the walls of faith, diluting and destroying the finished work of the Savior in the minds of millions of professed believers. 

I believe there are three basic classes of disciples of this old heresy in a new home:

1. Those who have never truly rested in grace and are still deluded
2. Those who are in bondage to fear that they could lose (or never had) the free gift of life
3. Those who are puffed up and deluded into thinking God is pleased (and ultimately in their debt) because of some fantasy that they can keep the Law

In all three classes, it seems the delusion is strong. 

 

But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless. Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned.

This admonition from Paul needs little commentary. Note how the law-keeper is "self-condemned."  What have genealogies have to do with anyone in the one new man? Nothing. As our blessings are from "before the foundation of the ages," no law or genealogy has any bearing on our position in Christ. 

We finally turn to the greatest (blameless) law-keeper of them all:

Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. 4 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, and be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith... 

-Philippians 3:2-9

Paul states clearly that he places no faith in his genealogy or in the law. He trades it all for the knowledge of Christ. This passage goes on to speak of Paul seeking to "attain unto the out-from-the-rest-of-the-dead" resurrection. Yes, there are crowns, rewards, and a prize that can be won by faithful service. But these are the houses we build on the sure foundation. These works will be tested, but the work of the Savior has already been presented and accepted. 

We are careful to "maintain good works" BECAUSE we are saved by his mercy, not TO BE saved by his mercy. Shocking we have to continually defend the work of our Savior this way in these last days. Well, maybe not so shocking. As Paul warned in the final book of God's revelation (2 Timothy), many different sorts of heresies an rebellions would arise. Among these, delusion religionists with faith in their own works. 

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

 

 A wretched picture indeed. 

Related:

• Your Best Life Later (Prizes, Rewards, and Resurrection)
• A Fresh Look at the Power of His Resurrection

I also recommend the series on Walking in the Spirit and the Series on Walking According to the Calling to which we have been called.

God's Sovereignty and Man's Responsibility: A Balance

I'd like to briefly address the following from Reformed teacher, D.A. Carson:

"[For non-reformed theologies] at the end of the day, the security of the believer finally rests with the believer. For those in the opposite camp [Reformed], the security of the believer finally rests with God -- and that, I suggest, rightly taught, draws the believer back to God himself, to trust in God, to a renewed faith that is of a piece with trusting him in the first place."

I'm decidedly non-Reformed (despite recognizing some Reformed as great people of faith in regard to the essentials), but I am not Arminian. I believe, in no uncertain terms, in the absolute security of the believer. The finished work is perfect and absolute and secure.

There may be subtle differences in understanding God's sovereignty, but there is no difference in the understanding of God's ability to keep that which is his.

Might I go a little "ultra" on you for a second? This verse in Ephesians is held by many among the UD as a specific choosing of God in his sovereign choice of "the Body" for his sovereign purposes:

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: according as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will...

I won't go into "in heavenly places" and "before the foundation of the ages" as we have looked at these elsewhere. Suffice it to say for this context, there are many "non-Reformed" who recognize both man's responsibility to respond to the witness of God (even in the very creation), while also recognizing God's absolute fidelity in keeping that which he has reconciled.

And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; to wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. 

-2 Corinthians 5:18-20

The work of Christ is absolute. God is already reconciled to men through his perfect sacrifice. Men are called to thus be reconciled to God. The offer is real and in accepting that offer, both God and man are reconciled to each other. That cannot be broken. The sacrifice has already taken away all "trespasses" and God is faithful to both his word and his satisfaction in that sacrifice.

I realize there are some semantic differences, but these are very secondary when we dwell on the finality of the cross and resurrection. So, I have no gripe with any Reformed who line up side-by-side to defend the absolute perfection of the sacrifice of the Son of God, who join me in "the ministry of reconciliation," imploring men to be reconciled to God by that work alone.

As a final note, I would add that as Carson worries about the non-Reformed, he has allowed some bad theology to slip past him. He has endorse the gender-neutral Bible translations and was part of the problematic NLT.

Not being Reformed does not make one an Arminian. These are manmade distinctions. Helpful for discussion, but they're not Biblical absolutes from which we must choose. let's be careful with absolutist labels. 

Are There None Who Do Good? Ever?

