Traditions seemingly based on
Scripture but not taught therein occupy and often dominate Christian thought
and practice. A previous book written by this editor[1]
examined many of these traditions; there are more that have entangled many over
the years.
Here's the message from Hebrews 11:17-29, the Testing of our Faith. May the Lord be glorified and His saints equipped. Forget the one speaking; focus on the One who is faithful.
This chapter is encouragement to the saints to live like we believe what the Bible says; opening with a description of faith. Biblical faith is key to our world-view and contrasts strikingly with walking by sight. But it’s important to reflect on the foundation which was laid in the preceding chapter – see verses 22-25. That passage exhorts us to faith, hope, and love which are part and parcel of our walk with the Lord. Chapter 11 develops faith, chapter 12 hope, and chapter 13 love. The suffering and perseverance of the saints summarized in chapter 10 are expounded with biblical examples in this chapter.
Confessions, Covenants, and Law
Latest publication from Brogden's Books! Four authors on four related topics.
Daniel Chamberlin on Confessions
and Confessionalism.
Isaac Backus on covenants, from
Galatians 4.
William Huntington on the rule of
life for the saints.
Stuart L. Brogden on The Children of Abraham.
Comprehending the covenants in Scripture lays the foundation for structuring confessions of faith and rightly understanding how the various laws in the Bible relate to the covenant in which they were given and to people who were or are not in that given covenant.
This section represents a change in direction for this letter – a
hinge-point, moving from theological truth to how that impacts our lives. It’s
not an absolute change in direction, as all of Scripture has something for us
in both of these arenas. We have read of intense teaching of how Christ is
better and greater than all and has brought His people into a better and
greater covenant and state of being, coupled with warnings about drifting away
and false belief. This section repeats the warning and ends with encouragement
to the saints to live like we believe; opening the way to chapter 11 and
following, where the focus is on living worthy of our call.
Did Jesus Have Long Hair?
A man under a Nazarite vow was not permitted to cut his hair; he
was to let it grow long. Number 6:5 You must not cut his hair throughout the time of his vow of
consecration. He must be holy until the time is completed during which he
consecrates himself to the LORD; he is to let the hair of his head grow long. This
requirement makes no sense unless the normal Jewish man had short hair.
This normal condition is revealed by nature, as Paul pointed out: “Does not even nature itself teach you that if a man
has long hair it is a disgrace to him.” (1 Cor. 11:14). That would seem to shut the door on long-haired Jesus portrayals. Paul
was very well educated on Mosaic Law and Jewish customs.
Historians have determined that ancient Jewish men did not wear their
hair long; they mocked men with long hair, which was somewhat common among
Roman and Greek philosophers, emperors, and pagan gods.[1]
Archeologists found, for the first time, hair from a Jewish man, in a site
south a Jerusalem, in the year 2000. Hair from Jewish women was common in
excavations, but not hair from men. Until recently.
One of the more fascinating finds in this tomb, one that has not
received much attention, was the preservation of a sample of Jewish
male hair. The hair was lice-free, and was trimmed or cut evenly, probably
indicating that the family buried in this tomb practiced good hygiene and
grooming. The length of the hair was medium to short, averaging 3-4 inches. The
color was reddish.[2]
Why have we settled on portrayals of Jesus with long hair? The biblical
record, historical records, and archeological research all agree: other than
men under a Nazarite Vow, Jewish men had short hair. There is nothing in the
Bible suggesting Jesus was under a Nazarite vow. He had short hair.
[1]
https://relevantmagazine.com/current/buzzworthy/if-jewish-law-says-men-had-to-have-short-hair-why-does-jesus-have-long-hair-in-every-movie/
[2] https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/ancient-cultures/ancient-israel/the-only-ancient-jewish-hair-ever-found/
In Law Is Not Faith, Stuart L. Brogden presents a robust, Scripture-saturated exploration of the place of the Mosaic Law in the life of the New Covenant believer. With theological clarity, Brogden dismantles the assumption that Christians are bound to the Law of Moses, arguing instead that we live under the law of Christ, which is written not on tablets of stone but on hearts made new by the Spirit. Each chapter challenges long-held traditions with bold exposition, urging readers to interpret Old Covenant commands through the lens of Christ’s finished work. For those weary of legalistic religion or confused by the role of the Decalogue today, this book offers both freedom and clarity grounded in the Word of God. Brogden’s deep reverence for Scripture and unwavering commitment to the sufficiency of Christ are evident throughout this book. This is an essential read for pastors, teachers, and any believer seeking to walk more faithfully in the grace of the New Covenant.
This thought-provoking book challenges many assumptions about the role of the Mosaic Law in the Christian life. Brogden writes with clarity, conviction, and a deep commitment to Scripture, guiding readers through the differences between the Old and New Covenants with theological insight.
What you have is not a dry academic treatise. It’s a readable, accessible, and Scripture-rich exploration of how Christ ends the old covenant and brings His people into a better covenant with better promises. Brogden reminds us that our rule of life is not found in stone tablets, but in the living Word and the law of Christ written on our hearts.
Law Is Not Faith is essential reading for pastors looking to preach and teach the gospel of grace clearly, and for any believer who desires to understand their freedom in Christ more deeply. It will strengthen your grasp of New Covenant theology and renew your confidence in the sufficiency of Christ’s finished work.
Robbie Jeffries
Pastor, Rye Patch Baptist Church
Founder and Chairman of the board of directors of New Covenant College.
2025 Big Trip to northern Mississippi
The Sovereign Grace Baptist Fellowship, to which Community Baptist
belongs, has a member congregation which hosts a three-day prayer meeting each
summer. In 2023, I was considering going to this and my dear wife suggested I
ride my motorcycle and make a fun trip of it. She is God’s gift to me in many
ways! I did that, two years ago. Medical problems sidelined me for much of 2024
and I was unable to travel to the meeting. In the meantime, I sold my old Honda
Sabre and bought a 2010 Honda NT700V, a mid-sized sport-touring bike.
2025 has been
much better. It started with my discovery of a 20-years old program called the
Grand Tour of Texas, an individual rally with riders choosing which sites
around the state – picked by the rally organizers – to ride to. Each rider has
his own number, which is to be displayed on the bike at each site; the
requirement being to take a picture of the site with the bike in front of it.
25 or more sites earns a patch! That woman God gave me suggested I sign up for
this rally – “sounds like fun!”, she said. I asked her if she really just
wanted me out of the house a bit.
Starting in March, I rode to carious places with a plan to gather
26 or 27 sites. In May, I took a 4-day camping trip to Meridian State Park
(west of Waco) to pick up 8 sites. I had plans to spend time with a friend in
the Houston area to pick sites around that area.
But the 2025 prayer meeting had been planned for the second week
of June and I wanted to ride the new bike to that. So I consolidated the trip
to the prayer meeting with the rally trip to Houston.
The Plan
1
June, ride to Spring, TX after picking up a Ground Tour of Texas site in
Shiner, stopping in Sugarland for worship with Lous and his congregation. 200
miles. Spend 4 nights with Andy.
2
June, 239 mile trip to pick up Grand Tour sites in Navasota, Bryan, Hearne, and
Burton.
3
June, 211 mile trip to pick up Grand Tour sites in Wharton and Lake Jackson.
4
June, relax. Lunch with John.
5
June, 300 mile trip to JR’s house, picking Grand Tour sites in Groveton, Caddo
Mounds, Rusk, and Gladewater.
6
June, 205 mile trip to Warren, Arkansas. Spend one might at Clairmont Inn.
7
June, 200 mile trip to Nesbit, MS. Spend 1 night at Homestay Inn, Horn Lake,
MS.
8
June: worship with Mercy Hill then onto Debbie’s house, 17 miles
13
June, 192 mile trip to Warren, Arkansas. Spend one night at Clairmont Inn.
14
June, 212 miles to Donald’s home. Spend one night.
15
June, Pick up 27th site in Jaquin, TX, then home, 335 miles.
The tires that came on the bike were low end and, after 8,400 miles, with the big trip looming large in my mind, I bought new tires in April and mounted the rear tire pretty quickly. When I got home from the camping trip, I had almost two weeks before the big trip, so I changed the oil and filter, checked the air filter and cleaned it up. 4 days before the trip was to begin, I changed the front tire.
I have been changing my own motorcycle tires for decades. Built a
stand for balancing them. This front tire vibrated the handlebars at 45 mph;
balancing twice did nothing to resolve that. I contacted a motorsports shop in
the city they agreed to balance it for me – on Friday. I got the wheel home
that evening and put in on the bike. Saturday morning, I took it for a test
drive. The problem remained. I called the shop and was asked to ride the bike
in for examination. I told them the bike was smooth as glass with the old tire
on it, but they wanted to look at all the components of the front suspension. I
was at their shop by 10AM, the day before my departure.
The fellas at the shop wanted to examine everything and charge me
for it. I wanted to get the bike ready for the trip, so I agreed. They found
nothing wrong with the bike. I told them, again, that I thought the tire was
defective – it was only thing that had been changed. They put the wheel on the
balancing table and looked at it from the front – and saw the tread wobble back
and forth. Defective tire. Their parts guy said they had a couple of tires that
size and type; I chose one that got good reviews on the forum for this bike. It
was more than twice the price of the defective tire. They mounted it and I
headed out – no vibration from the tire! Got home around 4PM.
Side note: the defective tire was under warranty; I returned it
and will get a refund.