Pleasing God Requires Faith, But Not "Doing Good"

Carrying on with our thoughts from our last study in regard to unbelievers "doing good," I wanted to address Romans chapter 3. We saw last time that we must distinguish between "doing good" and "pleasing God." The core of the Evangelical gospel is that we are not saved by "good works." We, thus, acknowledge that men can perform "good works" without pleasing God.

The doctrine teaching it is only in faith that we can please God comes from the clear statement in Hebrews 11:6, "without faith it is impossible to please [God]."

The Greek word translated "please" there is "εὐαρεστέω." It is only used three times in the Greek New Testament texts. All three occurrences are in the Book of Hebrews, the book of "better things;" the book of service and maturity (perfection) for the Acts Age. Its primary focus is to remind the believer that he must carry on in faith in this life he wants to attain the "better resurrection" and "the city whose builder and maker is God" hoped for in the book. (Our book on the topic of going on to perfection, for this age, is the Book of Philippians.)

The great faith section of Hebrews concludes with this:

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before 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.

Hebrews 12:1-2

Believers are encouraged to run the race. We are encouraged to lay aside the flesh. This is the focus of Romans chapter 8 as well, as we have seen. We have a choice to either walk in the new nature ("spirit") or according to the flesh. Galatians 5 and Ephesians 4 & 5, and Philippians also lay out these two paths for believers. One is the path to waste (perdition), the other the path to finishing the race (perfection). We have looked at this idea in a number of previous studies.

I wanted to remind us of these truths before we look at the statement in Romans 3 in regard to "none who does good."

As It Is Written, There Is None Who Does Good

As it is written:“There is none righteous, no, not one;
11 There is none who understands;
There is none who seeks after God.
They have all turned aside;
They have together become unprofitable;
There is none who does good, no, not one.”

-Romans 3:10-12  

We first note "as it is written" in verse 10. We thus look to where it is written: Psalm 14, Psalm 53, and Ecclesiastes 7. When we look at these passages we see an interesting context. The two Psalms both end this way:

Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion!
When God restores his people,
let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad!

The answer for this condition, and the focus of these Psalms, is the restoration of Israel. Israel had been attacked and abused by the nations around her. Their wickedness against Israel, because Israel has fallen away from the Lord, is the context. This does not speak to a general wickedness of man. Can we even infer David is making an argument that all men are wicked, none does good, as a standalone argument? No, I don't believe so. David is addressing Israel in prophetic way (although there are general principles which can be applied). The solution to the problem looks to the restoration of Israel.

Do all these evildoers know nothing?
They devour my people as though eating bread;
they never call on God.
But there they are, overwhelmed with dread,
where there was nothing to dread.
God scattered the bones of those who attacked you;
you put them to shame, for God despised them

Some Gentile nations and the rebellious of Israel devour "[His] People" (Israel). The wicked nations were, at times, used to chastise his people, Israel. In the end, as he has done in the past, God will destroy those nations "when God restores his people." Ignoring this and concluding the passage simply means no one, in any age, at any time, is capable of ever doing good ever is a failure to "rightly divide the Word of Truth."

No One Does Good "All The Time," Not "Never"

Would we take "there is none who does good," rip out the word "none" and conclude that not even believers can do good? No. Even the hardest Calvinist wouldn't draw that conclusion. So, we're stepping back and looking at the argument of scripture. Paul is addressing that those who think that either their good outweighing their evil meriting salvation and those who think they've never done anything truly evil have no standing before good. No amount of good can merit life and no one does good all the time is the argument.

We now turn to the Book of Ecclesiastes (7:20) and note the underlying point being made.

Indeed, there is no one on earth who is righteous,
no one who does what is right and never sins

The conclusion here is that all sin. The idea is that there is no one who "never sins." Hence, all men are sinners. We have all "sinned and come short of the glory of God." Would we take this verse and teach that no man ever does that which is right? Of course not. Can we conclude since there no one who never sins that therefore all men can do is sin? If I said there is no one who has never lied, am I say everything every man says is a lie?

As we saw in our last study, unbelievers are capable of doing the right thing on occasion. The man who resists temptation and does not cheat on his wife, the woman who turns from the abortion clinic and saves her baby, the one who gives to charity. They all "do what is right" in these instances. The last example is from the Lord himself noted in our previous study. But while men may tell the truth on occasion or do what is right sometimes, no amount of "doing right" can pay for one sin.