Did what packing I could Saturday evening and went to bed,
anticipating the trip and thanking God for an understanding wife. I had packed
some books, to give to the friends I would stay with. At 7AM on 1 June, I
headed to Houston.
Time spent with Louis and New Covenant Church was joyful. Nice to get re-acquainted with old friends and meet some new ones. They have lunch at noon, Lord’s Supper after lunch, then singing, praying, and a message with Q&A. This was good for my soul. I gave Louis a copy of A Tale of Two Confessions and Faith, Law, and Society. I arrived at Andy’s house around 5PM; traffic around Houston is always miserable. Andy and I rode together for many years, making two camping trips into Arkansas. I stayed with Andy and his wife until Thursday morning, spending Monday riding northwest to pick up 4 sites and Tuesday riding south for 2 more. Wednesday was a riding sabbath; I rested that morning, met an old, dear, friend for lunch and much theological discussion. Quiet time that evening, as my hosts had a party to attend.
I hit the road early, with little more than 300 miles ahead of me,
with stops to pick up 4 sites on the way. I’ve developed a habit while riding –
when the road doesn’t demand my full attention, I’ve begun praying for various
people and singing hymns in my head. This has been very good for my spiritual
health. I arrived at JR’s farm around 5 PM. JR and I have been friends since
around 2000; we met at a men’s Bible study on Friday mornings. He and his wife
are dear to my soul. I gave JR a copy of The Gospel in Isaiah; we talked
into late in the evening.
Short day on Friday, little more than 200 miles to my motel in
Warren, Arkansas. As I rolled into that small town, a shack of a restaurant
caught my eye – Roberton’s Smokehouse. It was a bit after noon and I
turned in. My, oh, my! $12 for about a third of a pound of lean brisket and two
sides. And it was SO good! Mark that joint; it is worth a visit.
Saturday was to be another short day of little more than 200 miles
to my destination in Horn Lake, Mississippi. There was a light rain when I left
Warren, which dried up in about 90 minutes. I passed south of Helena and got on
US49 to cross the mighty Mississippi River. That bridge rises up about 50 to 75
feet above the river, the pavement was wet and the wind was blowing across the
road. About half a mile into Mississippi, a cross wind of about 50 mph ‘bout
blew me right off the highway. A drenching rain, the likes of which I haven’t
seen in more than 40 years, soaked every bit of me in less than 3 minutes. In
the valley of that great river there are no places to turn off the road, no
places to stop under any shelter. So I road on – for 10 miles in that downpour
– until I saw a Dollar General store. I pulled into their lot, went inside,
puddled everywhere I walked. Bought some trail mix and bottle of water; the
workers lent me a chair to sit on. I chatted with my wife on a phone that kept
telling me there was moisture in the charging port.
The rain nearly stopped about an hour after I went inside the
store. I ventured back in a light drizzle. 5 miles later, heavy rain. I was on
a back road that would have been a lot of fun in daylight. As it was, I could
go no more than 35 mph because of the rain. Despite the darkness and heavy
rain, I noticed some cars being driven without their headlights on. At one
point, I slowed down for no apparent reason – and an unlit car appeared,
approaching me on my side of the road as he drove around a downed tree on the
road. I later contemplated on this – I am thoroughly convinced God restrained
me at that point, causing me to slow down so I wouldn’t hit that car head-on. He
has delivered me from death thus far; how can I not trust Him? Do you know Him?
Only one way to have peace and eternal life – believe on the Lord Jesus!
About 30
minutes out from my hotel in Horn Lake, Mississippi, the sun came out. I did
not get anywhere close to dry by the time I arrived. I checked in, took
everything off, dried myself, put on dry clothes (nothing in my luggage was
wet!), then put my wet riding clothes, jeans, and gloves on the bike to be
dried by the sun. Used the hair dryer to dry out my boots. Wrung the water out
of the other bits and hung them up in the bathroom. Then I walked 5 minutes to
a Waffle House and had a pecan waffle, sausage, and coffee for a late lunch.
Everything was dry by 7 the next morning.
I had planned to meet with the saints known as Mercy Hill, in
Olive Branch – been with them twice in the past couple of years. They have a
connection with some folks back home at Community Baptist and I feel at home
with these dear folks. It was a short ride; the weather that Sunday was beautiful!
Arrived in time to score a blueberry cake do-nut and cup of coffee. Gave the
preacher a copy of A Tale of Two Confessions, the 1644 London Baptist
Confession, and Faith, Law, and Society. His message was very good.
Had lunch at the house of a member with whom I’ve become good friends. About 8
others from Mercy Hill were there as well. Had a fine time talking with them,
then another short ride to Debbie’s house, where I would stay until my
departure home on Friday.
Debbie is a member of the host congregation; she has the gift of hospitality. She has hosted folk who come to this prayer meeting in the past. Her father had died a couple of months before – he was 99 years old. All who knew him spoke well of him, and his daughter. A friend from Louisiana joined us; he had driven up for the prayer meeting. This picture is the view from Debbie’s house. Debbie is food pusher, always wanting to cook something and feed her guests. Also, much mutual benefit in talking about the Lord and how He is always good to His own people. I gave a copy of Captive to the Word of God.
The prayer meeting started at noon each day, with times of prayer
until 5 PM. A light supper then a message from a brother who was there. This
year, the focus was on various aspects of personal revival and awakening. I
think the Lord was preparing me for this time during my travel; praying and
singing while alone on the road. The prayer time with these dear folks was
sweet and impactful; the Lord has restored the joy of my salvation! I do not
want to lose this deep-seated sense of satisfaction with and humble awe of the
all-powerful, all-knowing creator reaching down to save me from sin and hell
and reconcile me to Himself. Here’s part of a hymn that is still making music
in my head:
And what wondrous love is this
Though I raised my clenched fist
He opened up my hand to received His gift.
And what wondrous love is here
The God Immortal has drawn near
And shed His blood to close the rift.
How truly awesome it is to be redeemed by the Lamb! The time with the saints gathered for this prayer meeting was strength for my soul as God Himself ministered to us and to me.
As I looked to Friday, beginning my travel home, the weather was fickle. Friday morning was clear, no – it had lots of rain! By late Thursday, I determined to get back on the road regardless. Friday morning was partly cloudy and delightful. My trip to Warren, AR was more enjoyable than my trip from that town. Lunch at Robertson’s Smokehouse was another terrific meal.
Saturday looked to be a good day for travel and I hit the road for a short day to m friend Donald’s house, near Mansfield, LA. On the way, a bridge had a very rough joint where it met the abutment on one end. Nearly shook me loose from the handlebars. Some time after that I stopped for chow and discovered that bump shattered the plastic outer shell on my left saddlebag. There are sturdy fabric liners in the saddlebags; none of my stuff fell out. I met Donald at a family camp in northern Arkansas back when we lived in SE Oklahoma. Donald and his wife treat me like family. I got to see a new-born calf on his farm, the momma cow standing over it, licking it and nudging it to stand. Nice conversation until late into the evening. I gave him a copy of Faith, Law, and Society.
Sunday morning came early – I had about 375 miles to go to get home. Had breakfast on the road and enjoyed bright sun and some cooling clouds. Picked up my last Grand Tour site as I entered Texas. As I made my way south and west, I ran into rain – about 90 minutes from home. It was hard enough to slow me down but didn’t soak me like the rain in the Mississippi River valley. I outran the clouds and had sun the rest of the way. Arrived home around 5 PM. The liner in the saddlebag kept my stuff dry!
The total trip ran just over 2,500 miles. I ended up with 27 sites
for the Grand Tour, should get a patch later this year. My wife was glad to see
me; both dogs were waggy-tale happy. I am thankful to God for keeping me safe
on the trip and keeping the bike running like a clock. This trip was not as
tiring as the 2,000 trip I made on the older bike 2 years ago. I do not know
how much longer I’ll be able to ride, so I enjoy it while I can. Finding a
replacement for the saddlebag is difficult – such parts are no longer being
made and supplies are rare.
Back home, determined to not be satisfied with religious formalism; must have Christ!
The Christian
Life
would be a wonderful devotional reading for anyone seeking the wisdom and
knowledge of God on these matters as revealed and given in the scriptures. This
is in addition to the practical and personal suggestions given to their right
purposed application by the author.
Donnie Buford
Elder, South
Irvine Baptist church, Irvine, KY
1Peter 4:7-11
Stuart has struck a blow at the heart of modernity by challenging long-held assumptions and demanding biblical accountability. Reading Tradition! has given me great delight, as I have long made it a habit to examine my own unfounded presuppositions.
Tradition! should not only be read, but the
exercise it presents should be embraced by all readers. Therefore, I
wholeheartedly endorse both its content and the practice of "examining the
Scriptures daily to see if these things" we have blindly accepted are, in
fact, biblical.
Chris
Brown, elder
Atlanta Reformation Fellowship
Faith Like Abraham
Abraham is our father in the faith. Romans 4:11-12 (HCSB) And
he received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had
by faith while still uncircumcised. This was to make him the father of all
who believe but are not circumcised, so that righteousness may be credited to
them also. And he became the father of the circumcised, who are not only
circumcised but who also follow in the footsteps of the faith our father
Abraham had while he was still uncircumcised. Galatians 3:6-7 (HCSB) Just
as Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him for righteousness, then understand
that those who have faith are Abraham’s sons. Should we not look to see
how he was justified to make sure we are his children?