This the core of the gospel. It is not that everything one does is evil. We preach that all men sin and the only remedy for sin is found in the finished work of the Son of God. We convince men that good works cannot save them. We know men have done good things, we (and the law if that is their code) show them they don't do good ALL the time.

Let's look at this statement by the Lord in Mark 10:18:

“Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone."

Would we argue from this verse that no one, believer or unbeliever is capable of doing good or of being good? Ever? No, because the argument here is that no one is inherently always good except God. Jesus, being God in the flesh, is good, but did his questioner realize this fact?

The Lord himself, at the judgment in Matthew 25, states, "‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things." The Lord calls the servant "good" (same Greek word used here as is used in Mark 10), but if we were to rip the statement the Lord made in Mark and apply it universally, we would have to ask how this servant can be "good" when God alone is good.

Paul's Argument Regarding Gentiles Without The Law 

I am not going to write an entire commentary on the Book of Romans in context, according to Right Division, here so I gently take this passage out of Romans 2 for this particular study.

For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without law, and as many as have sinned in the law will be judged by the law (for not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified; for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them) In the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.

Gentiles were never under the Law, yet they did, by nature, things contained in the Law. The problem is that they did not do them without fail. They are sinners according their own consciences. John Calvin himself comments on this chapter (in part) this way:

Nor can we conclude from this passage, that there is in men a full knowledge of the law, but that there are only some seeds of what is right implanted in their nature, evidenced by such acts as these — All the Gentiles alike instituted religious rites, they made laws to punish adultery, and theft, and murder, they commended good faith in bargains and contracts. They have thus indeed proved, that God ought to be worshipped, that adultery, and theft, and murder are evils, that honesty is commendable. It is not to our purpose to inquire what sort of God they imagined him to be, or how many gods they devised; it is enough to know, that they thought that there is a God, and that honor and worship are due to him. It matters not whether they permitted the coveting of another man’s wife, or of his possessions, or of any thing which was his, — whether they connived at wrath and hatred; inasmuch as it was not right for them to covet what they knew to be evil when done.

Their conscience at the same time attesting, etc. He could not have more forcibly urged them than by the testimony of their own conscience, which is equal to a thousand witnesses. By the consciousness of having done good, men sustain and comfort themselves; those who are conscious of having done evil, are inwardly harassed and tormented. Hence came these sayings of the heathens — “A good conscience is the widest sphere; but a bad one is the cruelest executioner, and more fiercely torments the ungodly than any furies can do.” There is then a certain knowledge of the law by nature, which says, “This is good and worthy of being desired; that ought to be abhorred.”

But observe how intelligently he defines conscience: he says, that reasons come to our minds, by which we defend what is rightly done, and that there are those which accuse and reprove us for our vices; and he refers this process of accusation and defense to the day of the Lord; not that it will then first commence, for it is now continually carried on, but that it will then also be in operation; and he says this, that no one should disregard this process, as though it were vain and evanescent. And he has put, in the day, instead of, at the day, — a similar instance to what we have already observed.

-Calvin's Commentary on the Bible, Romans 2 (excerpt) Emphasis mine 

Calvin is arguing, as does Paul, that the Gentile is condemned by his own conscience. Despite having no law, he knows that some of what he does is "good" and some of what he does is "evil." This God-given conscience is born into man. If a man shuns adultery, it is not an act, in itself, inherently evil, etc. Calvin does not argue that men only think they've done "good," he is arguing they know the difference between doing good and doing evil and they are condemned by their own consciousness of having done evil (or not having done good perfectly).

Now, I do not quote Calvin as an authority, but rather to note that even Calvin understood, at least in this passage, that men who know not the true God can "do good." When Paul came upon the Athenians worshiping the "Unknown God" in Acts 17, he informed them they were ignorantly worshiping the true God. That was not true faith unto salvation, but it was not inherently evil.

Looking back at Romans 3, we again mark the phrase "become unprofitable." The Greek word used here is "ἀχρειόω" and Strong defines it this way, "to render useless." Sin is what makes us "unprofitable." Without faith, we are of no use to God.

The Law Is Good, But Cannot Save

Let us stay in Romans 3 and look at more of the context of our passage.

Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin. 