Abram was called by God. Genesis 12:1-3 (HCSB) The LORD said
to Abram: Go out from your land, your relatives, and your father’s house to the
land that I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, I
will bless you, I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will
bless those who bless you, I will curse those who treat you with contempt, and
all the peoples on earth will be blessed through you.
Abram obeyed God. Genesis 12:4-6 (HCSB) So Abram went, as
the LORD had told him, and Lot went with him. Abram was 75 years old
when he left Haran. He took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, all the possessions
they had accumulated, and the people he had acquired in Haran, and they set out
for the land of Canaan. When they came to the land of Canaan, Abram passed
through the land to the site of Shechem, at the oak of Moreh. At that time the
Canaanites were in the land.
Abram believed God. Genesis 15:2-6 (HCSB) But Abram said, “Lord
GOD, what can You give me, since I am childless and the heir of my house is
Eliezer of Damascus?” Abram continued, “Look, You have given me no offspring,
so a slave born in my house will be my heir.” Now the word of the LORD came to
him: “This one will not be your heir; instead, one who comes from your own body
will be your heir.” He took him outside and said, “Look at the sky and count
the stars, if you are able to count them.” Then He said to him, “Your offspring
will be that numerous.” Abram believed the LORD, and He credited it to him
as righteousness.
That last word, righteousness, is a Hebrew word which, in this
context, means vindicated by God; justified. This took place in conjunction
with Abram believing God – justification by faith.
So, what happened at the cross? Payment for sin was made. For all
the sheep of God, past and future, regarding the death and resurrection of
Christ. We see this in the record of Abraham, as noted in Hebrews 11:1-2 (HCSB)
Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is
not seen. For our ancestors won God’s approval by it. And in Hebrews
11:39-40 (HCSB) All these were approved through their faith,
but they did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something
better for us, so that they would not be made perfect without us. The
opening and closing of this “faith chapter” show that the saints of God are
approved/justified by the faith He gives us.
This sequence, if you will, is what we see in the New Covenant
Scriptures:
Romans 3:24-26; (HCSB) They are justified freely by His
grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. God presented
Him as a propitiation through faith in His blood, to demonstrate His
righteousness, because in His restraint God passed over the sins previously
committed. God presented Him to demonstrate His righteousness at the present
time, so that He would be righteous and declare righteous the one who has faith
in Jesus. We are gifted grace and faith by God (Eph. 2:8) and through
these gifts we are justified. Not when Christ paid the price of our redemption
(which was required), but when we were given saving faith in Him. This is
portrayed in Romans 3:27-28, Romans 5:1-2, Romans 5:6-11, Romans 5:6-11, Galatians
2:15-16, and Galatians 3:23-24 as well. This is the same as we read about Abram
and the Old Covenant saints – justified/approved by faith; and that faith is a
gift of God so no one will boast in himself.
The death and resurrection of Christ and the giving of the Holy
Spirit sealed and secured the promise. As one song writer put it, “Before the
cross they were saved on credit; after the cross we’ve been saved on debit.”[1] Without
the propitiating death of Christ, nobody could be saved. He had to drink the
cup of wrath appointed us to complete the work of redemption promised so long
along to our earthly father in the faith, Abram – who believed God and was
justified by God.
[1] Shai Linne, Random Thoughts 3
While the author continues to stress the futility of law-keeping
as a means to reconciliation with God, the deeper issue is the underlying
condition of the human being. We are inclined to trust what we can comprehend
with our natural senses; what we can touch, see, and hear. Jesus said, “Blessed
are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” We are to look for that
which is unseen, things that are eternal. We must have Jesus!
The Death of a Saint
"Precious
in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints." (Ps. 116:15)
When Jesus was told that Lazarus, on whom He loved, was ill, His
first response was this: “This sickness will not end in death
but is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through
it.” (John 11:4) But Lazarus would
die – what did Jesus mean?
There are two deaths mentioned in Scripture. Mankind is destined for
the first death, when our frail flesh expires. The saints are told by Jesus, don’t
fear those who kill the body, and after that can do nothing more (Luke
12:4). People naturally cling to temporal life, that being their only known
existence. Those in Christ are told to not be controlled by fear of the death
of our body – carefully noting that bodily death is not the end. He goes on to
declare the One who should be feared - Him who has authority to throw people
into hell after death.
The sisters of Lazarus were grieving over the bodily death of their
brother, each of whom Jesus loved. Because He loved them, He stayed two more
days before He got up to the tomb. His disciples and the two sisters did not
yet understand what was going on. He told them, “I’m glad for you that I
wasn’t there so that you may believe. But let’s go to him.” (John 11:15)
Jesus was more concerned that His disciples believe on Him than have happy
circumstances. When they arrived, many people were there; some of them said,
“Couldn’t He who opened the blind man’s eyes also have kept this man from
dying? ” (vs 37). Their focus was on preventing bodily death; His focus was
on the glory of His Father.
By this time, 4 days had passed and John records this for emphasis: “Remove
the stone,” Jesus said. Martha, the dead man’s sister, told Him, “Lord, he’s
already decaying. It’s been four days.” (vs 39) The man was dead. He was
dead four days. His body was seeing decay. In the ancient near east, medical
science did not have a precise way of determining if someone was dead. The
medical standard was that a body that seemed dead for three days was considered
dead. Lazarus was a day beyond that – no doubt at all that he was dead. Jesus
could have prevented his death – the people knew this. The stumbling block for
natural man is the resurrection from the dead. Many Jews believed in a general
resurrection at the end of the age, but Jesus was explaining to them that He
was the resurrection and the life.
Some time earlier, Jesus had taught this mind-blowing truth: “I
assure you: Anyone who hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal
life and will not come under judgment but has passed from death to life.”
(John 5:24) This reality of being united with Christ for eternal life was a
foundational truth to the kingdom He had been announcing. When a sinner comes
to saving faith in Christ, he is no longer subject to the wrath of God or the
second death – he has passed from (spiritual) death to (spiritual) life. This
is the first resurrection for mortal man, the beginning of eternal life.
When a redeemed person dies, he is no longer entangled by the sin that
he battled with while in the flesh. The peace we enter when we are saved is
more complete when the sinful flesh is left in the grave. It will be fulfilled
and fully complete on that great day when the Lord Jesus returns to judge the
nations, gather His people, and make all things new.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 (HCSB) We do not want you to be uninformed,
brothers, concerning those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve like
the rest, who have no hope. Since we believe that Jesus died and rose
again, in the same way God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep
through Jesus. For we say this to you by a revelation from the Lord: We
who are still alive at the Lord’s coming will certainly have no advantage over
those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven
with a shout, with the archangel’s voice, and with the trumpet of God, and
the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are still alive will be caught
up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and so we will
always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words.
Those who are asleep, have died the first death; we who are still here grieve that loss, realizing such is temporary and the sure hope we have is eternal. When our Lord returns, we will be gathered together with Him and dwell with Him on the new earth forever. The death of a beloved saint is not the end. It is the next step in our being conformed to Christ. This world is passing away and those who are in Christ will be taken up to be glorified by the Lord of Glory Himself. And we all will be full of unrestrained joy as we sing praises to Christ without end. Therefore encourage one another with these words.
The first half chapter 9 reviewed the pattern of the tabernacle and what it consisted of; then it reviewed the practice within that tabernacle. This is to provide a contrast between the shadow and the substance, which is where we are today. Let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ. (Col. 2:16-17)
Chapter 8 revealed that the Levitical religion and all its rites were a shadow of the heavenlies. Shadows can be very detailed, but they lack substance. The first half chapter 9 reviews the pattern of the tabernacle and what it consisted of; then it reviews the practice within that tabernacle. This is to provide a contrast between the shadow and the substance, which follows. Let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ. (Col. 2:16-17)
Here's my message from Hebrews 8 - The Main Thing. When myriad things cloud our minds and distract us for the Lord, His Spirit reminds us Who is the Main Thing and calls us back to worship and honor Him.
The opening phrase presupposes that perfection is not possible through the Levitical priesthood – it was a temporal priesthood that only covered sins for a season. This point is emphasized by the observation that the Mosaic Law was received under that priesthood. Law is tied to covenant; both are dependent on the priesthood given. Since the Levitical priesthood was unable to bring eternal life, there was a need for a priesthood that could do so – we see, again, this reference to the man of mystery, Melchizedek. We need a priest from his order, not that of Aaron! The author specifies that he speaks about the One, He, the Lord Jesus, being from a different tribe than Aaron’s – a tribe from which no one has served at the altar in the Hebrew sanctuary. He sums up by observing that Christ came from the tribe of Judah and that Moses said nothing about priests coming from that tribe. We have the perfect priest from that tribe; a priest Who is a lion. This was said about Him: The scepter shall not depart from Judah, Nor a lawgiver from between his feet, Until Shiloh comes; And to Him shall be the obedience of the people. (Gen .49:10) The scepter, meaning rule, will always be His; the obedience of the redeemed people will be His. Consider Him!
Galatians 4:21-31
Tell me,
those of you who want to be under the law, don’t you hear the law? For it is
written that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave and the other by a free
woman. But the one by the slave was born according to the impulse of the flesh,
while the one by the free woman was born as the result of a promise. These
things are illustrations, for the women represent the two covenants. One is
from Mount Sinai and bears children into slavery — this is Hagar. Now Hagar is
Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in
slavery with her children. But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our
mother.
Speaking to
those who thought Mosaic Law was the rule of life for Christians, Paul asks if
they actually hear the law. The implication is that they either haven’t heard
it or they are pursuing a law of their own making. Paul’s concern is that they
learn what the law actually says.