-Romans 3:20

The works of the law are good works. The law is holy and good (Rom 7:11-12), but "by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified." Paul, in regard to the law, was "blameless" (Phil 3:6). Obeying the law is good. The problem is that no one could obey ALL the law. And the law was unable to save. Faith is necessary for salvation, but that does not render obedience to the law as "evil." There is no need for this argument if all acts of unbelievers are necessarily wicked. The argument only makes sense if men can obey the law in part and do good works on occasion.

Note James' argument in regard to demons.

You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!

The demons know there is one God, but they do not have faith in Him. But the understanding, their monotheism, is "good." It is not sufficient, but it is still "good." The danger in proof-texting is that we can take a verse out of its context and create a false doctrine. Would we dare take this verse and teach, "scripture teaches all demons do well?" Of course not. But that is the same reasoning used to argue that Romans teaches no unbeliever ever does good ever.

The word for "well" here in the Greek is "καλῶς." It is the same word used by the Lord in Matthew 5, "do good to them that hate you" and in Matthew 12 "it is lawful to do well on the Sabbath days," among other similar uses. So, demons can "do good" and yet not please God. If you'd rather use James' readers as the subject of his case, you have a similar comparative. They may "do good" to believe that God exists, but that is not, in itself, pleasing to God.

All of Israel were monotheists. All knew to do good on the Sabbath. Do we this conclude all were regenerated believers? Of course not. The witness of scripture is that no amount of doing good can pay for sin. It is not that no one ever does good ever.

All Men Can Do Good, But Not Constantly Do Good

We return to Romans 3:

"Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? No, but by the law of faith. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law."

All men have sinned. Good deeds of the law cannot save. The "no one does good" is part of argument that no one does good CONSTANTLY. We all have sin. We have all turned from doing good to doing evil at some point. There is no scale. One sin is enough to condemn us. No amount of good works can save. We cannot boast of "good works" because we have no complete remedy for sin in the law.

Finally, we see the decay of the nations in Romans 1 and note that Paul gives comparative between that which was good and that which is evil.

Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. (1:24)

The nations were given over to the sinful desires of their hearts and performed sinful acts.

In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. (1:27)

The men were having natural relations with women and then acted wickedly. If the idea is that men are incapable of doing anything good and that every act is wicked, this noted decay is meaningless. They went from depraved wickedness to depraved wickedness?

God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done. (1:28)

This implies they, at one time, did not have a depraved mind and did not do things they ought not to do. You can apply this to just about command or warning in scripture to the nations. If every act is evil and depraved, none of it makes sense.

More on Modern Israel

We recently looked at modern-day Israel and how we are to view her in light of scripture rightly divided. I want to step back and take another look with a wider lens. The scripture, starting in Genesis 12 with the calling of Abram, is almost entirely centered around Israel with the exception of Paul's final seven epistles.

Israel was chosen from among the nations to be God's channel of blessing to the world. You will not see a gentile or a gentile nation mentioned in these scriptures apart from some connection to the nation of Israel or a Jew. The most obvious example is the great nations of Egypt, Babylon, Medo-Persia, and the Roman Empire. We also have the great cities of Nineveh, Athens, and Rome itself. World empires and great cities only seen through the lens of Israel and the Jews.

But today we live in the post-Acts Age of the Silence of God and the setting aside of Israel. It is truly a blessed age. The riches of God's heavenly blessings are offered to all men. The word "Jew" disappears from Paul's 7 epistles to this company. "Israel" is only mentioned twice, and in both instances it is in the past tense.

To be sure, Israel still has a role to play in a coming age; a very significant role. She will fulfill her calling to be God's nation of priests for the nations and once again be his channel of blessing for the earth.

Yes, many peoples and strong nations
Shall come to seek the Lord of hosts in Jerusalem,
And to pray before the Lord.’

“Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘In those days ten men from every language of the nations shall grasp the sleeve of a Jewish man, saying, “Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.” ’ ” -Zechariah 8:22-23

"And they came to Elim, where were twelve wells of water [the 12 tribes of Israel], and threescore and ten palm trees [the 70 nations of Gen 10]: and they encamped there by the waters."
-Exodus 15:27

"And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, 'In you all the nations shall be blessed.'"
-Gal 3:8

But not all Israel is Israel (Rom 9:6). That is, although God speaks of Israel as a single entity, the individual Jew still has his responsibility. Let's be careful here. We dare not make the mistake that believers today are the "real Jews." Even in the Acts Age, Jewish believers were distinct from Gentile believers. Among the Jews, "true Israel" are those who believe. Today, there being no longer Jew or Greek, no one can possibly be a "real Jew" (except in the physical, genealogical sense).

All blessings must be entered into by faith. In our age, the blessings of the One New Man (Eph 2:15) and the heavenly blessings of the Dispensation of the Mystery must be entered into by faith. Just as all 12 spies came back from the promised land with a report, only Caleb and Joshua would enter into its fullness, for only these two believed the promises of God. The others feared what they saw and refused to believe the promises of God. Beyond faith, rewards and crowns are gained by faithfulness and works. That is, one must have faith and then walk in that faith.

The land promised to Abraham and his descendants will be given to Israel. It was Abraham's in his day, yet he never settled anywhere in it. He lived in tents all his days because he looked for a greater reward. He had faith, but he also walked in faith.

By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God. -Hebrews 11: 8-10

Israel will soon be cleansed of her wickedness and idolatry through a time of testing. This testing, cleansing, and time of judgment is seen all through the prophets. The harlot wife will be restored to her husband (Hosea). But out of that wife, a chaste virgin, a bride, will be chosen. And although all who faith in the God of Israel will have the free gift of life by faith (as do all who believe in their own gospel), they will have different fates based on their works.

All of Hosea pictures God's relationship with an adulterous Israel. Here I only pull out a sample of God's restoration of his wife from her harlotry.

“And it shall be, in that day,” Says the Lord,
“That you will call Me ‘My Husband,’
And no longer call Me ‘My Master,’ 

17 For I will take from her mouth the names of the Baals,
And they shall be remembered by their name no more.
18 In that day I will make a covenant for them
With the beasts of the field,
With the birds of the air,
And with the creeping things of the ground.
Bow and sword of battle I will shatter from the earth,
To make them lie down safely.

19 “I will betroth you to Me forever;
Yes, I will betroth you to Me
In righteousness and justice,
In lovingkindness and mercy;
20 I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness,
And you shall know the Lord.

21 “It shall come to pass in that day
That I will answer,” says the Lord;
“I will answer the heavens,
And they shall answer the earth.
22 The earth shall answer
With grain,
With new wine,
And with oil;
They shall answer Jezreel. 

23 Then I will sow her for Myself in the earth,
And I will have mercy on her who had not obtained mercy;
Then I will say to those who were not My people,
‘You are My people!’
And they shall say, ‘You are my God!’ ”

The condition will be for Israel to repent and for her to call upon the name of the Lord Jesus.

Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before, whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began. -Acts 3:19-21

(Note, this is post-Pentecost. There was still an Israel in the Acts Age and still an offer of her promised kingdom available).

See! Your house is left to you desolate; for I say to you, you shall see Me no more till you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ” -Matt 23:38-39

All of Isaiah 62 should be read here, but I will pull out two verses as a summation.

You shall no longer be termed Forsaken,
Nor shall your land any more be termed Desolate;
But you shall be called Hephzibah [my delight is in her],
and your land Beulah [married];
For the Lord delights in you,
And your land shall be married.
For as a young man marries a virgin,
So shall your sons marry you;
And as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride,
So shall your God rejoice over you.

In the coming New Covenant [Jer 31; Heb 8], we read that it will be made with "virgin Israel;" Abraham and all those who sought, through faith, a greater inheritance, a "better resurrection." 

Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. -Heb 11:35-36

These endured much for the hope of that greater city. In the Revelation, the New Jerusalem itself is "adorned as a Bride." It will be the blessing given to the true Bride. The "church" is not the Bride of Christ (that phrase occurring nowhere in scripture). This place is reserved for the blessed of Israel.

But as in all ages, works will be judged. We have seen in previous studies the important place works take in regard to rewards. We looked at how we are justified (declared worthy) by grace through faith alone to gain resurrection life, yet we are justified (declared worthy) for certain rewards and blessings by our works. This is the great balance between Romans and James.

• There is justification from the penalty of death by faith alone (through grace)
• There is justification for entering into rewards and promises by resulting works

We've covered this balance in several recent studies, including our study on the The Parable of the Pharisee and Tax Collector. For this study, we apply it to the differences in the blessings placed before Israel.