Even an
unregenerate person can see in Scripture that Abram had the two sons mentioned
here, but Paul presses the point law is slavery and grace is liberty. He
expressed this idea plainly in Romans 11:6 Now if by grace, then it is not
by works; otherwise grace ceases to be grace. He had already told the
Galatians that the law is not based on faith; instead, the one who does
these things will live by them (Gal. 3:12).
Here in
chapter 4, he uses Hagar and Sarah as metaphors to describe two covenants. Hagar
is slavery (which is what she was – Sarah’s slave) and her children are born
into slavery. Ismael is the antitype – he was not the child of promise. Paul
sets Hagar up as then present-day Jerusalem, from Mt. Sinai – she is in slaver
with her children. John the baptizer picked up this theme in Matthew 3:9 And
don’t presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell
you that God is able to raise up children for Abraham from these stones! He
said this to people with stone hearts! People who rested on fleshly procreation
had no reason to think they are children of God.
Contrary to
the slavery of Mt. Sinai and ancient Jerusalem, Sarah (not named in our
passage) represents freedom; she is the mother of all who have faith in Christ,
just as Abraham is the father of all who believe. Paul was clear, setting up faith
as the basis for peace with God, not having the “right” parents: those who
have faith are Abraham’s sons. (Gal. 3:9) He was just as clear in saying
law-keeping is not based on faith (Gal. 3:12); and puts period on the idea:
Now you,
brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise. But just as then the child born
according to the flesh persecuted the one born according to the Spirit, so also
now. But what does the Scripture say? Drive out the slave and her son, for the
son of the slave will never be a coheir with the son of the free woman.
Therefore, brothers, we are not children of the slave but of the free woman. (Gal. 4:28-31)
Here, and
everywhere, the Mosaic Law is spoken of with singularity – not described as
being divided up into two or three parts. Break one and you’ve broken them all.
The law – its capstone being the stone tablets – was given on Mt. Sinai. Paul said
the law was good and holy – it was designed and intended to serve as the
guardian for national Israel until “the faith” – Christ Jesus – came in the
flesh.
Before this
faith came, we were confined under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith
was revealed. The law, then, was our guardian until Christ, so that we could be
justified by faith. But since that faith has come, we are no longer under a
guardian, for you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus (Gal. 3:23-26). Paul said the law is spiritual, meaning one
cannot understand rightly apart from the Spirit of God. By the Spirit, Paul
said the law, written on tablets of stone, was the ministry of death. The law,
by design, is weak unable to enable one unto salvation or unto good works. An
unregenerate man can keep a law. Laws have punishments for violations. Carnal
man is kept somewhat civilized by such constructs.
But the spiritual
man is the son of the King, and the King and His household are not under law.
We who have believed on the Son of God have not come to the mountain of blazing
fire, darkness, gloom, and storm but we have come to the city of the living God
(the heavenly Jerusalem), the assembly of the firstborn whose names are written
in heaven (Heb. 12:18-24).
We, brethren, are not children of the law, enslaved to obey it; we are children of the free woman, set to liberty to love the One who loved us and gave Himself for us. Set to liberty to do the good works set out for us before time, equipped and enabled by the Spirit of the living God.
What is Sin?
Definition: From Easton's Dictionary. Sin is "any want of conformity unto or transgression of the law of God" (1Jn 3:4; Rom 4:15), in the inward state and habit of the soul, as well as in the outward conduct of the life, whether by omission or commission (Rom 6:12-17; Rom 7:5-24)." It is "not a mere violation of the law of our constitution, nor of the system of things, but an offence against a personal lawgiver and moral governor who vindicates his law with penalties." (quote from Hodge - with no explanation as to what "the law of God" is)
1 John 3 vs 4 does not state: “Whoever commits sin transgresses the law; for sin is the transgression of the law.”
… it says: “Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness”
The words ‘transgress’ or ‘break’ the law are not in the original at all. They were added in, originally by the Geneva Bible translators, in order to insist that believers were still under the Decalogue. Other translations (KJV, Jubilee 2000, American KJV) simply followed suit. On the other hand, the NIV, NKJV, ESV, Berean Literal, NASB, CSB, NET, NAS1977, ASV, ERV, Young's Literal all agree: sin is lawlessness.
Other translators think that the word ‘anomia’ (Strong's #458) should be translated ‘lawbreaking’, not ‘lawlessness’. There is a critical difference. The one assumes the existence of an applied law that is being broken, the other says there is no law in place.