Israel will get her land. She will have the kingdom restored. The times of refreshing will come. But the individual Jew's blessings depend on his faithfulness and stewardship. Not all will be in the New Jerusalem. Some will be cast out into the darkness among the nations (Is 60:2). Remember what the Lord warned in Matthew 8 in regard to the "outer darkness where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." This warning is given to "the sons of the Kingdom." That is, to the heirs of the promised kingdom in Israel. 

The "sons [heirs] of the kingdom" is not the church of this age and the "outer darkness" is not the Greek mythological "hell" taught in most churches. As we saw in our recent look at homosexuals in the church, a Christian can live in the flesh. In the Acts Age, living in the flesh meant losing the "inheritance." This is not a losing of the free gift of life (lest it not truly be a free gift), but a losing of a reward, a place in the earthly kingdom.

This outer darkness is again seen in the Parable of the Talents. 

‘For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
-Matt 25:29-30

The unprofitable servant is still a servant of the Master. In the Parable of the Guests at the Wedding Feast in Matthew 22, we see the invited guests (free offer) arrive, but without their robes. Let's look at what we saw in that study:

In Rev 16, in speaking of His return (the “Parousia”), the Lord says, “Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame.” When we get to the marriage supper in Rev 19, we get the specific description of the makeup of the linen worn by the “wife,” “for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.”

The linen garment worn by the faithful wife is "the righteous acts of the saints." Let us quickly look at the fate of those who arrive at the wedding without these garments.

“But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw a man there who did not have on a wedding garment. So he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless. Then the king said to the servants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

These are "guests" at the wedding. We have taken up that topic in other places, but for our study today, we note that faith+works are the determining factors here. One must respond to the invitation by faith, but one must qualify for rewards by his works.

In regard to Israel, a Jew must BELIEVE, then he must qualify for his place in the Kingdom by obedience. And those who overcome fully qualify for a "better resurrection." To inherit the Kingdom, he must not walk in the flesh.

Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. -Gal 5

No, you yourselves [Christians] do wrong and cheat, and you [Christians] do these things to your brethren! 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 Cor 6

The Israel we see in the Middle East today is not the Israel of scripture. It may be we are seeing the stage being set for the next act in God's play, but, in this age, God sees no Jew or Gentile. We live in an extraordinary time of God's blessing offered to all men apart from the Law, apart from Covenants, apart from earthly ordinances. This truth also exposes further the follow of the "true Jew" idea creeping into Christendom

Unfortunately, most of Christendom is wallowing in the delusion that they are "true Israel" or that they have replaced Israel. Almost all have adopted the wicked doctrine of Replacement Theology. The Catholic Church teaches the mass (specifically "the Liturgy of the Eucharist") is "the new sacrifice of the new covenant." This is terrible error and leaves hundred of millions in darkness as to the true blessings of this age.

Unfortunately, the Catholic Church is not alone. Sadly, it is not just the Reformed churches who have also adopted the lie, almost all dispensational assemblies (including most of the Plymouth Brethren) have abandoned their roots and have embraced the lie.

When Israel is again at the center of God's plan, Jews will be on trial. They were tested in the wilderness (Heb 3:8) and they will be tested in the Time of Jacob's Trouble (Jer 30:7). They must believe. They must be faithful. And as God has always had in Israel, there will be a remnant who refuse to bow the knee to Ba'al. These will be saved from the horrors that are coming and they will be his Bride.

Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. -Matt 5:19-20

Jesus said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him; but tax collectors and harlots believed him; and when you saw it, you did not afterward relent and believe him. -Matt 21:32

Israel will be given charges and when the Master returns, they will receive rewards based on their stewardship. Those who have nothing to show will be cast out among the nations in the outer darkness.

Here are just a few related posts (I recommend the entire series on the parables of Matthew):

• WHERE AM I ON MODERN DAY ISRAEL?
• ISRAEL IN THE PRESENT AGE
• THE REVELATION IS FOR ISRAEL
• HOW BIBLE INTERPRETATION GOES WRONG
• RACE, ETHNICITY, THE TRADITIONS OF MEN AND LENT
• THE EVIL FRUIT OF REPLACEMENT THEOLOGY
• INTRODUCTION TO THE PARABLES IN MATTHEW