Prominent and obvious is his use of a parallel expression by contrast: “Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous.” (vs 7) We can see that the sentence structure is identical. The point being that it is the ‘doers doing’ that indicates the nature of the ‘doer’. Thus, it would seem that ‘anomia’ generally is synonymous with ‘wicked’ and ‘anomia’ means ‘wickedness’ – moral deficit. It is not a specific reference to the law of God being broken … UNLESS the context, as in Romans 2, indicates specifically that that is what is being spoken of.
A disregard for law reveals a lawless attitude. Breaking a law you are under is a sin, but living without regard for the law is the essence of sin. Far deeper than an act, the desire of one’s heart reveals righteousness or wickedness. Do not covet is far more insidious than do not murder because man can detect and prosecute murder but God alone can see our motives, comprehend our hearts. We can endanger ourselves thinking we have avoided man’s detection, forgetting that no creature is hidden from Him, but all things are naked and exposed to the eyes of Him to whom we must give an account. This is why we must resist the call of our flesh to push “hidden sins” out of our minds; there is One to whom we must give account, and nothing is hidden from Him.
Romans 13:1-7 (HCSB) Everyone must submit to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist are instituted by God. So then, the one who resists the authority is opposing God’s command, and those who oppose it will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have its approval. For government is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, because it does not carry the sword for no reason. For government is God’s servant, an avenger that brings wrath on the one who does wrong. Therefore, you must submit, not only because of wrath, but also because of your conscience. And for this reason you pay taxes, since the authorities are God’s public servants, continually attending to these tasks. Pay your obligations to everyone: taxes to those you owe taxes, tolls to those you owe tolls, respect to those you owe respect, and honor to those you owe honor.
Paul’s focus in this passage is not “God’s law” but the laws of men. He did not write this to people living under a benevolent Roman government, but a ruthless one which demanded everyone to confess that Caesar was divine. We see several reasons to submit to the state – we bring judgment upon ourselves if we disregard its laws.
Peter had the same message, to people in similar trying circumstances. 1 Peter 2:13-20 (HCSB) Submit to every human authority because of the Lord, whether to the Emperor as the supreme authority or to governors as those sent out by him to punish those who do what is evil and to praise those who do what is good. For it is God’s will that you silence the ignorance of foolish people by doing good. As God’s slaves, live as free people, but don’t use your freedom as a way to conceal evil. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the Emperor. Household slaves, submit with all fear to your masters, not only to the good and gentle but also to the cruel. For it brings favor if, mindful of God’s will, someone endures grief from suffering unjustly. For what credit is there if you sin and are punished, and you endure it? But when you do what is good and suffer, if you endure it, this brings favor with God.
Neither Paul nor Peter provides an excuse to not submit to every human authority because it’s inconvenient, unpleasant, or costly. We have clear teaching in the Bible that we do not have to submit to human authority if they demand we disobey God or forbid us from obeying Him. But taxes are required to be paid, even if we think them unjust. Speed limits are to be obeyed, even if we think them unreasonable. Aren’t you happy most people obey traffic regulations, so we can enjoy a reasonable amount of safety on public roads? If we ignore Scripture because we think the human authorities are unjust, we are walking in the flesh and not in the Spirit. And whatever is not of faith (trusting in God) is sin.
James 4:17 So it is a sin for the person who knows to do what is good and doesn’t do it. James is not speaking here of violating a written law, but of violating one’s conscience. The child of God has the law of Christ embedded in the center of his being – the two great commands that demand we love God and our neighbor. Jesus and His apostles taught what this Holy Spirit enabled love looks like; not a list of do and do not instructions. When we do not love God, when we fail to love one another, we violate the Holy Spirit enabled conscience He has given us – we are not walking by faith.
When we think about sin, we tend to think of the big sins – murder, adultery, blasphemy, and so on. These are big sins; but if we do not consider “small sins” of our everyday life, we will grow a bit hard-hearted about sin. Jesus died to pay for our ALL our sins, not only the “big” ones that we are likely not to physically commit. But we need to bear in mind that coveting another’s spouse is adultery and being unjustly angry is murder. Avoiding taxes is patriotic; evading them is sinful.
We all stumble in myriad ways every day – not only one those days when we yell at our spouses. Playing games about “small sins” hurts us and others. Being honest about sin is helpful in keeping our hearts tender before God and man. We need one another in this life, because, left alone, we can justify all sorts of “small sins” just accommodate our selfishness. It’s been said that trying to domesticate sin is like trying to make a rattlesnake a pet. It simply can’t be done. May God help us to live and walk with a right understanding of sin – for that is what had to be placed upon our Lord when He hung on the cross. Our sin filled up the cup of God’s wrath that He had to drink – all of it, down to the dregs. Jesus doesn’t condemn us when we sin; He grants us sorrow and repentance. Each of us sins in many ways in a given week; hence we are told to lay aside the sin that so easily entangles us and press on toward the prize that will not perish. Let us not wallow in our sin but rejoice that we have Jesus. Hallelujah! what a Savior!
